EU threat to steelmaking
The EU has announced steel tariffs of up to 50 per cent on steel imports, including those from Britain.
News/Views
Universities in dispute
All over Britain university workers are dealing with the consequences of the current funding crisis in the sector.
Danger for British pharma
A leading scientist has warned that the pharmaceutical industry in Britain is under threat.
Censorship climbdown in Scotland
The National Library of Scotland has rescinded its controversial decision to exclude the book The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht from its Dear Library exhibition.
Bus drivers pay victory
Strike action by bus drivers across Greater Manchester has led to a 12 per cent increase in pay over two years.
Cement industry in crisis
31 October 2025
We hear a great deal from government ministers about growth: in housing, infrastructure, construction and so on. This would need a vast amount of concrete – but there’s a problem.
Energy levies rising
31 October 2025
The Labour government, and energy minister Ed Miliband in particular, claimed that renewable energy would reduce electricity prices. Things are not turning out that way.
Critical minerals – still no action
31 October 2025
Last year the Labour government acknowledged the need for a critical minerals strategy. It said a new strategy would be ready in the spring. But there’s no sign of it – and the delay is damaging Britain’s industrial interests.
US company walks away
31 October 2025
A major rare earths refining company, Pensana, which had intended since 2017 to set up processing at the Saltend Chemicals Park near Hull, has decided to invest in the US instead.
Government ramps up powers
31 October 2025
The government plans to “crack down on fraud” by introducing new legislation which includes powers to access private bank accounts. This authoritarian move is being criticised.
Government head in the clouds
31 October 2025
Labour government promises of transforming the civil service may be going the same way as many earlier attempts. But this time in addition they seem to have fallen for the charms of big tech companies.
Airport sale – bad news
31 October 2025
London City Airport is now effectively under the control of investment giant Macquarie. In October the Australian-based multinational group moved to acquire 50 per cent of the business just four months after an initial 25 per cent stake.