Permanent fracking ban urged as Government moratorium branded ‘election stunt’
The Government is facing growing calls to make its fracking ban permanent, as opponents raised concerns the major U-turn could be an election ploy.
government
Fracking halted over earthquake fears as General Election looms
Controversial fracking will no longer be allowed because of new scientific analysis, the Government has said.
‘Workington Man’ election stereotype leaves locals unimpressed
Men from the Cumbrian town of Workington seemed nonplussed after a Conservative think tank identified them as a key target for the party in the upcoming general election.
Passport photo checker falsely flags black man’s lips as open mouth
A young black man hoping to renew his passport online was stunned when the automated photo checker mistook his lips for an open mouth.
France to scrap law stipulating drivers carry alcohol breathalysers in the car
The French government is set to scrap a law requiring drivers to carry alcohol level-detecting breathalysers in their cars at all times.
Collection of personal information on Government portal probed by data watchdog
The UK’s data and privacy watchdog is looking into how personal data on the Government’s main website is collected after it was reported the portal is being used to target users in preparation for Brexit.
UK budget surplus misses forecasts as Government spending jumps before Brexit
The UK public purse delivered a smaller-than-expected surplus last month as public spending continued to increase.
Ben Fogle to donate BBC show salary to help over-75s who cannot pay TV licence
Ben Fogle has said he will donate his entire salary from a BBC series to subsidise TV licences for over-75s, following plans to strip the concession from millions of pensioners.
Hundreds of thousands back calls to save free TV licences for over-75s
The Government is facing calls to take back responsibility for funding free TV licences for the over-75s amid an outcry over plans to strip the concession from millions of pensioners.
Hundreds of north-east residents hit by ‘loan charge’ controversy
According to new figures, 420 letters were sent out across the city – 160 in Aberdeen South and 90 in Aberdeen North.
Government reveals experts joining new AI Council
The Government has confirmed the line-up of its new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council, the independent committee that will discuss how to promote the adoption and ethical use of the technology.
Extra time for people in Aberdeen seeking citizenship and visa advice
Extra time has been put aside for people in Aberdeen seeking advice about citizenship and visas, a UK Government minister has said.
Social media bosses ‘accountable for harmful content under Government plans’
Social media bosses could be held personally accountable for harmful content published online under new Government plans, it has been reported.
Gove plans ban on most-polluting log burner and open fire fuels
The most polluting log burner and open fire fuels will be banned as part of an ambitious strategy to tackle air pollution announced by the Environment Secretary.
UK Space Agency on the hunt for young entrepreneur space ideas
Young people are being asked to come up with bright ideas on how data collected from space can be used to benefit the UK’s economy, health or the environment.
Back pain management app among new government fund winners
An app that helps people self-manage lower back pain is among the winners of a government fund designed to help those with health conditions remain in employment.
Tory MP vows leaving EU will boost north-east despite fall in Brexit support
The leader of the House of Commons today promised: “Aberdeen and the north-east will benefit from Brexit” – despite more people from the area voting against the move.
Government pledges full-fibre broadband across the UK by 2033
All homes across the UK should have access to full-fibre broadband coverage by the year 2033, according to the Government’s digital strategy.
DeepMind co-founder among experts to advise Government on using AI
The co-founder of Google-owned artificial intelligence (AI) firm DeepMind has been announced as an adviser to the Government’s new Office for Artificial Intelligence.
MSP’s outrage at UK Government over ‘dragging out’ of measures to help Britain’s problem gamblers
A senior politician has accused the UK Government of “dragging out” the introduction of a measure to help gambling addicts.
North-east campaigner welcomes restrictions on fixed odds betting terminals
A north-east woman whose partner took his own life due to gambling addiction has welcomed new restrictions on roulette machines.
Government says tougher biofuel regulations will see renewable fuel use double by 2020
Changes to the amount of biofuel required in fuel mixtures will see the amount of renewable fuels used in the UK’s transport sector double by 2020.
Government says tougher biofuel regulations will see renewable fuel use double by 2020
Changes to the amount of biofuel required in fuel mixtures will see the amount of renewable fuels used in the UK’s transport sector double by 2020.
Government says tougher biofuel regulations will see renewable fuel use double by 2020
Changes to the amount of biofuel required in fuel mixtures will see the amount of renewable fuels used in the UK’s transport sector double by 2020.
NHS Grampian failing to meet targets for patients suspected to have cancer
NHS Grampian is failing to meet Government targets for treating patients urgently referred with a suspicion of cancer – and has the worst rate in Scotland.
Pledge to work with Travellers kicked off North-east site by Government
Councillors have vowed to take a sympathetic approach to moving Travellers off a site in the North-east later this year.
Twitter suspends almost a million accounts for promoting terrorism in two years
Nearly a million Twitter accounts have been suspended for promoting terrorism in less than two years, new figures reveal.
Government allocates £138 million to boost housing in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
More than £130 million is set to be invested in affordable housing across the North-east.
Watch: Take a look at the expected journey of Article 50 through Parliament
The next stage of Brexit is under way as MPs are to debate the Bill that will allow Theresa May to launch formal negotiations for Britain to leave the European Union.
What is a White Paper, why is one being produced for Brexit and what happens next?
After pressure from MPs, Theresa May has announced a White Paper will be produced before a Bill on Brexit is put to Parliament.