The Know Daily - Thursday 17 April 2025

_{Read in 4m 43s ∙ Listening to Justin Timberlake ∙}

There’ll be no newsletter on Friday 18 April and Monday 21 April as we’re off for the bank hols. We’ll be back in your inboxes on Tuesday 22 April 💞

Scientists, global leaders and storytellers recently came together for TED2025, giving talks centered on this year’s theme of “humanity reimagined”. From tackling plastic pollution to pastry making, there was no shortage of inspiring, hopeful speeches on the future of our world. Check them out here. 🌎

🏭 Saving steelworks

The UK government has stepped in to take control of British Steel to keep it from shutting down.

Why has the government intervened?
Located in Scunthorpe, it’s the last plant in the UK that produces virgin steel, which is vital for big infrastructure projects like railways and buildings. Jingye, its current Chinese owner, bought the plant out of insolvency five years ago, but has since struggled to keep it running. This is due to a number of factors, including a competitive market, costs associated with transitioning to greener production and rising trade tariffs. In April Jingye prepared to cancel orders of the raw materials needed to maintain production. Emergency legislation was passed in Parliament to allow the government to take control of the plant.

Why is British Steel important?
The plant is “vital for both the UK’s national security and manufacturing”, the government said. If it were to stop functioning, the UK would be the only member of G7 – a group of the world’s leading economies – to not be able to produce its own steel from scratch. Rail, construction and defence industries could experience “huge repercussions” and become dependent on foreign steel. Plus, British Steel is crucial for achieving the government’s mission of building 1.5m homes, as they will requires millions of tonnes of steel, explained Sky News.

What happens next?
Ministers have said raw materials have been secured to keep the plant running for “the coming weeks” while they look for a long-term solution. Currently, Jingye still owns British Steel. However, nationalisation – when the government takes full control and ownership of a company – is likely, according to business secretary Jonathan Reynolds. It’s expected that Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves will agree on a proposal for public ownership this month to secure British Steel’s future.

🩺 Doctor’s orders: GPs in England will be paid £20 each time they decide not to send a patient to hospital, under a new plan to reduce NHS waiting lists.

• The bigger story: GP surgeries can claim this money if they refer patients for tests and treatments in health clinics and community-based specialists instead of hospitals. Around 2m patients with common conditions like ear wax and irritable bowel syndrome could access faster care, according to ministers.

💻 Monopoly money: Google is being sued for £5bn in the UK over its “near-total dominance” in the online search market, driving up advertising prices. 

🧀 Cheddar blocked: People arriving in Britain from Europe are no longer allowed to bring in meat and dairy products.

🧍 Movers and makers: TIME has released its list of the most influential people of 2025.

🌌 Stunning night sky: The northern lights could be visible across parts of the UK tonight – here’s how to see them.

☕ Soya surcharge: This bakery chain will no longer charge extra for soy milk, following a campaign for lower-cost plant-based milks in coffee shops.

📷 Picture perfect: The winners of the Sony World Photography Awards have been announced – check out the jaw-dropping images here.

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Trivia answer: A) It’s the cuckoo – here’s why.

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