-
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…
-
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…
-
Pioneering BBC Domesday archive marks 40 years of documenting British life
The BBC Domesday Project, a pioneering 1980s archive of British life created by over a million participants, is marking its 40th anniversary this year. The Centre for Computing History celebrated the milestone on 19 September with original team members, including Mike Tibbetts, who revealed that both MI5 and former prime minister Margaret Thatcher took interest…
-
Tories vow to reverse Labour moves to soften UK’s EU position
Conservative Party deputy leader Alex Burghart has vowed to reverse any moves by Labour to soften the UK’s position on the European Union, dismissing the Government’s push for a “reset” with Brussels as “giving everything away”. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has publicly backed full EU membership, reversing his previous insistence that he would not pursue…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Cruz calls Vance insecure as speculation grows over 2028 Republican race
Ted Cruz and Vice President JD Vance have exchanged public criticism over who is positioning themselves for a 2028 presidential run. Vance accused Cruz of obviously campaigning for president, whilst Cruz countered that Vance is the one feeling insecure and distracted, insisting he is instead focused on helping Republicans win the midterm elections. The dispute…
-
Tom McCarthy’s film revisits an early bipartisan debate on climate risks
Tom McCarthy’s film *A Statement* recreates a 1980 Florida conference on the environmental effects of carbon dioxide emissions. Based largely on the meeting’s transcripts and adapted from Nathaniel Rich’s *Losing Earth*, the film shows politicians, scientists, academics and environmentalists trying to agree on a response to climate risks. Its subject matters today because it recalls…
-
Weekend Update Tackles Cornell Controversy & Return Of ‘Glee’
Michael Che addressed the sexual assault controversy at Cornell University on Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, striking a serious tone whilst emphasising the importance of men holding other men accountable for misconduct. The segment examined how problematic behaviour often goes undetected in privileged circles, with Che and co-host Colin Jost joking about recognising colleagues who…
-
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.