Data centre builders could face new demands for priority grid access October 27, 2026 The UK government is considering forcing data centre developers to invest in local communities and meet sustainability targets in exchange for priority access to the grid, as ministers miss their own deadline for introducing new planning rules. Under proposals being examined ahead of Wednesday’s Budget, developers could be required to make financial contributions to local [...]
Blackmail, deception and extinction: The AI risks revealed in Anthropic’s IPO pitch October 27, 2026 The Claude maker has warned of catastrophic AI failures, enormous infrastructure costs, huge circular investments and limited shareholder rights, as analysts question whether this blockbuster listing can justify a $2 trillion valuation. Anthropic has devoted 92 pages of its IPO prospectus to risks ranging from the potential extinction of humanity to AI systems resisting shutdown, [...]
British banks vulnerable after outsourcing AI to US tech giants, Bank of England finds October 27, 2026 British banks are becoming increasingly reliant on a handful of foreign tech giants to power their AI ambitions, new research from Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority has revealed, raising concerns over the City’s dependence on overseas infrastructure. The three largest cloud computing providers account for 79 per cent of reported supplier relationships among [...]
Meta unveils $95bn share sale as AI spending drains cash reserves October 26, 2026 Meta has announced plans to raise up to $95bn (£71bn) through share sales to fund its AI expansion, as soaring infrastructure costs put pressure on the Facebook owner’s cash flow. The tech giant said on Monday it would raise $35m through public equity offerings, followed by a further $60bn through a programme allowing it to [...]
Anthropic reveals $80bn loss as AI giant files for blockbuster IPO October 26, 2026 Anthropic has revealed an $80.7bn (£60bn) first-half loss as the AI giant filed for a blockbuster US stock market listing that could value the company at up to $2 trillion. The Claude developer published its long-awaited IPO prospectus with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday, offering investors their first detailed look at its [...]
Tech bosses warn Chancellor UK risks surrendering to foreign AI giants October 26, 2026 Britain risks becoming dangerously dependent on foreign tech giants unless the government develops a comprehensive strategy for its own AI, industry leaders have warned the Chancellor ahead of his Budget on Wednesday. UKAI, which represents more than 270 AI businesses, has urged John Healey to commit substantial funding to a national sovereign AI strategy, warning [...]
Healey pledges £1bn for social housing as housebuilding slump threatens Labour target October 26, 2026 John Healey has pledged more than £1bn in additional funding for social and affordable housing as new figures reveal a sharp fall in housebuilding, raising fresh doubts over the government’s target of delivering 1.5m homes. The funding, due to be confirmed in Wednesday’s Budget, will take the government’s 10-year social and affordable housing programme beyond [...]
Oxford Street goes traffic-free as Sadiq Khan launches pedestrianisation October 26, 2026 Oxford Street has become permanently traffic-free for the first time as London mayor Sadiq Khan presses ahead with a major overhaul of the capital’s busiest shopping district ahead of Christmas. Almost a kilometre of the famous shopping street, between Orchard Street near Selfridges and Great Portland Street, has closed to vehicles from Monday, ending decades [...]
Google, OpenAI and Anthropic back £100m UK AI biosecurity lab October 25, 2026 Google Deepmind, OpenAI and Anthropic are backing a new £100m British AI biosecurity laboratory as the government unveils more than £600m in funding to tackle emerging technological threats. The lab will use AI to detect and monitor biological threats, bringing together some of the world’s largest AI developers as ministers seek to strengthen Britain’s defences. [...]
Healey to unveil billions in defence spending as Tories demand he resign October 25, 2026 John Healey is set to announce billions of pounds in new defence investment in Wednesday’s Budget as the Conservatives demand he resign unless he commits to spending three per cent of GDP on the military by 2030. The chancellor is expected to channel additional funding through the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank, backing [...]
