After almost two years of worsening stomach pain, Sam Launder was told he had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Then aged 27, he thought it was something he simply had to learn to live with.
The UK government does not know what the country’s datacentres are being used for despite fears over the growing environmental impact of the AI boom.
When asked in a freedom of information (FoI) request who was using the largest sites and what for, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said it did “not hold the requested information”. The ministry has since been dissolved.
With hundreds of datacentres awaiting planning permission and 315 queueing to connect to the National Grid, there is growing concern over a lack of transparency and justification for these projects given their environmental impact.
Ministers announced plans in January to allow qualifying datacentres to opt into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project scheme. This lets developments bypass local planning committees by securing approval from the government. Campaigners say this “insulates” datacentres from local scrutiny.
Zack Polanski, the Green party leader in England and Wales, said: “The government plans to steamroller over local opposition so private companies can build these facilities – yet they can’t even explain what the benefits are and who is benefiting.”
Datacentres use a huge amount of resources. The Guardian revealed last month that two planned sites will have higher carbon emissions than ExxonMobil in the UK, with concerns raised over how this will fit within the country’s carbon targets.
The government designated datacentres as critical national infrastructure in 2024 and campaigners fear this could mean the water-hungry sites are prioritised over households in times of drought. Water UK, the trade body representing water companies in Britain and Northern Ireland, warned in July that the UK did not have enough water for the datacentre expansion.
Polanski said: “What is more ‘critical’ than people’s access to water? What is more ‘critical’ than our need to transition to a low-energy, low-pollution world so we can put the brakes on climate extremes?”
While there is consensus that datacentres can provide some essential services, there are concerns that developments with a huge environmental impact and local opposition are being prioritised regardless of their use.
Oliver Hayes of Global Action Plan, the environmental charity which submitted the FoI request, said: “It’s highly likely that we’re going to end up seeing datacentres given favourable and preferential treatment when it comes to resources that are actually running chatbots or enabling people to do benign and very wasteful, pointless things.
“At the more serious end, these datacentres could be powering chatbots that enable people to nudify teens without their consent and much worse, frankly.”
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With reports that the Scottish government is inching toward a moratorium on new datacentres, there is growing pressure for the UK government to follow suit.
Friends of the Earth is calling for a ban on new sites until environmental safeguards are in place. The campaign group wants the government to publish clear environmental rules for new and existing datacentres, including requirements for 100% additional renewable energy generation for new projects.
Anisah Khan, the campaigns manager at Global Action Plan, said: “When individuals across the country are facing hosepipe bans and essential housebuilding is being delayed because datacentres are gobbling up grid connections, what we need is not more chatbots at any cost.”
The government did not respond to a request for comment over its failure to say what large datacentres were being used for.
A spokesperson said: “A pause on building new datacentres would simply send investment and good jobs abroad, while leaving Britain dependent on other countries for the processing of sensitive health and defence data. Put simply: it would be a disaster for jobs and national security.”
An Indian restaurant and a Kurdish barber shop in north Wales are among a number of UK businesses penalised for employing illegal workers. The Home Office has released its latest register of UK companies issued with illegal working civil penalties.
This covers the period from January 1 to March 31 this year. The register details both the business name and trading name, along with the final value of the civil penalty once all appeal rights have been exhausted.
Two businesses on Anglesey feature on the list, reports North Wales Live.
They are:
North Wales Live approached Sarisa Indian Kitchen for a response to the publication of the list and the restaurant confirmed it is now under new ownership and has no connection to the previous proprietors.
It stated that it complies fully with all Home Office regulations regarding the employment of staff.
A spokesperson for Kurdish Barber in Holyhead disputed that the individual in question had been an illegal worker.
The spokesperson maintained that the man was a friend who had “popped in” to the barber shop and, while there, had cut another friend’s hair – at which point enforcement officers arrived.
They insisted the man was not employed by the business and that they had sought to legally challenge the fine with the Home Office but had been unsuccessful. The previous business has since shut down, they confirmed.
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Blockbuster jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro may be able to slow age-related body damage that accelerates death in women, when started around the age of 62.
Ray Winstone has talked about his health (Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/Getty Images for BGC Group)
Actor Ray Winstone is one of the UK’s most beloved actors. He is set to return to our screens once again tomorrow (September 3) in the second series Netflix hit The Gentlemen, where he plays Bobby Sands. Ahead of its release, Ray’s opened up about his health struggles and getting older.
Speaking to Sara Cox on The Sara Cox Breakfast Show, he admitted he had given up a partying lifestyle to help spend more time with his children.
Ray, who has three daughters with his wife Elaine Winstone, Lois, Jaimie, and Ellie, spoke about his health after Sara commented on how well he looked.
Ray replied:”I was a bit of party animal for a while, a long while….You get to a certain age, you get fed up with it.”
Ray Winstone is back on our screens in The Gentlemen (Image: NETFLIX)
In response, Sara said: “You want to stick about for long enough”, at which point Ray concurred: “Watch the kids grow up.”
Furthermore, Ray later admitted he had had to do a bit of training ahead of the new season of the Gentlemen, specifying which device he used in particular.
He explained: “I had to do a little bit of training, bit on the treadmill….I can’t run anymore, knees ain’t what they used to be, so what I do, I walk.
“Do you know what, I find it easier to walk on a treadmill than what I would do walking round the streets…it’s the fact that you got a timer…I quite enjoy it, you know?”
This isn’t the first time Ray has talked about his health.
Ray Winstone and his family (Image: Getty)
Speaking on the Dish podcast, he told hosts Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett that he had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
According to the NHS, the condition occurs “when a hormone called insulin does not work properly or there is not enough of it. This causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to become too high”.
Addressing his experience with the condition, Ray said: “I got diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. So that was one of the reasons I stopped drinking. I’d made up my mind that I was going to do that, but my other thing is sugar.
“I thought I ate a lot of sugar because it’s in the drinks, it’s in Coca-Cola, it’s in everything. So I stopped it, and within five months, I didn’t have Type 2 anymore.”
Despite this, he admitted that he still treats himself every now and then, he added: “But I’ll have caramel ice cream and salted caramel ice cream in the freezer. Every now and then is alright, because I’ve been a good boy and I’ve done everything the right way.
“Even now, I’ll get a bowl, and I’ll put my caramel ice cream in, and loads of it. With a little dribble of honey or treacle over it, and nuts.”
Energy bills are set to surge as the warm weather across the UK has given way to rain and plummeting temperatures. Making matters worse, regulator Ofgem raised its price cap last month by 4% to a three-year peak.
Research from British Gas suggests UK households could save an average of £147 annually by switching off so-called vampire devices — and hard-pressed Britons, including state pensioners, are being urged to unplug them.
Ofgem announced the price cap will increase by £60 annually — or £5 monthly — to £1,723 for the average household using both electricity and gas, if this level were maintained for a year.
The rise reflected elevated wholesale gas prices resulting from the continuing conflict in the Middle East, with unstable global markets remaining the primary driver of price fluctuations.
The latest price cap is calculated using Ofgem’s revised definition of a typical consumer, which took effect from July to account for declining household energy consumption.
Under its previous calculations, it would equate to £1,941 annually, up from the current £1,862. The increased October cap, which will remain in place for three months, will take effect as households begin to use their heating more frequently, pushing bills higher.
In a further setback for households, analysts Cornwall Insight released their latest projection showing a further 9% rise to the price cap in the New Year. Energy experts have drawn attention to the silent household appliances that should be switched off in order to achieve significant reductions on energy bills.
“In light of rising living costs, simple actions like switching off lights and using eco modes on appliances are great starting points.” They continued: “While some smart devices offer energy-efficient features, others, such as smart speakers and devices with standby power, may increase electricity consumption. It’s important for consumers to know the difference between energy-saving smart technologies and those that add to standby power costs.”
John Kirkman, a sales consultant at energy price comparison website Love Energy Savings, noted that it’s all too easy to leave work-related items such as laptops, monitors, printers and chargers on standby when not in use, but warned: “They all consume electricity. Devices left on standby can continue to draw power even when they aren’t actively being used, so turning equipment off completely at the end of the working day can help reduce wasted energy.”
Brian Horn, Senior Insight and Analytics consultant at the EST, said there were practical things consumers could do.. “If something doesn’t need to be on, then you should switch it off at the wall or unplug it,” he said. “Everything else, just try and make it as easy as possible to turn it off.
“If you make sure that the plug is accessible, if you can just switch it off, so you don’t need to unplug it. But if you’ve got a whole bunch of things plugged in behind your television, you maybe want to plug them all into one extension lead. “
Although laptops, televisions, and games consoles use relatively modest amounts individually, consumer electronics represent roughly 6% of your energy bill.
Set-top boxes and recorders left on standby mode can collectively add around €27 per device annually to electricity bills. Using eco modes during off-hours can help lower standby power consumption and associated costs.”
A set-top box from Sky or Virgin Media can cost £23.10, British Gas said. Switching devices off standby could save you as much as £45. It’s also worth examining the energy efficiency ratings of your appliances.
“Televisions left on standby mode can be significant contributors to standby power consumption, costing households around €28 per TV per year. Turning off TVs when not in use can lead to substantial energy savings.
“Charging phones, tablets, computers, and laptops overnight or for long periods can waste energy. While one device might not make a big difference, together, they can affect your energy bill.
Setting charging schedules and unplugging devices when fully charged can save energy over time. “. “Addressing common energy-wasting habits helps households save money and supports environmental sustainability by reducing energy use. Raising awareness and adopting energy-efficient habits are key steps toward long-term energy conservation.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a microwave is considerably more energy-efficient than a conventional gas or electric oven. This is due to the fact that microwaves heat only the food itself rather than the surrounding air, meaning they consume less energy when cooking your meals.
Switching your microwave off after each use presents yet another opportunity to cut costs. The Energy Saving Trust has also highlighted that microwaves are among the appliances most likely to “eat up electricity” when left on standby. On average, households leave their microwaves on standby for approximately 23 hours daily, adding around £16.37 to annual bills.
Remember to switch it off after use — a typical electric shower left plugged in or on standby can draw a small amount of phantom power, costing roughly £11.80 a year according to data from supplier British Gas.
Energy expert Marc Robson from British Gas recommends switching off appliances when they’re not being used, such as overnight, and avoiding leaving them plugged in unnecessarily — for instance, once devices are fully charged.. “At night, or when not in use, try switching off devices at the mains rather than switching to standby, as even the standby light on a television uses energy,” he said.
“Try not to overcharge your mobile phone and laptop unnecessarily. As soon as your device is charged, try and get into the habit of unplugging it. ” He says it’s also a good idea to add devices to an extension lead that can be switched off at night – or using smart plugs. “There are smart plugs you can buy which will let you check everything is turned off from your phone,” he added. “A smart meter’s in-home display can help to identify how much energy is used at different times of the day, so you can see where energy is wasted.”
Appliance Total cost per year.
1. Television £30.6.
2. Set top box £25.0.
3. Wifi router £32.6.
4. Microwave £21.7.
5. Games console £16.1.
6. Computer £14.8.
7. Shower £11.8 8.
Smart speakers/smart home devices £13.0.
9. Dishwasher £9.1.
10. Tumble dryer £6.3.
11. Washing machine £6.3.
12. Printer £5.0.
13. Mobile device charger £1.7.
Paintworx, a free two-day event held in Central Park, Barry, on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, brought together some of the UK’s street artists for a lively celebration of urban art.
The festival featured live artwork, graffiti battles, music, fashion, and independent traders.
Councillor Rhiannon Birch, cabinet member for education, art and the Welsh language, said: “It was fantastic to see Central Park brought to life by Paintworx and to welcome residents and visitors to this exciting new festival.
“Events such as this provide a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, showcase creative talent and make the most of our public spaces.
“The energy and colour the festival brought to Barry was fantastic to see, and we are pleased to have supported an event which offered something for people of all ages to enjoy.”
Organised by local artists Hurts So Good, Paintworx transformed the park into a live gallery, with artists creating new pieces in real time in front of festival-goers.
The event also offered entertainment, food stalls, and trader stands, creating a lively environment throughout the weekend.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council supported the event as part of its ongoing efforts to promote culture, creativity, and community engagement in public spaces.
The council described the festival as a celebration of contemporary culture.
After almost two years of worsening stomach pain, Sam Launder was told he had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Then aged 27, he thought it was something he simply had to learn to live with.
The South Wales Vegan Festival will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Penarth Leisure Centre in Cogan, running from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
Organised by Vegan Events UK, the festival will feature 60 stalls offering street food, beauty products, ethical fashion, and more.
Victoria Bryceson, founder of Vegan Events UK, said: “You can’t miss this. I’m really looking forward to bringing our festival to Cardiff for the first time this Saturday.
“Sample world street food from around the globe. Discover local and artisan produce. Explore sustainable lifestyle choices. Shop for cruelty-free beauty. Find ethical fashion treasures. Connect with like-minded people. Visit expert talks on vegan lifestyle and nutrition. And browse 60 incredible stalls.”
Among the stallholders will be Taff’s Well-based Lilith Natural Beauty.
Run by a mother-and-daughter team, the business specialises in 100 per cent natural, vegan skincare and home fragrance products.
Other featured stalls include Miracle’s Mission, an animal welfare charity, and Bristol-based food vendors Chiki Monkey and Dark Matters.
Bristol caterer Chiki Monkey serves Middle Eastern-inspired wraps and grain bowls, while Dark Matters offers rich vegan brownies made with 70 per cent ethically sourced dark chocolate.
Talks and workshops will run throughout the day, including vegan cookery demos by Food for a Future and poetry readings with Paul Holroyd.
There will also be a beginner handstand class led by Bryony Miles of Upside-Down Vegan.
A talk titled Why We Need to Love Pigeons will be given by Little Green Pigeon, exploring the lives of feral pigeons and how the public can help protect them.
Entry to the festival is £5, with free entry for under-16s.
VIP tickets cost £15 and include fast-track entry and a goody bag of vegan products.
Apple, Samsung and Garmin smartwatches overestimate the number of calories you burn by at least 110, US scientists have discovered.
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