All posts tagged: Foresight

News diary 25-31 May: Energy price cap decision, Meta shareholder meeting, Colombia presidential election

News diary 25-31 May: Energy price cap decision, Meta shareholder meeting, Colombia presidential election

Published by Sam Flores

Closeup icons of Meta Platforms, Inc., Facebook and Instagram seen in an iPhone screen. Picture: Koshiro K/Shutterstock On Wednesday, UK residents are to see a decision made on Ofgem’s quarterly price cap from July as the energy regulator makes adjustments in response to Iran war-related prices rises. With energy markets unsettled by the Iran conflict, major impacts are expected for inflation, consumer finances, and UK economic policy. On the same day, Facebook and Instagram parent Meta will be holding its annual shareholder meeting to discuss AI, human rights and antisemitism. At the end of the week, voters in Colombia will elect a new president, a move which could shape regional politics, security policy, economic direction, and relations with the US and other Latin American states. Leading the week A quiet week in Westminster with MPs away for a half-term break means attention will stay focused on the by-election hopefuls looking to secure a seat in the House of Commons next month. There’ll be a host of candidates hitting the campaign trail in Aberdeen, Arbroath and …

News diary 18-24 May: Starmer faces PMQs amid leadership woes, new BBC director-general, Premier League finale

News diary 18-24 May: Starmer faces PMQs amid leadership woes, new BBC director-general, Premier League finale

Published by Sam Flores

Keir Starmer stands outside 10 Downing Street as he delivers his first speech as prime minister in 2024. Picture: Michael Tubi It’s another crunch week coming up for Keir Starmer after Labour leadership rivals Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham made moves on Thursday in an attempt to force the prime minister into an orderly departure. But Streeting’s failure to produce the required numbers to trigger an immediate leadership contest means Starmer may yet have time to defend his position, with a by-election victory for Burnham by no means a sure thing after the local election results. It’s been business as usual so far from the PM, but he may need to offer more of a direct response to his challengers next week before returning to the despatch box for the first PMQs of the new session. One of the Prime Minister’s key allies, Rachel Reeves, is due to set out measures to help families and businesses struggling due to the effects of the Middle East conflict, though it remains to be seen whether the Chancellor’s …

News diary 11-17 May: Cannes Film Festival, Trump in China, FA Cup final

News diary 11-17 May: Cannes Film Festival, Trump in China, FA Cup final

Published by Sam Flores

Uma Thurman attends the ‘Ismael’s Ghosts (Les Fantomes d’Ismael)’ screening and Opening Gala during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 17, 2017 in Cannes, France. Picture: Denis Makarenko/Shutterstock The week begins with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s position under threat following the local and devolved elections, with the loss of several councils and hundreds of seats in England and projected losses in Scotland and Wales meaning the pressure is likely to increase significantly over the coming days. The prime minister is thought to be considering a ‘reset’ speech on Monday to convince voters – and his own MPs – that he’s the man to lead the country through the remainder of this parliament and into the next election, though a dire set of results this weekend are likely to embolden any potential leadership plotters and disrupt what’s looking like another crucial week for Starmer’s premiership. From Tuesday, the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival will take place until 23 May. South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook will serve as jury president …

News diary 4-10 May: Met Gala, David Attenborough turns 100, and the Baftas

News diary 4-10 May: Met Gala, David Attenborough turns 100, and the Baftas

Published by Sam Flores

London, 6th of September 2016. David Attenborough arrives to the UKTC LIve event at the BFI Southbank, London. Picture: Shutterstock/Dom Zara The weekend extends into Monday for UK residents, thanks to the May Bank Holiday. In the US, the Met Gala takes place, an annual event attended by celebrities and fashion’s biggest names. This year, guests will dress to the theme of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Towards the end of the week, writer, broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough turns 100. The nature enthusiast is best known as the voice of natural history programmes for the past 70 years, and will be celebrated with a ninety-minute special event at the Royal Albert Hall, presented by Kirsty Young and broadcast at 8.30pm on BBC One. Also on Friday, Scottish broadcaster STV will see its journalists strike on election results day in response to a salary freeze. The strike has been timed to coincide with coverage of the Holyrood vote count. On Sunday, the Bafta Television Awards will be hosted in London to award the best of …

News diary 27 April – 3 May: Royal visit to US, Devil Wears Prada 2, World Press Freedom Day

News diary 27 April – 3 May: Royal visit to US, Devil Wears Prada 2, World Press Freedom Day

Published by Sam Flores

BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 7, 2019: Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in front of Brandenburg Gate. Picture: Chris Ghinda/Shutterstock The news agenda for the week is likely to centre around King Charles and Queen Camilla’s trip across the pond, where they will meet with President Trump and make key stops in Washington, Virginia and US. This will be Charles’ first visit to the US since 2018, when he attended the state funeral of former President George Bush. Results from major tech giants are also released this week, with Alphabet, Meta and Microsoft set to publish their quarterly financials – an indication of the status of the global tech sector. On Friday, the sequel of the box office hit The Devil Wears Prada enters cinemas in the UK, with the likes of Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci set to grace the screen. On Sunday, World Press Freedom Day takes place, a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, defends the media from attacks on their independence and pays …

News diary 20-26 April: US-Iran ceasefire expires, tube strikes, London Marathon

News diary 20-26 April: US-Iran ceasefire expires, tube strikes, London Marathon

Published by Sam Flores

21 April 2024, London: Groups of people running in the London Marathon 2024. Poicture: Mikecphoto/Shutterstock Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under renewed pressure over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, following the revelation that he failed a security vetting. The top civil servant in the Foreign Office Olly Robbins has been fired as a result, with Starmer claiming he was never told about Mandelson’s failed checks. Beginning Tuesday, British trade union RMT is carrying out tube strikes in London. Disruption is expected across parts of the Underground network through to Friday. On Wednesday, Iran and the US’s temporary two-week ceasefire is due to expire, although mediators are looking to extend the arrangement. On Saturday, around 50,000 runners will take part in the London Marathon, a highlight of London’s sporting calendar. Leading the week  Monday (April 20): Keir Starmer addresses MPs on Peter Mandelson vetting scandal; King Charles visits Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style exhibition. Tuesday (April 21): Olly Robbins called to give evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee on …

News diary 13-19 April: Southport Inquiry findings, European football fixtures and UK housing protest

News diary 13-19 April: Southport Inquiry findings, European football fixtures and UK housing protest

Published by Sam Flores

Basel, Switzerland – July 27th, 2025: Chloe Kelly (18 England Womens National Team) attacking during the UEFA Womens Euro match of Spain vs England at St. Jakob-Park. Picture: Dantey Buitureida/Shutterstock The week begins with the publishing of the first-phase findings from the Southport Inquiry, which examined the fatal stabbings of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Merseyside. Throughout the week, football action continues in the UEFA Champions League, while the league stage of the Women’s European Qualifiers takes place on Tuesday and Saturday. Four direct qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil will be decided on 9 June. Finally, a large-scale housing protest in London takes place on Saturday as domestic pressure over housing affordability and supply grows. Leading the week Monday (April 13): Findings published from the first phase of the Southport Inquiry; BMA resident doctors’ strikes end; Commons returns from Easter recess. Tuesday (April 14): World Economic Outlook; Andrew Bailey speaks at Columbia University; Lionesses host Spain in World Cup qualifier and Liverpool take on PSG in Champions …

News diary 6-12 April: Artemis II returns to Earth, EU Entry/Exit System goes live, the Masters

News diary 6-12 April: Artemis II returns to Earth, EU Entry/Exit System goes live, the Masters

Published by Sam Flores

Houston, TX, USA – Apr 14, 2025: Photo of the Artemis II crew, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, is seen on display at Space Center Houston. Picture: Tada Images/Shutterstock This week, the Artemis II space crew travel the farthest human distance from Earth than ever seen before, followed by a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean later in the week. The event is a major step in NASA’s Moon exploration programme as audiences worldwide awaiting the crew’s return this week. Plus, golfing competition the Masters takes place this week at at Augusta National Golf Club in the US, with some of the world’s top players competing including Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. Finally, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes operational on Thursday, a digital border control system that records biometric data of non-EU nationals entering and exiting 29 European countries. The system will replace traditional passport stamps. Leading the week Monday (April 6): Artemis II mission crew set to surpass record for farthest human distance from Earth; US ‘deadline’ for Iran to …

News diary 30 March – 5 April: Tim Davie exits BBC, Apple turns 50, Easter Sunday

News diary 30 March – 5 April: Tim Davie exits BBC, Apple turns 50, Easter Sunday

Published by Sam Flores

BBC director-general Tim Davie gives a speech in Salford on 14 May 2025. Picture: BBC The week ahead marks 50 years of Apple, with the multinational tech company having become one of the world’s leading producers of phones, software and consumer technology in its half-century of existence. On Thursday, outgoing director-general Tim Davie officially exits the BBC having announced his departure in November 2025. His resignation was prompted by controversy surrounding the editing of a BBC Panorama episode featuring US President Donald Trump. Finally, the week features multiple religious holidays, with Passover beginning on Wednesday followed by Easter Sunday later in the week. Leading the week Monday (March 30): Financial Conduct Authority sets out approach on motor finance redress scheme; G7 finance and energy ministers meet to discuss Iran conflict; Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visits Berlin ahead of expected stop in London this week. Tuesday (March 31): UK GDP National Accounts; England face Japan in international friendly; 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs finals. Wednesday (April 1): Earliest launch date for Artemis II mission; Energy price …

News diary 23-29 March: One month of Iran war, Nottingham attacks inquiry hears victims’ families, BST begins

News diary 23-29 March: One month of Iran war, Nottingham attacks inquiry hears victims’ families, BST begins

Published by Sam Flores

Iran on the world map. Picture: Shutterstock/macondofotografcisi This week marks one month since the Iran war began, when the US and Israel launched surprise airstrikes on multiple sites and cities across the country, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous other Iranian officials. On Tuesday, the Nottingham attacks inquiry hears from the family of victim Ian Coates, followed by the parents of victims Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley on the Wednesday, as the investigation into the 2023 killings continues. Meanwhile, British Summer Time begins on Sunday, marking the beginning of lighter evenings as the clocks go forward. Leading the week Monday (March 23): Keir Starmer questioned by Liaison Committee on Iran and economic security; WMO publishes State of the Climate report. Tuesday (March 24): Yvette Cooper quizzed by MPs on future of UK aid spending; Family of Ian Coates at Nottingham attacks inquiry; BAFTA television awards nominations. Wednesday (March 25): UK inflation; Parents of Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar at Nottingham attacks inquiry; Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch at final PMQs before recess. Thursday (March …