Comments by President Donald Trump lead the Financial Times after he rejected increasing demands for restrictions on the growth of artificial intelligence , external(AI). The paper highlights the “rare show of unity” from AI leaders in calling for a more cautious pace of development – but says Trump responded by stressing it was imperative for the US to retain its international leadership in the field. The Guardian warns that the US president “appears reluctant to confess to any AI fears” – with “losing to China” a bigger worry in his “calculus”.
The Daily Telegraph features the call from hospitality bosses, external for Andy Burnham to implement a cut in VAT. It says the appeal comes days after the prime minister “blindsided the industry” by handing local authorities the power to impose unlimited tourist taxes. The Daily Express , externalsays the shadow chancellor, Andrew Griffith, has warned that the new charge on overnight stays could “crush” family-run seaside B&Bs. The government says visitor levies will be set as a percentage of the cost of accommodation, ensuring low-cost holidays will stay low.
The Times says Reform UK has accused Labour of threatening the rule of law, external – after the cabinet minister, Angela Rayner, suggested that Nigel Farage’s party could be forced to return £72m donated by two crypto billionaires. The paper quotes Reform spokesman Zia Yusuf who said applying new restrictions retrospectively would amount to confiscating donations that were lawful when received. The Daily Mirror says the huge windfall, external “seems like a gift from heaven but could be a poisoned chalice” for Reform – arguing that “taking millions from crypto billionaires sits awkwardly with Nigel Farage’s man of the people schtick”.
With the headline, “Boris Flees Vlad Drone Blitz”, the Sun highlights Sunday’s attack by Russia on a rail station in Ukraine, external shortly after Boris Johnson had passed through. It says the former prime minister was travelling close to the Polish border when the service behind his was blown up. Writing in the Daily Mail, Johnson accuses President Valdimir Putin of getting “absolutely desperate” – and says the strike illustrates the “bared teeth of a cornered rat”.
