Latest news with #PeterKyle
Business News Wales
a day ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Upgrading National Grid to Power AI Future Tackled at AI Energy Council
The energy demands to drive the processing power needed for new waves of AI breakthroughs and the future energy needs of the wider AI sector were on the agenda as the AI Energy Council gathered for its second meeting. With energy providers, tech companies, energy regulator Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) in attendance, the meeting discussed how to work together to forecast how much energy will be needed to deliver a twenty-fold increase in compute capacity over the next five years. Compute represents the key building block of AI development. It captures the vital resources which make AI models work, such as the processing power which allows them to be trained on data and process information. By increasing the UK's capacity, it will give scientists and AI companies from across the UK access to the systems they need for their cutting-edge research – making the next big breakthrough from personalised medical treatments, more sustainable air travel, or developing new tools in the fight against climate change. The meeting also covered which sectors are likely to quickly adopt AI and how this could drive significant shifts in energy demand. Discussions will focus on what assumptions need to be made to accurately forecast that demand, ensuring the energy system is prepared for AI. The meeting was chaired by the Technology and Energy Secretaries, and followed the UK Government announcing £2 billion to deliver the AI Opportunities Action Plan. Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle said: 'Giving our researchers and innovators access to the processing power they need will not only maintain our standing as the world's third-biggest AI power, but put British expertise at the heart of the AI breakthroughs which will improve our lives, modernise our public services, and spark the economic growth which is the cornerstone of our Plan for Change. 'We are clear-eyed though on the need to make sure we can power this golden era for British AI through responsible, sustainable energy sources. Today's talks will help us drive forward that mission, delivering AI infrastructure which will benefit communities up and down the country for generations to come without ever compromising on our clean energy superpower ambitions.' Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, said: 'We are making the UK a clean energy superpower, building the homegrown energy this country needs to get bills down for good and create new jobs as part of our Plan for Change. 'Bringing together the biggest players in AI and energy will help us discuss the role AI can play an important role in building a new era of clean electricity for our country, and meeting the power demands of new technology as we build a clean power system for families and businesses.' The meeting considered the future energy needs of the AI sector more widely, as the UK Government also continues to move forward with its plans to roll out AI Growth Zones across the country.
Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Times
Welfare bill vote: Keir Starmer braced for revolt despite concessions
Peter Kyle, the science and technology secretary, has admitted the government should have reached an agreement earlier with MPs threatening to rebel against the welfare bill. Kyle told Times Radio: 'As Keir Starmer, the prime minister said, there have been lessons learned. There have been lessons learned from our 11 months and I think that people will see that having learned those lessons that we'll be putting [them] into action going forward. 'For those MPs across the Labour Party who have worked constructively with Liz Kendall, the DWP secretary, and the prime minister, to improve the bill, we are extremely grateful and they will see the rewards of the constructive relationship that has been built in recent days. 'Should we have got there earlier? I think the answer is probably yes. But we are there, where we need to be now and I think you'll see the benefits of that later on today and certainly into the future of this government.' Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, refused to reaffirm that she would not change her 'ironclad' fiscal rules when pressed to do so by Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor. Stride said that the U-turns on winter fuel and concessions on welfare have added to the 'unfunded Labour black hole' and asked her to 'reconfirm that commitment' to her fiscal rules, or admit that the government are 'heading for yet another U-turn'. Reeves responded: 'Well I would take it a bit more seriously if the party opposite were actually voting against the welfare reforms this evening, and if they hadn't committed to fully reversing the winter fuel changes which is going to cost a further £400 million that they can't explain. 'I'll give him this — he knows a thing or two about welfare spending. Because under his watch, the UK became the only country in the G7 with an employment rate below pre-pandemic levels.' • Backbenchers have warned the government's plans would lead to a 'three-tier' benefits system in which people with the same disabilities receive different payments. They have urged the government to reconsider the legislation• Official modelling suggested that more than 150,000 people could still be pushed into relative poverty by the welfare measures, despite the concessions to MPs, down from 250,000 in the original assessment• MPs were initially concerned that the changes would lead to a spike in child poverty, but in an impact assessment written after the U-turn officials said there would now be a 'negligible' rise• Rebels raised concerns that a review of the policy, led by the social security minister, Stephen Timms and 'co-produced' with disabled people, would not be implemented before the change in the eligibility criteria came into force The work and pensions secretary, Liz Kendall, made a statement to the House on Monday that outlined the concessions being put forward to the bill by the government. She admitted that 'making changes is never easy' but said she believes the government 'must make sure those who can work get the support they need'. After the statement Kendall faced a fierce set of questions from backbenchers, who were particularly concerned that the review into the welfare system is set to finish as the reforms come into practice. Debbie Abrahams, chair of the work and pensions committee, said that the government 'should not predetermine' the results of the Timms review. Connor Naismith, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said the lack of clarity meant he could not vote for the bill 'without reassurance'. The original bill tabled new eligibility requirements for PIP. New claimants would have to score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity, such as preparing food or washing, to qualify. The changes were met with widespread opposition amongst Labour MPs, who raised concerns this could see people who need support to wash or dress lose their benefits. 126 MPs signed a reasoned amendment tabled by Dame Meg Hillier, chair of the Treasury select committee, which called to reject the bill entirely. Last week the government made concessions that mean all current PIP claimants will not lose their eligibility. Hillier withdrew the amendment as a result, but some rebels are still concerned that the eligibility rules will create a two-tier system by only applying to future applicants. A new rebel amendment was signed by 39 MPs and published this morning. Although this is a significantly reduced number, one senior rebel warned a defeat for the government is 'in the balance again'. Personal Independence Payments, or PIPs, are the main benefit available to people with disabilities. The payments are intended to help people with everyday tasks and mobility. These benefits, which are worth between £1,500 and £9,600 a year, are paid irrespective of whether someone is in work because they are designed to foot the bill for the additional cost that comes with being disabled. More than 1,000 extra people are claiming them every day. The government says the system is 'broken' and is insistent that there is 'broad consensus' on the need for reform. MPs will head to the Commons this afternoon for the second reading of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. It will set out plans for a review of the welfare system, back-to-work payments, a freeze to the highest rate of incapacity benefits and most controversially changes to the eligibility for personal independence payments (PIP). The bill has been met with opposition across the House but most notably from within the Labour party itself, as Sir Keir Starmer faces the largest rebellion of his premiership over the reforms. Despite the government's concessions in the last few days, it's still looking to be a tricky day for Labour.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
New app launches TODAY to ping 88m Brits with urgent alerts, digital licenses, benefits and more
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BRAND new app which will ping 88 million Brits with urgent alerts and give access to digital driving licenses launches today. The app, developed by the Government, aims to make it easier for Brits to engage with public services. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The Government is launching a brand new app to make accessing public services easier Credit: Getty 3 Brits will able able to access their IDs via the government-run app Credit: @SciTechgovuk / X 3 The app will be available to all Brits Credit: Alamy The App will launch in a basic stage initially, as Labour roll-out the beta version today. Initial roll-out takes place today This incarnation of the app will allow users to prioritise topics on their home page, depending on which government services are most useful to them. These areas include benefits, care, travel and business amongst others. Having these services on the home page will make it easier for 88 million Brits to engage with the government. Users will also be able to log-in using facial ID, removing the need for separate passwords for different services. The upgraded version of the app is set to roll out later this year and will feature an AI chat bot - named Chat. It will help to answer specific questions using information from the 700,000 page website. A wallet will become available on the app too, which will contain a digital driving license and other hard-copies of important documents. No more paper forms Ahead of the launch, Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, said: 'Our new App shows for the first time how this government is overhauling taxpayer-funded services as we deliver on our Plan for Change. 'By putting public services in your pocket, we will do away with clunky paper forms and hours spent on hold, so you can immediately get the information you need and continue on with the rest of your day. Starmer Rallies Lionesses: PM Visits England Women's Team at St George's Park Ahead of Euros 'This release of the App is just the start. 'Soon, you will be able to use it to ask Chat any question you like about government services, and get a reliable answer immediately. Personal notifications straight to your phone 'You will then get personal notifications, reminding you when your MOT is due or whether you need to register to vote, and then you will be able to closely track your childcare credits just as you do your bank account.' The app is a key part of Labour's Plan For Change - which aims to slash red tape slowing down British growth. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already axed NHS England in a bid to make the National Health Service more interconnected and efficient. Another part of the plan includes a £39 billion scheme which will support the construction of affordable housing across the country.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
New app launches TODAY to ping 88m Brits with urgent alerts, digital licenses, benefits and more
A BRAND new app which will ping 88 million Brits with urgent alerts and give access to digital driving licenses launches today. The app, developed by the Government, aims to make it easier for Brits to engage with public services. 3 The Government is launching a brand new app to make accessing public services easier Credit: Getty 3 Brits will able able to access their IDs via the government-run app Credit: @SciTechgovuk / X 3 The app will be available to all Brits Credit: Alamy The App will launch in a basic stage initially, as Labour roll-out the beta version today. Initial roll-out takes place today This incarnation of the app will allow users to prioritise topics on their home page, depending on which government services are most useful to them. These areas include benefits, care, travel and business amongst others. Having these services on the home page will make it easier for 88 million Brits to engage with the government. Read More on UK News Users will also be able to log-in using facial ID, removing the need for separate passwords for different services. The It will help to answer specific questions using information from the 700,000 page website. A wallet will become available on the app too, which will contain a Most read in Tech No more paper forms Ahead of the launch, Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, said: 'Our new App shows for the first time how this government is overhauling taxpayer-funded services as we deliver on our Plan for Change. 'By putting public services in your pocket, we will do away with clunky paper forms and hours spent on hold, so you can immediately get the information you need and continue on with the rest of your day. Starmer Rallies Lionesses: PM Visits England Women's Team at St George's Park Ahead of Euros 'This release of the App is just the start. 'Soon, you will be able to use it to ask Chat any question you like about government services, and get a reliable answer immediately. Personal notifications straight to your phone 'You will then get personal notifications, reminding you when your MOT is due or whether you need to register to vote, and then you will be able to closely track your childcare credits just as you do your bank account.' The app is a key part of Labour's Plan For Change - which aims to slash red tape slowing down British growth. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already axed NHS England in a bid to make the National Health Service more interconnected and efficient. Another part of the plan includes a £39 billion scheme which will support the construction of affordable housing across the country.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New app launches TODAY to ping 88m Brits with urgent alerts, digital licenses, benefits and more
A BRAND new app which will ping 88 million Brits with urgent alerts and give access to digital driving licenses launches today. The app, developed by the Government, aims to make it easier for Brits to engage with public services. 3 3 3 The App will launch in a basic stage initially, as Labour roll-out the beta version today. Initial roll-out takes place today This incarnation of the app will allow users to prioritise topics on their home page, depending on which government services are most useful to them. These areas include benefits, care, travel and business amongst others. Having these services on the home page will make it easier for 88 million Brits to engage with the government. Users will also be able to log-in using facial ID, removing the need for separate passwords for different services. The upgraded version of the app is set to roll out later this year and will feature an AI chat bot - named Chat. It will help to answer specific questions using information from the 700,000 page website. A wallet will become available on the app too, which will contain a digital driving license and other hard-copies of important documents. No more paper forms Ahead of the launch, Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, said: 'Our new App shows for the first time how this government is overhauling taxpayer-funded services as we deliver on our Plan for Change. 'By putting public services in your pocket, we will do away with clunky paper forms and hours spent on hold, so you can immediately get the information you need and continue on with the rest of your day. Starmer Rallies Lionesses: PM Visits England Women's Team at St George's Park Ahead of Euros 'This release of the App is just the start. 'Soon, you will be able to use it to ask Chat any question you like about government services, and get a reliable answer immediately. Personal notifications straight to your phone 'You will then get personal notifications, reminding you when your MOT is due or whether you need to register to vote, and then you will be able to closely track your childcare credits just as you do your bank account.' The app is a key part of Labour's Plan For Change - which aims to slash red tape slowing down British growth. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already axed NHS England in a bid to make the National Health Service more interconnected and efficient. Another part of the plan includes a £39 billion scheme which will support the construction of affordable housing across the country.
