TikTok: Tugendhat launches probe over China security concerns amid calls to follow US and EU by banning it March 14, 2023 Security fears over social media video app TikTok are being investigated by a top cyber watchdog, the government has confirmed. Minister Tom Tugendhat told Sky News he had asked the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to look into concerns over the app, which is owned by Chinese firm ByteDance. He told the broadcaster: “Understanding exactly [...]
UK to respond with “swift and robust action” to any Chinese aggression March 13, 2023 Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Chinese posturing over Taiwan risk creating a world “defined by danger, disorder and division”, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has warned today. Britain is committed to “swift and robust action” to counter any threat to UK national interests from China, according to an updated blueprint for the UK’s foreign and defence [...]
<strong>SNP leadership ballot opens as Forbes, Yousaf and Regan vie to replace Sturgeon</strong> March 13, 2023 Voting in the SNP leadership election to choose Nicola Sturgeon’s replacement has opened as the race gathers pace. Candidates Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf and Ash Regan are running to become Scotland’s next first minister, following Sturgeon’s shock resignation last month. Scottish National Party (SNP) members will choose between the finance secretary, health secretary and ex-communities [...]
Spring budget: Back to work, childcare and post Brexit customs – what do we know so far? March 13, 2023 This Wednesday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will stand on the steps of No11 Downing Street – holding the famous Budget 2023 red box. Of his five predecessors, just Rishi Sunak was even in post long enough to reach this point. Political turmoil aside, his spring statement will also follow months of financial chaos, after economic shocks [...]
MI5 spies to help firms counter China tech threats, says Sunak March 13, 2023 China poses the biggest “state-based” threat to Britain’s economic security, prime minister Rishi Sunak has said, as MI5 spies are set to help firms counter tech threats. UK organisations and businesses will receive expert security advice from the new National Protective Security Authority within MI5 to help them counter risks from hackers. It comes as [...]
Clock ticks down for Tiktok as UK reportedly prepares to ban app on government devices March 13, 2023 Amid reports the UK is set to recommend a ban on Tiktok from government devices, City A.M. looks at how the app went from viral dance videos to data security threat.Every Sunday, whatever the weather, groups of teenagers gather on a raised platform outside City A.M. HQ to film themselves dancing against the glittering backdrop [...]
Rishi Sunak set to announce £5bn defence spending boost during AUKUS summit March 12, 2023 Prime minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce a £5bn boost to defence spending during a key summit on the US-UK-Australia nuclear submarine deal. Sunak flew to San Diego on Sunday to attend a trilateral meeting with US president Joe Biden and Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese. It’s hoped Albanese will announce Australia is purchasing [...]
Hunt reportedly set to retain SMEs 19 per cent tax rate amid fears for tech March 12, 2023 Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to hold on to the 19 per cent rate of company tax amid concerns for the future of the UK’s tech sector, the Mail has reported. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will hand small and medium businesses major tax breaks to boost investment in the spring statement this week, [...]
Gary Lineker row: Now George Osborne weighs in on Tory immigration rhetoric March 12, 2023 Support has poured in for Gary Lineker following his suspension from the BBC amid an ongoing row over the government’s policy on stopping small boats crossing the Channel. Football pundit Lineker was pulled off air last week after tweeting about the UK’s asylum policy following the announcement of the new Illegal Migration Bill by Suella [...]
Budget: Childcare support and energy bills on Hunt’s to-do list March 12, 2023 Ending the prepayment meter penalty on energy bills and boosting childcare support for the poorest parents are among measures set to be announced in the spring budget. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt this weekend confirmed households on prepayment meters will no longer pay more than people on direct debits, as of July 2023. Energy security secretary Grant [...]