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Politicians, dignitaries and high-profile tech entrepreneurs attend feastLucy Powell has hit out at the sexist" framing of her deputy Labour leadership campaign, with people claiming she and her rival, Bridget Phillipson, are standing as proxies" for two men, Aletha Adu reports.Most of Donald Trump's policies horrify progressives and leftwingers in Britain, including Labour party members and supporters, but Keir Starmer has said almost nothing critical about the Trump administration because he has taken a view that maintaining good relations with the White House is in the national interest.I understand the UK government's position of being pragmatic on the international stage and wanting to maintain a good relationship with the leader of the most powerful country in the world. Faced with a revanchist Russia, Europe's security feels less certain now than at any time since the second world war. And the threat of even higher US tariffs is ever present.But it's also important to ensure our special relationship includes being open and honest with each other. At times, this means being a critical friend and speaking truth to power - and being clear that we reject the politics of fear and division. Showing President Trump why he must back Ukraine, not Putin. Making the case for taking the climate emergency seriously. Urging the president to stop the tariff wars that are tearing global trade apart. And putting pressure on him to do much more to end Israel's horrific onslaught on Gaza, as only he has the power to bring Israel's brazen and repeated violations of international law to an end. Continue reading...

James Desborough, 39, charged with murder of Steven Kempster, 65, who was found dead in his cell early Monday morningA 39-year-old man has been charged with murder after the death of a fellow inmate at a prison in Devon, police have said.James Desborough has been charged with the murder of 65-year-old Steven Kempster who died after an incident at HMP Exeter on Monday. Continue reading...

David Pittman to get lethal injection under DeSantis-signed warrant for killing estranged wife's sister and parentsA Florida man convicted of killing his estranged wife's sister and parents and setting their house on fire was scheduled to be put to death on Wednesday evening, which would be a record 12th execution in the state in 2025.David Pittman, 63, was scheduled to receive a lethal injection starting at 6pm at Florida state prison near Starke under a death warrant signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The Republican governor has signed more death warrants this year than any of his predecessors. Continue reading...

Rates now stand at a range of 4% to 4.25% as reduction comes amid concern of political pressure on independent central bank from Trump

Bloomberg reports Scott Bessent agreed to occupy two different houses at same time as his principal residence'Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, previously agreed to occupy two different houses at the same time as his principal residence", Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, an agreement similar to one Donald Trump has called mortgage fraud in his unprecedented bid to fire the Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook.The Bloomberg report cites Bessent's mortgages with lender Bank of America and his pledge in 2007 to primarily occupy homes in New York and Massachusetts. Continue reading...

Joel Engardio, who becomes fifth elected city official to be ousted in four years, says he stands by his decisionA San Francisco supervisor was recalled on Tuesday after he successfully pushed to turn a stretch of coastal highway used heavily by neighborhood motorists into a car-free park despite strong objections by some of his constituents.Joel Engardio became the fifth elected official in San Francisco to be ousted in a recall vote in four years. He conceded, saying in a statement that he accepted the outcome and still stood by his decision to help create a park called Sunset Dunes. Continue reading...

Home Office says it will review modern slavery laws to save PM's one in, one out' returns deal with FranceShabana Mahmood has accused asylum seekers of making vexatious, last-minute claims" to avoid removal to France as the Home Office said it would review modern slavery laws to save Keir Starmer's returns deal.After an 11th-hour injunction that scuppered Labour's one in, one out" scheme, the home secretary said she would stop claimants suddenly deciding that they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal", adding that it made a mockery of our laws and this country's generosity". Continue reading...

Met chief Mark Rowley says many questions remain and detectives are liaising with German and Portuguese policeMark Rowley has said the British police investigation into Madeleine McCann will explore extraditing the German national Christian Bruckner to the UK to stand trial over the three-year-old's disappearance.Bruckner was released from a German prison on Wednesday after serving a seven-year jail term for the rape of an elderly woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2005, two years before Madeleine disappeared while on holiday with her family in the same town. Continue reading...

Funds included in stopgap measure House Republicans released that would keep government through 21 NovemberCongressional Republicans have proposed $88m in new security spending for lawmakers, judges and top government officials in response to the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but the money has been caught up in a partisan battle over government funding that could spark a shutdown.The funds are included in a stopgap measure Republicans in the House of Representatives released Tuesday that would keep the government open through 21 November without making major changes to policy, and gives negotiators time to work out a long-term deal. Under the proposal, an additional $30m would be available for security for members of Congress, another $30m would go towards protective services for executive branch employees and $28m would be spent on security for supreme court justices. Continue reading...

Video from unite the kingdom' rally captured man saying someone needs to shoot Keir Starmer'A man allegedly captured on video at the far-right rally in London on Saturday threatening to kill Keir Starmer has been arrested by police.An investigation was launched on Sunday in connection with the video, which was filmed at the event organised by the far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson. Continue reading...

Gardai believe body is that of Daniel Aruebose, whose 2022 disappearance was not noticed by authorities until last monthIrish police investigating the fate of a boy who disappeared four years ago but was only registered by authorities as missing last month have found the remains of a child on Dublin wasteland.Gardai named the missing boy as Daniel Aruebose - who is thought to have vanished in 2022 aged three - after they discovered the remains on Wednesday in the Donabate area of north Dublin. Continue reading...

Former officials testify before US Senate, saying the CDC under Kennedy is supporting policies not based in science'

Meta's former president of global affairs said the deal, which coincides with Trump's state visit, would leave the UK more reliant on US tech giantsA multibillion-dollar transatlantic tech agreement announced to coincide with Donald Trump's state visit represents sloppy seconds from Silicon Valley", Nick Clegg, Meta's former president of global affairs, has said.The former deputy prime minister said that the deals, heralded with great fanfare by the government as it tries to foster growth in the UK, were mutton dressed as lamb" and would make the country ever more reliant on US tech giants. Continue reading...

Donald Trump is back on UK soil for his unprecedented' second state visit. Will the US president's trip help to distract from Keir Starmer's challenges at home? Or could it leave the prime minister even more exposed? Kiran Stacey asks the columnist and Politics Weekly America host, Jonathan Freedland

Gideon Saar warns any action against his country will receive an appropriate response'Nordic correspondentDenmark is for the first time to buy long-range precision weapons such as missiles and drones, Mette Frederiksen has abruptly announced, as she warned Russia is testing us".There is no doubt that Russia will be a threat to Denmark and Europe for many years to come. Continue reading...

Food and supplies running out in northern Gaza after Israel closed only crossing, UN saysThe Israeli army said it has struck more than 150 targets in Gaza City since launching a major ground offensive on the Gaza Strip's main urban hub early on Tuesday.Over the past two days, the [Israeli air force] and artillery corps troops struck over 150 terror targets throughout Gaza City in support of the manoeuvring troops in the area," the military said in a statement issued on Wednesday, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP).No one can fail to be distressed by the devastating impact the war has had on the children of Gaza, and I cannot imagine the fear and anguish their families have endured. It is a soul-destroying situation that compels us to act.Every child deserves the chance to heal, to play, to simply be able to dream again. These young patients have witnessed horrors no child should ever see, but this marks the start of their journey towards recovery.In Gaza, where the healthcare system has been decimated and hospitals are no longer functioning, there are severely ill children unable to get the medical care they need to survive.As we welcome the first group of children to the UK for urgent treatment, their arrival reflects our determined commitment to humanitarian action and the power of international cooperation. Continue reading...

More than 100 organizations sign open letter as Trump administration vows to crack down on left-leaning fundingMore than 100 liberal philanthropies and institutions have issued a letter condemning acts of political violence" and pre-emptively opposing an expected Trump administration crackdown on ideologically left-leaning funding in the wake of the death of Charlie Kirk last week.The groups, including the Ford Foundation and George Soros's Open Society Foundations, denounced the recent murders of Kirk and of Melissa Hortman in Minnesota, saying such acts have no place in our democracy". Continue reading...

Leaders from Orban to Le Pen have framed the shooting as evidence of persecution - a strategy that experts say could further normalise extremism across the continent Don't get This Is Europe delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereBefore his fatal shooting, few if any of the leaders of Europe's resurgent far right had so much as mentioned the name of Charlie Kirk. Since last week, the propaganda potential of the conservative US activist's killing has escaped none of them.Kirk, a rising star of Donald Trump's Maga movement, was hit in the neck by a single bullet as he addressed students in Utah on 10 September. A 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been charged, but his alleged motives remain unclear. Continue reading...

Advocates say it should be easier to dispute bond claims, as tenants in Australia's toughest rental markets are increasingly losing their deposits

Fahad Ansari launches legal action against UK home secretary after his phone was seized at Holyhead portA lawyer who filed Hamas's challenge to proscription claims he was unlawfully detained under the Terrorism Act, with his phone containing legally privileged information examined because of his client.Fahad Ansari, who issued legal proceedings on Wednesday against the home secretary and the chief constable of north Wales police, was stopped by officers at the port of Holyhead on 6 August as he returned from a family holiday in Ireland with his wife and four children. Continue reading...

Dion Rudakubana tells inquiry his younger brother, Axel, became progressively more isolated' after school expulsionAxel Rudakubana was discharged from mental health services six days before he murdered three young girls and stabbed several others at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, it has emerged.The inquiry into the atrocity was told on Wednesday that a risk assessment was undertaken on Rudakubana, then 17, a week before the attack in July last year. Its findings have not been disclosed. Continue reading...

EU executive also seeks sanctions on two Israeli ministers, but may struggle to secure majority approval required

RSC touring troupe stage King Lear in a school hall on St Mary's before continuing to the Isle of WightBlow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!" King Lear, Act III, Scene 2A fierce wind and strong swell had turned the Atlantic into a rollercoaster and when the troupe made landfall on the Isles of Scilly, several members felt rather wobbly and looked a little green around the gills. Continue reading...

Attorney general during Trump's first term made comments to House oversight committee, transcript showsThe former US attorney general William Barr has repeated his finding that Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 death in prison was undoubtedly suicide" to a panel of lawmakers looking into the disgraced financier's crimes and connections.Barr, the top prosecutor in Donald Trump's first term when the justice department brought sex trafficking charges against Epstein, made the comments to the House oversight committee late Monday, according to an interview transcript. Continue reading...

Two army divisions work their way toward city's centre as further Israeli airstrikes destroy buildings

Jerry Greenfield says he cannot in good conscience' continue and says company has lost its independenceThe Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield has stepped away from the ice-cream brand after nearly 50 years, claiming it has lost its independence and accusing its parent company, Unilever, of having silenced" its social mission.Greenfield said in a letter posted by his co-founder, Ben Cohen, that he could no longer in good conscience" remain an employee of a business that he argued had been muzzled by the UK-listed Unilever, despite an agreement protecting its social mission when it was taken over in 2000. Continue reading...

God As My Witness shares survivors' stories and exposes church cover-ups as it returns to the scandal's epicenterA film examining the Catholic clergy molestation crisis in New Orleans recently won the prize for best documentary at Colorado's Winter Park film festival and has been chosen to be screened in the city where the scandal has unfolded.God As My Witness makes clear that those who commit these atrocities cannot hide" while giving a voice to the survivors, justice to the abused and a platform to be heard," the Winter Park film festival's director, Connor Nelson, said in a statement. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Campaign group says it was behind stunt that showed images of Trump and Epstein on castle towerThe arrest of four men after images of Donald Trump alongside Jeffrey Epstein were projected on to Windsor Castle on Tuesday was Orwellian" and ridiculous", the group behind the protest has told the Guardian.The political campaign group Led By Donkeys confirmed that it was behind the stunt, which saw several images of Trump and Epstein projected on to a tower while a soundtrack questioning the relationship between to the two men was played on a speaker. Continue reading...

Veteran journalist played by Redford in 1976 film version of the Watergate expose that brought down the Nixon presidency pays tribute to a fiery' friend Robert Redford: the incandescently handsome star who changed Hollywood foreverBob Woodward, the journalist played by Robert Redford in the 1976 corruption expose All the President's Men, has paid tribute to the actor who died on Tuesday, saying he was a noble and principled force for good".In a statement posted on social media, Woodward said that Redford and he had been friends for 50 years and that he admired him - for his friendship, his fiery independence, and the way he used any platform he had to help make the world better, fairer, brighter for others". Continue reading...

Deputy leadership hopeful dismisses claims she and her rival, Bridget Phillipson, are stand-ins for prime ministerial battleLucy Powell has hit out at the sexist" framing of her deputy Labour leadership campaign, with people claiming she and her rival, Bridget Phillipson, are standing as proxies" for two men.With the contest to replace Angela Rayner under way this week, the pair have been forced to contend with political rumours that they are stalking horses for a future leadership battle. Continue reading...

Anthony Albanese must now save the defence agreement with Papua New Guinea, a week after a similar plan with Vanuatu was delayed

Exclusive: Sue Roberts-Smith sends 39-page dossier to two dozen Liberal and National MPs after fresh speculation about Hastie's possible leadership tilt

Proposed Macquarie Point venue a condition for state entering AFL in 2028, but report argues it would cause unacceptable adverse impacts on Hobart'

Workers affected by university restructure advised to remove themselves from the hazardous work environment' if they believe they are at psychosocial risk

Of 1,101 subjects to be axed, 463 had no enrolments and weren't taught in 2024, according to University of Technology Sydney proposal

Retailer hopes to bounce back from summer cyber-attack with fashion picks aimed at wider age rangeAfter a cyber-attack rained on its summer, Marks & Spencer is banking on fashion to brighten its autumn.A Prada-esque, crystal-embellished, charcoal V-neck cardigan (46), a faux leather trenchcoat with a price tag of 90 - 6,810 less than the Burberry version - and a 36 short pleated skirt that offers a wearable take on Charli xcx's brat" styling will hit shop floors shortly. Continue reading...

Authorities say they no longer have legal justification to hold Christian Bruckner in jail after serving rape sentenceThe main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann is expected to be freed on Wednesday as German authorities admit they no longer have legal justification to hold him in jail.Christian Bruckner, 49, is due to be released from prison in Sehnde, northern Germany, after serving a sentence for the rape of an American woman, then 72 years old, in Portugal in 2005. Continue reading...

Negotiations soon to begin on UK's entry to Safe scheme, which it hopes will secure bigger role for its defence firmsFrance has proposed limiting the use of British-produced military components in the EU's 150bn defence fund, in a move that could complicate negotiations over the UK's entry into the scheme.Four diplomatic sources told the Guardian that French officials had proposed a 50% ceiling on the value of UK components in projects financed through the EU's 150bn Security Action for Europe (Safe) fund. Continue reading...

Jarrod Bleijie defends levy as BHP Mitsubishi Alliance moves to mothball Saraji South mine and slash 750 jobs

About 1,400 visitors were evacuated but hundreds were left stuck because of action linked to bus contract dispute, say Peru authoritiesAt least 900 tourists were stranded near the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on Tuesday, Peru's tourism minister said, after a passenger train service was suspended due to a protest.PeruRail said service was suspended on Monday because the route in Peru's mountainous Cusco region had been blocked by rocks of various sizes" as residents clashed with authorities and bus companies. PeruRail's local unit also said third parties" had excavated part of its rail route, which affected the track's stability and slowed down the evacuation of tourists. Continue reading...

Israeli media had reported nation had been asked to step aside or compete under a neutral symbol due to controversies over Gaza war

Australian PM will leave Port Moresby without agreement, sparking a setback for Australia's strategy to minimise China's influence among Pacific nationsAnthony Albanese's strategy of pushing back against China in the Pacific has been dealt another blow, with a major defence treaty with Papua New Guinea delayed amid concerns about sovereignty.A deal was expected with the former Australian colony this week but the prime minister is set to leave Port Moresby without signing the so-called Pukpuk mutual defence treaty with his counterpart, James Marape, on Wednesday. Continue reading...

Parentkind charity also says 33% of parents of children with special educational needs reported financial strainOne in three parents have sought a special needs assessment for their child, according to a survey that reveals a surge in demand for special needs support in schools across the UK.The figures were released amid mounting apprehension in England over national plans to reform special needs provision amid rising costs and a severe shortage of dedicated special school places. Continue reading...

Commons committee finds women's concerns not taken seriously due to bias, stereotyping and racist assumptionsBlack women in England are still facing poorer outcomes in their maternity care due to systemic racism, alongside failures in leadership and data collection, according to a group of MPs.Across the UK, black women are more than twice as likely to die in childbirth compared with their white counterparts, while babies born to black mothers are at an increased risk of stillbirth. Continue reading...

George Zinn, accused of obstructing justice, was also booked in connection with images on his cell of child abuseA man who was detained moments after Turning Point USA executive director Charlie Kirk's killing has been arrested on allegations of trying to thwart authorities by falsely confessing to the fatal shooting.After being arrested on Monday, 71-year-old George Zinn faces a count of obstructing justice - a second-degree felony - in the wake of Kirk's killing at Utah Valley University (UVU). He was also booked in connection with images on his cellphone depicting child abuse, said state authorities, who took Zinn into custody after he was released from a hospital that was treating him for a medical condition. Continue reading...

Ministers had hoped to finalise deal this week that would reduce president's steel tariffs to zeroA long-coveted deal to slash US steel and aluminium tariffs to zero has been shelved on the eve of Donald Trump's state visit to Britain, the Guardian has learned.Ministers were poised to finalise a deal this week that would have reduced Trump's tariffs on British steel to zero, according to government officials. Continue reading...

Claims that brothers were sexually abused didn't supersede premeditation and deliberation' of killings, says judgeA California judge has rejected a request for a new trial for Erik and Lyle Menendez, saying the allegations that the brothers were sexually abused did not supersede their premeditation and deliberation" when they killed their parents more than 35 years ago.The ruling Monday by Los Angeles superior court judge William C Ryan comes just weeks after the brothers were denied parole and shuts down another possible path to freedom for the two who have served nearly 30 years in prison. Ryan denied a May 2023 petition seeking a review of their convictions based on new evidence supporting their claims of sexual abuse by their father. Continue reading...

Exclusive: London mayor says US president has perhaps done the most' to encourage far right