Starmer abandons key welfare reforms July 1, 2025 Keir Starmer has suffered a crushing blow to his authority after rebel Labour MPs forced him to effectively abandon his flagship welfare reform proposals after chaotic scenes in the House of Commons. Just 90 minutes before the vote, and several hours into a heated debate, the government announced it was pulling a key measure of [...]
Government calls for investigation as Lindsey refinery owner folds July 1, 2025 The government has called for an urgent investigation after the group behind one of Britain’s largest oil refineries collapsed into administration, putting hundreds of jobs at risk. State Oil – the parent company of Prax Group, which owns the Lindsey refinery in North Lincolnshire – appointed administrators on Monday. A separate winding-up order has also [...]
AI system to analyse NHS databases and identify scandals June 30, 2025 The UK will be the first country in the world to use an AI system to analyse hospital databases and catch potential safety scandals early, the government has announced. The technology can identify patterns of abuse, serious injuries, deaths or other incidents that can slip through the net. When concerns are raised, the Care Quality [...]
Government announces concessions to welfare bill in ‘screeching U-turn’ June 27, 2025 People who currently receive the personal independence payment (Pip) will continue to do so after the government made concessions to Labour rebels on controversial welfare reforms. A letter from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to MPs said adjustments to universal credit would also see incomes protected. The announcement comes after crisis talks with backbenchers, [...]
Slim pickings: grocery sales down as Brits turn to weight-loss jabs June 24, 2025 The growing use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic could be having an impact on supermarkets’ bottom lines as Brits shy away from more than just unhealthy food. Four per cent of households in the UK now have at least one member using GLP-1, the active ingredient in weight-loss drugs. The share of UK households with [...]
High street stalwart Claire’s explores a sale as cost pressures mount June 24, 2025 The accessories and piercings company Claire’s is exploring the possibility of a sale as it battles rising costs and competition. Claire’s, which is owned by US investors JP Morgan, Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital, operates 2,750 shops worldwide and 281 shops on UK high streets and retail parks. Julie Palmer, partner at financial advisory [...]
US does not seek war, says Pentagon after bombing Iran’s nuclear sites June 22, 2025 America “does not seek war” with Iran, the Pentagon has said in the aftermath of a surprise US attack on three of Tehran’s key nuclear sites. The mission, called Operation Midnight Hammer, involved decoys and deception, and met with no Iranian resistance, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and US Air Force General Dan Caine, chairman [...]
Starmer calls for negotiations after US attacks Iran’s nuclear sites June 22, 2025 Sir Keir Starmer has urged Iran to return to negotiations after Donald Trump launched US air strikes on the regime’s nuclear facilities. The Prime Minister said Iran’s nuclear programme is a “grave threat” which the US military action would “alleviate”. There is understood to have been no UK involvement in the action, which comes after [...]
H&M to shed light on turnaround amid consumer confidence slump June 21, 2025 H&M investors will be hoping the high street fashion chain shows it is on the road to recovery next week despite caution among many shoppers. The retailer is expected to report a slight rise in sales for the latest quarter in an update on Thursday June 26 as it continues with its turnaround strategy. It [...]
Creative industries in line for £380m government injection June 21, 2025 Britain’s film, music and video game industries are set to receive millions of pounds of investment as the Government seeks to ensure the UK’s place as a creative superpower. The investment, announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, will see £380 million spent on a range of projects intended to double private investment in the creative [...]
