Author: staff
Published on 22/01/2026 – 13:19 GMT+1 Donald Trump has dragged China into his blistering attacks against wind energy, describing nations that buy wind turbines as “stupid”. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos yesterday (21 January), the POTUS made several dubious claims about Greenland, NATO and renewable energy. Trump has consistently criticised the green energy drive, dubbing wind and solar as “the scam of the century” while keeping the US as the world’s biggest fossil fuel producer. Last year, the US administration suspended leases on all US offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns, and is currently embroiled…
After a weekend of will he or won’t he — Labour’s National Executive Committee decided to block Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election — but has this move just ignited a massive internal civil war? Sam and Anne reveal some of the details from the crucial NEC meeting – assessing how damaging the move could be and whether the argument to shut the door on Mr Burnham’s potential return to Westminster is robust enough. Away from the red-on-red infighting, the policing white paper is published and a significant decision looms on whether to freeze ground…
Published on 23/01/2026 – 7:00 GMT+1 Rising temperatures and increased human activity in the North Atlantic Ocean have triggered “abrupt changes” in marine ecosystems, particularly for whales. A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science has examined how climate change is impacting the diet of three rorqual whale species living in the Gulf of St Lawrence (GSL) – a seasonally important feeding area for many whales. Analysing 28 years of data, researchers found increases in resource partitioning among fin, humpback and minke whales. This is an ecological strategy where species divide resources such as food and habitat space to…
It seems impossible to have a conversation today without artificial intelligence (AI) playing some role, demonstrating the massive power of the technology. It has the potential to impact every part of business, and European policymakers are on board. In February 2025, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said, “We want Europe to be one of the leading AI continents … AI can help us boost our competitiveness, protect our security, shore up public health, and make access to knowledge and information more democratic.” Research from Nokia suggests that businesses share this enthusiasm and ambition: 84 percent of more…
Published on 23/01/2026 – 17:52 GMT+1 Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary could have quoted Frank Sinatra in response to Elon Musk calling him an “utter idiot” on X. In response, Ryanair boss launched a “Big Idiot” seat sale with cheap flights for Elon and all the other, quote, “idiots,” end quote. But away from the noise, how do their business models actually impact us? First, the environment. Ryanair’s fleet of more than 600 planes emitted over 16 million tonnes of CO2 last year. Then again, data centres for X and GrokAI are part of an industry that consumes so many resources…
Israel said on Sunday it was conducting a “large-scale operation” to locate the last hostage in Gaza, and that it would subsequently allow a “limited reopening” of the Rafah crossing between the Strip and Egypt once it recovered the remains. Over the weekend, US envoys had met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly pressing Israel to reopen the crossing. The return of the body of Israeli soldier Ran Gvili had been a remaining obstacle preventing Israel from doing so. The crossing, which was supposed to reopen in October as part of the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire, is a…
By AP with Euronews Published on 26/01/2026 – 8:03 GMT+1 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Sunday that his country has no intention of pursuing a free trade deal with China. He was responding to US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if America’s northern neighbour went ahead with a trade deal with Beijing. Carney said his agreement with China merely cuts tariffs on a few sectors that were recently hit with levies. Trump claims otherwise, posting on Truth Social: “China is successfully and completely taking over the once Great Country of…
Winemakers have been offered a glimmer of hope after losing one of the industry’s most important safety nets. Last year, France revoked approval of 19 copper-based fungicides that farmers heavily relied on to protect their harvest from mildew and mould. The products can no longer be bought or sold as of 15 January. After that, farmers have just one year to use up their remaining stocks. Food safety authority Anses says its decision was based on potential health risks for vineyard workers, despite arguments from the industry that toxic levels were never used. The EU has extended its copper use…
Foreign propaganda is not a new phenomenon. It dates back centuries and became more visible with the rise of mass media. It continues to evolve, adapting itself to the latest communication tools. The internet and social media have provided powerful new channels for international propaganda, including misinformation and disinformation. Russia has been accused in multiple cases, including interference in the US elections, and has increasingly become a common suspect across Europe as well. A recent Eurobarometer survey found that ‘foreign information manipulation, interference and disinformation, including in the context of elections’ are the second most serious challenge facing the EU.…
But TotalEnergies retains ties to fossil fuel trade with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Now, pro-Ukrainian campaigners and parliamentarians — including the Labour chair of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on Ukraine — want ministers to rule out its subsidiary from winning the new contract. In a letter to Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who oversees government procurement body the Crown Commercial Service, they warn that “continuing a contract with companies involved with Russia’s energy sector is inconsistent” with the U.K.’s repeatedly-touted goal of undermining Russia’s fossil fuel revenues, which are used to finance its war on Ukraine. “In view of escalating Russian hybrid attacks against the U.K., and ongoing brutal attacks across Ukraine, public sector procurement…