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…
News/Views
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The National Library of Scotland has rescinded its controversial decision to exclude the book The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht from its Dear Library exhibition.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.
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.