News Archive

1/7/2026

Asylum seekers will pay towards costs of accommodation

Asylum seekers who can afford to will be required to repay a flat-rate contribution towards the cost of their accommodation and support.   Asylum seekers who are able to pay back the cost of support and accommodation will now be required to, under new laws.  

1/7/2026

UK targets services exports in China trade talks

Cooperation with China to increase exports already showing results as iconic British brands like Barclays and Formula E expanding in the Chinese market.   200 UK and Chinese businesses to meet and deepen trade ties.  

1/7/2026

New independent appeals body to speed up removals

New independent appeals body to speed up removals of foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers.   A once-in-a-generation overhaul of asylum and immigration appeals will create a single route and end the merry-go-round of repeated appeals.  

30/6/2026

A Tunnel Across the Pentland Firth: How a Caithness–Orkney Fixed Link Could Transform the Far North

For more than a century, the Pentland Firth has been both a gateway and a barrier.  It connects Caithness and Orkney geographically, yet separates them socially, economically, and administratively.  

30/6/2026 : Other Public Services

 
Innovative robotics trialled to tackle nuclear waste challenges

Innovative robotic solutions being trialled at Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) Oldbury site to tackle most challenging aspects of legacy waste management.   Oldbury nuclear decommissioning site is a trailblazer for robotics and other innovative approaches, with NRS deploying robotics trials in South Gloucestershire to tackle some of the most challenging aspects of legacy waste management, reducing risk to workers and improving efficiency.  

30/6/2026

Should Shetland Build Tunnels Like the Faroe Islands? The Costs, the Benefits, and the Future of Island Connectivity

For decades, Shetland’s inter‑island ferries have been the backbone of life across the archipelago.  They carry workers, students, freight, and families — and they do it in some of the most challenging seas in Europe.  

30/6/2026

Government crackdown on fraud leads to cancellation of over 450 Blue Badges in the Wirral

Over 450 Blue Badges have been cancelled after findings show permits issued to deceased residents were still being used.   459 unauthorised Blue Badges cancelled in Wirral Council, saving over £363,000 for the taxpayer.  

30/6/2026

UK drone transformation to strengthen Armed Forces backed by more than £5 billion

Britain's Armed Forces will be strengthened and thousands of British jobs created through a drone transformation, announced by the Prime Minister and backed by more than £5 billion in the Government’s Defence Investment Plan.   Largest ever drone investment in UK Armed Forces – more than £5 billion over the next four years – to be included in the Defence Investment Plan.  

30/6/2026

If Governments Borrow All the Savings... Who Funds the Future?

One of the great assumptions of modern economies is that savings eventually become investment.   Money placed in banks helps support lending.  

30/6/2026

Illegal immigrants and foreign criminals to be removed

More than 45,000 foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers will be removed over the coming decade thanks to a significant expansion of detention capacity.   The projects at Haslar and Campsfield Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) will contribute to a 40% increase in the UK’s detention capacity for those with no right to be here.  

30/6/2026

 
The Quiet Bank Run: Why Savers Are Lending to Governments Instead of Banks and Why It Matters

For generations, most people rarely thought about what happened to the money sitting in their bank account.  Savings went into banks, banks made mortgages and business loans, and the economy kept turning.  

30/6/2026

The Next Inflation Wave? Why Copper, Cocoa and AI Could Push Prices Higher Even as Oil Falls

When oil prices surged following military action between the United States and Iran, many feared another inflation shock was about to hit.  Yet, despite continuing tensions in the Middle East, oil prices have since eased, leaving many people wondering whether the threat has passed.  

30/6/2026

The Latest UK Defence Plan Will Be Announced Today - Here is What We already Know

Based on what has already been briefed ahead of today's announcement, the broad direction of the UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is already fairly clear.  The biggest message is that the Government believes future wars will be won as much by autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and mass-produced drones as by traditional ships, tanks and aircraft.  

30/6/2026

Europe is caught in a squeeze between the US and China

The European Union (EU), along with the other major countries in Europe, should be a geopolitical force to be reckoned with.  In 2024, the EU was the second-largest economy in the world after the US and before China.  

30/6/2026

 
The Real Reason Why Keir Starmer Has Resigned: Top Economist

Prof Steve Keen sets out the issues and he has been right very often bin the past..  

30/6/2026

£15 billion new funding boost to transform Armed Forces and keep the UK safe

Britain’s Armed Forces will be ready and equipped to fight the wars of today and the future following a landmark £15 billion investment to fund key equipment and technology, announced today.   Additional funding to strengthen military readiness and accelerate the drone transformation, boost future fighter jets and strengthen the UK’s nuclear deterrent.  

30/6/2026

UKEF launches £50 billion defence export fund to back British defence industry

New export fund to enable UK defence companies of all sizes to compete for major international contracts.   New £50 billion allocation of loans and guarantees will support British defence businesses to compete and grow in a rapidly expanding global market.  

30/6/2026

 
Does Burnham understand economics? - Richard Murphy

Andy Burnham has positioned himself as a future Prime Minister and delivered what was billed as a serious economic speech.   It was not.  

30/6/2026

Germany’s proposal to ease trade tensions with China has not gone down well in Beijing

Trade tensions between the EU and China are deepening.  On June 16, the EU’s trade chief, Maroš Šefčovič, said the bloc’s unbalanced trade relationship with China “had reached a point that requires a reset”.  

29/6/2026

FREE Money - Government steps up drive to reconnect young people with £1.6 billion in unclaimed savings

Taskforce set up by government to encourage young people to claim their Child Trust Funds.   Nationwide, HSBC UK, Sheffield Mutual and Yorkshire Building Society among members of new taskforce meeting for first time as government takes action to reunite young people with unclaimed Child Trust Funds.