Latest news with #PAnewsagency
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UK facing ‘very significant' volume of cyber attacks, security minister warns
The UK faces a 'very significant' volume of cyber attacks every year, the security minister has warned as new laws aim to deter hackers from 'extorting' businesses amid a spate of recent incidents. Dan Jarvis said new measures send a signal to cyber criminals that ransom demands will not be tolerated. Proposals from the Home Office would ban public sector bodies and operators of critical national infrastructure from paying hackers. It would also mean private sector companies not covered by the ban would be required to notify the Government if they intended to pay a ransom. 'The UK is not alone in this regard, along with our international allies, we are subjected to a very significant number of cyber attacks every year,' Mr Jarvis told the PA news agency. 'But from a UK Government perspective we are crystal clear that these attacks are completely unacceptable. 'There's more that we need to do to guard against them and that's why we're introducing these measures.' Mr Jarvis said the measures mean cyber criminals will be 'less incentivised' to target UK institutions because of the clarity the ban on ransom payments brings. 'We think these proposals will provide a powerful deterrent, and what we're wanting to do is break the business model of the cyber criminals who think that they can get away with extorting money from UK-based institutions,' he told PA. He stressed the Government would ensure 'cyber criminals, whether they're in Russia or wherever they might be, face the full weight of the UK law'. Ransomware refers to software used by cyber criminals to access the computer systems of its victims, which can then be encrypted or data stolen until a ransom is paid. It comes after four young people were arrested for their suspected involvement in damaging cyber attacks against Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and Harrods in recent months. Microsoft also said on Tuesday night that Chinese hackers had breached its SharePoint document software servers in a bid to target major corporations and government agencies. Furthermore, under the proposals, a mandatory reporting regime would mean companies and institutions that are targeted by ransomware attacks are required to report it. Mr Jarvis said the Government was going to 'look very carefully at the precise details' of the regime but that it would provide more clarity and intelligence to government agencies. M&S chairman Archie Norman told MPs earlier this month that UK businesses should be legally required to report major cyber attacks as he claimed two recent hacks involving 'large British companies' had gone unreported. Mr Norman said the retailer believed an Asia-based ransomware operation, DragonForce, had been involved in the attack – but refused to say whether or not a ransom was paid.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Heathrow faces 'tens of millions' in costs after substation fire shutdown
Heathrow Airport faces tens of millions of pounds in costs after a substation fire forced a chaotic shutdown of Britain's busiest airport in March. The airport's chief executive Thomas Woldbye told the PA news agency Heathrow anticipates costs in the 'low tens of millions' after the temporary closure caused by a power outage led to disruption for more than 270,000 passengers. It came as Heathrow revealed its busiest ever start to the year, with a record 39.9million passengers travelling through the airport thanks to strong demand for Asia-Pacific and Middle East routes. But its half-year profits still sunk by more than a third to £203million for the six months to the end of June, as costs surged partly as a result of higher wages and national insurance contributions. Woldbye was found to be asleep with his phone on silent when the overnight decision to close the airport was taken. He said Heathrow had 'learnings' to take on board as a result of the fire. Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye was found to be asleep with his phone on silent when the overnight decision to close the airport was taken Woldbye added: 'That is one learning and that will not happen again. 'I would have liked to see my personal role play out differently. 'That said, we need to have procedures in place that ensures that this company can take the right decisions at the right time by the right people, no matter what the situation is. 'An organisation like ours has to be able to manage, whether the captain's on the bridge or not.' During an interview with BBC Radio 4 earlier in the day, Woldbye denied misjudging what it meant to be the head of one of the world's busiest airports. Heathrow now awaits a report from energy watchdog Ofgem to finalise its findings into the incident and discover whether it can claim compensation from National Grid Electricity Transmission. Ofgem has launched an official enforcement investigation into NGET after a report found the fire was the result of a preventable technical fault. The report by the National Energy System Operator (Neso) said 'elevated moisture reading' found in oil samples at the North Hyde substation in west London in July 2018 was not rectified with replacement electrical insulators known as bushings. It also comes as Heathrow plots a major expansion, including plans for a third runway, to increase its capacity and maintain its status as a global hub. Woldbye told investors on Wednesday Heathrow is still 'delivering on our vision to become an extraordinary airport, fit for the future'. He added: 'Our new five-year investment plan will mean faster, more reliable journeys, more on-time flights and unlock room to grow - all while delivering better value for customers. 'We will soon submit our long-term expansion plans to the Government, providing the UK with the opportunity to stay competitive, boost jobs and drive nationwide growth. Heathrow has an exciting future ahead and we are ready to get going.'
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Harry Maguire not with Man Utd squad flying to USA due to personal matter
Harry Maguire is not flying with Manchester United for their US pre-season tour due to a personal matter, the PA news agency understands. The 32-year-old defender was a half-time introduction in Saturday's 0-0 friendly draw with Leeds but was replaced in the 74th minute. Maguire was conspicuous by his absence from United's 32-man tour squad announced on Tuesday. PA understands it is due to a personal matter rather than injury, with the club hoping he will be able to join the group in due course.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Concerns major new NHS reforms to GP appointments will make no difference
Nearly half of the public believes the government's ambitious 10-year plan to overhaul the nation's health will either make no difference or exacerbate the difficulty of securing a GP appointment, a new survey has found. The Ipsos poll, conducted for the PA news agency, also revealed that more than four in 10 respondents anticipate no improvement in A&E waiting times. Despite this widespread scepticism, the blueprint has garnered significant support for several key proposals, including the establishment of neighbourhood health centres, the expansion of the NHS app, and increased mental health provision in educational settings. Unveiled by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier this month, the strategy aims to shift healthcare provision closer to people's homes, thereby reducing the current reliance on hospitals and emergency departments. Central to the reforms are plans for an enhanced NHS app, designed to give patients greater control over their care, alongside new neighbourhood health centres slated to operate six days a week for at least 12 hours daily. The plan also includes proposals for new legislation concerning food and alcohol, intended to proactively prevent ill health. The survey, which polled 1,023 adults across Britain, specifically questioned public perceptions on how the plan would affect access to GP services, A&E waiting times, and routine hospital treatment. Some 35 per cent said the plan will have no impact on getting a GP appointment, while 14 per cent believe it will make things harder. This compares with the 29 per cent of people who said they think it will make getting an appointment easier. More than a third (37 per cent) said it will make no difference to waiting times in emergency departments, while almost one in 10 (9 per cent), said they believe it could worsen waiting times, compared with 30 per cent who said it will improve them. Meanwhile, 31 per cent said the plan will have no impact on waiting times for hospital treatment, 11 per cent believe the plan will worsen waiting times and 34 per cent said they think the measures will help. However, a number of proposals outlined in the plan were strongly backed by the public. Some 84 per cent said they supported the creation of a single patient record, while 78 per cent backed the creation of neighbourhood health centres, 73 per cent support the expansion of the NHS app and 72 per cent are in favour of more mental health support in schools and colleges. However, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of people do not support making hospitals fully AI enabled, compared with 44 per cent who would back the move. Almost one in five (18 per cent) said they would not support so-called 'patient power payments', which would allow patients to hold back some of the payment for their care if they are not satisfied, while 42 per cent would support the measure. Some proposals aimed at helping people to lead healthier lives were also strongly supported. A ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks was backed by 78 per cent of people, while 69 per cent back plans to restrict junk food advertising. However, almost one in five (18 per cent) tended to disagree with measures that could see alcoholic drinks labelled with nutritional information, although 57 per cent backed the move. One in four people think the measures included in the plan will make no difference to patients, the poll found. Almost one in 10 (9 per cent) said they think the changes will make things worse, while 35 per cent believe it will improve the health service. A similar proportion, 23 per cent, said the 10-year health plan will make no difference to NHS staff, while 13 per cent said it could make things worse and 33 per cent believe it will have a positive effect. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We're getting on with the job of delivering for patients, with NHS waiting lists falling by 260,000 since July 2024, delivering more than 4.6 million additional appointments since the general election and recruiting over 1,900 extra GPs to fix the front door of the NHS. 'Backed by an additional £29 billion, our 10-year health plan will seize the opportunities provided by new technology, medicines and innovation to deliver better care for all patients, no matter where they live or how much they earn, and better value for taxpayers. 'It is no surprise the plan is popular with patients, it was the result of the biggest conversation with staff, patients and the public since the formation of the NHS, with more than a quarter of a million contributions.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Almost half of people do not think 10-year plan will boost GP access
Almost half of people think that Government plans to improve the health of the nation will have no difference, or make it harder to get a GP appointment, according to a survey. More than four in 10 also believe the 10-year plan will make no difference or will not improve waiting times in A&E. However, there is huge support for some of the ideas included in the blueprint, with the overwhelming majority backing the creation of neighbourhood health centres, the expansion of the NHS app and more mental health support in schools and colleges. The 10-year health plan was unveiled by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier this month, and set out a series of shifts to bring care much closer to people's homes, reducing the reliance on hospitals and A&E. Key reforms include an enhanced NHS app, giving patients more control over their care, new neighbourhood health centres open six days a week and at least 12 hours a day, and new laws on food and alcohol to prevent ill health. A survey of 1,023 adults in Britain, conducted by Ipsos for the PA news agency, asked people how they think the plan will impact access to healthcare, such as getting a GP appointment, A&E waiting times and waiting times for routine hospital treatment. Some 35% said the plan will have no impact on getting a GP appointment, while 14% believe it will make things harder. This compares with the 29% of people who said they think it will make getting an appointment easier. More than a third (37%) said it will make no difference to waiting times in emergency departments, while almost one in 10 (9%), said they believe it could worsen waiting times, compared with 30% who said it will improve them. Meanwhile, 31% said the plan will have no impact on waiting times for hospital treatment, 11% believe the plan will worsen waiting times and 34% said they think the measures will help. However, a number of proposals outlined in the plan were strongly backed by the public. Some 84% said they supported the creation of a single patient record, while 78% backed the creation of neighbourhood health centres, 73% support the expansion of the NHS app and 72% are in favour of more mental health support in schools and colleges. However, more than a quarter (27%) of people do not support making hospitals fully AI enabled, compared with 44% who would back the move. Almost one in five (18%) said they would not support so-called 'patient power payments', which would allow patients to hold back some of the payment for their care if they are not satisfied, while 42% would support the measure. Some proposals aimed at helping people to lead healthier lives were also strongly supported. A ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks was backed by 78% of people, while 69% back plans to restrict junk food advertising. However, almost one in five (18%) tended to disagree with measures that could see alcoholic drinks labelled with nutritional information, although 57% backed the move. One in four people think the measures included in the plan will make no difference to patients, the poll found. Almost one in 10 (9%) said they think the changes will make things worse, while 35% believe it will improve the health service. A similar proportion, 23%, said the 10-year health plan will make no difference to NHS staff, while 13% said it could make things worse and 33% believe it will have a positive effect. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We're getting on with the job of delivering for patients, with NHS waiting lists falling by 260,000 since July 2024, delivering more than 4.6 million additional appointments since the general election and recruiting over 1,900 extra GPs to fix the front door of the NHS. 'Backed by an additional £29 billion, our 10-year health plan will seize the opportunities provided by new technology, medicines and innovation to deliver better care for all patients, no matter where they live or how much they earn, and better value for taxpayers. 'It is no surprise the plan is popular with patients, it was the result of the biggest conversation with staff, patients and the public since the formation of the NHS, with more than a quarter of a million contributions.'
