Investigation finds dozens of ministers and civil servants moved into AI roles as government developed datacentre expansion plans The UK’s policy on datacentres and AI was developed without any meetings with environmental groups, an investigation has found. The nonprofit organisation Spotlight on Corruption said a “considerable revolving door” shaped the government’s development of “AI growth zones”, a central plank of the former prime minister Keir Starmer’s AI and economic policy, with 38 ministers, senior civil servants and special advisers hired to positions in AI companies between July 2024 and September 2026. Continue reading...
UK government met 137 businesses over AI datacentres – but no environmental groups

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Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news UK shop price inflation ‘highest since 2024’ as retailers struggle to limit price rises The City is not impressed with HSBC’s financial results, having expected even higher profits. Shares in HSBC are down 6.7% in early trading, and appears to be pulling the rest of the banking sector down too. “You don’t usually get fireworks from HSBC results, and these are no exception. There are signs of some improvement overall, and a boost to the buyback is welcome, but it’s clear why the market wasn’t really inspired by these numbers. HSBC seems to be doing ok, but ok doesn’t really cut it in a world where inflation is back on the menu and growth may start to slow. At least it’s not exactly rolling in profits this time around, providing some useful air cover ahead of a UK budget that will may include another raid on banks.” Continue readin
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