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Boost for British consumers and Developing Countries

Boost for British consumers and Developing Countries as UK launches new trade measures.   New measures will make it easier for developing countries to trade, supporting jobs and economic growth in the UK overseas.  

Plastic pollution treaty: business roundtable statement

A statement of ambition on upcoming plastic pollution treaty negotiations signed by leading businesses and financial institutions.   On 24 June 2025 Defra held a roundtable ahead of the second part of the fifth session of negotiations to agree a global plastics treaty (INC-5.2).  

English Landmark Devolution Bill brings new dawn of regional power

English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill delivers on manifesto commitment to de-centralise power and ignite regional growth with powers for mayors.   Ambition for all regions to take the reins in driving growth receives its biggest boost as the landmark English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is introduced to Parliament [Thursday 10th July].  

Economic activity and social change in the UK real-time indicators 10 July 2025

Overall retail footfall increased by 1% in the week to 6 July 2025 compared with the previous week and increased by 4% when compared with the equivalent week of 2024; high street footfall saw the biggest increase when compared with the equivalent week of 2024 at 5%, while retail park and shopping centre footfall increased by 3% and 2% respectively (MRI OnLocation).   Total Revolut debit card expenditure increased by 2% in the week to 6 July 2025 compared with the previous week and increased by 14% when compared with the equivalent week of 2024 (Revolut).  

UK trade May 2025

The value of goods imports increased by £0.6 billion (1.2%) in May 2025, with a rise in imports from both EU and non-EU countries.   The value of goods exports increased by £0.6 billion (2.2%) in May 2025, with an increase in exports to both EU and non-EU countries.  

Northwood Declaration UK-France joint nuclear statement

Statement by the United Kingdom and the French Republic on Nuclear Policy and Cooperation - July 2025.   The President of the French Republic and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom reaffirm their longstanding and resolute commitment to nuclear cooperation.  

Construction output in Great Britain May 2025

Monthly construction output is estimated to have fallen by 0.6% in May 2025; this follows three consecutive periods of growth, including an increase of 0.8% in April 2025.   The decrease in monthly output in May 2025 came solely from a decrease in repair and maintenance (2.1% fall), as new work increased by 0.6%.  

Is the UK state pension safe, or will it vanish?

Will you still get a UK state pension when you retire? With means testing, cuts and even abolition on the table, many are worried — and rightly so.   In this video, I break down the risks, what recent surveys show, and how it could damage the whole economy if the pension system collapses..  

Work begins at state-of-the-art weather centre headquarters

Construction has begun on a new cutting-edge facility for meteorological research and forecasting, marked by a breaking ground ceremony.   The event took place (July 9 2025) at the site of the new headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading's Whiteknights Campus, led by Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.  

Government sets out reforms to create a fair, secure, affordable and efficient electricity system

Government confirms reforms to the national pricing electricity market that will create a fairer, cheaper, more secure, and more efficient energy system.   Government puts fairness and affordability at the centre of electricity market reform to deliver system that puts working people first.