Tag: Grant Shapps

UK Will Lead Nuclear ‘Renaissance,’ Says Shapps as Government Announces £157 Million in Grants

The UK will lead a “renaissance” on nuclear energy, Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps has promised, as the government offered grants of up to £157 million to several projects across the UK. Mr. Shapps announced on Tuesday the launch of Great British Nuclear (GBN), a new arm’s-length government body tasked to “drive rapid expansion of…


Nursing Union Calls for Double-Digit Pay Offer to Relaunch Talks

The trade union representing British nurses has called for a double-digit pay offer from the government and has threatened to strike again if the demand is not met. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) leader Pat Cullen urged Health Secretary Stephen Barclay to restart pay negotiations with a proposed…


UK Renewables Generated More Electricity Than Gas This Winter, Think Tank Claims

British-based renewables generated more electricity than gas this winter, an energy think tank has claimed. According to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), between Oct. 1, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2023, power generated by wind, hydro, and solar reached 47 terawatt hours (TWh), slightly exceeding the electricity generated by gas over the same period….


UK and US Vow to Bolster Energy Independence, End Reliance on Russian Energy

Britain and the United States have pledged to work together to bolster energy independence and help their European partners end reliance on Russian energy. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, European nations have reduced their imports of Russian oil and gas, leading to a shortage of supplies…


Former Prime Minister Truss Says She Was Not Given ‘Realistic Chance’ to Enact Tax-Cutting Policy

Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss has blamed the “very powerful economic establishment” for her failure to realise her low-tax, high-growth economic vision in her brief time in office. Truss was forced to quit as prime minister in October after just 49 days in Downing Street, as the financial markets were plunged into turmoil after…


Anti-Strike Legislation Passes 1st Hurdle in UK Parliament

The UK government’s anti-strike legislation has cleared its first hurdle in Parliament, as the country suffers from continuing disruptions amid a wave of industrial action in the public sector. On Monday evening, MPs voted 309 to 249 to give the bill a second reading. It came just hours after the National Education Union (NEU) announced…


UK Trade Unions Claim Proposed Laws on Strikes Are ‘Undemocratic, Unworkable’

The new general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has described legislation to curb strikes—which was put before Parliament by the government on Tuesday—as “undemocratic, unworkable, and almost certainly illegal.” The new laws would force ambulance crews, firefighters, and railway workers to provide a minimum level of service during industrial action. Business Secretary Grant…


UK Anti-Strike Laws May Be Challenged Under European Rights Law, Say Lawyers

The UK government’s planned legislation to ensure “minimum safety levels” during strikes may be challenged under European human rights law and international labour conventions, employment lawyers have said. The government said on Thursday that it will introduce a bill in Parliament in the coming weeks to ensure that vital public services will have to maintain…


UK Unveils Anti-Strike Legislation Requiring ‘Minimum Safety Levels’ During Industrial Action

The UK government has announced new legislation to ensure “minimum safety levels” in the most crucial sectors when industrial action takes place. In a statement released on Thursday, the government said it will “always protect the ability to strike,” but it must be “balanced with the public’s right to life and livelihoods.” The government has…


More Rail Strikes ‘Very Likely,’ UK Union Boss Warns

A British trade union boss has said it is “very likely” to see more rail strikes as the government and train operators have been unable to satisfy the unions’ demands. The UK’s rail network has been paralysed yet again on Saturday after tens of thousands of members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and…