UNHCR slams UK plan for 30-year refugee settlement wait
The UN’s refugee agency says the UK’s plan to make some refugees wait up to 30 years for settlement raises significant concerns. Campaigners call it inhumane.
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Virgin Media O2 to cut thousands of jobs to reduce costs
Virgin Media O2 plans thousands of job cuts amid heavy debt and fierce competition. The union calls it ‘unsettling’ as the firm also weighs a major network deal with BT.
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Healey’s budget cuts put UK green heating targets at risk
Chancellor John Healey’s budget cuts have slashed funding for heat pump subsidies and other clean energy schemes, putting Britain’s green heating targets in jeopardy. Critics say the cuts dismantle Ed Miliband’s green agenda, while allies insist affordability remains the focus.
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Landline switchover could cut off remote areas in emergencies, MPs warn
MPs warn that switching off the UK’s traditional landline network could leave remote communities without emergency contact during power cuts. The government says digital services will be more reliable, but concerns remain about resilience.
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Healey’s military-style budget secrecy fails to stop leaks
John Healey’s defence-style budget secrecy was meant to stop leaks, but many measures still emerged early. The chancellor now sees the value in managing expectations.
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UK public responds calmly to Be Ready campaign, say experts
The UK’s new Be Ready campaign has been met with calm, not panic, say experts. Preppers report a surge in orders, but say the advice is sensible and proportionate.
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Labour approves Jackdaw gasfield despite climate criticism
The UK government has approved the Jackdaw gasfield east of Aberdeen, drawing fierce criticism from the Green Party. Labour says the move protects jobs and energy security, but opponents call it climate vandalism.
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North Sea strikes threaten UK fuel supplies, union warns
Unite says a 24-hour walkout by more than 160 rig workers could severely disrupt UK fuel supplies. The strike at five Apache platforms linked to the Forties Pipeline System is set to start Wednesday.
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UK food and drink exports to EU collapse by a third since Brexit
New NFU analysis shows UK food and drink exports to the EU have fallen by more than a third since Brexit, with sugar down 70% and poultry down 53%. Andy Burnham warns that a single missing stamp can destroy entire truckloads of produce.
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Labour’s Troubles bill aims to protect veterans from vexatious claims
The UK government has introduced amendments to the Northern Ireland Troubles legacy bill, aiming to protect veterans from vexatious investigations. Ministers say the changes will ensure a fair system for all those affected.
