Nathalie Thomas

It’s a simple enough equation. To permanently reduce high household energy bills, cut the amount used in the first place. Yet for all its simplicity, it’s a sum that successive UK governments have struggled to solve. The UK’s record over the past 10 years in upgrading its energy inefficient housing stock — among the leakiest in Europe — is embarrassing. Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron in 2011 promised a “revolution” in upgrading British property by 2020. But programme after pr…

News, analysis and comment from the Financial Times, the worldʼs leading global business publication

News, analysis and comment from the Financial Times, the worldʼs leading global business publication

News, analysis and comment from the Financial Times, the worldʼs leading global business publication

News, analysis and comment from the Financial Times, the worldʼs leading global business publication

Industry says projects are less viable because costs have rocketed but the price they receive for electricity has not

Britain’s car industry has a problem: ditherers like me. I have been planning to buy an electric vehicle for several years. This process has so far been more enjoyable than buying the actual car. I have conducted in-depth research on charging options, affordability and projected prices. And I have procrastinated. Just when it looked as if I could put off a purchase no longer, Rishi Sunak has come to my rescue. The UK prime minister has delayed the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars…

Dear reader, Is the UK now a hostile environment for investors in net zero technologies? Next week’s King’s Speech is likely to revive the debate. People close to Rishi Sunak are already suggesting the prime minister will introduce legislation to commit to more oil and gas licensing. There are other setbacks. The government failed to attract any bids from offshore wind developers in an important contract auction in September. In addition, Sunak recently pushed back the 2030 ban on the sale of…

I probably live in the world’s worst city to avoid alcohol. Within a 15-minute walk of my home in Edinburgh, I can count at least eight pubs or bars. In one direction. It brings a whole new meaning to 15-minute cities – and not exactly the one urban planners might endorse. At this time of year especially, when Scotland’s streets shine with wintry rain, there would be nothing better than returning warmth to soaked toes with a dram. Except I have given up alcohol. For me, January, December and ev…

Dear reader, The UK parliament is still in recess but politicians are nonetheless managing to make waves in the City of London. The Labour party has pledged to crack down even further on the tax perks enjoyed by “non-doms” living in Britain if it gains power. UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt had already announced the abolition of the historic non-dom tax status in his March Budget. Yet Labour wants to go further, closing loopholes that were designed to ease the shift to a replacement residence-based…