4 h. ago It’s grand theft AI and UK ministers are behind it. Oppose this robbery of people’s creativity | Andrew Lloyd Webber and Alastair Webber

The plan to weaken copyright law, allowing tech firms to profit for free from people’s talent, is an outrage, and the nation would sufferWe are father and son: one has written 16 musicals and counting, the other cofounded The Other Songs, a leading independent record and publishing company. Our work has employed thousands globally, nurturing the next generation of talent. Copyright is the foundation that protects this, and all creative work: from music, theatre and literature to film and art. Copyright ensures creators retain control and are fairly compensated. It underpins the creative economy. Put simply, it allows artists and creatives to make a living. Endless studies have shown what a benefit that creativity – music, theatre, dance, art, film, TV, the list is endless – has on the rest of society.Yet, today, the UK government is proposing changes that would strip creators of this protection. Under the data (use and access) bill, AI companies would be allowed to take works, past ...

Politics

64 h. ago Steve Witkoff: from property developer to global spotlight as Trump’s tough

His friendship with the president dates back to a late-night encounter in a deli. Now he is a loyal envoy brokering the Gaza ceasefire and peace talks on UkraineWith the first phase of the ceasefire nearing its end, an American property developer has emerged as a key figure in determining whether Gaza attains a more enduring peace or slips back into war.Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s typically idiosyncratic pick as special Middle East envoy, has also found his way into the midst of talks with Russia over Ukraine’s future, sitting opposite Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, instead of the official special envoy for the region, Keith Kellogg. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Here's where you can stream Grand Theft Hamlet, the documentary shot entirely in GTA Online

Grand Theft Hamlet is now available to stream on Mubi.

Politics

4 d. ago To be or not to be: could actors really pull off staging Hamlet in the violent video game Grand Theft Auto?

During lockdown, an out-of-work actor discovered a venue within the bestselling game and decided to put on Shakespeare’s great work with friends... they just had to avoid the audience shooting them

Culture

6 d. ago John Swinney criticised for 'negative' view on lynx reintroduction as poll shows public support

The First Minister has sided with farmers over their opposition to attempts to secure legal permission to reintroduce lynx to Scotland.

Culture

7 d. ago Hundreds protest in Cook Islands over PM’s handling of deal with China

Opposition leaders accuse prime minister of risking its relationship with New Zealand by continued secrecy around dealHundreds of protesters have marched on Cook Islands’ parliament to oppose prime minister Mark Brown’s recent decisions, including a failure to properly consult its closest partner New Zealand over a deal to deepen ties with China.Roughly 400 protesters – led by opposition parties – gathered outside the capital city of Avarua on Tuesday, RNZ reported, with some holding signs reading “Stay connected with New Zealand”. Others waved placards showing the New Zealand passport in opposition to Brown’s now-abandoned controversial proposal to introduce a separate Cook Islands passport, which New Zealand warned would require holders to renounce their New Zealand one. Continue reading...

Economics