Boris Johnson’s green energy revolution could spell the end of gas boilers in new homes from 2025 as the Government aims to replace them with hydrogen and heat pumps. Business Secretary Alok Sharma today published the Government’s long-awaited Energy white paper which provides a road map for achieving net zero emissions by the middle of the … Read more
The battle to defuse the biggest public health crisis for a century by rolling out a mass vaccination campaign was entrusted to a crack team of world-class experts led by a decorated Army bomb disposal expert. Lieutenant Colonel Nick Elliott, a former combat and bomb disposal engineer in the first Gulf War, the Balkans and … Read more
A London council has accused the Government of telling it to ‘back off’ from forcing supermarkets to make sure customers are wearing face masks. Four retailers, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Morrisons and B&M homeware stores, were handed warning notices by Barking and Dagenham council in east London after officials saw staff failing to enforce the rules. After … Read more
Space debris — detritus orbiting Earth from satellites — is a growing problem which threatens the future of human space exploration. To tackle this issue, the Business Secretary Alok Sharma has announced £1million in funding, via the UK Space Agency (UKSA), for seven space-cleaning programmes. Astronomers are concerned that high-value craft in low-Earth orbit, such … Read more
Michael Gove played a key role in forcing through the rule of six at Covid cabinet meeting – and has ‘been consistently on the side of the toughest approach’, says source Gove faced opposition from Rishi Sunak, Alok Sharma and Grant Shapps Senior Tories believe the rule of six is too draconian and is opposed … Read more
British workers are the most reluctant to return to the office because of fears of a second wave of coronavirus, a new study has found. It comes as Business Secretary Alok Sharma said he is hoping workers will return to offices soon and make cities ‘vibrant again’. A survey of 8,000 adults from eight countries … Read more
Tory rebels sink plan to ease Sunday trading laws to help retailers recover from the coronavirus lockdown Government had considered plans to increase Sunday trading hours for shops However, backbenchers rebelled and saw it cut from Business and Planning Bill The move had received support from Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson It was hoped … Read more
Tory MPs rebel as ministers rebuff ‘vital’ £1.3bn lagoon plan that could provide a huge post-Covid jobs boost The government blocked plans for a £1.3billion tidal power scheme in the UK Backbench MPs believe the six tidal lagoons can help kickstart the economy Project in Swansea was rejected as it was felt it did not … Read more
Laws to protect struggling British firms from takeovers by foreign companies are to be introduced by Ministers following a series of political rows over the expansionist ambitions of Chinese business. The legislation will give Business Secretary Alok Sharma extra powers to impose conditions on deals to protect key UK firms that have been left vulnerable by … Read more
Britain’s embattled high streets can spring back to life from Monday as the Government tonight gave the final go-ahead for shops to reopen. Business Secretary Alok Sharma confirmed that all non-essential retailers will be allowed to lift their shutters on June 15 as expected. The move will provide a lifeline for businesses and workers who … Read more