Helen Rush

A recent study by the Global Carbon Project reveals that global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have reached an all-time high in 2024. The report indicates that carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels have increased by 0.8% compared to the previous year, totalling an estimated 37.4 billion tonnes. Additionally, emissions from land-use changes are projected at 4.2 billion tonnes, leading …

Minecraft enthusiasts are in for a treat as the beloved game is set to transition from the digital realm to real-life theme park attractions. Mojang Studios, the developer behind Minecraft, has entered into a significant partnership with Merlin Entertainments, the operator of renowned theme parks such as Legoland and Madame Tussauds. This collaboration, valued at £85 million (approximately €102 million), …

The climate negotiations at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, have descended into chaos, particularly on Saturday afternoon, casting significant doubt on the possibility of reaching an agreement on climate finance, a central issue on the agenda. The conference was initially scheduled to conclude on Friday afternoon, but intense negotiations continued through Friday night and Saturday …

The government is actively considering a ban on social media for individuals under the age of 16, a measure aimed at protecting children from the myriad harms associated with online content. Technology Minister Peter Kyle has made it clear that all options are being evaluated, but he emphasized the need for more robust evidence to inform any final decision. During …

The UK’s Labour government has made employment a cornerstone of its economic growth strategy, recognizing the significant social costs associated with unemployment and aiming to increase employment by approximately two million people. To achieve this ambitious goal, the government has allocated £240 million for reforms focused on restructuring the Jobcentre and addressing health-related inactivity. A critical concern for the government …

The UK’s ambitious goal of transitioning to 100% “green” energy by the end of this decade has hit a significant snag. This lofty aspiration, once a cornerstone of the Labour Party’s environmental pledges, has been significantly watered down. Just six months into their term and faced with a budget deficit of tens of billions of pounds, the reality check has …

In the UK, the latest government proposals for salary increases in the public sector for the 2025-26 period have sparked intense debates and criticism from various professional groups. The government has recommended a 5.5% to 6% pay increase for many public sector workers, including teachers, NHS employees, and senior government officials, although some reports suggest a figure as low as …

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging families in Great Britain to submit their applications for Child Benefit promptly, highlighting the benefits of the new digital platform in accelerating the payment process. However, HMRC has warned that some payments may be delayed due to the holiday season. The introduction of the digital application system has been well-received by parents, with …

The possibility of the UK rejoining the EU’s Erasmus student exchange program has been a topic of discussion, particularly as it could be a component of Keir Starmer’s strategy to enhance post-Brexit relations with the EU. There is growing pressure for the UK to re-enter the Erasmus programme, which was replaced by the national Turing Scheme after Brexit. Proponents of …

The plight of households using prepayment meters (PPM) for their energy needs has been highlighted by leading poverty groups, who warn that these families are often overlooked, particularly in the context of government decarbonisation plans. According to the Resolution Foundation, households relying on PPMs are disproportionately affected by high energy prices, especially during the winter months when energy consumption is …