The United Kingdom government has announced a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) fellowship programme, backed by social media giant Meta Platforms, to accelerate the use of AI across key areas of the public sector. Funded by a $1 million (£740,000) contribution from Meta, the initiative will support up to ten fellowships[Read More…]

The government has formally abandoned plans for regional (zonal) pricing in wholesale electricity markets across the UK, opting instead to focus on reforming the national pricing system and taking a stronger role in planning the deployment of clean energy infrastructure. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced the decision following a lengthy[Read More…]

Ministers have announced plans in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to bring back the supplementary vote (SV) system for mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections in England, reversing the 2022 switch to first past the post (FPTP). The move aims to ensure mayors command broader voter[Read More…]

The government’s scaled-back Universal Credit Bill has passed the House of Commons, despite internal Labour Party unrest and significant amendments that diluted its original scope. The legislation, now expected to be classed as a money bill, can proceed to become law within a month, regardless of whether the House of[Read More…]

The recently announced UK–France migrant return agreement, which proposes a “one in, one out” system, may appear simple in concept, but is likely to face a complex path to implementation. Intended as a deterrent to curb illegal Channel crossings, the scheme’s early rollout is being deliberately kept limited in scope[Read More…]

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has sparked concern after refusing to rule out extending the freeze on income tax thresholds beyond the planned end date of April 2028. Critics warn that this “fiscal drag” could effectively impose a hidden tax on working households and pensioners, with early estimates indicating up[Read More…]

Police Scotland is preparing for a possible visit from former US President Donald Trump later this month, as he is expected to travel to his golf resort at Menie in Aberdeenshire to open a new course. Although official confirmation has not been issued, the trip would mark Trump’s first visit[Read More…]

The UK government has struck a high-profile deal with Google to supply free cloud technology and training to public services, including the NHS and local councils, prompting warnings from privacy advocates that the arrangement risks over-reliance on a single US company and jeopardises digital sovereignty. Announced by Science, Innovation and[Read More…]

The government’s flagship welfare bill has passed the House of Commons following another round of concessions aimed at easing concerns over disability support. Ministers agreed to enshrine safeguards for disabled claimants, though critics say the amendments are too slow and leave room for uncertainty. Under pressure from campaigners and Labour[Read More…]

Sir Keir Starmer has come under renewed scrutiny after refusing to commit to lifting the freeze on tax thresholds, raising fears that millions of working Britons may continue to be dragged into higher tax brackets by stealth. Despite previous pledges to avoid direct tax hikes, the Prime Minister left the[Read More…]