Fresh plans for a strategic link road between the A66 and the A1(M) in County Durham have been published, marking a significant step forward for the long-awaited infrastructure project. The Darlington Northern Link Road is designed to divert heavy goods vehicles and commuter traffic away from the A1150 and A167, reducing congestion in residential areas of north Darlington.

New TUC survey findings published today reveal 8 in 10 workers have experienced abuse at work in the past year. 45% of surveyed workers have experienced threats of physical harm in the last 12 months. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak says “ministers must prioritise HSE funding to keep workers safe”.

Landmark new public opinion research published by the Institute of Economic Affairs has found that the British public overwhelmingly supports economic growth. Eighty-seven per cent say the country should focus more on growth, with just 9% saying the country is already wealthy enough.

Equity markets rally after US and Iran agree a two-week ceasefire with FTSE 100 opening up 1.5%. UK Gas prices fall sharply but still remain a third higher as Shell forecasts a cut to gas production in the first quarter. Brent Crude initially falls sharply, as Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen but has been rising again. Inflationary pressures still remain, given energy costs are still significantly higher compared to before the outbreak of war. There are warnings that the jet fuel squeeze will continue for months even if there’s a longer-term agreement.

Average car commute costs £2,228 per year, with rising fuel, maintenance and parking costs Bus travel could save commuters over £1,100 annually while reducing stress and improving journey time use Stagecoach highlights affordable, flexible travel options across Cumbria and Lancashire

Eight years ago, Luke Pentith and Jess Slater were making 30 bottles at a time in a tiny utility room. Today, they are inviting people to be part of the next chapter. Whitby Distillery has opened pre-registration for a new £200,000 crowdfunding round on Seedrs, which will help complete the final stage of its new distillery beside Whitby Abbey, which is scheduled to open in April next year.

The TUC and Hope Not Hate have published new polling which shows that Reform are “massively out of step” with the British public on workers’ rights. Reform announced last month that it would introduce a Great Repeal Bill to axe Labour’s Employment Rights Act.

Ahead of the local elections on 7 May, new research commissioned by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) with Ipsos reveals that the majority of the public think proposed new electoral reforms could have a positive effect on turnout.

Today’s data from the Office for National Statistics showed that annual rate of CPI inflation holding at 3.0% in February 2026. The outlook for inflation has changed markedly. The hit to global energy supply so far from events in the Middle East has been profound and the warnings from the International Energy Agency over its “unprecedented” nature are stark.

Government tells HS2 Ltd to consider options that could save billions and bring the railway into service sooner. The ongoing review will consider how to get passengers on trains sooner and deliver some of the fastest high-speed trains in Europe. Scheme supports national renewal – with delivery focusing on increased capacity, reliable trains with increased frequency whilst supporting thousands of jobs and adding billions to the economy.