A coalition of British industry groups and education bodies, worried by the prospect of Brexit worsening skills and labour shortages, has called for the next prime minister to relax proposed reforms of the immigration system.

Sterling plunged to lows last traded more than two years ago, as markets responded to the growing risk of a no-deal exit.

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Christine Lagarde has said she will step down as managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), ahead of a decision on her nomination to become head of the European Central Bank (ECB).

Former German defence minister Ursula von der Leyen defies hostility to replace Jean-Claude Juncker as European Commission president.