-
Palantir’s Tom Watson says ‘mob rule’ must not dictate awarding of government contracts
Tom Watson, former Labour deputy leader now senior vice-president of Palantir, has defended the controversial US tech firm against mounting political pressure to drop its government contracts. He warned that procurement decisions should follow “the rule of law” rather than “mob rule”, arguing that ministers could get “in a lot of trouble” by cancelling contracts…
-
Oil prices fall as Trump pauses Iran attacks, China restarts fuel exports – business live
Oil prices fell by around 1% to $103 per barrel following US president Donald Trump’s pledge not to attack Iran ahead of the 3 November midterm elections. The decision reflects declining public support for military action in the Middle East, which is beginning to affect Republican election prospects. Only a third of Americans approve of…
-
Trump envoys Kushner and Witkoff to meet with Ukrainian officials in Miami as war with Russia reaches ‘dangerous stalemate’
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are due to meet Ukrainian officials in Miami for two days, aiming to develop a unified peace proposal. The talks come as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio describes the war as a “dangerous stalemate” and Russia’s strike on buses in Kramatorsk kills 30 people. Ukraine’s delegation is…
-
Brown says stronger innovation could add £150bn to UK income annually
Gordon Brown argues that innovation should become central to UK government policy, as advances in AI, quantum computing and biology could improve health, education, energy and manufacturing. He says Britain has strong research and university foundations but must convert more of its discoveries into successful global businesses. Brown cites polling that found 75% of people…
-
Mamdani demands Trump release illegal immigrant shot by ICE agent as protests erupt in the Bronx
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has demanded that President Trump end all ICE enforcement operations in New York following an incident in which a federal immigration agent shot an illegal immigrant in the Bronx on Thursday. The shooting sparked immediate protests and confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement outside the hospital where the wounded…
-
Benefit fraud enforcement questioned; Trump rules out Iran strikes; papers sue AI
Benefit fraud enforcement comes under scrutiny as only 42 cases were prosecuted from over 23,000 allegations. Meanwhile, President Trump rejects strikes against Iran before midterms, whilst major newspapers sue OpenAI alleging unauthorised article copying.
-
Trump handed Laura Loomer’s ‘terrifying’ new secret list of traitors as she worms her way back into his inner circle
Laura Loomer, a conservative journalist and Trump ally, says she brought the president a list of officials and hires she believes are undermining his agenda. Her access to Trump has renewed concerns among administration staff because officials she criticises may face dismissal, giving her influence over personnel decisions despite holding no government post. Loomer said…
-
Joel Kinnaman Warns Against “Wars of Choice” After ‘High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam’s Finale
TNT’s “High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam” has concluded with eight episodes depicting operative John Nixon’s hunt for and interrogation of the Iraqi dictator. Actor Joel Kinnaman, who plays Nixon, discussed the finale, which shows Nixon briefing President George W. Bush whilst Saddam faces execution in Iraq. Throughout the series, Nixon’s conversations with Saddam…
-
Pentagon to Livestream Execution of Fort Hood Gunman in First Public US Military Firing Squad in Nearly a Century
The US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that the execution of Nidal Hasan, a former Army major convicted of killing 13 soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009, will be made public. The execution is scheduled to take pl
-
Australia delays end to direct credit card payments for tax bills
Australia’s government has delayed the ATO’s planned end to credit card payments for tax bills after small businesses objected to the short notice. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said extra funding would give the tax office more time to consult businesses and card companies. The ban, announced after the Reserve Bank’s surcharge rules changed, is now due…