UK Government to Nationalise British Steel Amid Concerns
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announced plans to fully nationalise British Steel, confirming that new legislation will be introduced to facilitate this move. This decision follows the government's operational control of the Scunthorpe steelworks from its Chinese owner, Jingye Group, in April 2025, amid concerns over the company's financial viability and the potential closure of its blast furnaces. The cost of supporting British Steel is projected to reach £615 million by June, with the nationalisation subject to a public interest test assessing factors such as national security and economic support.
Nearly 200 Russian-linked vessels enter UK waters
Nearly 200 vessels linked to Russia have entered UK waters since Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the government's ability to board sanctioned ships, according to an analysis by BBC Verify. Specifically, 184 UK-sanctioned vessels made 238 journeys through UK waters, with at least 94 instances of these ships briefly crossing into UK territorial waters. The UK government has stated it is working to disrupt and deter these 'shadow fleet' vessels, which are designed to evade sanctions on Russian oil exports.
Labour MPs Push for Starmer Resignation Timetable
Labour MP Catherine West has initiated efforts to gather support for a timetable for Sir Keir Starmer's resignation and the election of a new leader in September, following disappointing local election results that saw Labour lose nearly 1,500 councillors. Currently, at least 72 Labour MPs have called for Starmer to resign or outline a departure timetable, while six ministerial aides have resigned after publicly urging for his resignation. Despite this pressure, Starmer has stated he will not quit and aims to prove his critics wrong.
Twenty-four English universities face insolvency risk
The Education Select Committee has warned that 24 universities in England are at risk of insolvency within the next year, urging the UK government to implement urgent protections for students. Helen Hayes MP, chair of the committee, emphasized the need for an early warning system and a clear protocol for responding to potential insolvencies, which could include options like mergers or orderly exits. The report highlights the significant financial pressures facing the higher education sector, which have already led to job cuts and course closures.
