Capital, not computing, is the enemy of progress
After decades of developments in computing laboratories, artificial intelligence has broken through into the mainstream. Is this good news or bad?
News/Views
Copper. The metal we can't do without
With the transition from traditional sources of energy to all-electric, Britain’s security of supply is in question as never before. And with it, the issue of national self-reliance…
Respect FE - deal with skill shortages
Turn on the news or read the newspaper and you hear “skills shortage”, and “shortage occupation list” for legal migration. But why is there a skills shortage and what is the national plan for addressing it?
Parasitic capitalism - who needs it?
Asset management companies live off the wealth created by others. They buy not to produce things of use, but to profit from squeezing the assets or selling them on…
The future has to be nuclear
Electricity is vital for modern life, whatever contribution from other renewable energy sources, nuclear power will continue to be an effective way to provide it for the foreseeable future…
Materials matter
We live in a material world in more senses than one. In fact, our modern world depends as much on sand and rock as it does on technology…
US bases in Britain
Once again, the US is seeking to make even greater use of its bases in Britain. And once again, opposition is building…
Skills qualifications confusion
27 December 2023
Constant changes to skills qualifications have added to the pressure on further education. Political interference creates nothing but confusion.
Off the rails and onto the roads
27 December 2023
The fallout from the government strategy to switch investment from rail to road continues. It prefers promoting autonomous cars to developing rail and other public transport.
Overseas voters sought: an attack on democracy
27 December 2023
From January people who have left Britain will be allowed to vote in elections here, for life. This will allow people living abroad to influence what happens here.
Fishing quotas for 2024 agreed
27 December 2023
Britain still has to deal with the EU over fishing quotas. The latest agreement, the fourth since leaving the EU, sees further progress.
Much done – but far more to do
Workers have made remarkable progress in the past year in asserting the interests of the class. Yet in 2024 we need to do more.