The Guardian Politics

UK lawmakers urge Burnham to block creation of artificial superintelligence after chilling warnings

Letter from 70 MPs and peers follows Anthropic employee’s claim new technology could wipe out humansAI could kill all humans in next decade, warn experts: but how seriously should we take them?More than 70 MPs and peers have urged Andy Burnham to back a ban on the creation of artificial superintelligence (ASI) and lead an international movement to stop the technology after a week of warnings from experts of a 10% chance it could kill all humans.Fifteen former government ministers, along with the

politics  2d ago

BBC Politics

Why did MPs reject the assisted dying bill?

Although supporters say they will try again, for now the momentum has fallen away from a change in the law.

politics  2d ago

BBC Politics

Why are plans for Gloucestershire's 'super council' on hold?

Seven councils were to be merged into one in Gloucestershire but the government has paused its national plans over legal queries.

politics  2d ago

BBC Politics

MPs vote against fresh attempt to legalise assisted dying

The proposed law sought to introduce one of the biggest societal changes in recent years.

politics  2d ago

The Guardian Politics

North Sea gasfield decision likely delayed until after Holborn byelection

Greens accuse Labour of hiding approval recommendation to avoid controversy ahead of key ballot A decision on approving the controversial Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea is to be delayed until later this autumn, with the Greens accusing Labour of hiding their position before the crucial Holborn byelection.Miatta Fahnbulleh, the energy secretary, had been poised to give her recommendation to approve the Jackdaw field off the coast of Aberdeen next week. Continue reading...

politics  2d ago

BBC Politics

UK government rejects 'kill switch' idea for dangerous AI

The Cabinet Office, which leads on AI safety, says the UK "cannot simply turn AI off".

politics  2d ago

The Guardian Politics

How did your MP vote on the reintroduced assisted dying bill?

MPs today voted not to approve the assisted dying bill at its second reading. The bill, which was brought back to the Commons after being blocked in the Lords, would allow terminally ill people to end their lives with medical help in some circumstances. Find out how your MP voted Continue reading...

politics  2d ago

BBC Politics

Vets can diagnose bluetongue to cut test delays

The government announces the change in approach as the virus continues to spread in the UK.

politics  2d ago

BBC Politics

Police boss criticised for 127-date theatre tour

Colin Sutton's office says it will take place in his own time and will not affect his work.

politics  2d ago

BBC Politics

Polanski selected as Green Party candidate for Starmer's former seat

The Green Party leader said the party is the "underdog" in Holborn and St Pancras but "can win".

politics  2d ago

The Guardian Politics

We must pause risky AI research while we still have the power to do so | Gaby Hinsliff

Warnings of AI’s existential threat to humanity are piling up – it’s time to listen and take them deadly seriouslyAnother day, another horseman of the apocalypse galloping over the horizon. Lately we have heard from so many AI doomers – tech whistleblowers popping up to warn that their work is probably going to kill us – that we’re becoming almost blase about it. Humanity wiped out within a decade? Well, only if another world war or the climate crisis doesn’t get us first. Since it’s never clear

politics  2d ago

BBC Politics

Henry Zeffman: How Burnham got ready to govern with four key moments mapped out

There are questions over whether Burnham's government represents continuity or change, writes Henry Zeffman

politics  2d ago

BBC Politics

Legalised dying bill for England and Wales faces new vote in Commons

The proposal was backed by a majority of MPs earlier this year but did not become law after its progress was stalled by peers.

politics  2d ago

BBC Politics

Rayner defends pause to local council overhaul

The cabinet minister tells the BBC she wanted to ensure the plans could survive potential legal actions.

politics  2d ago

The Guardian Politics

Ed Stone to elder statesman: the making of Ed Miliband – podcast

The UK foreign secretary has drawn rage and respect after announcing trade sanctions on Israeli settlers. Heather Stewart explains how – and why – Ed Miliband got toughThis time just over a decade ago, Ed Miliband was known for pushing his older brother David out of the way to become leader of the Labour party … only to lose the 2015 general election and become an internet meme for eating a bacon sandwich. But through the last 10 years, Miliband seems to have undergone a quiet transformation.Thi

politics  3d ago

The Guardian Politics

The Guardian view on the prisons crisis: moving men into women’s jails is not the answer | Editorial

Kneejerk reactions to overcrowding will do more harm than good. Ministers should focus on probationIt is not hard to see why ministers are considering converting parts of the women’s prison estate for use by men. While Andy Burnham’s decision to narrow the early-release scheme was born of political necessity, it has made an already acute capacity problem worse. Excluding manslaughter and further sexual offences cut projected early releases from 6,000 to 4,500. The family of PC Andrew Harper, who

politics  3d ago

The Guardian Politics

Forgetful Farage shares rose-tinted memories of Reform’s party conference | John Crace

Oops, Nige’s round-robin email skipped over the most embarrassing and dark details – let’s set the record straightWhich one of us has not dreamed of getting a personal email from Nigel Farage? So imagine the excitement that Reform supporters must have felt when a message from their leader dropped into their inboxes late on Wednesday night. And mine. Could he also be about to offer everyone in the country £5,000 in return for electing a Reform government?Sadly, not. Even Honest Bob’s planned wel

politics  3d ago

The Guardian Politics

The Guardian view on falling birthrates: cash alone cannot buy belonging | Editorial

Young people still want partners and children. Governments must address the insecurity and isolation preventing them from building familiesWhy are people in one of the world’s richest, safest countries having so few children? Singapore is asking that question. In 2000, its fertility rate matched America’s at 1.6 children per woman. By 2025, it had dropped to 0.87 – almost half the US rate. Singapore’s leaders, worried about population collapse, have reached for the chequebook. Each child, includ

politics  3d ago

The Guardian Politics

Shabana Mahmood urges police to curb far-right, anti-migrant protests

Home secretary tells officers to make ‘full use’ of their powers after masked vigilantes cause weekend of chaosShabana Mahmood has urged police to curb the activities of far-right, anti-migrant groups which have “obvious malign intent” after a weekend of chaos caused by balaclava-wearing vigilantes.In a meeting on Thursday, the home secretary told senior officers to make “full use” of their powers, including bans on face coverings, after police were assaulted and ports were disrupted in Kent and

politics  3d ago

BBC Politics

Why are MPs voting on assisted dying again?

A Labour MP has brought forward an identical bill to the previous attempt, saying she wants peers to "finish the job".

politics  3d ago