End backward, outdated Sunday trading laws! October 3, 2025 Restrictions on large stores trading hours on Sundays are a relic of a bygone era which strangle high streets and hold back growth, says Mark Allatt In an era where the rhythm of daily life has accelerated beyond recognition, the UK’s archaic Sunday trading laws stand as a stubborn relic, stifling economic vitality and curtailing [...]
The Debate: This house has confidence in the president-elect of the Oxford Union September 16, 2025 Following the horrifying death of Charlie Kirk, the president-elect of the Oxford Union, George Abaraonye, posted comments online appearing to celebrate his murder. Since then, many have called for him to be removed from the post. The whole affair has raised questions about the necessity and limits of free speech in a democracy – and [...]
Thousands gather in London as police brace for protests September 13, 2025 Thousands of people have gathered in London for a rally organised by activist Tommy Robinson. The “Unite the Kingdom” event takes place in Whitehall on Saturday afternoon but huge crowds have already massed near Waterloo Station with people wearing and waving union flags and the St George cross. Meanwhile, a counter-protest, dubbed March Against Fascism, [...]
Meet the new ministers driving Labour’s latest growth mission September 9, 2025 A £25bn fiscal black hole, fading housebuilding hopes and lacklustre productivity growth marked a troublesome end to the first year in office for the new occupants of Downing Street this summer. While the resignation of Angela Rayner – the popular Labour figure who had called for the Treasury to turn left and tax the wealthy – [...]
How tube strikes will stretch London’s infrastructure – and patience – to the limit September 2, 2025 From Sunday evening tube drivers are going on strike, and while the Elizabeth Line will continue to run other London Underground lines – as well as the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) – will pack it in for five days. Transport for London (TfL) put a 3.4 per cent pay rise on the table, which was [...]
Good A-levels are no guarantee in Labour’s abysmal jobs market August 14, 2025 As teenagers open their A-Level results, Andrew Griffith laments a job market that is punishing today's young people.
Lionesses make us proud to be English – perhaps for the last time July 28, 2025 The Lionesses’ inspiring Euros victory will be a moment of joy in a summer threatening to descend into civil unrest, tensions over immigration, public sector strikes and political fragmentation that will damage social cohesion, says Alys Denby I watched the Euros final in a converted industrial estate in south east London – and the biggest [...]
What’s On July 2025 June 30, 2025 As London fully embraces the summer weather, July offers a captivating calendar of activities for every occasion. Full of lively markets and outdoor live screens along with captivating exhibitions and immersive experiences. It’s the perfect time to enjoy world-class performances and recitals or play some sports near iconic London locations. With the sun setting later [...]
Industrial Strategy: Labour to turn City into ‘most innovative financial centre’ June 23, 2025 Labour has vowed to turn the Square Mile into “the world’s most innovative full-service financial centre” as the government laid out the key pillars of its much-anticipated industrial strategy. The policy document said the government would achieve the milestone by 2035, but was unclear about what the criteria were for hitting it or how it [...]
Labour’s not for turning but the Inheritance Tax battle will rumble on June 5, 2025 Civil servants and politicians could not believe their eyes. As the hoarse grumble of diesel motors thundered along Whitehall, a fleet of tractors descended onto Parliament Square, heralded by a cacophony of honks to the tune of Aqua’s Barbie Girl. Beginning in November, farmers marched to Westminster to protest the government’s inheritance tax (IHT) reforms. [...]