Latest News

Today

Is the BBC TV Licence Becoming a Voluntary Tax?

For more than 75 years, the BBC TV licence has been one of Britain's most recognisable household bills.  If you watch or record live television, or use BBC iPlayer, you are legally required to have a licence.  

Today

Scotland's Renewable Energy Boom: Could It Become the UK's Powerhouse?

The approval of the Caledonia offshore wind development in the Moray Firth marks another major step in Scotland's transformation into a renewable energy giant.  The project, which includes North and South Caledonia offshore wind farms, is expected to generate enough electricity for around 2 million homes once operational.  

Today

The AI Fighter Revolution: Which Countries and Companies Are Developing the Next Generation of Autonomous Combat Aircraft?

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape warfare in ways that were difficult to imagine only a decade ago.  The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated how quickly unmanned systems, drones and automated targeting technologies can change the battlefield.  

Today

The Middle East Conflict: Is the World Facing Another Energy Shock?

Just when global energy markets appeared to be settling after several years of volatility, a new source of uncertainty has emerged in one of the world's most strategically important regions.   Over the past week, military tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified, raising concerns that the confrontation could evolve into a wider regional conflict.  

Today

Two Offshore Wind Farms Approved - 28km and 45km From The Wick Coast

Two offshore wind farms are set to be developed in the Moray Firth.   The North and South Caledonia offshore windfarms, which will cover an area of 429km2 with up to 140 wind turbines, have been granted consents and marine licences by the Scottish Government.  

Today

When Rivers Run Dry: How Europe's Water Crisis Is Challenging Its Energy Security—and Why the UK Should Care

For decades, Europe's energy security has been built on the assumption that water would always be available.  Rivers cooled nuclear reactors, barges carried coal and industrial materials, and hydroelectric reservoirs produced clean electricity.  

Today

Scotland's Energy Surplus: How Does It Fit Into the UK's Overall Energy Mix?

Scotland's renewable energy growth is impressive, but it is only one part of a much larger UK energy transformation.   England and Wales are also rapidly expanding renewable generation, particularly offshore wind, solar power and battery storage.  

Today

The Tax Tightrope: How Could a Future Government Raise Money Without Increasing Income Tax, National Insurance or VAT?

Andy Burnham becoming Prime Minister on Monday is a done deal.   The UK tax system is much broader than the three headline taxes.  

Today

The Price of Free TV: How Piracy Helps Fund Criminal Enterprises

in some cases ordinary users who buy illegal IPTV subscriptions are indirectly helping to fund criminal networks.  The situation is more complicated than simply saying every user is knowingly supporting organised crime.  

Today

The Rise of Illegal IPTV: The Multi-Million Pound Challenge Facing Britain's Broadcasters

The way we watch television has changed beyond recognition over the past decade.  Traditional aerials and satellite dishes are increasingly being replaced by broadband connections, smart TVs and streaming devices.  

Today

Ukraine's Oil War: How Attacks on Russian Refineries Are Hitting the Kremlin at Home and Abroad

For much of the war, Ukraine concentrated on defending its territory and attacking Russian military targets close to the front line.  Today, however, Kyiv is pursuing a very different strategy—one aimed at the heart of Russia's economic engine.  

Today

Could UK Pension Funds Become the Engine of Growth? Using Britain's £3 Trillion Asset Pool for Housing and Industry

One of the biggest debates in UK economic policy is whether Britain is making the best use of its enormous pension wealth.   UK pension funds manage trillions of pounds of assets, making them among the largest pools of investment capital in the world.  

Yesterday

Care workers to be represented in fair pay agreements

New negotiating body to be set up as part of the first ever adult social care fair pay agreement, representing millions of care workers.   Made up of trade unions and employers, the body will negotiate on pay, terms and conditions and wider employment matters, giving care workers a voice; The first ever fair pay agreement for care workers is backed by £500 million, part of the government’s landmark Employment Rights Act.  

Yesterday

First British-made artillery barrels delivered to Ukraine

First deliveries of British-made artillery barrels to Ukraine, under a £61 million contract supporting hundreds of UK jobs.   British-made artillery barrels are being delivered to Ukraine, part of the UK’s enduring support.  

Yesterday

Concerns about food prices remain high in latest annual consumer tracking data

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the end of year report from its monthly Consumer Insights Tracker (CIT), summarising key findings between April 2025 and March 2026 and longer-term trends.   When we asked respondents whether they had concerns about a range of food related topics, from a list of options, food prices has consistently been the most common concern.  

Yesterday

 
Why Diesel Could Become the UK's Next Fuel Shock – Even if Oil Prices Don't Explode

When people hear reports that oil prices are rising, they naturally expect petrol and diesel prices to follow.  But there is another possibility that receives far less attention.  

Yesterday

Why a War in the Gulf Could Increase Your Mortgage in Caithness

When most people hear about conflict in the Middle East, their first thought is usually the price of petrol or heating oil.  For those of us in the far north of Scotland, that concern is understandable.  

Yesterday

Cutting My Electricity Use: A Caithness Experiment in Real‑World Savings

Living in Caithness means living with long winters, short daylight hours, older houses, electric showers, immersion heaters, and the constant background hum of energy costs.  Over recent months I’ve been running a personal experiment: how far can I push down my daily electricity bill through simple behavioural changes — the kind anyone in the Highlands could adopt without spending a penny.  

Yesterday

 
Small Changes That Can Protect Your Household Budget When Prices Become Unpredictable

Over the past few years households have faced a series of financial shocks.   First came the surge in energy prices, followed by the highest inflation rates seen for decades, rising interest rates, higher food costs and continued uncertainty over global events.  

Yesterday

The $100 Oil Question: What Happens if the Strait of Hormuz Stays Closed?

For years, oil prices have risen and fallen with little more than a shrug from many people in the UK.  Unless you filled your car with petrol every week or ordered heating oil for your home, the changes often seemed distant.