Precision breeding
A big question hovering over the planned Sanitary and Phytosanitary Strategy is what’s going to happen with so-called precision breeding...
News/Views
The real university challenge: debt
Many of Britain’s universities are sliding deeper and deeper into debt. Yet, instead of looking for solid foundations, they are calling for yet more dependence on the volatile global market for international students…
‘Super university’ – or not?
In September, the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent announced a plan to create a new “trailblazing” multi-university.
Go nuclear!
A new book sets out the case for nuclear power as the key energy source and the consequences of ignoring its potential…
The census: knowing the nation
To run a nation you need to know about who lives within. Otherwise you can’t govern the economy or health, and much else besides…
Doctors fighting for a future
31 October 2025
Doctors will be on strike for 6 days in November over unemployment and lack of training opportunities, unless the government resumes talks in good faith. The BMA ballot result showed strong support for the action.
EU threat to steelmaking
The EU has announced steel tariffs of up to 50 per cent on steel imports, including those from Britain.
Universities in dispute
All over Britain university workers are dealing with the consequences of the current funding crisis in the sector.
Danger for British pharma
A leading scientist has warned that the pharmaceutical industry in Britain is under threat.
Censorship climbdown in Scotland
The National Library of Scotland has rescinded its controversial decision to exclude the book The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht from its Dear Library exhibition.
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.
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.