At this stage of development, it is not possible to definitively estimate the cost to government from developing and running the digital ID system, adding that yet-to-be-taken policy decisions will materially impact the costs involved.
Ministers have confirmed that all 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK will be retained, following a period of uncertainty and public concern over potential closures. The decision reverses an earlier proposal outlined in a government green paper last summer, which had suggested removing the 11,500-minimum branch requirement for the state-owned postal, banking, and retail service.
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
I don't want to cut across the decisions that the new foreign secretary Yvette [Cooper] and the new home secretary are making, but they will have seen that broadcast, they will no doubt have seen what the Refugee Council and Oxford are saying and I know the intent is to bring people to study and not to cause them further pain or hardship.
The government has admitted that slashing foreign aid spending will likely see global deaths rise, as it confirmed the cuts will fall disproportionately on women and girls' education and on projects across Africa.
