News
What to expect from Reform UK in local government
With the dramatic success of Reform UK in the local elections on 1 May, attention must now turn to considering how they will run the local authorities they now control. Reform is a fairly new political party, and has never controlled a local authority executive before. On a national level, most who follow politics will now be familiar with their headline policies: support for lower immigration, opposition to diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives and scepticism towards climate change and net zero. However, Reform’s policies and procedures on a local level are much less clear. With Reform winning outright control of ten local authorities on 1 May, trying to predict how Reform will run the local authorities they control will be important to anyone who intends to engage with local authorities in the coming months and years.
UK Government Unveils Immigration White Paper to Curb Net Migration
On May 12, 2025, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer introduced a comprehensive Immigration White Paper aimed at significantly reducing net migration and strengthening the UK’s borders. The reforms are designed to prioritise high-skilled migrants, reduce dependence on overseas labour, and enhance border security measures.
UK Government Advances Sustainable Aviation Fuel Strategy with Revenue Certainty Mechanism
In a significant move to decarbonise the aviation sector, the UK Government has announced the introduction of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Revenue Certainty Mechanism. This initiative aims to provide financial stability for investors and producers in the SAF industry, encouraging the development of domestic production facilities and reducing reliance on imported fuels.
Is the UK Government Powering Up on Nuclear?
The UK Government is expected to announce its FID for Sizewell C, as well as funding for SMRs, before the June spending review. However, despite bold pledges, both current and previous Government action on nuclear has faced delays. With the Future of Energy Security Summit taking place last week, discussions around energy security and the UK’s future energy mix have featured heavily in the news. In this article, Brevia Energy reviews the latest considerations the Government faces in delivering its nuclear ambition, and how this fits into the Net Zero transition.
What Are the New Planning Reforms Announced by the UK Government?
On 23 April 2025, the UK Government announced significant reforms to the planning system aimed at expediting the delivery of major infrastructure projects. These changes, part of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, are designed to reduce delays and streamline processes for developments such as clean energy projects, reservoirs, and railway lines.
The 2025 local elections will be the most unpredictable ever
On 1 May 2025, elections will be held to elect councillors in 24 local authorities, and 6 mayors. With the collapse of the Conservatives and Labour in the polls and the rise of Reform, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party, the electorate has never been more fragmented. As a result, the results of the 2025 Local Elections will be very difficult to predict.
What Is the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill and Why Was It Introduced?
In a rare Saturday sitting (only the sixth such occasion since the Second World War), Parliament was recalled from Easter recess to pass the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill.
Heathrow Power Outage: Key Takeaways from the Transport Committee’s Inquiry
On 21 March 2025, Heathrow Airport experienced a significant power outage due to a fire at the North Hyde transformer substation, leading to extensive disruptions. The House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee held an oral evidence session on 2 April 2025 to investigate the incident, assess the response, and discuss future preventive measures, hearing from senior figures at Heathrow Airport, the National Grid, SSEN, and the Heathrow Airline Operators Committee.
Government Grants Development Consent for Lower Thames Crossing
The UK Government has officially granted development consent for the Lower Thames Crossing, a major infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Kent, Thurrock, and Essex. This decision marks a pivotal step in addressing longstanding transportation challenges in the southeast of England.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Delivers Spring Statement
In the first Spring Statement since her appointment as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at ushering in a ‘new era of security and national renewal’ for the United Kingdom. This plan focuses on bolstering economic growth, enhancing national security, and implementing significant reforms to public services and infrastructure.
Shaping the Future of CfDs: Key Reforms in AR7 Consultation
With the DESNZ consultation on AR7 closing on 21 March 2025, Brevia Energy examines the key proposals that could shape the future of the Contracts for Difference (CfD) regime. From relaxed eligibility requirements for offshore wind, to extended contract terms and new capacity ambitions, these changes could significantly impact the renewable energy sector. Businesses and investors must engage with the consultation to ensure their interests are represented in the evolving energy landscape.
What does the Seventh Carbon Budget mean for the future of hydrogen?
The Climate Change Committee recently published its Seventh Carbon Budget, outlining the UK’s strategic framework for achieving significant emissions reductions over the coming decades. A key takeaway is the downgrading of the CCC’s view on hydrogen for home compared with the Sixth Carbon Budget published in 2020. In this article, Brevia reviews the CCC’s positioning on heat in the Seventh Carbon Budget compared to the Sixth Carbon Budget.