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UK app store dominance costs consumers £700m a year, research estimates
Apple and Google’s control of the main app stores lets them charge developers commissions of up to 30% on in-app purchases and restrict them from directing customers to cheaper options elsewhere. The article argues this lack of competition raises costs for consumers and makes it harder for British app businesses to grow. The Competition and…
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Justice secretary admits court backlog will continue to rise after U-turn on jury trials
The Justice Secretary Alex Norris has scrapped the previous government’s plan to significantly limit jury trials, reversing an earlier proposal championed by former justice secretary David Lammy. The move came after strong opposition from MPs and legal professionals who questioned whether the plan would even help reduce court backlogs and raised concerns about fairness and…
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Lack of inspections at fish slaughterhouses a ‘disgrace’, says Animal Equality UK
There are no routine or mandatory inspections of fish slaughterhouses in England and Wales, despite up to 77 million fish being killed in the UK each year. Animal Equality UK says this leaves fish welfare at slaughter unchecked and is urging ministers to bring forward humane slaughter laws and an inspection regime. Government advisers first…
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Badenoch vows £13bn disability cuts; Farage inquiry over undeclared gift
Kemi Badenoch pledges £13bn in disability benefit cuts, whilst a parliamentary inquiry concludes Nigel Farage should have disclosed a £5m cryptocurrency gift.
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‘They call every week’: the phishing attacks targeting past victims
Lisa Riley says she has continued to receive frequent scam calls and texts since entering her details on a fake US Esta website 17 months ago. Her experience shows how information stolen through one phishing scam can be reused to make later fraud attempts more convincing. Riley lost £16, and says calls claiming to be…
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Ministers explore how to stop regional leaders misusing planned new spending powers
Ministers are considering how to scrutinise English mayors and council chiefs if they receive greater control over public revenue. The proposals aim to ensure local leaders can be held to account for spending decisions, including between elections, as the government prepares to expand devolution. Options discussed include a Westminster select committee, tougher reporting rules and…
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UK carmakers weigh Chinese investment against vital EU export access
Britain’s car industry faces a critical dilemma, attempting to balance attracting Chinese investment against the risk of EU protectionist barriers. The UK currently has no tariffs on cheap Chinese vehicles, unlike the US and EU, but EU officials have warned that Brussels would impose “made in Europe” restrictions on British exports unless the UK follows…
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Barlinnie Reprieve Granted as Democrats Plot Trump Family Probe
Scotland’s most notorious prison may stay open amid overcrowding crisis. Democrats vow to investigate Trump family business ties if they control Congress this November.
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Chalmers rejects claims Labor spending is driving Australian inflation
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended the Labor government’s economic stewardship, insisting that public spending is not the primary cause of inflation in Australia. During an appearance on ABC’s Insiders, Chalmers repeatedly cited the Middle East conflict, housing shortages and weak productivity growth as the main inflationary pressures, whilst acknowledging that government spending forms part of…