Writing the summary…
Banks expect to be hit with higher taxes in Budget

Follow this story
Earlier reports and follow-ups on the same developing story.
Related stories
Trump says he won't use nuclear weapons or send ground troops to Iran
Trump said he would not use nuclear weapons against Iran or send ground troops as the U.S. reportedly weighs new strike options.
Tesla reveals next-generation Roadster after almost a decade of delays
Elon Musk first debuted the Roadster refresh concept in 2017 but Tesla has since missed every targeted delivery date.
Zelenskyy praises 'real leaders' in Europe, as his strained relationship with Trump overshadows EU summit
Zelenskyy's strained relationship with Trump is clouding the EU summit focused on securing further support for Ukraine.

Ofgem could force energy suppliers to pay rivals if they lure customers with cheaper deals
Regulator for Great Britain weighs up reintroducing market stabilisation charge to prevent firms going bust Energy suppliers could be forced to pay a charge to rivals if they lure customers with cheaper deals, as the industry regulator for Great Britain attempts to prevent suppliers going bust this winter. Ofgem has published a consultation on a proposal to reintroduce the market stabilisation charge (MSC), which aims to prevent suppliers failing if there is customer exodus, as it frets over the impact of sharp swings in energy prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Continue reading...
SpaceX policy manager set to testify as part of NYC Council AI safety investigation
SpaceX is sending its head of global government affairs for AI, Gabriela Castillo Madrid, to testify before the New York City Council.

AI threatens democracy. But we are not powerless: here’s how to fight back | Carine Fouteau
Tech platforms pillage public-interest journalism for profit. But we have leverage as they sow the seeds of their own downfall Carine Fouteau is president and publishing director of the French investigative news outlet Mediapart Big tech companies pose an immeasurable threat: socially, politically, militarily and ecologically. They are also causing a profound crisis of information. The tools they design now serve as weapons of mass destruction against democracy. There is so much at stake that an urgent and broad mobilisation is required. From the harvesting of personal data and the weaponisation of public opinion, to the destruction of jobs, the infringement of civil liberties and environmental damage, ordinary citizens are the main victims of this predatory economy – an economy with an agenda that aligns with the interests of the planet’s most authoritarian and reactionary states. Carin