90 m. ago Keir Starmer’s legacy could be electoral reform – or Farage as prime minister | Polly Toynbee

MPs are voting to get rid of first past the post in mayoral elections. Doing the same at a national level would be an antidote to Reform UKWake up to the peril. As MPs return to parliament, they should abandon that self-deluding pretence that it could never happen here in our “moderate” and “tolerant” land. On the contrary, Britain is at more risk of a populist right takeover than many of our European neighbours. With Labour in an electoral slough of despond, and the Tories looking dead already, the reptilian grin of Nigel Farage haunts the political landscape after his satisfactory summer spent stoking division and cynicism.Our first past the post (FPTP) elections make us particularly vulnerable. As Rob Ford, professor of politics at Manchester University, notes: “This is now a Farage-friendly electoral system.” Reform UK has reached the tipping point where winning as little as 30% support in our corkscrewed lottery of a voting system could propel him into No 10, however much that ...

Politics

29 h. ago Met Office tells Brits in four areas to prepare 'emergency' kit for seven hours

Met Office weather forecasters say Brits living in four areas are at risk of flooding and should consider putting together an emergency kit as well as taking other precautions

Politics

3 d. ago Lotus to sack nearly half its UK workforce with 550 jobs at risk amid fears it could quit Britain

The company has launched a consultation process to determine how many roles out of the 1,300-strong workforce at the factory in Norfolk will be affected.

Events

4 d. ago Exact diet to eat to lower blood pressure as millions of Brits at risk

Scientists have pinpointed the best diet to follow to lower your blood pressure.

Events

6 d. ago More than one million Brits at risk of being taxed twice and how to claim it back

Some pensioners could find themselves at risk of being taxed more than once

Economics

7 d. ago Thousands of pensioners claim £10,000 each in overcharged tax

The HMRC figures reveal that about £1.4 billion has been refunded since 2015

Economics

1 week ago US Fed’s Powell signals possible rate cut in Jackson Hole speech – business live

Chair of the Federal Reserve says US economy is facing ‘challenging situation’ as inflation risks persist and job market coolsUnions are raising concerns about the threat of TikTok layoffs, warning it would put millions of British TikTok users at risk.John Chadfield of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) said:TikTok workers have long been sounding the alarm over the real-world costs of cutting human moderation teams in favour of hastily developed, immature AI alternatives.This has been a constant concern throughout the process of TikTok workers’ effort to form a union. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago AD FEATURE: Brits warned to make one key check before holidays or risk massive bills

Brits heading on holidays are being warned to double check their key documents or they could be risking some massive bills while abroad

Events

1 week ago Rachel Reeves' proposed 'mansion tax' could hit pensioners hard, experts claim

Rachel Reeves is currently considering the introduction of a new property tax on high-value properties, with experts warning of its potential ripple effects on pensioners across the UK

Economics

1 week ago Attendance Allowance claim form tips to help pensioners claim benefit worth up to £441 every month

The charity Independent Age is helping pensioners with health issues claim the tax-free benefit.

Economics

1 week ago The Guardian view on Britain’s AI strategy: the risk is that it is dependency dressed up in digital hype | Editorial

The UK’s plans seem to outsource sovereignty for phantom efficiency. Public services provide the data and power while US tech giants reap the rewardsThere was a time when Britain aspired to be a leader in technology. These days, it seems content to be a willing supplicant – handing over its data, infrastructure and public services to US tech giants in exchange for the promise of a few percentage points of efficiency gains. Worryingly, the artificial intelligence strategy of Sir Keir Starmer’s government appears long on rhetoric, short on sovereignty and built on techno-utopian assumptions. Last week Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, was promoting the use of AI-generated discharge letters in the NHS. The tech, he said, will process complex conversations between doctors and patients, slashing paperwork and streamlining services. Ministers say that by applying AI across the public sector, the government can save £45bn.But step back and a more familiar pattern emerges. As Cecil...

Events

2 w. ago Britain's 'world standing' at risk from boys 'chronic' lower results at GCSE

Author Professor Alan Smithers believes the issue is being ignored because of 'fashionable narratives' that frame boys as 'privileged'.

Events

2 w. ago The areas of Britain where HALF of adults risk retirement poverty

In some areas of the country, almost half of adults don't think they will have £13,400 per year to live on in retirement - the minimum required for a 'basic' lifestyle.

Events

2 w. ago Heatwave alert as Brits warned of BBQ fire risk during sizzling temperatures

This UK heatwave comes with potential fire risk from barbecues during rising temperatures, experts share advice on how to avoid the risk and save yourself from costly damages

Events

2 w. ago Britons risk 'losing sight' of Christian history, atheist historian Alice Roberts laments... after mocking believers at Easter

The academic, 52, told BBC History Magazine that Christianity is a 'compelling and important' part of British culture and appeared to lament the fact that belief is on the decline.

Events

2 w. ago British holidaymakers risk being rejected from flights over unknown airport rule

A drained phone battery could leave you stranded, prevent you from boarding a flight, or even result in your device being confiscated

Events

3 w. ago Hot weather alert as common medications put millions of Brits at risk

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that people taking certain medications could be at greater risk of heat-related illness as temperatures are set to soar this week

Events

3 w. ago Chips and crisps 'at risk' due to looming potato shortage as 'crisis deepens'

Experts said climate change is putting Britain's favourite spud-based snacks at risk and warn global potato yields could plummet by as much as 16% by 2035 due to weather changes

Events

3 w. ago Brit holidaymakers risk being banned from plane over 'dead phones'

Airports operate under strict new rules when it comes to electronic devices according to travel experts - and many holidaymakers may be caught out

Events

3 w. ago Full English breakfast 'at risk' as Brits ditch bacon and sausages for avocados

A poll of 2,000 adults found half of Millennials (53 per cent) and Gen Zs (49 per cent) have turned their back on animal products

Events