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    Greens neck and neck with Labour, new poll shows, as voters turn away from Starmer

    The Green Party is now neck and neck with Labour, a new poll has shown, as the party climbs in the polls following the election of Zack Polanski – but both are lagging behind Reform UK. A new poll, conducted by FindOutNow, put Nigel Farage’s party on 32 points, a fall of two points since this time last month. The Conservatives are on 16 points, having seen no change since last month. Following closely behind are both Labour and the Greens, with Labour having seen its approval rating fall by one point, while the Greens have surged by three points in Mr Polanski’s first month as the party’s leader. Leader Zack Polanski told the Green Party conference: ‘The alarm bells of authoritarianism are ringing’ More

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    MI5 thwarted China attack in past week, chief reveals as he says Beijing presents daily threat to UK security

    The head of MI5 has said “Chinese state actors” present a national security threat to the UK “every day” and he admitted he was frustrated by the collapse of the case against two alleged Westminster spies. Sir Ken McCallum set out how the Security Service carried out an operation against a threat from China within the last week amid growing questions around the failure to prosecute.In a speech at MI5’s London headquarters, the service’s director general said that the UK needed to “defend itself resolutely” against China while also being able to “seize the opportunities” having a relationship with Beijing brings.“The UK-China relationship is, by its nature, complex, but MI5’s role is not: we detect and deal, robustly, with activity threatening national security,” Sir Ken said.He highlighted attempts by China to carry out “cyber espionage”, “clandestine technology transfer”, efforts to “interfere covertly in UK public life” and the “harassment and intimidation of opponents” including pro-democracy activists.“When it comes to China, the UK needs to defend itself resolutely against threats and seize the opportunities that demonstrably serve our nation,” he said.It was a choice for ministers to decide where the balance lies, he said, “informed by expert security advice”.Asked if he was frustrated by the collapse of the case against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, he said: “Of course I am frustrated when opportunities to prosecute national security-threatening activity are not followed through, for whatever reason.”Sir Ken’s comments came after it emerged the government’s deputy national security adviser had repeatedly described the “threat” posed by China in witness statements, published on Wednesday night, amid the extraordinary row over the collapse of the case.A key allegation against the government was that it refused in its evidence to the CPS to describe Beijing as a threat to Britain’s national security. MI5 chief Ken McCallum says he is ‘frustrated’ by the case collapsing More

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    Voices: ‘Fantasy economics’: Readers warn of housing chaos if stamp duty is scrapped

    Stamp duty reform is rumoured to be under consideration by chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the Autumn Budget.Reports suggest the Treasury is considering a new tax on the sale of homes worth more than £500,000 as a step towards a radical overhaul of stamp duty and council tax.Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch really set the cat among the pigeons by pledging to scrap the tax entirely during her party’s conference last week. But Independent readers are divided on whether the tax should be axed, with some arguing abolition is “fantasy economics” that would only drive up prices. “When stamp duty was cut during Covid, the spike was so huge it made it even harder for first-time buyers,” one said, while another warned that any savings would just be added to deposits and fuel a crash. Several noted it would “appeal to the very well off” but do “absolutely nothing” for renters or those already priced out of the housing market.Alternatives being floated included new exemptions, higher thresholds, rebates to “encourage downsizing” or replacing it with a fairer levy such as a mansion tax.Overall, there was a sense that all options carried risks – from taking money out of the economy to pushing house prices even higher by fuelling demand.Here’s what you had to say:We need those with financial power to bear their shareIf the abolition of stamp duty is part of a package to properly tax property, then that is good, but I suspect this is merely a headline grabber with no substance. Get a free fractional share worth up to £100.Capital at risk.Terms and conditions apply.Go to websiteADVERTISEMENTGet a free fractional share worth up to £100.Capital at risk.Terms and conditions apply.Go to websiteADVERTISEMENTSure, we all hate taxes and love the benefit of the NHS, roads, dustbin collection, etc. Unfortunately, we need both, and we also need those with the assets and financial power to bear their share and not leave it just to wage earners to shoulder the burden. The UK is a rich nation, it’s just that the distribution of those riches is disproportionately spread, and that situation is worsening at pace.SorrySurreyAppealing to the well-offAbolishing stamp duty is designed to appeal to the very well-off, who are likely to be seeing a big hike in stamp duty on property above £500k in value.It would do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to help people struggling to get on the property ladder and would also hit the private rented market, as house prices would surge and greedy landlords looking to expand their property portfolios would jack up rents to cover their increased borrowing.The Greens undoubtedly won the Conference season with their audacious but BRILLIANT idea to extend right to buy to the private rented market and give tenants an increasing discount and first refusal when a landlord puts a rental property on the market.If tenants don’t wish to or are unable to buy, then second in line are local authorities, who could progressively rebuild their social housing stock and alleviate their huge housing waiting lists.CanPeopleReallyBeThisStupidFantasy economicsThere was some speculation that Reeves was considering reform of stamp duty or replacement by something else well ahead of the Tory conference, so I think the ideas thief in this case is probably Kemi Badenoch. However, abolition without creating another tax to replace it seems like fantasy economics and a quick way to fuel house price inflation. Badenoch’s announcement sounded more akin to the unfunded Tory National Insurance Contributions cut before the last election.Tanaquil2Stamp duty’s dual purposeStamp duty seems to have two purposes: a way to raise taxes – though all taxes are taxes on income, so it is disguised income tax – and a way to limit house prices (rises) by taking those taxes out of the housing market. The latter is necessary because the housing shortage pushes up house prices, only later to collapse when rates are raised. Removing stamp duty without building more homes is asking for trouble and will not help anyone. It will just mean that the money that would have paid stamp duty will now be added to funds available for deposits and so increase house prices… ready for a crash.much0adoEncourage downsizing insteadIf stamp duty is stopping homeowners downsizing, preventing family homes coming to market and leaving people in properties that are too big for them, all that needs to be done is tweak the tax to encourage downsizing. (Downsizing being moving to a lower square metre, fewer bedroom property, not moving from a high-value housing area to a cheaper area.) Maybe offer a percentage rebate linked to the difference in selling higher-priced property to smaller property purchase price?PedrobearWhat are the benefits of stopping it?When stamp duty was temporarily cut during COVID, the house price spike was so huge it made it even harder for first-time buyers to get on the market.I’m not sure what the amazing benefits of stopping it are.Naa27House price inflation riskPast stamp duty holidays led to house prices rising, meaning buyers paid much the same, were less likely to be able to get a mortgage, and had to have a larger deposit. Perhaps a more limited change to encourage downsizing, especially by the elderly.Alexander Boris de Pfeffel JohnsonIncreasing supply is the solutionReducing or abolishing stamp duty will just push up prices. The only way to make property more affordable is to increase supply, particularly of social housing.BeigeDaveMeaningless nonsenseMost people realise that scrapping stamp duty is fantasy economics. As such, why should Reeves be forced to respond? The Tories have no fiscal credibility, about the same as Farage, so any proposal Badenoch makes now (being so far out from an election) is nothing but childish politicking. I suspect Reeves will ignore it entirely because it’s just meaningless nonsense from a politician nobody takes seriously.TabbersSome of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.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.Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines, which can be found here. For a full guide on how to comment click here. More

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    Boris Johnson gushes over using ChatGPT while writing books: ‘I love that it calls me clever’

    Boris Johnson has admitted he “loves” AI and ChatGPT, and revealed that he uses it while writing his books.The former prime minister praised the AI platform for answering his questions, and said he appreciated it calling him “brilliant” and “excellent”.Mr Johnson has had a number of books published since 2001, including his most recent autobiography, Unleashed, which was released in 2024.Speaking to Al Arabiya English, he said: “One thing that really encourages me is AI. I love AI. I love ChatGPT. I love it. ChatGPT is frankly fantastic.”When asked what he uses it for, he said: “I’m writing various books. I just use it. I just ask questions. You know the answer, but ChatGPT always says, ‘Oh, your questions are clever. You’re brilliant. You’re excellent. You have such insight’.“I love it. I see great promise in this technology because we’re all simple. We’re human beings.”Boris Johnson praised the AI platform for answering his questions More

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    The China spy case evidence raises more questions than it answers

    Sir Keir Starmer has published a series of witness statements given by the deputy national security adviser to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the collapsed China spying case. The prime minister had hoped publishing the evidence would draw a line under the saga, which has dogged his government for weeks.A key allegation was that the government refused, in its evidence to the CPS, to describe Beijing as a threat to Britain’s national security, leading the case against the two alleged spies to collapse. Keir Starmer faces further questions about the collapse of the China spying case More

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    MI5 looking at potential risk from out-of-control AI

    British spies have begun work on tackling the potential risk posed by rogue artificial intelligence (AI) systems, the head of MI5 said.Sir Ken McCallum said it would be “reckless” to ignore the potential for AI to cause harm.In a speech at the Security Service’s Thames House headquarters, he insisted he was not “forecasting Hollywood movie scenarios” but the intelligence agencies had to consider the risks.He said: “MI5 has spent more than a century doing ingenious things to out-innovate our human – sometimes inhuman – adversaries.“But in 2025, while contending with today’s threats, we also need to scope out the next frontier: potential future risks from non-human, autonomous AI systems which may evade human oversight and control.“Given the risks of hype and scaremongering, I will choose my words carefully: I am not forecasting Hollywood movie scenarios.“I am, on the whole, a tech optimist who sees AI bringing real benefits.“But, as AI capabilities continue to power ahead, you would expect organisations like MI5 and GCHQ and the UK’s ground-breaking AI Security Institute, to be thinking deeply, today, about what defending the realm might need to look like in the years ahead.“Artificial intelligence may never ‘mean’ to cause us harm. But it would be reckless to ignore the potential for it to cause harm.” More

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    ‘You’re in spy territory now’: Bombshell evidence exposes new details of China spy allegations

    The government has published witness statements in the now-collapsed case against two men accused of spying for China, following an extraordinary row over the saga. Three statements provided by deputy national security adviser Matthew Collins as part of the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) case, which repeatedly describe China as a threat, were published as part of an attempt to draw a line under growing questions about the government’s evidence. The statements came after the CPS dropped the case, deeming the evidence did not show China was a threat to national security.But the evidence also reveals extraordinary new details about the allegations – including that one alleged China spy told another: “You’re in spy territory now.” Mr Collins also alleges in his statement that information was leaked to China about the Tory leadership race. Christopher Berry (left) and former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash deny wrongdoing More

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    Voices: ‘Not realistic nor achievable’: Readers slam government’s failed insulation scheme

    A government-backed scheme to fit homes with external wall insulation has left thousands of households worse off, with many experiencing damp, mould, and other serious issues.The National Audit Office found almost all homes fitted under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme – which was launched under the previous Tory government – are facing major issues and need major repairs due to poor oversight.Independent readers criticised the scheme, arguing that older UK housing is often unsuitable for such retrofits. Some even suggested the country needs a complete refresh of its housing stock rather than doubling down on “dangerous” modifications.While some acknowledged that new builds now meet higher insulation standards, others argued Britain overvalues older properties at the expense of safety and efficiency. Many emphasised that insulation alone cannot solve issues such as condensation, urging households to combine ventilation, heating, and lifestyle changes.Many also felt that the inadequate work backed by the scheme was an inevitable consequence of favouring large, distant contractors over local tradesmen, leaving smaller firms excluded and households with limited support if problems arise. Several readers blamed civil service incompetence, saying officials must be held accountable to prevent repeated failures.Here’s what you had to say:Condensation requires more than insulationInsulation on its own is not the answer. To avoid condensation and mould growth, adequate heating and ventilation must be provided too, along with a change in lifestyle. Windows must be opened when bathing, showering, or cooking. Clothes should not be dried indoors, and the home should be properly aired once a day. I know this always results in long faces and excuses from householders, but it is the only way to combat condensation and mould growth in homes. Fur-QThe structure of the schemes need to be changedThis scheme, like most government schemes of the sort, cannot be accessed by the smaller (and therefore more local) tradesmen. This is probably not important in London, where most civil servants believe the population lives, but out in the sticks it means that anyone in Cumbria, Durham, or Northumberland can only be serviced by firms based in Newcastle. If I were spending my own money, I would never use such a company, whatever their reputation, because it is more important to have a local base to contact in case of trouble. The structure of the schemes needs to be fundamentally changed to be fully supportive of the local building industry. MorphanielGoals not realisticThis is a result of the desired result not being realistic nor achievable. Just because old housing is not suited to heat-loss reduction doesn’t mean it can be retro-adapted. A lack of awareness on the part of those who set these goals. They should be publicly named as an example to future governments. McCluskey seems to have put his head on the block. Geoff AllibonePerhaps we need new housingHonestly, if so many homes have been made worse or dangerous because of these works, instead of assuming every installer is an incompetent cowboy, maybe UK homes just do not work with this type of work and should be pulled down and replaced with new housing. Obviously, this could not happen overnight, but plans should be put in place immediately to refresh our housing stock. daysocksCivil service incompetenceAnother example of civil service incompetence. We really need a fundamental change that enables prosecution of officials as they do in the US. All that will happen is another enquiry where lawyers get rich, and no one is held accountable. From Grenfell to grooming gangs to the Post Office again and again, we are let down and lives ruined by public officials. JSMill88What a mess. I know people who’re still waiting on problems caused by cavity wall insulation being remedied. So God knows how long this mess will take to rectify. Works are not being properly supervised or inspected. SweetswingNew buildsWe have neglected installing proper insulation for far too long. It should surely be installed as standard on all new builds, and we should install solar panels on all south-facing roofs in new houses. 49ninerLevel older propertiesWe do have decent insulation standards on new builds, and solar panels must be fitted on all new build homes by 2027. Part of Britain’s problem is that we fetishise older properties on spurious “heritage” grounds when we should be levelling them and starting over. Once upon a time, “slum clearance” was seen as a desirable objective. SteveHillSome of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.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.Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines, which can be found here. For a full guide on how to comment click here. More