Net zero levy cuts are just tinkering at the edges June 25, 2025 The Industrial Strategy contains bold ambitions for cutting energy prices. Yet, for all the glossy presentation, the underlying thinking remains the same: a conviction that Whitehall can shape markets more effectively than the market itself, says Emmanuel Igwe We have learned through history that real progress emerges not from the bureaucratic designs of government but [...]
Industrial strategy shows Labour has a long-term plan for growth June 25, 2025 One year into office, the Labour government faces a challenging economic landscape, but its new industrial strategy signals a serious, long-term commitment to addressing the UK’s productivity issues and unlocking economic growth through stronger partnerships with the private sector, says Claire Ainsley Next week will be one year of the Labour government, and it just [...]
Falling wage growth could usher interest rate cuts, Andrew Bailey suggests June 24, 2025 Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey suggested interest rate cuts would be warranted as pay growth was set to decline in the coming months.
Law Society calls on government to launch free AI legal tool June 24, 2025 To help people understand their legal issues the government was called on to create a free AI tool similar to NHS 111, to restore trust in the justice system
ONS appoints Bank of England data exec as new chief June 24, 2025 The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has appointed a Bank of England executive as its new director general at a time when the independent body is losing trust over its poor handling of key data. James Benford, who served as the Bank’s chief data officer and oversaw analytics, will join the ONS in early August [...]
Inflation ‘plateau’ could keep interest rates higher, Bank hawk warns June 24, 2025 Bank of England officials may avoid cutting interest rates as worries inflation will remain above three per cent over the coming months leave policymakers in an “uncomfortable place”, a Monetary Policy Committee member has warned. Speaking at an event hosted by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, external member Megan Greene said the [...]
Higher tax ‘inevitable’ as PM makes defence spending pledge June 24, 2025 Keir Starmer’s fresh commitment to ramp up defence spending to five per cent as a share of GDP by 2035 will almost certainly have to be funded by more tax hikes, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS)’ Paul Johnson has warned. The government’s pledge to spend 3.5 per cent of GDP on defence and a [...]
Amazing AI becomes latest Aquis-listed firm to adopt Bitcoin reserve policy June 24, 2025 Amazing AI has seen its stock rocket after the fintech firm became the latest Aquis-listed business to adopt a Bitcoin treasury policy. The US firm, which offers consumer loans, said it will “strategically allocate” capital generated from its business operations and future fundraisings, with the aim of maintaining a treasury consisting of both traditional cash [...]
Sunny spring boosts grocers as Brits buy 2,400 packs of strawberries every minute June 24, 2025 The UK’s unusual burst of sun boosted purchases of fruit and ice lollies this spring, although food inflation continued to soar at the UK’s grocers. Higher prices for fresh meats, chocolate and butters drove food inflation to 4.7 per cent, its highest level since February 2024, according to data insights group Kantar. But Fraser McKevitt, [...]
Risk of gas crisis as Iran launches missiles at US military bases June 23, 2025 Iran has launched a barrage of missiles at US military bases in Qatar, in response to America’s bombing raids over the weekend. City analysts have been on high alert over the potential economic fallout, with a warning that gas prices could more than double if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is blocked. Analysts fear [...]