British Isles

Trading standards officers increasingly facing threats from organised crime

Trading standards officers increasingly facing threats from organised crime
Trading standards officers across the UK are facing escalating threats and violence from organised crime groups operating on high streets, according to recent testimony. Officers have reported intimidation, sexual abuse,…

Despite introduction of VAT, more private schools have opened than closed

Despite introduction of VAT, more private schools have opened than closed
More private schools opened than closed in England in 2025 despite policy changes by the Labour Party, including the introduction of VAT on fees. Government data shows 107 independent schools…