UNESCO warns of serious decline in freedom of expression and safety of journalists worldwide

UNESCO’s flagship report on global trends in freedom of expression and journalism points to a historic 10% decline in freedom of expression globally between 2012 and 2024. This trend is a consequence of the alarming rise in self-censorship by journalists and the attacks they face – both in real life and online. Freedom of expression and information is not an option: it is the very condition for lasting peace. Faced with a historic regression, we must act together to protect and defend everyone’s right to think, write and inform. UNESCO…

The Royal Academy of Music announces £30M donation

The Royal Academy of Music announce a transformational £30 million donation from philanthropist Mrs Aud Jebsen. This gift, the largest in our 203-year history and the biggest donation ever given to a conservatoire outside the USA, will be used to transform the Academy’s facilities. In recognition of Mrs Jebsen’s outstanding support, 1-5 York Gate, a large Nash-terrace building, part of the Academy’s main site on London’s Marylebone Road, will be named Aud Jebsen House. The donation will be staggered and the Grade II-listed Regency building will undergo major works over…

Octopus Energy and Rightmove power up greener living

The UK’s largest energy supplier and largest property platform have joined forces to make it easier for millions of home-movers to find greener homes. Green technology is becoming a bigger selling point in the housing market. Rightmove data shows a 46% increase in mentions of heat pumps and a 37% rise in references to solar panels in property listings year-on-year. Homeowners are also warming to cleaner tech. Research from Octopus Energy found that nine in ten homeowners with heat pumps are glad they made the switch, with 94% saying their…

Jointly Prepared Statement from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on Targeted Support and Direct Marketing

Introduction It is important for your customers to receive timely and relevant information to support decisions about their finances, while having their direct marketing preferences and data protection rights respected. This is crucial in order for customers to trust the information they receive, helping them to make informed decisions and pursue their financial goals. Under the framework set out in the FCA’s policy statement (PS25/22), authorised firms would be able to offer a new type of help called ‘targeted support’ and make suggestions to an individual based on them being…

Tetra Pak launches world-first paper-based barrier for juice packaging with García Carrión and advances new packaging material development

Tetra Pak, in collaboration with García Carrión, today unveiled the first-ever use of its paper-based barrier technology for juice packaging. This innovation in sustainable food packaging solutions marks a significant step towards reducing reliance on fossil-based materials, with the new packaging material now being rolled out across multiple markets. World-first aseptic carton with paper-based barrier for the juice category Tetra Pak, together with leading Spanish beverage producer García Carrión, has launched the Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 ml Slim Leaf carton featuring a paper-based barrier for juice, under the flagship Don Simón brand. This is the first juice portion pack globally to use the innovative barrier and the first such package available in Spain.  Made with up to 80% paper, the…