News Archive

22/4/2026

The Robotaxi Revolution: How Autonomous Ride‑Hailing Is Quietly Reshaping the Future of Cities

For years, robotaxis lived in the realm of tech‑world myth—promised, hyped, delayed, and often dismissed.  But something has shifted.  

22/4/2026

 
The global system has failed. What do we need to do next? - Richard Murphy

What is next for the world? I think we may already know the answer — and it is deeply troubling.   In this video, I argue that the conflict driven by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing the global economy towards a crisis on the scale of World War II.  

22/4/2026

The Invisible War: How the U.S. Military Feeds, Fuels, and Sustains Forces Far From Home

Wars are often judged by strategy, firepower, and leadership.  But beneath all of that—largely unseen and rarely discussed is a second, quieter battle.  

22/4/2026

The Great Bond Squeeze: How U.S. Debt Turmoil Is Reshaping Global Markets and Why It Matters in the UK including Caithness

For decades, the U.S.  Treasury market has been the calm centre of the global financial system which is the anchor around which everything else orbits.  

22/4/2026

New EU rules for pet travel for GB residents

The changes apply to non-commercial movements of dogs, cats and ferrets.   From Wednesday 22 April 2026 new EU rules have come into effect covering how GB residents can travel to the EU with their pets.  

22/4/2026

Grounded by Fuel: Why Flights Are Shrinking, Fares Are Rising And What It Means For Travellers

For now, the planes are still flying.  Airports remain busy, departure boards are full, and the summer travel season appears intact.  

22/4/2026

Oil in Limbo: Markets Caught Between Peace and Panic

Oil prices don’t usually drift—they react and right now, they’re reacting to a world that feels like it’s balancing on a knife edge.   This morning’s slight dip in oil prices might look like the start of a downward trend, but it’s more accurately a momentary exhale.  

22/4/2026

Military planners from over 30 nations will today (Wednesday 22 April) advance detailed planning to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in a two-day UK-hosted conference.

UK and France convene military planners to advance multinational mission to re-open the Strait of Hormuz.   Over 30 nations expected to attend the conference at UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in North London.  

22/4/2026

 
Inflation’s Warning Signal: A Sharp Surge in Producer Costs Beneath the Surface

Inflation doesn’t start in supermarkets or on high streets.  It starts earlier inside factories, supply contracts, and supply chains.  

22/4/2026

Loose labour market should limit inflationary impact of latest energy-price shock and the need to raise interest rates

The pace of deterioration in the labour market has eased but it is still in far weaker shape than it was on the eve of the last energy price shock in 2022.  This could offer a silver lining by limiting the risk of high inflation and need for interest rate rises, the Resolution Foundation said (Tuesday 21 April 2026) in response to the latest ONS labour market statistics.  

22/4/2026

 
Inflation Isn’t Done Yet: Why Prices Are Creeping Back Up in Britain 3.3% Reported Today

For a while, it looked like the worst might be over.   After months of steady decline, inflation in the UK had begun to ease, raising cautious optimism that the cost-of-living squeeze was finally loosening.  

22/4/2026

What’s happening to oil prices right now? - As at 5.30pm 22 April 2026

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has attacked and seized multiple commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints.  This has pushed Brent crude back above $100 a barrel, with some trading sessions seeing prices around $101–$102.  

22/4/2026

 
Ofgem transformed to strengthen protections for energy consumers

Billpayers set to benefit from a stronger energy regulator to ensure they are treated fairly.   Energy regulator Ofgem reformed to introduce stronger protections for consumers.  

21/4/2026

 
When Local Objection Meets National Policy: The Spittal Battery Storage Decision

A familiar tension sits at the heart of many modern planning decisions: the clash between local opposition and national priorities.  The proposed battery energy storage system near Spittal is a clear example of how that tension is resolved not in favour of unanimity, but in favour of policy.  

21/4/2026

 
Can your pension savings really keep you in old age? - Richard Murphy

The UK pension system is built on a false idea: that savings and financial assets can guarantee security in old age.  In this video, I argue that pensions do not ultimately depend on money saved in the past, but on the productive capacity of those still at work in the present.  

21/4/2026

Manifesto analysis and policy proposals for the Scottish Election

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has looked carefully at the party manifestos.   We make no comments on any of them but they do look closely at the range of policies.  

21/4/2026

 
Financial Crash Expert: The unthinkable is about to happen to the daily wage workers

Prof Steve Keen predicted the 2008 economic crash.   Yes its an AI bust coming but it may affect many of us one way or another.  

21/4/2026

Why Do Labour in Wales and the SNP in Scotland Still Dominate? Fatigue, Failure, or Just No Alternative?

Political dominance is often explained too simply.  When parties like Labour in Wales or the Scottish National Party continue to win elections despite growing criticism, it is tempting to assume voters are either stuck with “failed policies” or simply tired of change.  

21/4/2026

 
UK Heading for Recession - An Economist Analysis

With new turmoil in the Gulf, a quarter of a million people could lose their job this year as the UK economy risks sliding into recession.   It is not just oil prices rising, food inflation is predicted to reach 10% by the end of the year.  

21/4/2026

Pay Secrecy Is Dying: Why UK Firms Can’t Ignore Europe’s Transparency Revolution

For years, pay in many UK companies has operated behind a quiet veil.  Salaries were negotiated individually, ranges were rarely disclosed, and comparison was often discouraged.