Despite a pre-Christmas U-turn on inheritance tax for farms, Labour faces deep-seated anger from farmers at the Oxford Farming Conference, with protests highlighting a crisis of trust in rural policy.
Archaeologists uncover a massive Roman manufacturing site in Sunderland, with over 800 whetstones found. The discovery rewrites the history of Roman Britain's industrial north. Watch the full story on BBC's Digging for Britain.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds announces smaller farms will get first access to the Sustainable Farming Incentive in June. Learn about the new application window and the scheme's limited budget.
Met Police call handlers and fleet staff will strike for six days in January, following a 'hugely disruptive' New Year's Eve walkout. The dispute centres on an 'inferior' pay offer compared to police officers. Read the latest.
Civil Enforcement Officers in Bromley are striking for four days, halting parking fines. They demand £17 an hour, but APCOA offers £13. The council blames the contractor.
The spread of H5N1 bird flu through US mega-dairies exposes the dangers of industrial farming. As the UK's dairy sector consolidates, are we facing similar risks?
A look back at Harry Griffin's first Guardian Country Diary from 1951, detailing how Rough Fell ewes in Westmorland dug snow holes for shelter during harsh winter weather. Discover timeless farming resilience.
A mysterious pink slime has appeared on secluded Tasmanian beaches, prompting fears of a harmful algal bloom. Authorities are testing as scientists warn of rapid growth and potential risks to marine life.
UK manufacturing activity reached a 15-month peak in December 2025, with the PMI at 50.6. Discover the drivers behind this tentative recovery and the challenges that remain for 2026.
A new review challenges the UK's traditional narrative of 19th-century industrial success, arguing that British military power, not just machinery, crushed Bengal's textile industry. Read the full analysis.
Record-breaking heat and drought have destroyed 70% of Jordan's olive crop, endangering livelihoods and a centuries-old tradition. Discover the impact on families and the economy.
On the Somerset Levels, innovative 'paludiculture' sees bulrush harvested for insulation, offering a sustainable future for waterlogged peat and fighting climate change. Discover the novel farming method.
Hundreds of Crown Melbourne casino staff will walk out from 10pm to 2am on New Year's Eve, protesting a proposed two-tier pay system. The industrial action threatens to disrupt celebrations. Read the full story.
A Guardian editorial praising UK animal welfare reforms has sparked fierce backlash. Critics argue the strategy merely tinkers with a brutal system, comparing it to Victorian cholera fixes, and call for a fundamental shift away from meat consumption.
Unions and the Green Alliance warn the UK's historic ceramics sector, supporting 20,000 jobs, is at a critical point due to high energy costs and imports. Urgent government action is demanded to prevent its collapse.
The 1968 Ford Dagenham strike wasn't just about equal pay. Discover how sewing machinists fought for 16 years to win recognition for their skilled work. Read their story.
Elon Musk warns manufacturers face consequences as silver hits record highs. Analysis of the precious metals rally, supply fears, and industrial impact. Read the full story.
A 5,700 sq km area in Brazil's north-east is now classified as arid, the country's first. Climate change is accelerating desertification, devastating goat herders' livelihoods. Read the full report.
Experts argue the government's new animal welfare strategy fails to protect free-living wildlife and doesn't halt factory farming expansion. Read the critical response.
Facing collapsing fish stocks, Madagascar's semi-nomadic Vezo people are cultivating seaweed as a vital new income. Discover how climate change and industrial trawling are reshaping an ancient maritime culture.
Ministers increase the inheritance tax threshold for agricultural assets from £1m to £2.5m following fierce backlash from farmers and rural MPs. The move aims to protect family farms from being broken up.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting pledges to prevent NHS strikes in 2026 after a five-day doctors' walkout. He warns of tough weeks ahead despite staff's 'extraordinary efforts'. Read the latest.
The government unveils a sweeping ban on puppy farming and trail hunting. Critics accuse Labour of ignoring rural Britain, while animal charities welcome the reforms.
Junior doctors in England return to work after a five-day walkout. Health Secretary Wes Streeting thanks staff but warns of tough weeks ahead and pledges to avoid strikes in 2026. Read the latest.
Junior doctors conclude five-day strike in England, pledging a 'can-do spirit' in renewed negotiations with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to avert further NHS walkouts in 2026.
The UK government announces a historic ban on battery cages for hens and farrowing crates for pigs in England by 2027, marking a major victory for animal welfare campaigners.
Sweeping animal welfare reforms will outlaw puppy farming, snaring and trail hunting. New laws to phase out colony cages and farrowing crates by 2030. Read the full details.
As rising seas salinise soils, scientists and chefs in the Venice lagoon are turning to forgotten halophytes. Discover how these resilient plants could safeguard our food future.
A major government review identifies inheritance tax as the single biggest threat to farming viability. New 20% levy on farms over £1m sparks industry fear and protests. Read the full report.
Flu admissions in England have surged by 18% to a record high for the season, with the NHS on 'high alert' as industrial action continues. Health chiefs urge the public to seek care when needed.