The housebuilder reported pre-tax losses of £92.1 million for the six months to June 29 against profits of £99.7 million a year earlier.

The retail chain and vet business expects profits to fall to between £110 million and £120 million, down from £133 million the previous year.

The Government “believe” the plan to recognise a Palestinian state is compliant with international law, a minister has said. Business minister Gareth Thomas described the decision as a “political ...