Simon Gilbert

Coventry, England

Political Reporter at BBC

BBC Political Journalist on TV, radio and online | Author | Former newspaper hack | Instagram & Facebook: TheSimonGilbert | 2023 #PUSB Christmas Dinner Champion

Articles

West Midlands city develops new driverless tram technology

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Simon Gilbert

Could driverless trams come to your town or city? LDRSCouncillor Jim O'Boyle with one of the battery-operated trams which will soon be running on the streets of Coventry. Coventry's tram network, like much of the city, was destroyed during World War Two. Now, 85 years since the last tram ran in the city, they may be set to return, thanks to new technology called Very Light Rail (VLR).
Rescue for £60m regeneration of old Ikea store

1 month ago | msn.com | Simon Gilbert

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Coventry Ikea project rescued after setback

1 month ago | bbc.co.uk | Simon Gilbert

Image caption, Councillor Naeem Ahktar said the project was still on budgetPlans to repurpose the former Ikea building in Coventry are back on track after the contractor went into administration. The city centre building is set to undergo a £60.1m transformation into a City Centre Cultural Gateway which will provide storage for nationally important artworks.
Coventry Ikea project rescued after setback

1 month ago | bbc.com | Simon Gilbert

Rescue for £60m regeneration of old Ikea storeBBCCouncillor Naeem Ahktar said the project was still on budgetPlans to repurpose the former Ikea building in Coventry are back on track after the contractor went into administration. The city centre building is set to undergo a £60.1m transformation into a City Centre Cultural Gateway which will provide storage for nationally important artworks.
Is the UK becoming less attractive for students?

1 month ago | msn.com | Simon Gilbert |Alix Hattenstone

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Is the UK becoming less attractive for international students?

1 month ago | bbc.com | Simon Gilbert |Alix Hattenstone

Is the UK becoming less attractive for students? Simon Gilbert and Alix HattenstoneBBCJingwen Yuan has been unable to find work in the UK since graduating with a masters degreeThe UK has been one of the most popular destinations for international students in recent years - but is its appeal starting to fade? Home Office figures show UK sponsored study visas dropped by 31% – from 600,024 in 2023 to 415,103 in 2024 - and with this, money many university cities rely on.
Coventry battery firm wants to build gigafactory

1 month ago | bbc.co.uk | Simon Gilbert

Image caption, There are plans to build a gigafactory Coventry Airport. Talks have taken place with a battery firm about the possibility of building a gigafactory in Coventry. Manufacturing firm Volklec has announced it will begin producing batteries at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre and hopes to ultimately build a £1bn gigafactory in the next five years.
Coventry battery firm wants to build gigafactory

1 month ago | bbc.com | Simon Gilbert

Battery firm announces gigafactory planBBCThere are plans to build a gigafactory Coventry Airport. Talks have taken place with a battery firm about the possibility of building a gigafactory in Coventry. Manufacturing firm Volklec has announced it will begin producing batteries at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre and hopes to ultimately build a £1bn gigafactory in the next five years.
News Sniffer

2 months ago | newssniffer.co.uk | Simon Gilbert

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdd6y6dpnjro Version 7 of 8. Teaching assistant Pamela Whatley said she was "over the moon" but frustrated the settlement took so long Thousands of women are set to have their equal pay claims settled with a council after several years. The agreement between Birmingham City Council, Unison and the GMB union will see 6,000 staff with the authority receive settlement payouts.
How Coventry City adopted The Enemy's 2007 song as their anthem

2 months ago | bbc.com | Simon Gilbert

How Sky Blues adopted a 2007 song as their anthemBBCThe anthem was sung proudly during the 2024 FA Cup Semi FinalLiverpool has You'll Never Walk Alone, West Ham has I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles and now Coventry City has its own anthem. The Enemy's We'll Live and Die in These Towns is sung loud and proud at every home game, timed to reach the crescendo of the chorus seconds before kick off.