Rachel Reeves bets the house on 60,000 new bricklayers to help jumpstart economy

MPs are set to receive a 2.8% pay rise, increasing their wages to nearly £94,000, as stated by Ipsa. This move has sparked criticism as it coincides with proposed cuts to benefits for disabled individuals. Ipsa defended the increase, citing alignment with government pay recommendations for public sector workers and promising further consultation on MPs' pay in the future. Full Article

Unofficial sites charging high fees for UK Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) have been misleading applicants, with some paying up to £80 when the official site charges only £10. The UK government has advised using the official site and warned against falling for unofficial sites that appear on Google searches. If you've already paid the unofficial site, it may be difficult to get a refund, but contacting the company and your local European Consumer Centre organization...

Sir Keir Starmer has cautioned that the government is seeking to make widespread savings ahead of the spring statement, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson discussing potential budget cuts on BBC Radio 5 Live. While Johnson emphasized no plans to change fundamental principles, the government aims to operate more efficiently by exploring AI and technology. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced 10,000 civil service job cuts, drawing criticism from unions like the Public and Commercial Services union...

The Delta Works is a system of dams, sluices, locks, dikes, and storm surge barriers developed to protect the Netherlands from flooding, following the devastating North Sea Flood of 1953. Key components such as the Oosterscheldekering and Zeeland Bridges work together to regulate water levels and mitigate flood risks, showcasing groundbreaking engineering innovations that harmonize with natural ecosystems. Sustainable practices, including the use of local materials and habitat restoration, ensure that the Delta Works not...

Industry bosses in England predict that the average cost of a pint of beer will rise to over £5 due to cost hikes hitting the sector in April. Pub sector experts anticipate that prices will need to increase to cover higher labour costs and keep venues operating. The British Beer and Pub Association projects a 21p increase in the average pint price from £4.80 to £5.01, with additional cost increases related to last October's budget...

Keir Starmer praised his relationship with Donald Trump, but just hours later, the US President's envoy criticized the UK PM's Ukraine peace plan as "simplistic" and based on a misguided view of Russian intentions. Steve Witkoff, leading ceasefire negotiations, also expressed admiration for Putin and dismissed the idea of a "coalition of the willing" as unnecessary due to Nato's presence. Sir Keir defended his positive view of Trump, despite the UK being pressured to criticize...