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5 Things You Need To Know, Today, on Wednesday 12th January 2022
5. Walgreens Boots Alliance has begun a strategic review of its U.K.-based Boots business, Chief Executive Officer Rosalind Brewer said on Tuesday, as the second largest U.S. pharmacy chain tries to renew its focus on U.S. healthcare.
The Boots business has over 2,200 stores across the UK, which include pharmacies, health and beauty stores.
4. New "all-lane running" smart motorways have been paused while their safety is assessed, the government has said.
Using the hard shoulder as a permanent live traffic lane increases capacity, but critics say it has contributed to road deaths.
3. The global economy faces a "grim outlook", World Bank president David Malpass has warned, as the aftershocks of the pandemic continue to weigh on growth - especially in poor countries.
His organisation's latest forecast predicts global growth will slow to 4.1% this year from 5.5% in 2021.
2. A major Conservative donor has issued an ultimatum to Boris Johnson over revelations about lockdown parties in Downing Street.
John Caudwell the Phones4U founder who donated £500,000 to the party ahead of the 2019 general election said: "Sort it out, Boris, or step aside and let someone else sort it out so that the Tories aren't wiped out at the next election."
1. Soaring energy prices which threaten the living standards of millions could last up to two years, the boss of the UK's biggest energy supplier has said.
Chris O'Shea, chief executive of British Gas owner Centrica, said there was "no reason" to expect gas prices would come down "any time soon" and said bills could rise by more than 50% to about £2,000 a year.