Tag: UK

AI, Geopolitics

Here is a formal, evidence-based summary of how credible news sources are interpreting the proposed Europe–US–UK security guarantee for Ukraine, and its likely consequences for military escalation if Russian attacks continue.

Colin Henderson

Source Perplexity Nature of the Security Guarantee Interpretation by News Sources Likelihood of Military Action If Russia Continues Bombing Conclusion Aspect Current Interpretation Guarantee Type NATO-style, outside formal NATO; details pending Key Parties US, UK, Europe (non-NATO, “coalition of the willing”) Russian Position Reportedly accepted limited, Article 5-like guarantee in talks Likelihood of Military Action Low without further escalation or formal agreement trigger Main Deterrence Political/military support, non-automatic (not full NATO Article 5) This reflects prevailing interpretations among leading Western news and analysis outlets as of August 2025. Sources[1] Putin agrees that US, EU could offer NATO-style security … https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-41688930.html%5B2%5D … Continue reading Here is a formal, evidence-based summary of how credible news sources are interpreting the proposed Europe–US–UK security guarantee for Ukraine, and its likely consequences for military escalation if Russian attacks continue.

AI

Rise of the robots: AI to shape UK defense review

Colin Henderson

Experts warn involving artificial intelligence in military planning could prove a costly mistake.SHARE The review will examine aspects of Britain’s defense capabilities including military recruitment, new weapons procurement and the future of Trident. | Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images OCTOBER 9, 2024 8:30 PM CET BY STEFAN BOSCIA LONDON — The U.K. government is using artificial intelligence to help put together its landmark review of Britain’s armed forces in what amounts to a radical shakeup of how Whitehall functions. Britain’s Ministry of Defence is deploying a custom-built AI program to sift through submissions for a comprehensive review of the nation’s defense capabilities, … Continue reading Rise of the robots: AI to shape UK defense review

Geopolitics

Spy Chiefs of the C.I.A. and MI6 Convene, on a Couch and for a Crowd

Colin Henderson

Appearing together publicly for the first time in the history of their agencies, the heads of the U.S. and British intelligence services discussed Ukraine’s incursion into Russia and the war in Gaza. Listen to this article · 4:49 min Learn more By Mark Landler Reporting from London Sept. 7, 2024Updated 4:54 p.m. ET The chiefs of the C.I.A. and the British Secret Intelligence Service, appearing together publicly for the first time in the history of their agencies, said on Saturday in London that Ukraine’s surprise offensive in the Kursk region had exposed vulnerabilities in Russia’s military and was an “audacious” effort to “try and … Continue reading Spy Chiefs of the C.I.A. and MI6 Convene, on a Couch and for a Crowd

Growth

A quick, low-cost solution to Britain’s productivity problem

Colin Henderson

via BBSStudio/ Shutterstock The UK economic outlook has brightened in recent months. Growth has come back more quickly than expected, inflation is running at a third of the levels of a year ago and, last month, the Bank of England cut interest rates for the first time in more than four years. Agreed, the UK has plenty of problems, above all a low rate of productivity growth. Even on this troubled front, we’ve had positive news. A recent study from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a marked improvement in the average quality of UK management. The study, published in May, found that the average … Continue reading A quick, low-cost solution to Britain’s productivity problem

Geopolitics

Monocle – DEFENCE | UKRAINE 

Colin Henderson

UK tanks confirmed to have been deployed in Ukraine’s Russia offensive This week, it was confirmed that Ukraine had deployed the UK’s Challenger 2 battle tanks during its offensive in Russia. London’s delivery of 14 tanks to Ukraine in 2023 prompted similar military aid from Berlin and Washington. The vehicles are reportedly in use in the Kursk region. The UK’s Ministry of Defence asserts that Ukraine has a “clear right” to use these weapons for its self-defence, including on Russian soil. Heavy metal: Ukrainian soldiers operate a tank near the border with Russia  Despite such statements of support, however, the … Continue reading Monocle – DEFENCE | UKRAINE 

AI

Full list of AI projects -UK

Colin Henderson

This is a full list of projects backed by £32 million to boost productivity. From: UKRIPublished: 7 August 2024 Documents Full list of AI projects backed by £32 million (PDF) PDF, 94 KB Details This is a full list of projects backed by £32 million to boost productivity. Related content This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services. Our councils Continue reading Full list of AI projects -UK

AI

AI to reduce train delays, speed up NHS prescriptions and train construction workers gets £32 million boost

Colin Henderson

Government unveils AI projects to improve productivity and public services supported by a share of £32 million. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Companies developing artificial intelligence (AI) to improve safety on construction sites, reduce time spent repairing the railways and cut emissions across supply chains are amongst a number of projects set to receive a share of £32 million in UK Government funding. Announced today (7 August), almost 100 ground-breaking projects have been awarded financial backing as the government continues its mission to boost productivity and kickstart growth across the economy through AI so everyone is better off. A total of … Continue reading AI to reduce train delays, speed up NHS prescriptions and train construction workers gets £32 million boost

Uncategorized

RBS pays out 10% of equity to investment bankers

Colin Henderson

In the banking business I think we all understand the point and motivational benefit of bonuses, however this story from a Bank that is almost a Government Department (70% government owned) takes insanity to a new level, if you are a taxpayer. The sheer size of the bonus pool of £4 billion is astounding. That represents just under 10% of the banks equity! I mention the government ownership because while we are used to investment bankers paying out such bonuses, one would have thought that their government overseers would have insisted on that £4 billion being used to boost capital, … Continue reading RBS pays out 10% of equity to investment bankers

Economy

Plan for Sound Banking – Conservative White Paper | analysis

Colin Henderson

Here is more on the Tory plan for banking outlined in the attached White Paper [57 pages]. Politics aside, lets take a look at the merits of this proposal and how it aligns with the problems I have perceived within banking and that are exacerbated over the last 2 years. The core issues I have seen are these: banks have become high dividend paying conduits due to protective regulation and tight association with Central Banks the regulatory protection produced a ‘cannot fail’ mentality about banks’ and .. this in turn resulted in no perceived need for a strong capital base, … Continue reading Plan for Sound Banking – Conservative White Paper | analysis