British Gas pays £20m to settle probe into force-fitting of prepayment meters

British Gas has agreed to contribute £20 million to a redress fund and provide compensation to customers, resolving a regulatory investigation concerning the forced installation of prepayment energy meters. This issue came to light three years ago when it was revealed that debt agents acting on behalf of British Gas had unlawfully entered the homes… Continue reading British Gas pays £20m to settle probe into force-fitting of prepayment meters

London protests: What you need to know about Saturday's events

Central London is set to witness two significant demonstrations on Saturday, which the Metropolitan Police describe as potentially one of their busiest days in recent memory. Among the events is the annual pro-Palestine “Nakba Day” march, commemorating the displacement of Palestinians following the establishment of Israel in 1948. This year’s march marks the 78th anniversary… Continue reading London protests: What you need to know about Saturday's events

More than 100 patients with advanced heart conditions are to be recalled

The Belfast Health Trust has announced that more than 160 patients with advanced cardiac conditions will be recalled following a review that suggested some procedures may not have been necessary. This recall specifically involves individuals who received Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) devices—a more complex intervention than standard pacemakers—between 2007 and 2023. According to the trust,… Continue reading More than 100 patients with advanced heart conditions are to be recalled

The councillors facing abuse for standing in local elections

Following his recent re-election, councillor Shazad Fazal took time to review the messages he received on Facebook. While many were supportive congratulations from constituents in Calderdale’s Park ward, where Fazal has served as a Labour representative since 2021, a disturbing number—over 200—contained severe abuse. The Halifax-born politician was targeted with accusations labeling him a paedophile… Continue reading The councillors facing abuse for standing in local elections

‘Patriotic’ UK anti-immigration social media accounts traced to Sri Lanka and Vietnam

The “Great British People” Facebook page, which claims to represent Yorkshire, has recently garnered significant attention, accumulating 1.3 million views on its latest video. This particular video features an elderly white British man expressing distress about his pension. Other videos on the page focus on topics such as “the overwhelming scale of mass immigration,” encouraging… Continue reading ‘Patriotic’ UK anti-immigration social media accounts traced to Sri Lanka and Vietnam

'Don't swim' at 12 of 14 river bathing sites, as more locations announced

Across England, nearly all official inland river bathing sites now display warnings advising against swimming due to concerns over water safety. This development coincides with the government’s announcement of six newly designated river bathing locations that will undergo water quality monitoring for the first time during the upcoming summer season. Notably, this expansion includes a… Continue reading 'Don't swim' at 12 of 14 river bathing sites, as more locations announced

Royal finances face a cut. But will much really change?

The text you provided discusses the topic of **financial transparency** in relation to the funding of the British monarchy, particularly focusing on the Sovereign Grant and public perceptions around it. Key points highlighted include: – **Public perception and criticism:** The Royal Family is often viewed as extremely wealthy, which fuels criticism over the use of… Continue reading Royal finances face a cut. But will much really change?

AI could put people off tech jobs and hurt the economy, warns Raspberry Pi boss

Eben Upton, the founder of the British computer company Raspberry Pi, has expressed concerns about the potential negative effects of overestimating Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. Speaking on the BBC’s Big Boss Interview podcast, he cautioned that inflated expectations around AI might discourage people from pursuing careers in technology, which could worsen existing skill shortages rather… Continue reading AI could put people off tech jobs and hurt the economy, warns Raspberry Pi boss

Newspaper headlines: 'Starmer's battle begins' and 'Rivals'

The recent developments within the Labour Party have dominated media coverage, focusing heavily on Sir Keir Starmer’s ongoing struggle to maintain his position as prime minister. The resignation of Health Secretary Wes Streeting from the Cabinet marked a significant moment, although he did not pursue a leadership challenge. The Financial Times depicted the situation as… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'Starmer's battle begins' and 'Rivals'

Analysis: Andy Burnham's route back to the Commons is clearer – but one big hurdle remains

Andy Burnham is making significant progress towards a return to Parliament, as two major obstacles have recently been overcome. A Labour Member of Parliament has stepped down, creating an opportunity for Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, to stand for a parliamentary seat. This development contrasts with an earlier situation before the Gorton and Denton by-election… Continue reading Analysis: Andy Burnham's route back to the Commons is clearer – but one big hurdle remains