Government Seizes Control of British Steel in Emergency Move
In a dramatic turn of events, the UK government has taken control of the Chinese-owned British Steel plant in Scunthorpe. The emergency move, passed through Parliament in a rare Saturday sitting, was prompted by fears the plant’s owner, Jingye, was planning to shut down its two blast furnaces—an act that would have ended primary steel production in the UK.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that nationalisation of the plant is now the likely next step. The takeover is expected to safeguard approximately 2,700 jobs. Government officials are already on-site to oversee operations.
Election Betting Scandal: 15 Charged Including Former MP
Fifteen individuals have been charged in a major election betting scandal involving bets placed on the timing of the 2024 general election. Among those charged is former Conservative MP Craig Williams, who previously served as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary.
The Gambling Commission announced the charges under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, which includes the criminal offence of cheating. Other high-profile names charged include Russell George, Tory Senedd member for Montgomeryshire, and two senior Conservative Party officials: Chief Data Officer Nick Mason and Chief Marketing Officer Simon Chatfield.
While the Metropolitan Police had dropped their investigation in 2024 citing insufficient evidence of misconduct in public office, the Commission has moved forward with prosecutions, reigniting political controversy.
Wealth Exodus: London Falls Down Global Millionaire Rankings
London has seen a sharp decline in its super-rich population, according to a new report by New World Wealth, commissioned by Henley & Partners. The city has lost 11,300 millionaires in the past year alone, second only to Moscow globally.
The capital is now one of only two cities in the global top 50 to have fewer millionaires than a decade ago. Contributing factors include the scrapping of non-dom tax status, rising taxes, economic instability, and the weakening pound.
Since 2014, London has lost 12% of its richest residents, including two billionaires and 18 centimillionaires (those with over $100 million in investable assets). Despite the decline, it still houses over 215,000 millionaires—more than any other European city.
Debate Over School Phone Ban: Leave It to Headteachers, Says Children’s Commissioner
England’s Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has spoken out against a nationwide ban on mobile phones in schools, suggesting that the decision should remain in the hands of headteachers.
A government-commissioned survey found that 90% of secondary schools already restrict or ban phones. However, Dame Rachel believes the focus should be on what children do at home, where screen time is most excessive.
A separate poll revealed:
- 69% of children spend more than two hours a day on a device
- 23% spend more than four hours daily
Dame Rachel urged parents to support schools and take responsibility, stating,
“Parents have to remember they are not the friends of their children… they are there to protect them and put boundaries around them.”
State Pension Boost for Over 12 Million Pensioners
UK pensioners are receiving a welcome financial uplift as new State Pension rates came into effect on April 6. Under the government’s “triple lock” guarantee, pensions have risen by 4.1%, driven by last year’s wage growth figures.
- New State Pension: £230.25 per week (up from £221.20)
- Old Basic State Pension: £176.45 per week (up from £169.70)
The increase affects over 12 million people across the UK and aims to help retirees cope with rising living costs.
High Street Woes Continue: More Store Closures in April
Retail chains continue to shutter outlets amid growing financial pressures. April will see closures from major names like WHSmith, Aldi, and others, as high street struggles persist.
Many businesses are citing increased National Insurance costs, high energy bills, and rising commercial rent as reasons for downsizing. The first quarter of 2025 has already seen multiple closures, including fashion retailers New Look and Select Fashion.
Industry experts warn that without government intervention or market recovery, the trend could accelerate in the coming months.