News

A survey by the Parents Association reveals that 62% of parents oppose introducing mandatory "Religion and Orthodox Christianity" education, with the majority prioritizing other more pressing educational issues. Only 10% of respondents believe that lack of religious education is a significant issue for schools.

The UK's official company register contracted at the end of 2024, marking the first recorded decline since 2012. This decrease is attributed to stricter policing of the register, the ongoing economic squeeze, and rising tax and administrative burdens, leading some entrepreneurs to remain sole traders.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham propose a "Northern Arc" spanning from the River Mersey to the Pennines, aiming to replicate the success of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc and drive economic growth in the North West. This ambitious plan includes a new Liverpool-Manchester railway, projected to generate significant economic benefits and create thousands of jobs.

UK farmers face stagnant incomes despite increased productivity, with sharp falls in farm produce prices and limited bargaining power cited as key drivers. The Food, Farming and Countryside Commission recommends adopting core standards in trade deals and establishing a new food market regulator to address these challenges.

Liverpool-based Delta Taxis and Cardiff-based Veezu seek to raise £500,000 through crowdfunding to support their legal battle against Uber regarding VAT charges on private-hire fares outside London. The Supreme Court's decision in July could significantly impact smaller operators and increase fare prices by at least 20 percent.