News Archive

1/4/2026

UK and Belgium sign multi-million pound Mission Data partnership

The UK and Belgium have signed an MOU that will see Belgium invest over five years in UK expertise to develop world-class mission data collection and exploitation.   UK and Belgium sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help Belgium develop its own mission data capability.  

1/4/2026

 
National Living Wage increases to £12.71 per hour

New minimum wage rates come into force from 1 April, following Low Pay Commission recommendations.   Increased rates of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Living wage came into force from 1 April 2026.  

1/4/2026

Millions invested to boost UK's position as a global tech leader

The government is investing an additional £4.5 million in the LawtechUK programme over the next three years.   £4.5m guaranteed for LawtechUK over the next three years.  

1/4/2026

Why AI health chatbots won't make you better at diagnosing yourself - new research

Millions of people are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for advice on everything from cooking to tax returns.  Increasingly, they are also asking chatbots about their health.  

1/4/2026

 
What should Rachel Reeves do right now to protect us from this war? - Richard Murphy

We're facing a wartime economy emergency, and Rachel Reeves is saying nothing.  No reassurance - No plan - No action.  

1/4/2026

CMA announces package of actions on business software and cloud services

CMA aims to create greater choice for UK businesses and public sector at pivotal time of advances in AI.   Board decides to launch strategic market status investigation into Microsoft's business software ecosystem.  

1/4/2026

Domestic implications of Middle East conflict for Scotland

Resilience Room meets to discuss impacts on goods and services.   The Scottish Government's Resilience Room (SGoRR) met this evening (Tuesday 31st March) to consider the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on Scotland’s people and businesses.  

1/4/2026

 
Successful DWP campaign leads to closure of historical benefits

Over 1.9 million people now better supported to find good, secure jobs as the Government moves customers off outdated benefits and on to Universal Credit Two benefits to be closed as part of the Government's successful ‘Move to UC' campaign, modernising the welfare system Vulnerable customers to be supported in the move to Universal Credit as deadline to close income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit extended.   The migration of customers from so-called legacy benefits to the country's main benefit recommenced in May 2022, with the campaign helping to move over 1.9 million people, including 135,000 Income Support and income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants.  

1/4/2026

 
Millions of families in line for Child Benefit rate increase

Families claiming Child Benefit will see an increase in payments from next week.   More than 6.9 million families claiming Child Benefit will see an increase in payments from next week.  

1/4/2026

 
Cracks in the System? Why the US Treasury Market Is Starting to Wobble

For decades, US government bonds—known as Treasuries—have been the ultimate safe haven.  When markets panic, investors run towards them.  

31/3/2026

The New Industrial Revolution: How Data Centre Capital Spending Is Reshaping the Global Economy and What It Means for the UK

Over the past decade, data centres have quietly shifted from a niche corner of the digital economy to one of the most capital‑intensive sectors on the planet.  What began as a steady build‑out of cloud infrastructure has accelerated into a global investment boom driven by artificial intelligence, high‑performance computing, and the insatiable demand for digital services.  

31/3/2026

Millions of car finance customers to get payouts this year as FCA goes ahead with compensation scheme

Millions of motor finance customers will receive compensation this year under an FCA scheme for those treated unfairly by firms who broke the law by failing to disclose important information.   Consumers were denied the chance to seek a better deal and, in some instances, paid more for their loan.  

31/3/2026

Air Passenger Duty Is Rising Again: What It Means for UK Travellers

From April 2026, UK travellers will once again see an increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD), the tax applied to all flights departing from UK airports.  While often hidden within ticket prices, APD plays a significant role in the overall cost of flying—particularly for long-haul and premium travellers.  

31/3/2026

Oil Prices Surge Again: What It Means for Petrol, Diesel, and What Comes Next

Oil markets have once again moved sharply into the spotlight, with prices surging to some of their highest levels in recent years.  As of late March 2026, Brent crude is trading in the range of roughly $110 to $117 per barrel—a level well above what most analysts consider "normal." While prices have shown some day-to-day volatility, the broader trend reflects a market under significant तनाव, driven primarily by geopolitical instability in the Middle East.  

31/3/2026

 
Fuel Finder now helping drivers shop around for the best deals

A growing number of apps and websites are displaying prices from Fuel Finder.   Government's Fuel Finder mandates all UK petrol stations to report their prices, helping households with a car find the best deals and save around £40 a year.  

31/3/2026

The Coming Rare Earth Magnet Crunch: Why It Matters and What Comes Next

Rare earth magnets sit quietly inside the technologies that define modern life.  From electric vehicles and wind turbines to smartphones, robotics, and advanced defence systems, these small but powerful components are essential to the machines driving both economic growth and the global energy transition.  

31/3/2026

 
Scottish space companies pioneer next-generation satellite communications with SpaceX launch

Three new satellites built in Scotland launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter-16 mission, marking a significant step forward for UK leadership in laser communications, spacecraft manufacturing, and the operation of satellite constellations.   The satellites, developed by Spire Global and AAC Clyde Space in Glasgow, are backed by UK Space Agency funding delivered through the European Space Agency's Pioneer Programme, which helps emerging UK space companies become new mission providers.  

30/3/2026

Distilleries, Tariffs, and Scotland's Economic Crossroads - Investing In Drinks Industry While Consumers Cut Down

Scotland's whisky industry sits at the centre of a paradox.  On one hand, pubs are closing at record speed, domestic alcohol consumption is falling, and households are cutting back on discretionary spending.  

30/3/2026

 
USA Loses Payment System Leverage In Europe - 'Pay by Bank' Button Kills Visa/Mastercard, 72% Vanish

That button isn't just a payment option.  It’s a quiet rewrite of who controls money in Europe.  

30/3/2026

 
Attacks on major aluminium plants in the Gulf will push UK prices up

Attacks on major aluminium plants in the Gulf will push UK shop prices up, not immediately but steadily, because aluminium is a core input for everything from food packaging to cars, electronics, and construction materials.  The strikes have created a global supply shock, and the UK is highly exposed as a large importer.