Liz Kendall is in the news as UK’s new Secretary of Science, Innovation and Technology since 2025, after serving as Work and Pensions Secretary.
Keir Starmer has faced intense parliamentary questioning over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington. Mandelson, who failed security checks due to links with Jeffrey Epstein, was appointed despite warnings from the Foreign Office. Starmer has expressed frustration at not being informed of the vetting concerns, which have sparked calls for his resignation.
Drax Group considers workforce reductions amid restructuring plans to support renewable energy transition, facing union criticism. Meanwhile, UK government invests in AI growth zones in Scotland, and banks like Lloyds prepare for AI-driven changes, including job re-skilling and potential redundancies. The government also explores UBI to cushion disruptions.
The UK government is investing in advanced nuclear reactors and AI-focused zones. Britain aims to meet climate goals, support the AI sector, and create jobs, with projects in Barnsley and Lanarkshire backed by government and private funds. The initiatives reflect a strategic push for technological and energy independence.
On 16 February 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a forthcoming three-month consultation on children's online safety, including potential bans on social media use for under-16s, restrictions on addictive features like infinite scrolling, and controls on AI chatbots. The government aims to act swiftly on consultation outcomes, introducing legal powers to preserve children's data post-mortem and regulate AI content. The move follows Australia's 2025 under-16 social media ban and growing international momentum.
Orbex, a Scottish space launch company, has entered administration after failed fundraising and merger talks, threatening 150 jobs and UK’s space ambitions. Skyrora considers acquiring Orbex’s assets to support UK launch capabilities amid ongoing industry struggles.
The UK government has amended the Crime and Policing Bill to require social media firms to automatically preserve user data after a child's death. This follows campaigns by bereaved families, including Ellen Roome, whose son died in 2022. The law aims to aid investigations into online challenges linked to youth suicides.
As of March 2026, hedge funds and portfolio managers are leveraging technology and outsourcing to launch with minimal staff, driven by the growth of separately managed accounts (SMAs). Firms like IIP Services enable rapid, cost-effective fund launches, while major players such as Millennium expand talent pipelines. Meanwhile, UK media forms a coalition to protect journalism from AI misuse, and Rolls-Royce seeks government support amid aerospace competition.
As of March 6, 2026, Indonesia has enacted a regulation banning children under 16 from having accounts on high-risk social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Roblox, and Bigo Live. The ban will be implemented gradually starting March 28, with penalties for non-compliant platforms. This makes Indonesia the first Southeast Asian country to impose such restrictions, following Australia's December 2025 ban.
The UK government announced a £1bn investment in quantum computing to retain talent and compete with US AI dominance. Despite ambitious plans, many UK AI projects face delays and questionable investments, raising concerns over the true scale of infrastructure buildout and economic impact.
The UK government announced a £1 billion scheme to create 200,000 jobs for young people over three years. The plan includes incentives for employers, expanded apprenticeships, and a widened Jobs Guarantee scheme, aiming to address rising youth unemployment and NEET figures, with a focus on those on benefits and long-term unemployed.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves outlined her strategy for economic growth, emphasizing AI, regional development, and closer EU relations. She announced a £2.5bn investment in advanced computing, including a £1bn quantum procurement program, amid weak economic data and global tensions. The speech signals a shift towards strategic state intervention.
The UK government has abandoned plans to allow AI companies to train on copyrighted works without permission after backlash from artists and industry groups. The decision follows concerns over fairness, creator rights, and the potential for misuse of creative content. A consultation on digital replicas will be launched this summer.
The UK government is considering banning or restricting addictive features like infinite scrolling and streaks on social media platforms, following a US court ruling against Meta and Google for causing social media addiction. The consultation involves teenagers testing app limits, with potential for new laws to protect young users.
The UK government has been engaging social media companies to improve online safety for children. A consultation has received nearly 50,000 responses, with ongoing discussions about potential restrictions, including an Australia-style ban for under-16s. The government is considering measures to limit addictive features and AI chatbots, with decisions expected soon.