Latest news with #Britishgovernment
Mint
11 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
UK Approves Landmark £38 Billion Sizewell C Nuclear Plant
(Bloomberg) -- The UK made a final investment decision on the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, a £38 billion ($51 billion) project that's critical to the country's energy and climate goals. The British government will retain a minority stake of around 45%, while other investors include French state-owned Electricite de France SA, Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec, Centrica Plc and Amber Infrastructure Group Ltd. The major backing from private investors in the project is seen by the government as a key victory as the UK tries to drive investment and economic growth. 'It is time to do big things and build big projects in this country again — and today we announce an investment that will provide clean, homegrown power to millions of homes for generations to come,' UK Energy Minister Ed Miliband said in a statement Tuesday. It's a major milestone for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government to drive investment in low-carbon electricity supply to cut emissions and boost economic growth. EDF has said the two reactors in Suffolk on England's east coast will supply power to 6 million households for about 60 years. Plans to develop Sizewell C go back more than a decade. Different UK governments have struggled to come up with a way to finance the project, before choosing a hybrid model of public and private capital. And since then, costs for new nuclear projects in the UK have soared. Sizewell C is a copy of the other plant under construction in Britain — Hinkley Point C in Somerset. The latter has been repeatedly delayed, including from disruptions related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The plant might not be completed until after 2030, and the price tag has more than doubled to over £40 billion. Developers promise that Sizewell C can be built faster and more cheaply than its predecessor because of the efficiency of repetition. --With assistance from Francois de Beaupuy.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
RICHARD LITTLEJOHN: First they came for the soldiers, now it's the coppers... Orgreave is another excuse to dance on Mrs Thatcher's grave
First they came for the soldiers, who so valiantly risked their lives serving Queen and Country against the IRA. Shamefully, members of the special forces and other troops posted to Northern Ireland during the Troubles are still being hounded through the courts while terrorists issued with 'letters of comfort' by the British government and freed from jail early enjoy a care-free retirement.
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
From Orphan To Oligarch: The Story Of Jamshedji Jijabhai, India's First Knighted Businessman
Last Updated: Jamshedji, a visionary businessman and philanthropist, founded JJ Hospital and JJ School of Art, donating generously to uplift healthcare and education in colonial India In 19th-century India, rising from hardship to national prominence was a rare achievement. But an orphaned Parsi boy defied the odds through sheer determination, sharp business acumen, and deep-rooted philanthropy. That boy was Jamshedji Jijabhai, a name that would go on to leave a lasting legacy in both commerce and social reform. Born on July 15, 1783 in Bombay (now Mumbai) to an ordinary Parsi family, Jamshedji lost his parents during childhood and was raised by his maternal uncle. Despite financial constraints and a lack of formal education, he shaped his life through perseverance and wisdom. At the age of 15, he entered the business world, initially working with his maternal uncle in the trade of opium and cotton. Gaining experience, he soon established his own company and expanded into international markets like China. Quickly, he became one of Bombay's most esteemed businessmen. Jamshedji was not only a successful businessman but also a dedicated philanthropist. His most notable contributions include the establishment of JJ Hospital and JJ School of Art, for which he donated substantial amounts. He also founded Dharamshalas, schools, orphanages, and educational institutions to benefit both the Parsi community and other religious and social groups. His donations, amounting to lakhs of rupees at the time, would equate to crores in today's currency. The British government recognised his services, conferring upon him the title of 'Knight' in 1842 and 'Baronet' in 1857, making him the first Indian to receive this honour. These titles symbolised significant social and political status within the British Empire. Additionally, he held positions such as Justice of the Peace in Mumbai and Member of the Legislative Council. An Inspirational Legacy When Jamshedji passed away on April 14, 1859, he was more than a wealthy businessman; he had become a movement. His life exemplified the philosophy that business should also contribute to society's construction. His name remains inscribed on numerous streets, institutions, and buildings in Mumbai. Jamshedji Jijabhai represented a generation that not only brought international recognition to India through business but also advanced social justice, education, and health. His story continues to inspire today's youth, demonstrating that extraordinary history can be created from ordinary beginnings, provided the intentions are noble and the purpose serves society's interests. view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 11:38 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Associated Press
7 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Boiler Grants for Low-Income Households: What to Know
07/15/2025, London,England // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Many low-income households in the UK struggle to heat their homes, especially during the colder months. Energy consumption can make up the majority of the budget for many residences, and an outdated, inefficient boiler only worsens the situation. If your boiler is outdated or faulty, you can expect even higher energy costs and less-than-comfortable conditions. To help resolve this situation, the British government has introduced the ECO4 scheme. It is for the sole purpose of offering zero-cost, replacement boilers for low-income individuals through the provision of free boiler grants. But how does the free boiler grant work? Who is eligible for the grant? What documents will you need? If you are a low-income household searching for support for the replacement of your boiler, this guide will detail all you need to know. Free Boiler Grants for Low-Income Individuals A free boiler replacement under the scheme known as the ECO4. It is one form of support provided for the replacement of inefficient, outdated boilers by energy-efficient, newer boilers for those from low-income backgrounds. This is one initiative the United Kingdom has undertaken towards the eradication of fuel poverty and increased energy efficiency country-wide. The scheme is funded by the bigger energy suppliers under the terms set by the government. The replacement boiler is funded by grants, so you will not need to pay for the replacement one yourself. By replacing the old boiler with one high efficiency, houses can save hundreds of pounds on their energy bills each year. This also reduces the United Kingdom's carbon footprint by eliminating energy waste where possible. Who Can Apply for a Boiler Grant? Not everyone is qualified for the free boiler grant. This is for individuals from low-income groups and those under the benefits provided by the government. To qualify, the following criteria need to be met: Qualifying Benefits for the Boiler Grant If you, or the one you live with, receive one of the benefits from the Government, you may be eligible for the replacement of your boiler for free: If you don't qualify for benefits but your household income is low, you could still qualify. In some circumstances, the total household income and the energy efficiency level of the property are taken into account when assessing your eligibility. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Boiler Grant Applying for the grant is not complex, but you will require the appropriate documents and verification. To apply for the grant under the initiative by the ECO4, follow the steps provided here. Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility Before applying, you will need to determine whether you will be eligible for the support. Most energy suppliers and grant providers also make available online checkers where you can provide some general data about your house, your income level, and your existing boiler. Step 2: Home Survey If you pass the initial tests, one of the energy assessors will visit you for the inspection. They will: The home visit is free. And it ensures your property is suitable for replacement under the scheme. Step 3: Supply the Required Documents Once your house survey is finalised, you will require the following documents to support your application: If you rent your property from the landlord, you will also require the landlord's approval for the replacement of the boiler. Step 4: Installation Of New Boiler Once your request has been accepted, one of the installers will visit your property and replace your existing boiler with a new one. Installation is generally completed in just one day, and you can start saving right away from lower energy costs. Learn more about the Free Boiler Scheme and how you could qualify. Benefits of Having a New Boiler for Low-Income Families Replacing an old boiler with a modern, energy-efficient model offers many long-term benefits. 1. Lower Energy Consumption Modern boilers can also save you large amounts of money by being very energy efficient. Thus using less energy for the same amount of heat. This can save you around £300 to £500 yearly. 2. Improved Heating Efficiency Old boilers also fail to heat the house evenly. Thus causing cold spots and energy loss. New boilers make your house warm and cosy throughout the year. 3. Reduced Carbon Footprint Energy-efficient boilers produce less greenhouse gas. Thus playing their part in the Net Zero goal by the UK. If all the houses switch to efficient boilers, energy wastage will be reduced overall. 4. Fewer Repairs and Maintenance Costs Older boilers require frequent servicing. And this can prove very expensive over the lifespan. A new one is stronger and is under warranty, reducing the need for high-cost maintenance. 5. Increased Property Value A home fitted with an energy-efficient boiler is also easier to sell when the property is eventually required. Apply Today and Start Saving! Boiler grants provide low-income families the valuable option of upgrading from outdated, inefficient boilers to energy-efficient models. The ECO4 scheme guarantees the benefits of free replacement boilers for those in need. Thus, lessening the cost of their heat and the level of their home comfort. If you qualify, you can apply for the grant immediately. ECO Energy Services makes the process simple. And when you're accepted, you can save on your bills, heat your house, and stress less about your boiler. Original Source of the original story >> Boiler Grants for Low-Income Households: What to Know
Washington Post
7 days ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
U.K. secretly resettled Afghans after data breach
LONDON — The British government revealed Tuesday that thousands of Afghans were resettled secretly in the U.K. after a significant data breach by a British defense official mistakenly exposed their personal details, some of which later appeared on Facebook. The previously undisclosed resettlements came to light after a rare 'super injunction' — a court-imposed gag order — was lifted, allowing journalists to report on the episode for the first time.
