2026 – Page 15 – Manchester Courier

Economic Secretary to the Treasury’s Address at UK Finance Event

8Sep

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Business

Economic Secretary to the Treasury’s Address at UK Finance Event

Revitalising the Financial Sector Through Digitalisation Thank you, Bob, and to UK Finance for orchestrating this gathering today. I am truly grateful for the invitation. As many of you are aware, I have recently transitioned from my role as City Minister. Although the position of Chief Secretary cannot be likened to a holiday—my previous breaks have certainly been more relaxing—it is nonetheless exhilarating to return and champion the financial services sector, which plays a pivotal role in fostering growth and prosperity across the UK. Advancements in Digitalisation and Tokenisation I am heartened to observe that during my absence, the agenda surrounding digitalisation and tokenisation has gained considerable traction. Building on this momentum is one of the primary objectives I am eag...

Minister McCluskey’s Visionary Speech on AI-Driven Clean Energy Solutions

8Sep

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UK News

Minister McCluskey’s Visionary Speech on AI-Driven Clean Energy Solutions

Appreciation for Innovative Collaborations Good morning to everyone present, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Google for orchestrating this accelerator programme and for uniting us all today. The companies represented here are remarkable, each operating at the forefront of artificial intelligence implementation within our energy framework. Your efforts demonstrate a clear trajectory from conceptualisation to innovation, ultimately leading to widespread adoption. As highlighted in the programme briefing, "AI is not merely a tool, but a crucial catalyst in expediting the vital energy transition," as stated by Google. Even in the face of current challenges, it is essential that we do not cling to outdated perspectives. The Evolution of the UK Electricity Grid Historically, the U...

Enhancing National Interest through Public Procurement: Insights from the CMA

8Sep

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Manchester

Enhancing National Interest through Public Procurement: Insights from the CMA

Significance of Public Procurement in Economic Policy It is a privilege to be here today, alongside esteemed Chairs and members from the three All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), to discuss two reports published by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that focus on a critical aspect of UK economic policy: public procurement. Every year, the UK government allocates approximately £400 billion towards acquiring goods, services, and infrastructure from the private sector. This substantial sum, sourced from taxpayers, carries considerable weight, especially given the mounting financial pressures faced by households and public institutions. Traditionally, public procurement has not attracted widespread attention; however, it has far-reaching implications. The decisions made in this re...

Activists Scale Flagpole in Zócalo to Demand Halt on Ammonia Plant in Topolobampo

8Sep

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Science & Technology

Activists Scale Flagpole in Zócalo to Demand Halt on Ammonia Plant in Topolobampo

Greenpeace Activists Rally for Environmental Protection Activists from Greenpeace gathered in the Zócalo of Mexico City to once again demand the cancellation of a proposed mega ammonia plant that Gas y Petroquímica de Occidente (GPO), a subsidiary of the Swiss-German company Proman, plans to establish in Topolobampo, Sinaloa. Approximately twenty environmental defenders participated in the protest, during which two individuals scaled the flagpole in the Plaza de la Constitución to hang a banner reading "President: Protect Topolobampo!" This action was part of what the environmental organisation described as a peaceful demonstration. Among the participants was the collective ¡Aquí No!, an organisation that has spent over 13 years urging the Mexican government and environmental authorities t...

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Anime Streaming Right Now

8Sep

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Culture

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Anime Streaming Right Now

Artificial beings capable of experiencing emotions, identities challenged by science, technology-altered bodies, automated cities steeped in inequality, and hatred as a learned legacy are all recurring themes in science fiction. These motifs also resonate deeply with the obsessions found within Japanese animation. In light of the rapid advances in artificial intelligence and the resurgence of geopolitical tensions, these narratives increasingly feel less like mere fantasy and more like prophecy. To offer a glimpse into the future, we present a curated selection of some of the finest science fiction anime (and more) currently available on streaming platforms. Chainsaw Man: A Trade of Soul and Body At first glance, one might assume that this series, revolving around a young man who hunts dem...

Initiation of Local Government Reorganisation Review: What You Need to Know

8Sep

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UK News

Initiation of Local Government Reorganisation Review: What You Need to Know

Government Review of Local Authority Restructuring A comprehensive examination of plans to streamline local government has been initiated, aimed at ensuring that the process is thorough and aligns with the new administration's strategy to transform state operations. This review comes following updated and privileged legal counsel, prompting ministers to reassess the Local Government Reorganisation initiatives. The Secretary of State disclosed this review in Parliament, highlighting that it encompasses decisions pertaining to Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk, all of which have been put on hold due to the recent legal advice. Furthermore, plans affecting 14 additional areas, alongside Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and West Sussex, are also undergoing scrutiny and have been temporar...

National Armaments Director Unveils New Chief Financial Officer Appointment

8Sep

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Manchester

National Armaments Director Unveils New Chief Financial Officer Appointment

New Appointment in the NAD Group Ian brings with him over four decades of financial leadership experience, which encompasses a diverse range of sectors including professional services, global pharmaceuticals, and luxury retail. His appointment as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) places him on the Executive Committee of the NAD Group, where he will play a pivotal role in the execution of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), aligning with the evolving capability priorities of the Defence sector. Under Ian’s stewardship, the finance team will be instrumental in supporting the various NAD Group divisions tasked with the development, delivery, maintenance, and management of the UK’s national arsenal and defence estate. His extensive background in formulating effective financial strategies and enhanc...

Mexico’s AI Strategy: Bridging the Gap in Execution Capabilities

8Sep

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Culture

Mexico’s AI Strategy: Bridging the Gap in Execution Capabilities

Mexico's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence Mexico has officially launched a national strategy aimed at the adoption, oversight, and operation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This marks a significant milestone for the nation as it seeks to leverage the emerging economy associated with this transformative technology. However, questions remain regarding Mexico's ability to translate these policies into national capabilities that can compete effectively in the international market. This concern is highlighted in a study titled 'Middle-Income Economies: Navigating Digital Dependencies in AI', published by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). The report delves into the relationship between national AI development strategies, existing technological capab...

Prime Minister’s Discussion with President Trump: Key Highlights from 7th September 2026

8Sep

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UK News

Prime Minister’s Discussion with President Trump: Key Highlights from 7th September 2026

This afternoon, the Prime Minister engaged in a conversation with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. Commencing the discussion, the Prime Minister extended warm wishes to President Trump in celebration of Labour Day. This cordial exchange laid the groundwork for a productive dialogue on a range of important topics. Economic Developments and Employment Figures Shifting focus to economic matters, the Prime Minister congratulated President Trump on the recent employment statistics in the United States, which reflect a robust job market. He also highlighted encouraging signs of growth within the United Kingdom's economy, emphasising that the government is fostering a more optimistic outlook. While acknowledging the progress made, the Prime Minister noted that there remains consi...

On Course: Fulfilling the Commitments of the Digital Markets Framework

8Sep

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Manchester

On Course: Fulfilling the Commitments of the Digital Markets Framework

Good afternoon. I extend my gratitude to the Financial Times, the News Media Association, and Reset for hosting this event, and to Roa for the insightful report, alongside my colleagues at the Institute for Public Policy Research. A Remarkable Achievement on the World Stage Let me commence by highlighting a notable achievement for Britain on the global stage in 2026. This is not, as you might expect, the publisher conduct requirement introduced by the CMA in early June, which may be at the forefront of your minds. Instead, I am referring to British middle-distance runner Josh Kerr, who, in July, shattered the world record for the mile—a record that had remained unbroken since the end of the last millennium. He completed the distance in an astonishing 3 minutes and 42 seconds. You may wonde...