Starmer pledges to tackle ‘flabby’ state 13 minutes ago Becky Morton Political reporter Getty Images Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to tackle the “overcautious” and “flabby” state to make it more efficient. Writing in the Daily Telegraph ahead of a speech later, the prime minister insisted he was not interested in ideological arguments about whether… Continue reading Starmer pledges to tackle ‘flabby’ state
Secret hearing on Friday in Apple and UK government data row
Secret hearing on Friday in Apple and UK government data row Apple’s appeal against a UK government demand to be able to access its customers’ most highly encrypted data is set to be considered at a secret hearing at the High Court on Friday, the BBC understands. It is due to be considered by the… Continue reading Secret hearing on Friday in Apple and UK government data row
UK seeks trade deal as Trump metal tariffs take effect
UK seeks trade deal as Trump metal tariffs take effect 1 hour ago João da Silva and Tom Espiner Business reporters, BBC News Reuters The UK is pushing for a trade deal with the US as tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on imports of steel and aluminium take effect. The import tax introduction… Continue reading UK seeks trade deal as Trump metal tariffs take effect
Plan to make it easier for councils to seize land for housing
Plan to make it easier for councils to seize land for housing Councils are to be given greater powers to seize land, under government plans to boost housebuilding. The measure is part of the flagship Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is being introduced in Parliament later and aims to speed up building. Housing Minister Matthew… Continue reading Plan to make it easier for councils to seize land for housing
From chatbots to intelligent toys: How AI is booming in China
From chatbots to intelligent toys: How AI is booming in China 7 hours ago Laura Bicker China correspondent Reporting fromBeijing BBC/ Xiqing Wang Head in hands, eight-year-old Timmy muttered to himself as he tried to beat a robot powered by artificial intelligence at a game of chess. But this was not an AI showroom or… Continue reading From chatbots to intelligent toys: How AI is booming in China
Lawyer probing Reform UK row contradicts MP Lowe
Lawyer probing Reform UK row contradicts MP Lowe 6 hours ago Chris Mason PA Media A senior lawyer appointed by Reform UK to independently investigate allegations against MP Rupert Lowe and his team has denied making comments he says she made. The Great Yarmouth MP was suspended by Reform and referred to the police over… Continue reading Lawyer probing Reform UK row contradicts MP Lowe
Under-performing civil servants could be incentivised to leave jobs
Under-performing civil servants could be incentivised to leave jobs Under-performing civil servants could be incentivised to leave their jobs under new government plans, while top staff will have their pay linked to their performance. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said they will “fundamentally reshape” the service as its state is currently not “match-fit” for what… Continue reading Under-performing civil servants could be incentivised to leave jobs
Labour ministers yet to hold talks over Abramovich funds
Labour ministers yet to hold talks over Abramovich funds 17 hours ago Joshua Nevett Political reporter Nizaar Kinsella Senior football reporter Getty Images Labour ministers have yet to hold talks with key figures involved in unlocking the £2.5bn promised for Ukraine after Roman Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea football club. Abramovich sold Chelsea in 2022, after… Continue reading Labour ministers yet to hold talks over Abramovich funds
Plan to ban smart phones in schools scrapped by MP
Plan to ban smart phones in schools scrapped by MP 14 minutes ago Alex Boyd BBC News Hope Rhodes Education producer Getty Images The MP behind a bill campaigners hoped would ban smart phones in schools has admitted to watering down his proposals to gain government support. Josh MacAlister told BBC News he was now… Continue reading Plan to ban smart phones in schools scrapped by MP
About 20 countries could join Ukraine coalition, UK says
About 20 countries could join Ukraine coalition, UK says About 20 countries are interested in joining a “coalition of the willing” to help Ukraine, according to UK officials. It is not thought every one of the countries, which are largely from Europe and the Commonwealth, would necessarily send troops but some could provide other support.… Continue reading About 20 countries could join Ukraine coalition, UK says