Elton John: Labour are ‘absolute losers'
Appearing on the BBC's flagship politics show this morning, John launched a savage attack at ministers over its plans to regulate AI. Describing the government as 'absolute losers', he said he felt 'incredibly betrayed' over plans to exempt technology firms from copyright laws. He told Laura Kuenssberg that if Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary, goes ahead with plans to allow AI firms to use artists' content without paying then he would be enabling 'theft, thievery on a high scale.'
It comes after ministers this week rejected an amendment to the Data Bill to force companies to notify copyright holders if their work is used to train generative AI models.
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The Independent
6 minutes ago
- The Independent
‘The UK needs a new voting system first': Readers react to Corbyn's new left-wing party
Public reaction to Jeremy Corbyn's new left-wing party has been mixed, with many Independent readers more concerned about the UK's electoral system than the party itself. While some welcomed the alternative to what they see as a 'Tory-lite' Labour government, most agreed that the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system makes it almost impossible for smaller parties to succeed – and risks splitting the left vote. 'Until the electoral system is changed to proportional representation (PR), the dog's breakfast that is British politics will continue,' wrote one commenter. Others feared the move could hand power to a Tory-Reform coalition, with one reader warning: 'If you think Johnson and Truss were bad, wait until you see what Farage and Jenrick manage to destroy.' Although Corbyn remains popular among younger voters, many readers questioned the strategy behind launching a new party now. 'This is a disaster waiting to happen,' one said. 'The left is already fragmented and needs unity, not further splits.' Some saw the move as a protest rather than a serious political project, while others argued it could force Labour to shift left or adopt PR. Here's what you had to say: No real left in the UK I certainly don't like the Conservatives, and I dislike Reform UK even more. The problem with the current Labour government is that they are Tory lite. I cannot see Corbyn ever being PM. Starmer is sadly too authoritarian – hence the jailing of peaceful protesters. Personally speaking, I would like to see a combination of the Lib Dems and Greens in power, but there is almost zero chance of that happening. The Lib Dems are much more to the left than Labour. Christopher1959 Do you think the UK's voting system needs to change? Let us know in the below. Until the system changes, expect a mess Although it is excellent to have more choices for the electorate to choose from, unfortunately, because of the first past the post electoral system (FPTP), this only "waters down" the anti-Tory/Reform vote, because those right-wing parties and their "supporters" will stick together. Don't forget the Lib Dems, who command a fair old share of the electorate – but not enough for a majority. That could result in permanent right-wing governance! Until the electoral system is changed to proportional representation (PR), the dog's breakfast that is Brit politics will continue, with either "one or t'other", or, as I said, because of the watering down of the centre and left-wing vote, a permanent Tory/Reform bunch in power! Blue3Lee It's a step, but PR must come first A step in the right direction – offering a wider choice to the electorate, many of whom feel they have a Hobson's choice at the moment. But it won't work as an alternative under FPTP. To succeed, a genuine form of PR would have to come first – freeing voters to vote for their real preference rather than simply to prevent an alternative. Corbyn won't be around for too much longer and would, I think, willingly step back once a more genuine left-of-centre Labour-type alternative is available. Strangely Enough Finally, some choice outside the centre I think the public now having a slightly right-wing party in Reform and a slightly left-wing party with Corbyn to vote for is a positive thing, given the centrist WEF Lab/Con Blairites we've had since 1997. GaryGlass New parties need deep pockets to survive I have two principal thoughts on this: First, this isn't the first time that a "splinter" party has been formed in the UK. Regrettably, almost none have survived contact with FPTP for long, other than the Green Party and niche outfits like George Galloway's "Respect" party. Second, to have any chance of electoral survival, let alone making a difference, this putative political party must have serious (pots of money) backing. If this party subsequently shows sufficient support, I suspect that the chances of any form of proportional electoral system being brought in will recede even further, because of the increasing electoral threat to the current government. Nobrandloyalty Corbyn's party won't win, but could push Labour Whilst this new party will definitely not win the election and will probably get few MPs, the threat of a split in the left vote – letting in Reform on an even lower percentage than Labour got last year – will hopefully motivate Labour to change some policies. Possibly even encourage them to manifesto-promise PR/electoral reform to tempt people back into tactical voting for them in 2029 – so they can have better chances for the JC party in 2034. Someone182 A split left could hand power to Farage I remember how the SDP were going to "change politics in the UK forever". They did – the Tories lurched even further to the right and kept winning elections. I do not like Starmer, however, splitting the Labour vote is going to give us a Tory/Reform coalition. If you think Johnson and Truss were bad, wait until you see what Jenrick/Farage manage to destroy. Moonraker2025 New parties are pointless without PR The UK needs a new voting system before it needs more parties. These small new party initiatives don't work out within the current system. Corbyn's lifelong main political goal is to run a protest movement – and that's what this will be. – ItReallyIsNot FPTP stops Corbyn from being a threat If it wasn't for our FPTP electoral system, Corbyn would be a serious threat, I believe. Polheg Reform will benefit most from Corbyn's move Corbyn's new party will take votes from Labour but is unlikely to win more than a handful of seats. The prime beneficiaries will be Reform. It was a serious mistake for Labour to expel Corbyn, since it was always obvious that he commanded a lot of support from the left and would be in a position to retaliate. Musil A fragmented left is a disaster in waiting Corbyn to the rescue – just when we need some kind of ruthless pragmatic unity in the face of 'Euphemism' – and in waltzes Corbyn and a further split of 5 to 10 per cent at most. It seems that more than ever, a further counterproductive split among an already fragmented centre/left, in the face of a determined, well-organised, highly coordinated and highly effective far right, is an absolute disaster waiting to happen. I genuinely cannot see a way out of this. Jim987 Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the day's top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click 'log in' or 'register' in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.
Metro
6 minutes ago
- Metro
Emmerdale exit 'confirmed' in early ITVX release as Robert faces John's wrath
The following article contains spoilers from an episode of Emmerdale that hasn't aired on ITV1 yet, but can be viewed on ITVX. John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) has uncovered some huge information about Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) in Emmerdale. The two siblings have been involved in a tiresome back and forth ever since Robert returned to the village. John wants Robert gone because he's worried about Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) getting back with him, while Robert wants to see the back of John because he's convinced he is too good to be true. Robert's views on John were highlighted in this evening's episode when Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) arrived at his house. The local GP had been asked by John to check in on Robert, believing his time in prison was having a serious impact on his mental health. Liam wanted to talk to Robert about life behind bars, and how the trauma has impacted him today. When Robert found out that Liam was only visiting because John asked him, he focused on the fact he thinks his sibling is bad news, rather than opening up about his past. Unbeknownst to them both, John was listening in on this conversation as a result of planting an audio bug in the living room. More Trending While Robert didn't tell Liam anything that made John's ears prick up a great deal, he did say something that left John smirking later in the day. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! As Liam left, John witnessed Ray (Joe Absolom) heading to Robert's door. Back in the van, John discovered that Robert was the one who stole the weed from Ross Barton (Michael Parr) and Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) a couple of weeks ago, and then sold it to Ray. Before the week ends, John will find Ross in the street and reveals to him that he's discovered something about Robert. Ross doesn't like Robert at the moment because he's suspicious that he stole the weed. He currently doesn't have any confirmation it was him – so what will he do next if John reveals the truth? View More » MORE: All Emmerdale spoiler videos for next week as legend 'saves the day' MORE: Emmerdale fans blow holes in Owen and John 'suicide' twist MORE: Robert attacked in Emmerdale early ITVX release – and not by John
STV News
6 minutes ago
- STV News
Scottish audiences are biggest users of YouTube in the UK
Audiences in Scotland are the biggest users of YouTube in the UK as younger viewers abandon traditional TV in favour of streaming, according to Ofcom. The regulator's annual study into the nation's media habits found that people in Scotland spent an average of five hours and four minutes per day watching TV and video content at home in 2024. While broadcast still accounts for 56% of viewing, streaming continues to rise – with YouTube now the second most-watched service in Scotland, behind BBC and ahead of STV/ITV1. Young adults are driving this shift. In 2024, people aged 16–24 watched just 33 minutes of broadcast TV per day, down from 41 minutes the year before. In contrast, adults aged 65+ watched an average of 344 minutes per day, highlighting a clear generational divide. Netflix remains the most popular subscription service, with 63% of Scottish households subscribed, and four of the nation's top ten most-watched shows or films last year. iStock Netflix remains the most popular subscription service, with 63% of Scottish households subscribed, and four of the nation's top ten most-watched shows or films last year. YouTube is leading the charge in the streaming takeover of TV, with nearly half of all viewing of the service in the home coming via the TV set in 2024. Three in five Scots aged 4+ use the platform each week, spending an average of 44 minutes per day on it – 20 minutes of that on their household TV. Among younger adults (16–34), usage is even higher, with two-thirds accessing YouTube weekly. But it's not just Gen Z and Alpha driving this trend. Across all age groups (aged 4+), three in five people in Scotland are using YouTube each week, demonstrating the popularity of the service across generations. The content audiences are watching on YouTube has evolved too. The most popular content viewed on YouTube by adults and teenagers in Scotland was short videos under 15 minutes, while one in five (21%) reported watching full-length programmes or films on YouTube – a higher proportion than any of the UK's other nations. Some broadcasters are increasingly offering their own programmes on YouTube, for example ITV and Channel 4 make full-length programming available on their channels, allowing them to retain control over adverts. Ofcom has identified these sorts of partnerships as critical to sustain the future of public service media in its recent report, Transmission Critical. iStock Streaming is changing TV viewing habits across Scotland. Glenn Preston, Ofcom's Scotland director, said: 'Scotland's television viewers are increasingly moving away from scheduled and linear television. 'Though public service broadcasters continue to serve audiences well – particularly for shared viewing moments – streaming platforms like Netflix are well and truly established in Scottish homes, with the platform having four out of ten of Scotland's most watched programmes or films in 2024 – as many as the BBC. 'Coupled with the growing popularity of short-form content on video-sharing platforms like YouTube, public service broadcasters will need to continue their work to meet their viewers in these online spaces where they spend an increasing amount of their time to ensure they can survive and continue producing content of value to audiences.' Despite this shift, broadcasters still play a crucial role in uniting audiences for major TV moments. BBC and STV/ITV claimed four of the five most-watched shows in Scotland last year. STV News at Six also retained its position as the most-watched news programme in Scotland for the sixth year running, with an average audience of 324,000 and a 30% share. Scotland's match against Switzerland at Euro 2024 (1.34 million) was the most watched programme in Scotland overall last year, followed by Gavin and Stacey: The Finale (1.26 million). The film Trolls (1.17 million), streamed on Netflix, came in third. The first episode of Mr Bates vs. the Post Office (1.09 million) on STV/ITV1 and Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (1.03 million) rounded out the top five. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
