News Archive

15/7/2025

 
Fiscal rules are just make-believe, and are as flexible as rubber bands

In this video, Richard Murphy explains why Rachel Reeves' beloved fiscal rules are nothing but political theatre.   They're arbitrary, endlessly changeable, and stop us investing in what matters.  

15/7/2025

June House Price Index Headline Statistics

Average House Price £296,665.   Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages, Halifax, said: "The UK housing market remained steady in June, with the average property price effectively unchanged over the month, following a slight drop of -0.3% in May.  

15/7/2025

Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund - Agriculture support applications open

Applications for up to £200,000 a year to build farming skills and improve biodiversity have opened.   Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie also confirmed that the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) would consider requests for multi-year funding agreements, subject to budgetary confirmation each financial year.  

15/7/2025

 
The UK Housing Market Has Changed Forever

It's hard to believe but there was a time in recent memory, the average worker could buy an average house for four times their salary.   Now house prices are out of reach.  

14/7/2025

 
A look at the arguments for and against the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine, especially as it's being rolled out more widely in the UK

the letters inviting older people for the RSV vaccine are popping through letter boxes.   So we take look at the pros and cons.  

14/7/2025

Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and China - The Facts

In the four quarters to the end of Q4 2024, total trade in goods and services between the UK and China was £98.4 billion.  This represents a decrease of £4.3 billion (4.2%) in current prices compared to the previous year.  

14/7/2025

 
Backing British Industry: Government launches £2.5bn DRIVE35 programme to power UK auto investment and jobs

UK auto firms will benefit from a £2.5 billion commitment over the next decade that will support thousands of jobs and help ensure the UK remains at the forefront of zero-emission vehicle development.   UK auto sector boosted by £2.5 billion under DRIVE35, as government launches new and improved funding competitions, supporting projects which help the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing.  

14/7/2025

Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and USA - The Facts

In 2024, total trade in goods and services between the UK and the USA reached £314.6 billion, according to GOV.UK.  This represents a £11.9 billion increase compared to the previous year.  

14/7/2025

New £63 million boost for Britain's electric vehicle revolution

Funding will help to build a fairer, cleaner future where every family can benefit from cheaper, greener transport.   major boost to charging investment to break down barriers to electric vehicle ownership and boost charging infrastructure across the UK, cutting costs for families, businesses and the public sector.  

14/7/2025

 
Future of the Post Office to be shaped by postmasters and customers

Government launches the Post Office Green Paper, the first comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years.   First comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years, with customers and postmasters shaping its future.  

14/7/2025

State of the UK Climate - A UK Met Office Report

The 2024 report is published as a special issue of the International Journal of Climatology, which is the Royal Meteorological Society journal of climate science and provides a review of the climate and significant meteorological events of the year.   Highlights of the 2024 report The latest assessment of the UK's climate shows how baselines are shifting, records are becoming more frequent, and that temperature and rainfall extremes are becoming the norm.  

14/7/2025

 
What Happens to Russia the Day After the War in Ukraine Ends?

The war may end, but Russia's The real crisis is just beginning.   What happens the day after? Political Landscape When the conflict ends, Russia's ruling elite are likely to tighten their grip rather than open political space.  

14/7/2025

5,000 jobs secured as construction starts on Port Talbot green steel project

5,000 steel jobs have been secured following the start of construction on Tata Steel's Port Talbot electric arc furnace project today.   Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens join Tata Group Chairman to break ground on construction of electric arc furnace that will secure thousands of jobs.  

14/7/2025

 
UK Trade Worldwide

In 2024, the UK's total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) was £873.5 billion.   The UK generally imports more than it exports, resulting in a trade deficit.  

14/7/2025

 
Job estimates for wind generation by 2030

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has refreshed its evidence base on the potential for renewable electricity technologies to support domestic jobs in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).  This does not apply to Northern Ireland.  

14/7/2025

Trumps Tariffs Are An Unfolding Economic Disaster - A Look At Lesotho in Africa

The latest tariff threat from former President Trump—specifically a proposed 50% duty on Lesotho's textile exports—has already had a devastating impact.  According to multiple reports, up to 40,000 jobs in Lesotho's textile industry are at risk.  

14/7/2025

 
Looking For A Job But Can You Spot Ghost Ads

Ghost job ads are a real—and surprisingly widespread phenomenon in the UK job market.   Developing the ability to spot them may save job searcher valuable time and effort finding a job.  

14/7/2025

Update on Enhanced UK-Turkey Free Trade Agreement negotiations

An update following the first round of negotiations on an Enhanced Free Trade Agreement with Turkey.   The first round of negotiations on an enhanced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turkey took place in Ankara between 23 June and 2 July 2025.  

14/7/2025

Trade win unlocks £250 million for British firms in Vietnam

Trade win unlocks £250 million in exports for British pharmaceutical firms in Vietnam.   Trade win unlocks £250 million in exports for British pharmaceutical firms in Vietnam.  

14/7/2025

UK Trade Policy updated to benefit citizens and allies - Simplified and more FREE Trade

Boost for British consumers and Developing Countries as UK launches new trade measures.   New measures will make it easier for developing countries to trade, supporting jobs and economic growth in the UK overseas.