Oil’s Climb Tightens the Noose on Energy-Importers
Oil prices rose after stock drawdowns at U.S. hubs and a cautious OPEC+ output increase. The gains add inflationary pressure and squeeze fiscal policy in nations reliant on
Leading energy trade body calls for permanent tax regime
Thomas Edwards | 12th February 2026 | Lobbying, Trade Associations
The Offshore Energies UK (OEUK, the leading trade association for the UK’s offshore energy industry association has issued an open letter to the government calling for a permanent tax regime to be implemented by 2026 to prevent further “deterioration” of the offshore energy sector.
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Mega‑mergers are surging in 2025, with Q3 deal values exceeding $1 trillion. Big names include Union Pacific’s $85 billion rail deal, Synopsys acquiring Ansys, and the creation of Paramount Skydance.
Resolution Foundation urges £6bn tax burden on pensioners via income tax shift
Labour‑aligned Resolution Foundation proposes shifting a 2p cut in employee National Insurance to income tax, targeting pensioners, landlords and self‑employed to raise £6bn. The plan aims to avoid
Workers’ rights bill becomes frontline as Rayner resignation sparks union–business confrontation
Labour’s Employment Rights Bill is under pressure after Angela Rayner’s exit. Unions accuse Starmer of weakening core pledges like fire and rehire and day-one rights.
AI Industry Expands Political Footprint Amid Legal Storm
The AI sector has escalated political spending through lobbying and a new Pro‑AI Super PAC as elections near. Firms face legal pressures, including a wrongful death case and
Norway Climbs Further on Oil and Gas
Norway is ramping up investment in oil and gas even amid green energy expansion. Output continues to exceed expectations, with new licensing rounds and record field development. Political
UK Borrowing Costs and Sterling Slide as Budget Pressure Builds
UK long‑term borrowing costs have surged to their highest since 1998, with 30‑year gilt yields near 5.7 per cent. Sterling has slumped about 1 per cent against the dollar.
Driving the Net-Zero Agenda
Pieter Cleppe reveals how Brussels lobbyists are behind the EU’s latest ‘Green Deal’
UK summit mobilises private finance for nature restoration
At Lancaster House, the UK government, royal sponsorship and global investors unveiled a summit to mobilise private finance behind UN biodiversity goals. The event launched new commitments on
Business‑backed think tanks are emeding themselves in UK politics
Business‑backed think tanks are rapidly increasing their influence on UK policy through private donor funding, campaign papers and advisory roles. They impact areas from net zero infrastructure to
