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  • NEWS STORY : Union Chief Attacks Labour Net Zero Policy

    NEWS STORY : Union Chief Attacks Labour Net Zero Policy

    STORY

    A senior trade union leader has criticised Labour’s net zero approach, warning that the transition risks damaging jobs in traditional industrial and energy communities. Gary Smith, the general secretary of the GMB union, reportedly accused the Government of pursuing policies that could cost employment in North Sea oil and gas and related sectors.

    The criticism is politically awkward for Labour because the GMB is one of the party’s most important affiliated unions. Smith argued that clean energy policy must create secure domestic employment rather than rely heavily on imported infrastructure, and warned that some working-class voters were being pushed towards Reform UK by economic insecurity.

    The Government has argued that clean energy investment will create new jobs and strengthen Britain’s long-term energy security. However, the intervention highlights the challenge facing ministers as they try to combine climate commitments with industrial policy, union support and the politics of communities that fear being left behind.

  • NEWS STORY : Lords Begin Scrutiny of Financial Services and Markets Bill

    NEWS STORY : Lords Begin Scrutiny of Financial Services and Markets Bill

    STORY

    Peers are set to begin detailed consideration of the Financial Services and Markets Bill as the legislation starts its passage through the House of Lords. The Bill forms part of the Government’s wider attempt to update financial regulation and support growth in one of the UK’s most important economic sectors.

    The second reading debate will allow members of the Lords to examine the main principles of the Bill, including how far ministers should go in changing regulatory rules while maintaining stability, consumer protection and confidence in the financial system. The legislation is expected to attract close scrutiny from former ministers, regulators and members with financial sector experience.

    The Government has repeatedly argued that financial services reform is central to its growth agenda. However, the Bill also raises broader questions about the balance between competitiveness and caution, particularly after previous crises in which weak oversight was blamed for exposing consumers and taxpayers to risk.

  • NEWS STORY : Steel Nationalisation Bill Returns to the Commons

    NEWS STORY : Steel Nationalisation Bill Returns to the Commons

    STORY

    MPs are due to continue scrutiny of the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill as the legislation moves through its committee stage in the House of Commons. The Bill would give ministers powers to nationalise steel companies where a public interest test is met, with British Steel among the companies potentially affected by the framework.

    The Government has argued that the legislation is needed to protect strategically important industrial capacity and safeguard the long-term future of UK steelmaking. Ministers have said the powers would be used only where necessary, but the Bill has become part of a wider debate over industrial policy and the proper role of the state in supporting key sectors.

    Opposition MPs are expected to press ministers on cost, compensation, commercial risk and whether nationalisation would address the underlying challenges facing the industry. The legislation is one of the Government’s clearest interventions in heavy industry and is likely to remain politically prominent as it moves through Parliament.

  • NEWS STORY : PIP Review Launches New Engagement Toolkit

    NEWS STORY : PIP Review Launches New Engagement Toolkit

    STORY

    The Timms Review into Personal Independence Payment is expanding its public engagement work after the closure of its call for evidence. The Department for Work and Pensions has launched new resources designed to help organisations run workshops with disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.

    The materials are intended to gather views on what PIP is for, people’s experiences of applying and how decisions are made. The Government said the review had already received 38,000 responses through its call for evidence, with the new toolkit designed to reach groups whose views may not otherwise be heard through formal consultation routes.

    Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, said disabled people’s experiences were vital to the review. The work is politically significant because welfare reform remains one of the most sensitive areas facing Labour, with ministers seeking to present the process as co-produced rather than imposed from Whitehall.

  • NEWS STORY : Government Considers Restrictions on Harmful Social Media for Under-16s

    NEWS STORY : Government Considers Restrictions on Harmful Social Media for Under-16s

    STORY

    The Government is considering new restrictions on access to harmful social media platforms for children under 16. Reports suggest ministers are looking at an Australian-style approach, although the immediate package may focus first on tighter rules around dangerous online content, addictive features and the misuse of sexualised material involving young people.

    The proposal follows pressure from bereaved parents, online safety campaigners and MPs who argue that existing protections do not go far enough. Earlier this year, the Government consulted on possible measures including time limits, curfews and controls on platform design features that encourage prolonged use by children.

    The issue is likely to become one of the most contested parts of the Government’s technology agenda. Supporters argue that stronger intervention is needed to protect children from harm, while critics have warned that any age-based restriction would raise practical questions around enforcement, privacy and the ability of young people to bypass controls.

  • NEWS STORY : Starmer to Say Technology Revolution Must Work for Everyone

    NEWS STORY : Starmer to Say Technology Revolution Must Work for Everyone

    STORY

    Sir Keir Starmer is expected to use a speech at London Tech Week to argue that the technology revolution must benefit the whole country rather than a narrow group of companies or already prosperous areas. The Prime Minister is due to say that artificial intelligence and new digital tools should be used to create jobs, support public services and improve opportunity across the United Kingdom.

    The speech comes as the Government seeks to place technology at the centre of its wider economic and public service agenda. Ministers are expected to present AI as a tool for growth, with a particular focus on skills, employment support and the use of digital systems inside Government departments.

    The intervention also comes at a politically sensitive moment for Starmer, with pressure on his leadership continuing inside Labour and the Makerfield by-election approaching. Downing Street will hope that a focus on technology and opportunity helps shift attention back towards policy delivery rather than internal party tensions.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Sir Ian Cheshire confirmed as new Ofcom chair [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Sir Ian Cheshire confirmed as new Ofcom chair [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 3 June 2026.

    Sir Ian Cheshire has been announced as Chair of Ofcom, the UK’s independent regulator for communications.

    • Technology Secretary confirms Sir Ian Cheshire, as new Chair of Ofcom 
    • The former Channel 4 Chair will oversee regulator responsible for enforcing the UK’s Online Safety Act, driving growth across communications sectors, and protecting consumers  
    • Sir Ian has committed to ensuring the regulator acts decisively to protect people from online harms as he steers Ofcom through crucial next chapter. 

    Business leader Sir Ian Cheshire has been announced as Chair of Ofcom, the UK’s independent regulator for communications, following a pre-appointment hearing with the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee. 

    His appointment signals a significant moment for Ofcom, which has evolved considerably since it was first established, with telecoms, broadcasting and online safety now all within its remit. 

    In taking on the role, Sir Ian has committed to ensuring the regulator is guided by the experiences of those most exposed to online harms and translates that insight into strong, effective action. He has also committed to working constructively with Government on all aspects of Ofcom’s remit, including effective implementation of the Online Safety Act including government’s recent action to build on it, delivering Ofcom’s growth goals, and developing robust KPIs, while fully upholding Ofcom’s operational independence.  

    Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: 

    Sir Ian brings exactly the kind of leadership experience that Ofcom needs as it enters this next critical chapter.  

    The Online Safety Act must be enforced robustly and without compromise, and Ofcom has a central role in making the UK the safest place to be online. 

    From protecting consumers and tackling online harms to driving growth across our communications sectors, the regulator has never had a more important role to play. I look forward to working with Sir Ian as he leads Ofcom into this next phase.

    Sir Ian Cheshire said: 

    I am honoured and delighted to take on the Chair of Ofcom at this vital time as it begins to tackle the new challenges of Online Safety while continuing to deliver its traditional oversight of telecoms and broadcasting . I am especially interested in the lived experience of our citizens and also seeing the data that allows us to measure the increase of our impact.

    Sir Ian was most recently Chair of Channel 4 from 2022 to 2025, and previously Chief Executive of Kingfisher plc. He has since held senior non-executive and advisory roles across business, sustainability and public policy, including as Chair of Barclays UK, Landsecurities PLC and various charities. 

    The Chair provides strategic leadership to Ofcom to ensure it can deliver its statutory responsibilities, including implementing and enforcing the Online Safety Act, protecting consumers and supporting growth and innovation across the UK’s communications sectors. 

    He succeeds Lord Michael Grade, whose term as Chair concluded at the end of April 2026.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Mahama of Ghana [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with President Mahama of Ghana [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 June 2026.

    The Prime Minister met President Mahama of Ghana in Downing Street.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the signing of the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership in London on Monday, which represents exciting new opportunities for mutual economic growth and forworkers and businesses in both countries. 

    The leaders discussed the UK and Ghana’s strong migration partnership, and the Prime Minister said he was keen to build on that further. 

    On global security and economic stability, the Prime Minister set out how the UK urgently wants to see a swift and lasting resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, and that it was vital to ensure a permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

    The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s stance that human rights apply equally to all people, including those who are LGBT+. 

    They looked forward to meeting again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with the leader of the Belarusian opposition [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister meeting with the leader of the Belarusian opposition [June 2026]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 June 2026.

    The Prime Minister hosted the leader of the Belarusian opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, at Downing Street yesterday.

    The Prime Minister began by underlining the UK’s support for a free and democratic Belarus. He condemned Lukashenko’s ongoing attacks on democracy, and the ongoing detention of political prisoners in the country.

    The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s steadfast support for the use of sanctions to apply ongoing pressure to the regime.

    Ms Tikhanovskaya also updated on her recent visit to Kyiv, and the leaders discussed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

    Finally, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Ms Tikhanovskaya for her bravery in campaigning for a free and democratic Belarus.

    They looked forward to speaking again soon.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Greater Cambridge gets regeneration body to accelerate growth [June 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Greater Cambridge gets regeneration body to accelerate growth [June 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 2 June 2026.

    A new Development Corporation will give Greater Cambridge the powers and certainty to deliver infrastructure-first growth at scale.

    • New regeneration body will end the cycle of homes coming first and services catching up years later by developing land faster
    • £800 million already committed to accelerate new homes, jobs and infrastructure across Cambridge and Oxford

    A new regeneration body will deliver thousands of new homes, jobs, and long overdue transport links in Greater Cambridge in a major move to unlock growth in the region.

    Working in partnership with local leaders and communities, the region’s biggest Development Corporation will drive faster, more sustainable growth – ensuring transport and services are built alongside new homes, not as an afterthought. It will also rake in millions more in investment, cementing Greater Cambridge’s status as a world-leading centre for science and innovation. 

    The Corporation will bring land together for development, invest in key sites and unlock stalled and derelict land – tackling housing affordability, cutting commuter delays, breaking down barriers to employment, and improving connectivity. 

    Today’s announcement builds on the up to £800 million already committed to kickstarting development around Cambridge and Oxford, which will increase the supply of affordable homes, upgrade transport links, and provide more green spaces for residents. 

    Housing Secretary Steve Reed, said: 

    “Greater Cambridge is an area with huge potential that the new Development Corporation will help turn into more affordable homes, good jobs for local people and infrastructure that supports its communities.”

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves, said:  

    “Greater Cambridge is a powerhouse for regional growth – and we’re unlocking its full potential as part of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.

    “We have the right economic plan – by working with local leaders to unlock stalled sites and invest in infrastructure, this Development Corporation will deliver homes, jobs and opportunity at scale, driving regional growth and supporting our science and innovation strengths in Britain.”

    The Greater Cambridge Development Corporation will be a joint national and local body, with the powers and long-term leadership to turn ambition into delivery.   

    It will bring sites ready for development together quicker, invest in critical infrastructure and bring forward sites that have sat idle for too long – building well-designed communities where people want to live and work. 

    As well as new homes, it will create thousands of jobs for local partners and businesses, state of the art innovation spaces, bolstering Cambridge’s position as a global centre for science and enterprise. 

    Local partners and businesses have backed proposals for the Development Corporation, recognising its role in unlocking growth and new jobs across the city, providing the certainty and momentum needed to bring forward strategic sites and attract private investment.

    Progress is already being made to remove barriers to growth in Greater Cambridge, including government action to provide adequate water supply and wastewater capacity. This has enabled over 9,000 homes and more than 500,000 sqm of commercial space to come forward so far. 

    Cambridge Growth Company Chair, Peter Freeman CBE said: 

    “We welcome the government’s intention to establish a Development Corporation for Greater Cambridge. This provides the long-term certainty, status and coordination needed to deliver infrastructure at the scale Greater Cambridge demands.

    “The real work begins now, and we are determined to deliver – making Greater Cambridge not only more economically vibrant, attracting world-class businesses, but more liveable, better connected and a place that genuinely works for all current and future residents.”

    Chief Executive at Cambridge Ahead, Dan Thorp said: 

    “In the 65+ years of the Cambridge Phenomenon, which is over half a century of world-leading innovation and exceptional economic performance, this could be one of the biggest moments. A Development Corporation can provide strategic direction, delivery capability, and financing in a way not previously possible and through this the Cambridge economy can deliver more for national and local benefit. 

    “With over 80% of Cambridge industry leaders telling us that the UK Government’s commitment to the Ox-Cam Growth Corridor has either increased or maintained business confidence, it is evident that clear and consistent national policy is having a growth-positive impact on the ground in our high-potential region. 

    “It will be vital that the Development Corporation truly works in partnership with local leaders, is set up to deliver good growth with certainty and clarity, and acts in the long-term interest of Cambridge and its region. Cambridge Ahead will continue to work with UK Government to build on today’s announcement and ensure that the momentum Cambridge has built translates into the jobs and homes this region and the country needs.” 

    Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow said: 

    “Our Local Growth Plan is intentionally the most ambitious in the country, and delivering it means tackling infrastructure constraints we’ve put off for too long. 

    “A Development Corporation has the potential to help us deliver that plan, working as genuine partnership between local leaders, government and communities, all focused on the same plan. 

    “As Mayor, I will work closely with a Development Corporation to support delivery at pace and make sure that collaboration translates into real progress on the ground.”

    Further information

    The Cambridge Growth Company was established by government as a subsidiary of Homes England, working closely with local leaders, communities and industry to develop and deliver an ambitious plan to remove barriers to growth in Greater Cambridge.  

    Up to £800 million has already committed to kick‑starting development around Cambridge and Oxford to deliver tangible benefits to residents. These include:  

    • Thousands of new, high-quality homes to meet local demand and tackle the housing shortage.  
    • Creation of good jobs across a range of sectors, supporting economic growth and prosperity.  
    • Improved transport links and infrastructure, making it easier for people to access work, education, and amenities.  
    • Regeneration of key sites, turning long-stalled areas into thriving, sustainable communities.  
    • Opportunities for business expansion and innovation, cementing Cambridge’s status as an engine for growth.