Crossrail to finally open; German exports to Russia plunge; climate protests at Barclays AGM – as it happened

London's Elizabeth line finally launching, while German exports to Russia fell nearly two-thirds in March and climate activists have disrupted two bank AGMs

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• German exports to Russia sank 63% in March as conflict hits economy

The Elizabeth line will open on 24 May, with the tunnelled central London section of the long-delayed 19bn Crossrail project now ready for passengers.

Transport for London said that the line will open, subject to final safety approvals, the week prior to the Queen's Jubilee celebrations.

Rates of contraction in production and new sales eased from March, but sanctions weighed on client demand and the ability of firms to source raw materials. Input shortages and unfavourable exchange rate movements meanwhile led to further substantial upticks in cost burdens and output charges.

Meanwhile, output expectations were historically subdued amid concerns regarding the impact of sanctions on future demand and new orders.