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PRESS DIGEST-British Business - Dec 1

Dec 1 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

The Times

Britain's energy watchdog has proposed price controls for electricity distribution network companies for the next five years that it said would drive investment in homegrown supplies and deliver cheaper power without increasing consumer bills.

Brexit has contributed to a skills shortage that is driving the British economy's weak performance compared with other countries, the chief economist of the Bank of England has said.

The Guardian

Security staff at international rail service Eurostar will strike for four days in the run up to Christmas due to a pay dispute, a British union representing transport workers said on Wednesday.

Britain is to trial using low Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed internet connections to remote homes and businesses, with the initial sites supported by equipment supplied by Elon Musk's Starlink system.

The Telegraph

Channel migrants could be held at the Manston asylum processing centre for up to 96 hours, under plans by ministers to change the law amid a surge in crossings.

HSBC announced on Wednesday a possible sale of its New Zealand business and plans to close 114 branches in Britain, in the latest retrenchment by the bank as it strives to improve returns amid criticism from a top investor.

Sky News

South African fashion and homeware retailer TFG is close to securing an agreement to buy the majority of collapsed fashion retailer Joules' stores and assets under a rescue deal.

UK's competition regulator has announced an investigation into online sales practices at Emma Sleep amid a wider crackdown on pressure selling tactics. (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)