UK ministers reopen door to drilling at two North Sea oilfields as new guidance released

Michael Shanks says guidance brings ‘clarity’ to approval process as analysis finds UK will be almost fully dependent on foreign gas by 2050 even if sites get green light

Thames Water renationalisation plans being stepped up, says minister

Environment secretary indicates that calls from creditors for leniency from fines and penalties will be rejected

Ministers set out plans to spend £725bn on UK infrastructure over 10 years

Government strategy includes spending £9bn a year on fixing schools, hospitals, courts and prisons

Bank’s rate decision leaves frustrated Reeves praying for an August cut

Lower interest rates will be a lever for growth but the Middle East conflict and rising food prices will have troubled MPC

Reeves promised oil industry ‘quid pro quo’ over windfall tax in private meeting

Government accused of making ‘secret exchange deal’ with fossil fuel companies to compensate for tax hike

The Guardian view on HS2 delays: a chance to break the cycle of costly failure

Editorial: The botched London-Birmingham line is a symbol of malaise in British politics. Getting it done would signal renewal

HS2: 16 years of high hopes, bruising reality and burgeoning costs

As the government announces a further delay, here are key moments in the troubled project’s history so far

HS2 delayed beyond 2033 as minister attacks ‘appalling mess’

Heidi Alexander says billions wasted in ‘litany of failure’ but vows ‘new era of leadership’ will turn project around

HS2 opening to be delayed past planned 2033 date, minister to announce

Transport secretary will also accuse Conservatives of wasting billions on project with poor management

Trump threatens to keep 25% tariff on UK steel imports over Port Talbot concerns

Exclusive: Sources say US wants information on when importing of raw materials from abroad at Port Talbot site will stop

Ed Miliband says Labour will ‘win fight’ against UK net zero critics

Energy secretary speaks at launch of £1bn investment scheme to bolster jobs in offshore wind supply chain

Reeves considers softening inheritance tax changes amid non-dom backlash

Chancellor is keen to mollify wealthy global investors and attract foreign investment into the UK

Oxford Street will be pedestrianised as soon as possible, says London mayor

Sadiq Khan says regeneration plans for central London shopping street have received ‘overwhelming support’

Trump says UK is protected from tariffs ‘because I like them’ as trade deal is signed off

UK aerospace sector will face no tariffs from the US while auto industry lowered to 10% from 25%

MI6 has appointed its first female leader. What took it so long?

From politics to business, the determination to exclude women is purely emotional – a fact that remains as unspoken as it is obvious, writes Zoe Williams