Blog

STORY

The United Kingdom and Cyprus have taken significant steps to strengthen their partnership in space exploration and technology. This development follows the inaugural Cyprus-UK Bilateral Cooperation Event held in Nicosia on March 27–28, 2025, which brought together government officials and industry leaders from both nations, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA).​

During the summit, the Cypriot government announced its intention to pursue Associate Membership with ESA, aiming to achieve this status by 2026. This move is expected to enhance Cyprus’s space sector and foster deeper collaboration with ESA member states, including the UK.​

Professor Anu Ojha, International Director at the UK Space Agency, highlighted the potential of this partnership:​

“There is great potential for collaboration on space activities to add a new dimension to the UK’s strong partnership with Cyprus. This has never been more important, with space firmly established as a vital tool for driving economic growth, environmental protection and national security.” ​

The event featured working sessions on various topics, including regulation, space strategy development, commercial opportunities, and future missions within ESA. Representatives from ten UK space companies and fourteen Cypriot entities presented their capabilities, while ESA officials discussed potential funding programs to support joint initiatives.​

Mr. George Komodromos, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus, expressed appreciation for the UK’s support:​

“The high-level dialogue and engagement among companies, as well as among delegations, is encouraging and shows that we are moving in the right direction. We are especially grateful for the UK’s continued support of our efforts to position ourselves within the global space ecosystem.” ​

Building on the momentum from the Nicosia event, the UK Space Agency plans to host a reciprocal visit by Cypriot government officials, academics, and companies later this year. Both countries aim to map existing capabilities and identify areas for future collaboration, reinforcing their commitment to advancing space exploration and technology together.​

STORY

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the reappointment of Sarah Newton as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Her new term will run from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2027. Since her initial appointment in August 2020, Newton has led the HSE in its mission to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of workers across Great Britain. During her tenure, she has overseen strategic improvements and strengthened regulatory frameworks.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, stated:

“I am pleased to confirm Sarah Newton’s reappointment as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive. Her leadership and expertise have been invaluable in driving forward HSE’s important work. I look forward to seeing her continue to lead the organisation in ensuring high standards of health and safety across the country.”​

Newton expressed her gratitude, saying:

“I am honoured to have been re-appointed Chair of HSE. It is a privilege to work with colleagues who are passionate about our mission and dedicated to protecting people and places.”​

Before her role at the HSE, Newton served as the Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth from 2010 to 2019 and held positions including Minister of State for Disabled People, Work and Health. The reappointment was conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, following an open and transparent process.

STORY

In a significant move to bolster the UK’s technological prowess, the government has announced a £121 million investment in quantum technology. This funding aims to enhance the nation’s capabilities in detecting fraud, preventing money laundering, and stimulating economic growth.​ Coinciding with World Quantum Day, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology detailed plans to allocate these funds over the next year. The investment will support the development of advanced quantum computers and sensors, which leverage the unique properties of subatomic particles to process information at unprecedented speeds.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised the transformative potential of quantum technology, stating, “Quantum — manipulating the universe at its smallest scale — has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country — stopping fraudsters in their tracks, protecting our bank accounts and more.” ​Beyond financial security, the investment is poised to benefit various sectors, including healthcare and energy. By fostering innovation in these areas, the government aims to improve public services and infrastructure.​

This initiative is part of the UK’s broader National Quantum Technologies Programme, which seeks to transition quantum research from laboratories to real-world applications. The programme aligns with the government’s ‘Plan for Change,’ focusing on economic modernisation and technological advancement.​ The funding will also support talent development, providing opportunities for emerging researchers to contribute to the quantum field. By nurturing a skilled workforce, the UK aims to maintain its position as a global leader in quantum innovation.​ This announcement follows a previous commitment of £2.5 billion over ten years to advance quantum technologies, underscoring the government’s dedication to this cutting-edge sector.

STORY

Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse was denied entry to Hong Kong while attempting to visit her newborn grandson. Upon arrival, Hobhouse was detained at passport control, questioned, had her belongings searched, and was deported five hours later without explanation. Her husband, who accompanied her, was allowed entry but chose to return to the UK.  Hobhouse, a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China and a known critic of China’s human rights record, expressed emotional distress over missing the opportunity to meet her grandson and criticised the lack of transparency in the decision.​ This marks the first known refusal of entry to a British MP in Hong Kong since the 1997 handover, further stoking concerns over diminishing freedoms under Beijing’s control.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated he was “deeply concerned” and would urgently raise the issue with Chinese authorities. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described the decision as “heartless” and “totally unacceptable,” urging the Foreign Secretary to demand an explanation from the Chinese ambassador. The Chinese Embassy in London is yet to comment on the denied entry.

STORY

In a dramatic and rare Saturday sitting of Parliament, the UK government passed emergency legislation to take control of British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant, the country’s last remaining producer of virgin steel, in a move that has drawn praise from trade unions and northern communities—but sharp political criticism from the opposition. The intervention, led by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, grants ministers temporary powers to direct operations, guarantee pay for thousands of workers, and ensure the procurement of raw materials to maintain production. Chinese owner Jingye Group had planned to shut down the plant’s blast furnaces due to mounting financial losses—estimated at £700,000 a day—and spiralling environmental costs.

While Reynolds was clear that ownership remains with Jingye, he emphasised the government now has the authority “to act decisively in the national interest” to protect strategic industrial capacity, including jobs for around 2,700 workers. “The decision to step in wasn’t taken lightly,” Reynolds told MPs. “But we simply cannot allow the UK to lose its sovereign capacity to make steel from scratch. This is about economic security, national infrastructure, and supporting communities that built this country.”

Cross-Party Reactions

The emergency move, however, has sparked fierce debate across the political spectrum. Conservative Party spokespeople accused Labour of indulging in “ideological throwbacks” and warned that state interference risks undermining investor confidence.

“This government talks a lot about modernising the economy, but this is pure 1970s nationalisation in all but name,” said Shadow Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch. “No one disputes the importance of steel, but Labour’s approach risks turning taxpayers into long-term owners of loss-making assets with no clear exit plan.” Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt echoed the concern, adding: “Where is the plan for reform and investment? Taking over British Steel might buy some time, but it won’t solve the underlying problems without private sector innovation and accountability.”

The Liberal Democrats offered more measured support but raised questions about the government’s long-term strategy.

“This is a vital short-term intervention, and the government was right to act to save jobs and production,” said Liberal Democrat business spokesperson Sarah Olney. “But what we need now is transparency, a proper industrial strategy, and safeguards to prevent this from becoming a blank cheque.” She also called for “a full review of how the government handles strategic industries and foreign ownership,” saying the Scunthorpe crisis highlights vulnerabilities in how the UK manages critical infrastructure.

Strategic Stakes

British Steel’s Scunthorpe site is not only a major employer in Lincolnshire but also produces 95% of the UK’s rail track and plays a key role in national defence and infrastructure supply chains. The intervention has been widely welcomed by trade unions and local leaders. Unite the Union hailed the move as “a lifeline for steelworkers” and demanded longer-term investment in low-carbon steelmaking to ensure a sustainable future.

The emergency legislation—passed with a comfortable majority—also includes provisions for future state ownership, or a move toward a public-private partnership, if negotiations with Jingye falter. A transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) technology remains part of the long-term vision, but union leaders warn this must not come at the cost of mass redundancies.

Next Steps

The Government has promised an update within 30 days, with a new Industrial Transition Plan to be published before the summer. Consultations with local stakeholders and unions are expected to begin immediately. In the meantime, the blast furnaces will continue operating under government direction—marking a historic moment in UK industrial policy and setting the stage for further clashes over the role of the state in securing Britain’s economic future.