The UK government has committed to redesigning guidance for new student loan applicants in England, promising clearer information about terms and conditions. The move follows criticism from MPs, who accused the government of "mis-selling" loans due to a lack of clarity, particularly concerning a decision to freeze the Plan 2 repayment threshold from April 2027.
The UK government has committed to redesigning guidance for new student loan applicants in England, promising clearer information about terms and conditions. The move follows criticism from MPs, who accused the government of "mis-selling" loans due to a lack of clarity, particularly concerning a decision to freeze the Plan 2 repayment threshold from April 2027.
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is facing unprecedented challenges that threaten its long-standing ability to coordinate oil production among its members. Recent withdrawals, geopolitical interventions in member states, and differing economic priorities have brought the 66-year-old group's cohesion into question.
A cross-party panel of MPs and peers has called for a new AI Bill, stating current laws are "ill-equipped" to handle the technology's risks to human rights and privacy. The Joint Committee on Human Rights highlighted the need for regulation targeting developers and ensuring individual redress, as industry leaders also voice concerns over AI's rapid pace.
A new book by Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor, "End Times Fascism," provides a critical analysis of what the authors identify as a convergence of destructive political and economic forces responding to the climate crisis. The work examines how a specific brand of right-wing nationalism, rooted in business and political elites, is accelerating environmental strain while normalising extreme rhetoric and policies.
Major chemical manufacturers are significantly increasing their production of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to meet the escalating demands of the artificial intelligence sector, according to a new report. Campaigners warn that this expansion risks a "tidal wave" of the persistent chemicals, linked to serious health issues and widespread environmental contamination, undermining efforts to restrict their use.
AIM-listed UK Oil & Gas (UKOG) is officially changing its name to UK Energy Group (UKEn) from 11 September, signalling a strategic shift away from onshore oil and gas extraction towards hydrogen energy storage and clean power. The company has been divesting hydrocarbon assets while funding new hydrogen projects in Dorset and Yorkshire.
Donald Trump has pledged to pay every adult US citizen $5,000 if Republicans secure majorities in both the House and Senate in the upcoming midterm elections. The proposal, made during a lengthy speech at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, would reportedly cost over $1tn and sparked immediate ethical questions. Mr Trump also urged voters to "pretend that I’m on the ballot" despite his widespread unpopularity.
Newly declassified government documents show Spanish intelligence warned of social media calls for a mass migrant crossing into Ceuta the day before tens of thousands entered the territory. The revelations contradict Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s previous assertions, leading to renewed criticism from opposition parties.
