News

Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to push Britain into significantly stricter net zero commitments as part of negotiations to rejoin the EU’s internal electricity market, a move that has triggered accusations from critics that the government is surrendering control over UK energy policy. The Prime Minister and Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, are in talks with Brussels over closer alignment with the EU’s electricity trading system, which treats the bloc’s 27 member states and Norway...

British farmers are voicing growing anger after a sharp rise in Australian beef and lamb imports, which they say is undercutting domestic producers and putting further pressure on an already strained livestock sector. New figures show that beef imports from Australia have surged since the UK-Australia free-trade deal came into force in May 2023. Volumes jumped by almost 200 per cent in the first year of the agreement, rose a further 170 per cent last...

Poundland is preparing to draw on emergency funding after a disappointing Christmas trading period intensified concerns over the discount retailer’s recovery. The chain is set to tap a £30m overdraft facility provided by its former owner, Pepco, after festive footfall and sales fell short of expectations. The move follows a tough few months for the retailer, which was rescued in the summer by distressed investment specialist Gordon Brothers in a court-approved restructuring deal. Gordon Brothers...

A British parcel entrepreneur forged documents as part of a failed attempt to seize control of Yodel, according to a damning High Court judgment that brings fresh clarity to one of the most chaotic corporate battles in the UK logistics sector. Mr Justice Fancourt ruled that Jacob Corlett conspired with his mother, Tamara Gregory, to falsify share warrant documents in an effort to overturn Yodel’s sale to Polish courier group InPost. The judge said the...

Britain’s long and often spectacular history of mismanaged inventions, doomed projects and ill-fated ideas is finally getting its own cultural institution. Next spring, the internationally touring Museum of Failure will open in the UK, celebrating everything from grand design disasters to corporate overreach – all viewed through the lens of learning rather than ridicule. Its founder, Dr Samuel West, believes the UK is the exhibition’s natural home. Having toured the museum across Europe, the US...

Major sports events are not just thrilling spectacles; they are economic powerhouses. These events ripple through various industries, driving significant economic activity. The betting sector, in particular, sees a notable surge in activity during such times. Global sports events such as the FIFA World Cup play a pivotal role in the economy by attracting millions of spectators and participants. These gatherings ignite a flurry of activities across sectors like hospitality, tourism, and media. The betting...

Boxing Day sales are expected to deliver a £3.6 billion boost to UK retailers this year, around £1 billion less than in 2024, as cost-of-living pressures continue to weigh on household spending. The forecast comes from Barclays, which tracks nearly half of all credit and debit card transactions across the UK. The anticipated decline represents a blow to retailers during their all-important “golden quarter”, traditionally the most lucrative period of the year. Seven in ten...

British businesses are sharply reducing their public support for Pride, mirroring a broader retreat from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that has gathered pace in the United States. Analysis of corporate social media activity shows that references to Pride by some of the UK’s largest companies have fallen dramatically in the past two years. Mentions are down by more than 90 per cent since 2023, reflecting a shift in tone as companies respond to...