Brief

The British government is implementing measures to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis, including temporary discounts on various consumer goods and attractions. These initiatives aim to provide relief to households facing rising prices, partly due to geopolitical events impacting fuel costs. The government is also postponing fuel duty increases and offering tax breaks for truckers, funded by closing tax loopholes for overseas oil and gas operations. AI

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has blocked a £50 million contract for the Metropolitan Police to use Palantir's AI technology for intelligence analysis, citing a "clear and serious breach" of procurement rules. Palantir criticized Khan's decision, accusing him of prioritizing politics over public safety, while the Met warned of potential cuts to officer numbers. The controversy highlights broader concerns about Palantir's use of public funds and its alignment with London's values, despite the company's significant contracts with other UK public services. AI