UK Home Office Faces Criticism Over £100 Million Asylum Housing Waste

The UK government has removed the three-year time limit on civil claims for child sexual abuse, allowing survivors to pursue justice at any point after turning 18. This reform, introduced as part of the implementation of recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), is expected to empower hundreds of survivors, particularly those affected by grooming gangs, to seek compensation and apologies from their abusers. According to the Ministry of Justice, current laws often exclude claims because victims may take years to disclose their experiences. With the new changes, cases will proceed unless defendants prove that a fair trial cannot take place due to reasons such as a lack of evidence. Richard Scorer and Kim Harrison, legal representatives for many victims, welcomed the reforms as “long overdue” and highlighted the need for justice in light of the impacts of trauma. Justice minister Sarah Sackman emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring courts are accessible and supportive for survivors, acknowledging their need for time to address their trauma before seeking legal recourse.

Yann LeCun, a prominent figure in artificial intelligence (AI) and chief AI scientist at Meta, has forecasted a significant technological revolution within the next three to five years, driven by the current limitations of existing AI systems. LeCun received recognition as one of seven engineers awarded the £500,000 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering for their contributions to machine learning. He emphasized that new breakthroughs are necessary for systems to understand and interact effectively with the physical world, which is vital for achieving advancements such as domestic robots and fully autonomous vehicles. Despite recent progress in AI capabilities, exemplified by platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT, LeCun indicated that systems still struggle with real-world comprehension. He noted, “We’re not talking about matching the level of humans yet. If we get a system that is as smart as a cat or a rat, that would be a victory.” Fellow winner Yoshua Bengio echoed concerns about the need for enhanced safety measures in AI technology, urging global leaders to grasp the associated risks. This recognition comes on the heels of AI pioneers winning two Nobel prizes in 2023, reflecting the growing impact of machine learning on industries worldwide.

The UK government may soon face parliamentary defeat regarding a crucial amendment aimed at curbing public investments in green energy linked to forced labour in Xinjiang, China. As many as 40% of the key raw material, polysilicon, used in solar panels is produced in the region, where the Uyghur population has reportedly faced arbitrary detention and forced labour, according to a report by The Guardian. The amendment, introduced by cross-bench peer David Alton, seeks to ensure that no public funds are spent on materials where credible evidence of modern slavery exists in the supply chain. The Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties have signaled support, increasing the likelihood of its passage. Alton emphasized the need for the energy transition to align with human rights commitments, arguing that public money should not support the Chinese government’s practices of modern slavery. Meanwhile, concerns linger within the Labour party, where some MPs may resist retraction of protections against modern slavery. Calls to strengthen the UK's Modern Slavery Act have also emerged, reflecting a growing demand for clearer safeguards in the face of ongoing controversies involving companies with ties to forced labour.