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.

Trade bodies and unions in the UK construction and engineering sectors have called on ministers to revise the government’s latest procurement reforms to strengthen standards and address what they describe as a persistent low price culture in public contracts.

The Welsh Government’s announcement of a 15 per cent business rates discount for pubs, restaurants, cafés and live music venues in Wales has prompted immediate reactions from the hospitality sector and business groups, who say the measure does not go far enough to protect struggling firms ahead of the 2026 to 27 financial year.

The UK Chamber of Shipping has hired former SEC Newgate accounts manager Harry Brown as public affairs manager to strengthen its engagement with government and policymakers.

Great British Energy appoints Dan McGrail as permanent chief executive as the publicly owned company moves from launch to delivery

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 energy imports. The broader crude build in U.S. stocks clouds the outlook but short-term stress is mounting.

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.

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 industry lawsuits. Regulatory fragmentation across states adds complexity. Surging investment in AI start‑ups continues despite economic concerns and mounting scrutiny.

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 parties differ on the strategy, but the petroleum sector remains central to the economy and Europe’s energy supply.

Pieter Cleppe reveals how Brussels lobbyists are behind the EU’s latest ‘Green Deal’