End of talks ‘hugely concerning’ for farmers
The PM says it is time to “get ready” for trading arrangements with the EU to be “more like Australia’s” from 1 January. Downing Street’s warning that Brexit talks with the EU are “over” is “hugely concerning” for farmers, the president of a farming union has said. John Davies, from NFU Cymru, said farmers face […]
Monsanto ordered to pay $289m damages in Roundup cancer trial
AFP Crops are often treated with the herbicide glyphosate Chemical giant Monsanto has been ordered to pay $289m (£226m) damages to a man who claimed herbicides containing glyphosate had caused his cancer. In a landmark case, a Californian jury found that Monsanto knew its Roundup and RangerPro weedkillers were dangerous and failed to warn consumers. […]
Cancer ‘game-changer’ and ‘tears for Phil’
BBC The Daily Telegraph reports that a “secretive” unit set up by the government worked with social media companies to “curb critics” of lockdown policies during the pandemic. Ministers have denied asking for posts by certain people to be taken down. The government tells the paper that the unit is “focused on helping it understand […]
Cautious welcome for easing of NI restrictions
Getty Images There has been mixed reaction from business leaders and owners to the announcement that many Covid-19 restrictions will ease from next week onwards in Northern Ireland. Hairdressers and other close contact services, such as driving lessons, can resume from 23 April, the Stormont Executive has agreed. Indoor hospitality venues, including pubs and hotels, […]
Fish feed boss Anthony Smith admits £4.7m grants fraud
BBC Anthony Smith’s case was adjourned for sentence at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday A businessman has pleaded guilty to defrauding the EU and Welsh Government after claiming £4.7m in grants to develop an alternative to fish feed. The venture was supposed to create up to 120 jobs, but Anthony Smith, 72, created seven positions […]
UK ‘sleepwalking into disaster’ over border plans, hauliers warn
Rod McKenzie says the government should “act now before it’s too late” The UK is “sleepwalking into a disaster” over its border plans for the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December, road hauliers have warned. Groups representing truckers have written to ministers warning of “severe” disruption to supply chains. Rod McKenzie, from […]
How ‘miniature suns’ could provide cheap, clean energy
Emma Woollacott Technology of Business reporter Getty Images Our sun is a huge nuclear fusion reactor. Can we mimic its energy-making process on earth? We’re just five years away from harnessing almost unlimited power from “miniature suns”, some start-ups say: nuclear fusion reactors that could provide abundant, cheap and clean energy. In a world of […]
Norway Sami community fights for survival as temperatures rise
James Cook BBC News, Norway BBC Few places are experiencing the effects of climate change as vividly as the Arctic. Scientists say temperatures in the far north have risen by more than two degrees Celsius since the industrial revolution, twice the global average. BBC In Finnmark, on the northernmost tip of Norway, the changing climate […]
UK farmers sound alarm over Australia trade talks
Getty Images UK farmers have sounded the alarm over reports the government plans a trade deal with Australia that would make its food and farming imports cheaper. The move is being considered as part of a free trade pact with Australia the UK government hopes will be a springboard for similar pacts with other countries. […]
Two more hospital patients die in sandwich listeria outbreak
Science Photo Library Listeria monocytogenes bacteria Two more hospital patient deaths have been linked to an outbreak of listeria in pre-packed sandwiches and salads. Friday’s announcement from Public Health England (PHE) takes the number of confirmed cases from six to nine and the deaths from three to five. Last week PHE confirmed two patients from […]