Energy grid £28bn upgrade to increase household bills

Major private equity-backed companies in the UK are reportedly failing to meet essential financial reporting guidelines established nearly two decades ago, according to the Private Equity Reporting Group (PERG). This non-compliance raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the sector.

The United States has proposed a new requirement for social media disclosure for visitors from visa-free countries, including the UK, France, and Australia. This change aims to enhance security measures and transparency regarding the online activities of foreign nationals entering the US.

Nu Quantum, a British startup focused on developing networking infrastructure for quantum computers, has successfully raised $60 million in a Series A funding round, marking one of the largest such rounds in the UK. This investment reflects growing confidence among investors in the potential of quantum technology.

A recent survey by Ofcom revealed that UK residents are spending an average of four hours and 30 minutes online daily in 2025, which is half an hour longer than during the pandemic. This increase highlights a shift in digital consumption patterns as people continue to adapt to a more online-centric lifestyle.

The Institute for Public Policy Research has indicated that the UK may soon see a reduction in the premium it pays to borrow compared to other major countries, as confidence in the government's fiscal strategy grows following Chancellor Rachel Reeves's autumn budget announcement. This budget aims to increase the UK's financial headroom significantly by 2030.

UK gilt yields have seen a slight decrease compared to other major economies, indicating a potential shift in the bond markets as Chancellor Rachel Reeves navigates fiscal challenges. Despite this drop, the UK still faces a significant premium on borrowing costs, with 10-year government gilt yields rising compared to US Treasury bonds and eurozone counterparts since the last general election.

Ofgem has approved early investment in three major electricity 'superhighways' in the UK, aimed at alleviating grid bottlenecks that prevent efficient electricity distribution during high generation periods, particularly from wind farms. This initiative is expected to reduce costs for consumers by minimizing the need to turn off wind farms when demand is low.

Thirteen Labour MPs voted in favor of initiating discussions on the UK potentially rejoining the EU customs union, as part of a bill proposed by the Liberal Democrats. The vote resulted in a tie, with 100 MPs supporting and 100 opposing the measure, highlighting a divided stance on this issue within Parliament.