The government is to set out plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) across the UK to boost growth and deliver public services more efficiently. The AI Opportunities Action Plan being announced on Monday will be backed by leading tech firms, which are said to have committed £14bn towards various projects, creating 13,250 jobs, the government said.
The pound has dropped to its lowest value against the dollar since November 2023 while government borrowing costs have continued to rise. The pound fell to $1.21 on Monday morning as the recent sell-off continued.
The prime minister is being urged to tighten the rules around donations to political parties as the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, attempts to interfere in British politics by making a $100 million donation to Reform UK.
Further reports suggest the Conservative Party are attempting to woo Elon Musk away from Reform and to the Tories by highlighting their ‘anti-woke’ credentials.
Musk has been vocal about foreign interference in American politics but seems to have no issue with interfering in other countries’ politics.
There is anger across the political spectrum this morning as the government has announced it won’t be compensating the Waspi women. Whilst it’s accepted that it would hit the taxpayer if the government did decide to compensate the women, it been widely highlighted that when in opposition Labour made it clear it would be prepared to write a cheque if they came to power.
There’s further coverage of Prince Andrew’s latest scandal as he’s been told to stay away from royal events this Christmas. It comes as another Chinese spy allegation emerges.
Yang Tengbo – also known as Chris Yang – has been named as the alleged Chinese spy who was close friends with Prince Andrew. PM Keir Starmer has played down allegations of a Chinese network of spies operating across Britain, and Andrew has been uninvited from royal events this Christmas.
Yang also had contact with two former British prime ministers – Theresa May and David Cameron. Allegations of spying have led for calls for Britain to reassess how it manages its relationship with Beijing.
Lucy Letby’s defence team is to seek a fresh appeal on the grounds that the chief medical witness for the prosecution changed his mind about how some of the babies in her case died. Letby’s barrister Mark McDonald said he would take the ‘exceptional, but necessary, decision’ to apply to reopen her case.
MPs are amongst those calling for the alleged Chinese spy – with close links to Prince Andrew – to be publicly named for security reasons. MPs are threatening to name the man as allegations raise “calls for caution.” Shadow home secretary Chris Philp and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage are amongst those calling for the alleged spy to be named.
It’s plunged the royals – and Andrew – into deeper crisis and amid another year of royal scandal, the firm is hoping Andrew steps out of the public eye this Christmas.
District councils could be abolished and more elected mayors introduced across England under new plans for a major redesign of local government. Ministers are set to publish a paper on Monday outlining plans for mergers in areas where there are currently two tiers of local authority – smaller district and larger county councils – in a bid to streamline services.
The government has approved the sale of the Royal Mail’s parent company to a Czech billionaire. The £3.6bn takeover by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group has been given the go-ahead after agreeing “legally binding” undertakings.
A close friend of Prince Andrew has lost his appeal against a decision banning him from the UK on national security grounds. An MI5 investigation alleged the man – known as H6 – was spying for China.
The UK economy shrank for the second month in a row in October as concerns about the Budget continued to weigh on confidence.
England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have discovered their 2026 World Cup qualifying opponents following Friday’s draw in Zurich. England will face Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist leader François Bayrou as France’s next prime minister, in a bid to end months of political turmoil.
Sara Sharif’s father and stepmother have been convicted of the 10-year-old’s murder. Police said Urfan Sharif, 43, and Beinash Batool, 30, had subjected Sara to “horrific suffering” before her body was found at the family’s home in Surrey last year.
Keir Starmer has unveiled sweeping changes to the planning system that could see councils forced to consider building on green belt land in England. The prime minister has vowed to override “blockers” standing in the way of building the new homes needed to solve the housing crisis. However some locals in the areas where these houses will need to be built are steadfast in their opposition to more housing.
Manchester City are in danger of Champions League elimination, while Liverpool made it six wins from six and Arsenal and Aston Villa are flying.
Two games remain in the revamped Champions League’s new 36-team league phase. The top eight automatically progress to the last 16 and, crucially, skip the two-legged knockout play-off round.
Israel has confirmed it carried out attacks on Syria’s naval fleet, as part of its efforts to neutralise military assets in the country after the fall of the Assad regime.
There are reports that Syrian migrants are attempting to return home despite the uncertainty of what lies ahead for Syria. European nations – including Britain – have paused Syrian asylum claims as they await to see how the new direction the rebels take the country in.
The man accused of shooting dead healthcare insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York jostled with police and shouted at reporters as he was bundled into court on Tuesday. More details have emerged about the killing, as well as a reported manifesto. Luigi Mangione is attempting to fight extradition to New York City and is reportedly planning to plead not guilty.
Arne Slot’s side have made a dream start in Europe this season and, winning at Girona on Tuesday night, have all but skipped the play-off round and secured a spot in the Champions League last 16.
The UK – along with other European countries – has announced they will pause asylum applications from Syria after the country’s President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the situation was “moving extremely fast after the fall of the Assad regime” and some people were returning to Syria following recent developments.
Germany will tighten its law to make it easier to prosecute those helping to smuggle migrants to the UK, as part of a new plan agreed between the two countries.
Several new photos from Gavin and Stacey have been released ahead of the sitcom’s upcoming final episode. A new promo image features James Corden as Smithy, alongside Ruth Jones as Nessa, Mathew Horne as Gavin, and Joanna Page as Stacey on Trinity Street in Barry. The final episode will air on BBC One on Christmas Day.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been ousted from power after a “stunning offensive” by the rebels. Syrians have been out celebrating their liberation, whilst Assad and his family have fled to Moscow and the world is left wondering what comes next for Syria.
Storm Darragh has left tens of thousands across Britain without power and flood warnings have been issued. Across England and Wales, 50 flood warnings remain in force because of recent heavy rain from the storm, although the weather on Monday is expected to be dry for most.
The chancellor will give an address to the Eurogroup since Brexit and will argue that a closer relationship between the UK and EU will boost economic growth. Reeves will say that a “reset” in relations would mean “breaking down barriers to trade” as well as helping “businesses sell in each other’s markets”.
American rapper Jay Z has been named in a lawsuit alongside P Diddy. The Jane Doe has alleged Jay Z raped her when she was 13 at a party in 2000 along with Diddy.
Prince William and incoming US President Donald Trump met while visiting Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral – five years after a fire badly damaged it. William joined other world leaders in marking the grand reopening including a 40-minute sit-down meeting with Trump who described William as a “good man” doing a “fantastic job.”
Premier League striker Michail Antonio is in a stable condition and “conscious and communicating” after a car crash. Reports say Antonio had to be cut out of his Ferrari which he was trapped in for forty minutes after crashing into a tree.
Mohamed Salah is on the brink of signing a new two-year contract at Liverpool after reaching a compromise with the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group.
Rebel forces in Damascus declare the city “free” from long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad as government forces withdraw. Rebels say public institutions will stay under the supervision of the former prime minister until they’re officially handed over. The Syrian Prime Minister, Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali, has said he doesn’t know where Assad is at the moment.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his six priorities for government in a key “plan for change” speech. The targets include building 1.5 million homes, fixing the NHS and delivering clean power by 2030. He also pledges higher living standards, safer streets and ensuring a record number of five-year-olds enter school “ready to learn”
Friday morning travel was a misery for many UK travellers after a major disruption on the rail network. At least nine lines were affected. National Rail said the issue was due to a “nationwide fault” with the radio system used between train drivers and signallers that has now been fixed.
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for wind as Storm Darragh approaches. The warning is in place from 03:00 to 11:00 GMT on Saturday, covering western and southern coastal regions of Wales as well as the Bristol Channel in England.
The PM is to deliver a speech on what he calls a “plan for change” for Britain. He will announce six “milestones” he hopes to reach, including building 1.5 million homes, fixing the NHS and delivering clean power by 2030.
He will also pledge higher living standards, safer streets and ensuring a record number of five-year-olds enter school “ready to learn”.
The French government collapsed after a no-confidence vote ousted the prime minister and rid the country of the austerity budget he tried to force through – the budget that led to his downfall. The country’s president is facing calls to resign.
Gregg Wallace is facing more allegations as is the BBC who are under pressure to explain why they did not act on allegations made against Wallace 10 years ago.
The ongoing chaos in South Korea is dominating news globally as MPs have begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol after thwarting his shock move to impose martial law. The overnight chaos has come as a shock for many – not just in South Korea, but around the world.
In domestic news, convicted killer Lucy Letby has been interviewed by police in prison under caution as part of ongoing investigations into more baby deaths at two hospitals, Cheshire Constabulary has confirmed.
Pep Guardiola has hit back at claims from TV pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher that the City boss has fallen out with midfielder Kevin de Bruyne.
Scotland women’s national team missed out on a place at next year’s Euros after losing 2-0 to Finland. Wales booked their place – the first major tournament for the team – after beating Ireland 2-1 yesterday in Dublin. The Lionesses beat Switzerland 1-0 in a friendly which saw many of the young lionesses get a start.
Greg Wallace is facing further backlash after his apology for recent comments that those who accused him of inappropriate behaviour were just ‘middle-class women of a certain age.’ The BBC is also under pressure to pull his hit show MasterChef amid the allegations.
The prime minister delivered a foreign policy speech on Monday saying the UK does not need to choose between the US and the EU and that keeping close relations with both was vital. The comments come ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House – which could be a tough time for the bloc as well as Canada and Mexico, as Trump threatens tariffs.
Stalking victims will get “peace of mind” by being told the identity of their abusers under new government proposals, the minister for safeguarding has said. Jess Phillips said the proposed “right to know” statutory guidance aims to tell victims the identity of their abuser at the earliest opportunity.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said a new phase for his government will begin this week, under what he calls a “plan for change” for Britain.
Gregg Wallace has hit back at allegations of historic misconduct, saying they have come from a “handful of middle-class women of a certain age”.
Russia carried out “a series of air strikes” in Syria early on Sunday as rebels advanced towards the south, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
The upcoming assisted dying vote in the Commons today dominates much of the news. The vote is expected to be tight and at least 100 MPs remain undecided.
MasterChef TV host Gregg Wallace has stepped down from his role following more allegations of sexual assault. The claims are from 13 people, across five shows, from 2005 to 2022. One of them was the broadcaster Kirsty Wark, a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, who said he told “sexualised” jokes during filming.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has stepped down from her role after she admitted pleading guilty to a criminal offence relating to a police investigation over a mobile phone she claimed was stolen.
MPs will vote on the assisted dying bill today, MPs are said to be divided over the legislation and it’s not clear if it will pass. This Friday will mark the first time MPs will have voted on such a measure in nearly 10 years.
Liverpool beat Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield last night in the latest Champions League match – and it was a thriller! McCallister opened the scoring before Mbappe missed a penalty for Madrid, then Mo Salah missed a penalty – and then finally Gakpo found the back of the net to give the Reds a 2-0 win.
Police are continuing investigations into the late Harrods owner Mohammed al-Fayed who has been accused by at least 100 women of sexual assault and rape. If the allegations prove true his crimes could be on the scale of Jimmy Saville. There are also reports that associates of Al Fayed are “being probed on claims they enabled his sex abuse.”
Many of the news sites – in print and online – continue to offer their reaction to the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as civilians start to return home. Many are expressing hopes that a similar ceasefire could be seen in Gaza.
The upcoming Friday vote on assisted dying in the UK is another trending topic as MPs express their stance on the matter. It’s expected to be a tight call.
A ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon makes much of the news today bringing an end to a year of fighting. The deal, brokered by France and the US, came into effect at 04:00 local time on Wednesday. Thousands of Lebanese civilians have started returning to their homes in the south, but Israel warns it is not yet safe to return to certain areas.
Britain is set to be battered by another storm – Storm Conall, which will bring heavy rain to south-east England and endanger areas already dealing with flooding from Storm Bert. As of Wednesday morning, there were 99 flood warnings in England, including a severe “danger to life” notice for the River Nene in Northamptonshire, as well as four in Wales.
The upcoming assisted dying bill vote makes the UK news – in print and online – as MPs prepare for Friday’s vote. MPs will get their first chance to debate and vote on Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in principle on Friday. Leadbeater said she expected the vote to be “very close”.
Manchester City’s 3-3 draw finds plenty of space in the UK media. It’s now the sixth game without a win – and more concerningly, City led by 3-0 into the second half.
More than 140 flood warnings remain in place across England, Wales and Scotland as the after-effects of Storm Bert are felt. More rain is expected to fall today.
Politics leads the way in the media today – in print and online – as the prime minister makes pledges to get more people back into work with reforms to overhaul job centres and more mental health funding. Some of Britain’s biggest cultural and sporting institutions such as the Premier League and the Royal Shakespeare Company will hire teenagers to teach them skills in a drive to get young people into work or education.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended her budget yesterday as businesses continued to complain. The chancellor dismissed business warnings that tax rises in the budget will make it harder to hire more people. Reeves has promised that there will be no more rises during this government’s term.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed the ICC’s issuing of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant. The ICC says both men – alongside a Hamas leader who was killed in July – bore “criminal responsibility” for crimes during the war between Israel and Hamas. The court accuses Israel of using starvation as a war tactic and for intentionally targeting civilians.
Europe and the US have been split in their response to the warrant. European countries including Britain have said they respect the ICC decisions and note Netanyahu will be arrested if he steps foot into their countries. The Canadian prime minister also confirmed he will follow the ruling of the ICC. The US has backed Israel and called the warrant ‘outrageous.’
Tributes are continuing to pour in for ex-deputy prime minister John Prescott, who died aged 86.
Storm Bert dominates the UK news as the cold snap continues to bite the UK with snowy conditions coming and weather warnings issued for the weekend.
Images from yesterday’s farmer’s protest in London dominate much of the UK media – online and in print – amid warnings that the protests are just the start.
The prime minister assures the public that the inheritance tax rule will affect only a small amount of farmers. Around 13,000 farmers protested outside Westminster yesterday and were joined by Jeremy Clarkson and Nigel Farage.
Higher energy rates have pushed up UK inflation the latest figures show. The rate is at its highest in six months. The latest figures come after the government revealed that around 50,000 pensioners will be living in relative poverty next year due to the winter fuel allowance cuts.
The UK cold snap has arrived and more weather warnings have been issued across the country as the wintery weather causes travel disruptions and school closures.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has signed a one-year extension to his contract, keeping him in the Premier League for a little longer.
Away from domestic news, much of the UK media – in print and online – also looks at the latest developments in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
US President Joe Biden permitted Ukraine to use US-made weapons to strike Russia – which they did yesterday.
Russia’s Putin has called it a major escalation of war and has, in response, lowered the threshold for a nuclear strike on the West. It’s led to fears a nuclear war may be on the horizon.
Snow and ice warnings have been issued today as many Brits woke up to some wintery weather as the cold snap sets in. The conditions have led to school closures and travel disruptions.
A planned march to Westminster by UK farmers is set to take place today. Farmers are protesting the chancellor’s plans to impose inheritance tax on farms valued over £1 million. The government have called for calm, reminding the public that most farmers won’t be affected by the rule. TV star Jeremy Clarkson is expected to join the protest.
Many publications – online and in print – continue their coverage of Joe Biden’s policy shift allowing Ukraine to use American-made weapons to attack Russia.
Several newspapers ponder whether the UK and Germany will follow Washington’s decision. There is coverage of Moscow’s reaction to Biden’s decision, with the Kremlin calling it a major escalation in the war and noting that there will be consequences for the UK if it follows Washington’s decision. Donald Trump’s team have expressed their anger at Biden’s decision, accusing him of “launching a whole new war.” Trump – who takes office in January – has repeatedly said he will end the Russia-Ukriane war as soon as he’s in power, but he has not indicated any sort of plan.
There are also ongoing reports about a potential trade deal with the US, with several of the business newspapers suggesting it will be tough talks with the new US president. An expert has predicted that the UK will align with Brussels if a trade war breaks out between the US and China.
The editorials continue their coverage of the PM’s meeting with the Chinese president Xi – and what that could mean for Starmer’s relationship with Trump.
Much of the UK news is dominated by the news Joe Biden has given Ukraine the go-ahead to use American weapons to attack Russia. It leaves many of the UK media speculating if the UK and France might soon follow suit.
England’s 5-0 victory over Ireland at Wembley last night is a huge talking point this morning as the Lee Carsely era has come to an end. The next England international camp will see new boss Thomas Tuchel at the helm. The last win ensures England returns to the top tier of the Nations League.
Ongoing reports on inheritance tax on UK farms, with many papers – online and in print – reporting on the planned protest outside Westminster on Tuesday.
Several publications report on the upcoming G20 summit as the UK prime minister is reportedly planning to meet with the Chinese president, leading to widespread backlash. Many have accused Keir Starmer of choosing the economy over human rights. The story will likely continue unfolding as the G20 summit starts.
The chancellor delivered her first Mansion House speech on Thursday as she urged the City regulators to allow financial service providers to take greater risks, saying that the rules introduced after the 2008 financial crash had “gone too far” and were harming growth.
The speech is an annual address to the City of London by the sitting chancellor. In her first address, she attempted to reassure the City that she had a growth strategy. Much of her speech is highlighted across print media and online this morning.
The Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey also gave a speech yesterday at the event in which said the UK must improve its relationship with Europe saying the “consequences of Brexit” were damaging the economy.
Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s Budget continues to be scrutinised as do other Labour plans across the print media today.
Ongoing coverage of US politics – from Trump’s meeting with Biden to the appointments being made to Cabinet, find space in the UK media landscape.
The back pages – and social media – are dominated by the latest from English football. The ongoing search for a presenter to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host is heavily featured on social media. There’s also coverage of another leaked video of EPL referee David Cootes who appeared to be snorting a white powder in the video during the summer’s EUROS.
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