UK eyes higher NHS drug prices amid U.S. pharma pressure
The UK government is reportedly prepared to allow higher NHS medicine prices to defuse U.S. threats of 100 percent tariffs on branded drugs. The shift comes as pharmaceutical firms
Russell Group turns to public policy veteran for next phase of university lobbying
Thomas Edwards | 21st January 2026 | Lobbying, Uncategorised
The Russell Group has picked Professor Libby Hackett, an Australia based public policy specialist, as its next chief executive, handing the UK’s most influential research university lobby to a leader with deep experience in government facing policy work and sector politics.
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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
EU Pushes Up Timeline to Drop Russian Oil Imports
The European Commission is preparing to accelerate the exit from Russian oil, gas, and fossil fuel imports ahead of its prior 2028 deadline. Pressure from the United States
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.
Nadine Dorries Joins Reform UK on Eve of Conference
Nadine Dorries, former Conservative culture secretary, has defected to Reform UK just ahead of its Birmingham conference. Seen as the most high-profile Tory defection yet, her join strengthens
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.
Trump and Putin to meet in Alaska over Ukraine war
Donald Trump will meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska on 15 August to discuss ending the Ukraine war, including potential territorial swaps. Ukraine and European leaders reject any agreement
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
