The UK government nationalized British Steel, previously owned by China's Jingye Group, 15 months after intervening to prevent its closure. China's Ministry of Commerce expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating the move severely undermines Chinese companies' confidence in UK investment and threatens legal action.
British Steel's Scunthorpe plant, employing 2,700 people, has been taken into public ownership by the UK government after years of financial losses and a threat of closure by China's Jingye Group. The move aims to protect jobs and the UK's virgin steel production capability, despite China's opposition and Jingye seeking compensation.
A consortium of Thames Water's creditors, London & Valley Water (L&VW), is open to greater public control but not ownership, while preparing for a multi-billion pound legal battle. This follows reports that incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham may temporarily nationalise the company, which serves 16 million customers.
Telstra's recent network failure, mirroring Optus's in 2025, underscores Australia's policy prioritizing competition over essential service reliability. The article argues for a national essential services network (ESN) for resilience.
Telstra's recent network failure, mirroring Optus's 2025 incident, has reignited debate over Australia's telecommunications policy. The article argues that prioritizing competition over essential service reliability, a legacy of 1990s reforms, has led to patchy networks and service failures, including for triple zero calls. A call for a national essential services network (ESN) is made.
Vienna maintains housing affordability through a century-old social housing model, owning 220,000 flats and subsidizing 200,000 more, accommodating half its population. Unlike other systems, it includes middle-income residents, preventing segregation and lowering upfront rental costs.
As Andy Burnham eyes the role of UK Prime Minister, campaigners and advisors are pushing for public ownership of essential utilities like water and energy. The debate intensifies with Thames Water's ongoing crisis, raising questions about nationalization costs, regulation, and private investment.
Andy Burnham's vision for 'stronger public control' over water and energy faces complexities. While Welsh Water's not-for-profit model offers insights, its performance is mixed. Nationalizing large utilities like Thames Water or energy firms presents significant financial and operational hurdles, suggesting a pragmatic approach focusing on enhanced local authority involvement may be more feasible.
Andy Burnham's allies are discussing a potential 10-year plan for public ownership of utilities, starting with Thames Water. Other proposals include cost of living support, greater devolution of power to regional leaders, and reforms to the parliamentary "whipping" system and voting.
Andy Burnham's allies are discussing a potential 10-year plan for public ownership of utilities, starting with Thames Water. Other proposals include cost of living support, greater devolution of power to regional leaders, reforms to MP 'whipping' systems, and potential electoral reform.
The UK government is continuing its nationalisation of major rail operators, with Govia Thameslink becoming the eleventh to return to public ownership. This move aims to make railways more reliable and affordable, ending a privatised system criticized for fragmentation and profit focus. A new state-controlled company, Great British Railways, is set to manage infrastructure and services.
UK Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds opposes a £10bn rescue plan for Thames Water, citing undue burden on consumers. The plan, which would see creditors take over the company, faces criticism for 15 years of underperformance and pollution. Calls for nationalisation are growing.
UK ministers have objected to Thames Water's proposed £10bn rescue deal, raising concerns about consumer and environmental protection. This move increases the likelihood of the water company falling into a special administration regime, a form of temporary public ownership, as it struggles with billions in debt and infrastructure issues.
UK Environment Secretary has reportedly objected to a £10bn rescue plan for Thames Water, citing undue burden on consumers. The plan involves creditors injecting cash and taking over the company, potentially avoiding fines for sewage leaks. This development pushes the troubled utility closer to public ownership.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders and Trump administration officials to discuss public ownership in AI companies, reflecting bipartisan interest in AI regulation despite differing approaches.
A rescue deal for Thames Water is at risk due to uncertainty over the UK's next Prime Minister. Creditors led by Elliott Management are negotiating with ministers, but potential successor Andy Burnham's stance on public ownership could derail the agreement.
Keir Starmer’s plan for full state ownership marks latest chapter in Scunthorpe plant’s troubled historyFull nationalisation of British Steel expected in king’s speechNils Pratley: More questions than answers on the futureFour queens – blast furnaces named after Anne, Bess (Elizabeth), Victoria and Mary – loom over the British Steel works at Scunthorpe. Within days the queens could be under public ownership, after Keir Starmer on Monday promised legislation to nationalise the plant.“Strong nations in a world like this need to make steel,” Starmer said on Monday in a speech. The prime minister was hoping decisive action would fend off challenges to his leadership. Continue reading...
Train operator will become 11th national service returned to public ownership since Labour was elected in 2024Great Western Railway will be nationalised in December, the government has announced.The train service has been in private hands for 30 years, mainly run by First Group. Continue reading...
