UK government plans to lower electric car sales targets from 80% to 50% by 2030 have drawn strong criticism from the charging industry and EV brands. Critics argue this move, influenced by manufacturer and union lobbying, will harm investment, jobs, and the UK's automotive future, potentially benefiting Chinese manufacturers.
The UK government will ban social media for under-16s in early 2027, covering platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Measures like overnight curfews and infinite scroll breaks are also being considered for under-18s. The ban aims to enhance online safety, though some parents and teenagers express concerns.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on social media for children under 16, set to take effect in spring 2027. The measures aim to protect minors from online harms, with exceptions for messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal. The ban follows a public consultation and mirrors similar actions taken in Australia.
The UK government has announced a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16. The government is seeking input from parents and carers regarding their opinions on these restrictions and how children aged 16 and under feel about the ban.
The UK government plans to ban social media for under-16s, citing online safety concerns. Measures include restricting livestreaming and communication functions, with potential curfews for older teens. AI chatbots will also face age restrictions.
The UK government is considering reducing the 2030 target for electric vehicle sales from 80% to between 50% and 70%. Car makers and unions cite cost and job concerns, while sustainability groups warn of climate goal impacts.
The UK government is considering reducing the 2030 target for electric vehicle sales from 80% to between 50% and 70%. Car makers and unions cite cost and job concerns, while sustainability groups warn of climate goal impacts.
The UK government is considering reducing its 2030 target for electric vehicle (EV) sales from 80% to between 50%-70%. Car makers and unions cite cost and job concerns, while sustainability groups warn of climate goal impacts. A consultation will determine the final target.
The UK government is reportedly considering lowering the 2030 target for electric vehicle sales from 80% to between 50%-70%. This move follows lobbying from car makers and unions concerned about costs and jobs, while sustainability groups warn it could jeopardize climate goals.
The UK government is reportedly planning to relax its 2030 electric vehicle sales targets, potentially lowering the mandate for pure EVs from 80% to 50% and allowing a larger share for hybrids. This move follows intense lobbying from the car industry and unions concerned about job security and manufacturing penalties.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed ongoing government discussions on defence funding following the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and junior minister Al Carns over spending concerns. The delayed defence investment plan is being re-examined.
UK government reforms may classify bran flakes as junk food by including naturally occurring 'free sugars' in new nutrient profiling. Kellanova warns this could undo health efforts, while the government states it aims to promote healthier diets and restrict junk food advertising.
The UK government is investing £132.5m in after-school clubs to offer alternatives to social media for under-16s, as new restrictions on platform use are anticipated. The funding aims to boost mental health and reduce loneliness among young people.
The UK government has announced a £1.1bn investment in AI hardware, aiming to foster domestic chip companies. Alongside this, new measures will compel big tech firms like Apple and Google to block child nudity online, with potential criminal liabilities for non-compliance. Future actions may include an under-16 ban on high-risk social media apps.
An environmental campaign group, Fighting Dirty, is taking legal action against the UK government over new chemical safety regulations. The group claims the proposals could allow the fast-tracking of chemical hazard classifications from countries with lower standards into UK law, potentially weakening protections against carcinogens.
Four Palestine Action activists have been sentenced to lengthy custodial terms for damaging drones and equipment at an Elbit Systems UK factory. A judge ruled there was a "terrorist connection" to the offences, citing the planned nature of the attack and its aim to intimidate the government and public for political causes. The damage caused was estimated at £1.2m.
The UK government has indicated it might restrict or deny compensation to Jingye Group, the Chinese owner of British Steel, after the company initiated proceedings under a bilateral investment treaty. The nationalization of the steelworks, which cost the government £1.3m daily, is proceeding through Parliament.
A heavily pregnant woman in Scotland fears separation from her unborn child after her husband and daughter received "go home" letters from the UK Home Office. The family, who are legally residing and working in the UK, are distressed by the new visa clampdown affecting care workers and their dependents.
Jingye Steel, the Chinese owner of British Steel, has initiated a formal process under the UK-China bilateral investment treaty to seek compensation from the UK government following the nationalisation of the Scunthorpe steelworks. The company aims to recover over £1bn, potentially impacting UK-China relations.
A Queensland inquiry heard allegations of political interference in investigations into the CFMEU. Former officials claimed the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) stalled probes due to government pressure, and ministers allegedly intervened in regulatory actions against contractors.
Angela Rayner has strongly criticized the UK government's proposed changes to visa rules, calling it "un-British" to extend settlement waiting times for migrants already in the UK, particularly care workers.
UK ministers reject accusations of unfairness regarding student loan changes, arguing the heavily subsidized nature of the loans grants the government the right to alter terms. Concerns persist over rising debt and interest rates, with critics comparing the situation to mis-selling scandals.
The UK government is considering new online safety measures for children, drawing inspiration from Australia's six-month-old ban on social media for under-16s. Ministers are seeking public input from parents and carers on potential restrictions.
UK government plans to double shop closure powers to one year, targeting illegal mini-marts, vape shops, and barbers. This follows BBC News investigations exposing drug gangs, exploitation, and money laundering on British high streets. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood praised the reporting, stating the government "is not prepared to tolerate it".
