Bus drivers pay victory
Strike action by bus drivers across Greater Manchester has led to a 12 per cent increase in pay over two years.
News/Views
Cement industry in crisis
31 October 2025
We hear a great deal from government ministers about growth: in housing, infrastructure, construction and so on. This would need a vast amount of concrete – but there’s a problem.
Energy levies rising
31 October 2025
The Labour government, and energy minister Ed Miliband in particular, claimed that renewable energy would reduce electricity prices. Things are not turning out that way.
Critical minerals – still no action
31 October 2025
Last year the Labour government acknowledged the need for a critical minerals strategy. It said a new strategy would be ready in the spring. But there’s no sign of it – and the delay is damaging Britain’s industrial interests.
US company walks away
31 October 2025
A major rare earths refining company, Pensana, which had intended since 2017 to set up processing at the Saltend Chemicals Park near Hull, has decided to invest in the US instead.
Government ramps up powers
31 October 2025
The government plans to “crack down on fraud” by introducing new legislation which includes powers to access private bank accounts. This authoritarian move is being criticised.
Government head in the clouds
31 October 2025
Labour government promises of transforming the civil service may be going the same way as many earlier attempts. But this time in addition they seem to have fallen for the charms of big tech companies.
Airport sale – bad news
31 October 2025
London City Airport is now effectively under the control of investment giant Macquarie. In October the Australian-based multinational group moved to acquire 50 per cent of the business just four months after an initial 25 per cent stake.
National Park calls for water action
31 October 2025
The disgraceful state of our rivers and lakes is due to lack of investment by the profit-oriented owners. The South Downs National Park has called for drastic action to improve the health of rivers and lakes in its area.
Nord Stream and the war in Ukraine
31 October 2025
In September 2022, three of the four pipelines connecting Germany and Russia were blown up. At the time this was blamed on Russia, which had invaded Ukraine a few months earlier. That may not be the case.
Universities: free speech
30 October 2025
New laws protect the freedom of speech at universities in England. This is necessary because too many bodies have actively promoted constraints on academic freedom.
Retail: Shops, not stalls
A campaign is developing in Wanstead, in North-East London, to save its High Street.