VW emissions scandal: EU seeks more powers over national car regulations

The European Union sought sweeping powers over national car regulations on 27 January, aiming to prevent a repeat of Volkswagens emissions test cheating scandal and sparking a tough debate as governments and industry resist change. Europes Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska said Brussels would be able to order spot checks on vehicles and order recalls under the proposed new rules. VW recently rejected a demand from the EUs industry commissioner to launch a compensation scheme for car owners in Europe affected by the emissions scandal. Jan 28, 2016

EU referendum: Unions ready to join fight to stay in Europe

Britains trade unions are close to joining the push to keep the country in the European Union, bringing grass-roots muscle to a fight that has so far been dominated by big business and bankers, the head of the countrys largest union group said. Unions will fight to stay in, emphasising jobs and workers rights, Frances OGrady, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said in an interview. Voters were not yet listening to the arguments because the campaign to date has had little to do with their everyday lives, she said. Jan 27, 2016