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Home secretary visits Lampedusa in Italy as National Audit Office says scheme could surpass 580m by 2030Several flights a month will deport asylum seekers to Rwanda indefinitely", the home secretary has said, as he argued that the 1.8m a person cost of the scheme was justified.James Cleverly, in his first interview since the government's plan was approved by parliament on Monday, said he had booked a succession of initial flights and was preparing to order the detention of people seeking refuge in the UK so they could be sent to east Africa. Continue reading...

Temperatures could hit -3C in northern England and Scotland, but Met Office says conditions are nothing exceptional'Freezing overnight temperatures will hit parts of the UK on Wednesday and Thursday, with experts warning some areas could see snow.The cold Arctic air is expected to cause frosts across parts of northern England and Scotland, with temperatures going as low as -3C. Continue reading...

Berlin restores ties with UN agency after review says Israel has provided no evidence of terrorist links

The group's facility near Manchester, where four women died, should be prosecuted', says Richard CasebyThe father of a 23-year-old man who died after neglect at a Priory hospital is calling for a criminal investigation into a second Priory facility where four young women died.Richard Caseby said the Priory should be investigated and prosecuted after three patients died within two months of each other in 2022 at the Priory's Cheadle Royal hospital, near Manchester, while a fourth patient died last year.In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org Continue reading...

Three taken to hospital after incident at Amman Valley school and teenager held on suspicion of attempted murderA teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed at a school in south-west Wales.Dyfed-Powys police said the injuries were not life-threatening and officers were continuing to investigate the incident after they were called to Amman Valley school in Carmarthenshire at 11.20am on Wednesday. Continue reading...

Prison service helping to trace Jamie Ross, 29, and return him to custodyPolice are searching for a convicted prisoner who fled from guards while attending a funeral.Jamie Ross, 29, was last seen in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Tuesday at about 12.28pm, near the Cameron Toll shopping centre. According to police, Ross has connections across Edinburgh and in Aberdeen. Continue reading...

Measure to overturn controversial law first approved in 1864 now heads to state senate, where it is expected to passLawmakers in the Arizona house have voted to repeal a controversial 1864 law banning nearly all abortions, amid mounting pressure from the state's Republicans.Three Republicans joined in with all 29 Democrats on Wednesday to support the repeal of the law, which predates Arizona's statehood and provides no exceptions for rape or incest. Continue reading...

Swift's new album breaks another streaming record after already becoming the platform's most-streamed album in a dayTaylor Swift's new album The Tortured Poets Department has become the first to reach 1bn Spotify streams in a week.The platform announced on X that with two days to go, it had become the most-streamed album in a single week" and had surpassed a billion with the exact number undisclosed. Continue reading...

Ryanair urges European Commission to protect overflights and keep EU skies openRyanair has demanded that the EU reform its skies after the airline was forced to cancel more than 300 flights across Europe scheduled for Thursday because of a strike by French air traffic controllers.The cancellations come in spite of the withdrawal of strike action by one of the biggest unions, the SNCTA, which came too late to avoid disruption after France's civil aviation authority asked airlines to cut flights. Continue reading...

Staff at private mental health hospital near Weston-super-Mare missed chances to prevent Lily Lucas's death, jury findsAn inquest jury has found there were gross failings in care amounting to neglect" before a woman had a heart attack at a private mental health hospital due to complications from drinking excessive amounts of water.Lillian Lucas, 28, known as Lily to her family and friends, died in September 2022 after being found unresponsive in her room on Milton ward at the Cygnet hospital in Kewstoke, near Weston-super-Mare, where she had been an inpatient since June. Continue reading...

Suspects being questioned by National Crime Agency in Kent on suspicion of immigration offencesThree men have been arrested in connection with a Channel boat crossing that led to the deaths of five people, including a young girl.The three have been arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and entering the UK illegally. The suspects - two Sudanese men aged 22 and 19 and a 22-year-old from South Sudan - are being questioned by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Kent, the agency said. Continue reading...

Slovakian MEP pulls dove from bag and frees it as symbol of peace', prompting criticism from colleaguesA Slovakian MEP has raised eyebrows by producing a live bird from a bag and releasing it into the European parliament in what he said was a gesture of world peace.To the bafflement and surprise of the MEPs present in Strasbourg on Wednesday, Miroslav Radaovsky, the leader of the rightwing Slovak Patriot party, reached into his bag and released a dove into the chamber. Continue reading...

The two deputies had another chance to trade blows but it was a one-sided contest, as Angela Rayner went in for the killIt had come billed as the great set-piece of the parliamentary week. Month even. With Rishi Sunak away in Germany - strange how the prime minister so often finds the only free slot in his diary is a Wednesday - prime minister's questions was delegated to the two deputies.The first time Oliver Dowden and Angela Rayner had had a chance to go head to head since the Daily Mail had taken a voyeuristic interest in the possibility that Labour's deputy leader had failed to pay capital gains tax on the sale of a home. There are now reportedly 12 police officers investigating the disputed 1.4K. Obviously a terrific use of resources. Beats solving burglaries any day. Continue reading...

Two reservists brigades mobilised for Gaza missions while rows of tents put up in Khan YounisIsrael appears to be readying to send troops into Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah, the only corner of the strip that has not seen fierce ground fighting and where more than half of the Palestinian territory's population of 2.3 million has sought shelter.The Israeli military said on Wednesday that two reservist brigades had been mobilised for missions in Gaza, while video that circulated online appeared to show rows of square white tents going up in Khan Younis, 3 miles (5km) north of Rafah, which was decimated in a months-long Israeli air and ground campaign. Continue reading...

Unfinished Portrait of Fraulein Lieser resurfaced in private collection but questions remain about its journey and its subjectA painting by the Austrian artist Gustav Klimt that was considered lost for 100 years has sold for 30m (26m) at an auction in Vienna.Entitled Portrait of Fraulein Lieser, the unfinished picture was painted in the spring of 1917, when Klimt was one of the most celebrated portraitists in Europe, and a year before his death. Continue reading...

Dmitry Safronov is suspended from leading services and ordered to serve three years of penance'A Russian priest who presided over a memorial for the opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been suspended from leading services and ordered to serve three years of penance", as persecution of people associated with Navalny has continued even after his death.Dmitry Safronov had read several memorial services, called panikhida in Russian, at Navalny's grave and led a service last month to mark 40 days since his death at a remote penal colony above the Arctic Circle. Continue reading...

Prime minister gives joint press conference with Olaf Scholz and denies misleading people over spending plansWith Rishi Sunak in Berlin, it is deputies' day at PMQs, and Oliver Dowden, the deputy prime minister, will be facing questions from Angela Rayner, Labour's deputy leader. It will be her first time at the despatch box since it was announced that Greater Manchester is fully investigating various allegations relating to the council house she bought and sold before she became an MP, and where she was living during that period. It has been reported that at least a dozen officers are on the case. Rayner does not have to firm up her position with Labour MPs. She insists that she has done nothing wrong, and most people in the party believe that that the allegtions being made against her are little more than a smear (as Keir Starmer put it at PMQs last week).Frank was a steadfast, highly successful and diligent campaigner against child poverty. It is largely down to Frank that we have child benefit today, a truly towering achievement.He gained support and respect from across the political spectrum and defined the concept of the poverty trap', now commonly used to describe the difficulties for working people of getting better off while claiming means-tested benefits because of the high rate at which benefits are withdrawn as earnings rise. Continue reading...

DWP carried out research in response to criticism five years ago but has consistently refused to publish itMinisters have pledged to publish a long-buried internal study into the emotional and financial impact of fines and prosecutions incurred by tens of thousands of unpaid carers for falling foul of strict carer's allowance earnings rules.The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) agreed to carry out the research at the insistence of MPs five years ago after they criticised it for having no understanding of the misery and hardship inflicted on unpaid carers by its policies. Continue reading...

In submission to MPs, archdeacon Rick Simpson says claims by ex-vicar Matthew Firth are deeply problematic'A former vicar who claimed the Church of England was complicit in a conveyor belt" of baptisms of asylum seekers presented an unrecognisable picture and was known to take a right-of-centre stance in immigration", a senior clergyman has told MPs.The Ven Rick Simpson, archdeacon of Auckland in the diocese of Durham, said that neither he nor anyone he had spoken to at St Cuthbert's church in Darlington recognised the picture that was presented" by the ex-vicar, both in articles in the Daily Telegraph and in evidence to MPs. Continue reading...

Coordinated withdrawal agreed after several member states and UK have quit energy charter treatyEuropean lawmakers have voted to escape a treaty that lets investors sue governments in private courts for pursuing policies that stop the planet from heating.Fossil fuel companies have used the energy charter treaty (ECT), an international trade agreement from the 1990s, to demand billions of euros of taxpayers' money in opaque tribunals set up to protect investors. Continue reading...

The indicted fabulist who was expelled from Congress gives his support, of sorts, to feckless RINO' Nick LaLotaThe expelled US congressman, fabulist and multiply indicted criminal defendant George Santos said he would not run for re-election in New York after all, because to do so would risk splitting the Republican vote and handing Democrats a prized Long Island seat.Although Nick and I don't have the same voting record and I remain critical of his abysmal record, I don't want to split the ticket and be responsible for handing the house to Democrats," Santos said on social media, referring to Nick LaLota, the sitting Republican congressman in New York's first district. Continue reading...

Staff at Topeka zoo are devastated' by death of Karen, who was known as the dancing queen'A popular ostrich at a zoo in Kansas known as the dancing queen" has died after swallowing an employee's keys.The Topeka zoo and conservation center announced the death of Karen on Friday after she reached beyond her exhibit fence to grab the keys of a staff member" and then swallowed them. Continue reading...

Government to resume cooperation with UN agency for Palestinians in Gaza after report finds Israel had yet to back up accusations on employees having terror tiesAn Israeli government minister has said if he were American he would rather vote for the Republicans than Joe Biden in the forthcoming US presidential election.Speaking to Israel's public broadcaster Kan, Amichai Chikli, who is the diaspora affairs minister and a member of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, said Biden is subject to very heavy pressure that influences him, and causes real damage to relations" between the US and Israel. Continue reading...

The $95bn package allots funds to Israel, Taiwan and Ukraine, which desperately needs munitions for its war with RussiaJoe Biden praised congressional leaders and lawmakers for what he called an effort to answer history's call at this critical inflection point" after the US Senate voted resoundingly in a bipartisan majority on Tuesday to approve $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.The Senate passed the bill in a sweeping 79 to 18 vote, after similarly lopsided approval in the House last weekend. The president, who had pushed Congress for months to deliver the foreign aid measure, said he would sign it into law on Wednesday and immediately begin the process of sending badly needed weapons to Ukraine as early as this week. Continue reading...

Maximilian Krah will remain German far-right party's top choice despite accusations against Jian GuoA far-right German politician has said he will continue to run for the upcoming European parliamentary elections despite allegations that his adviser was spying for the Chinese government.Maximilian Krah, who is the lead contender for the Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party, told journalists in Berlin: I am and will remain the main candidate" after an emergency meeting with party bosses on Wednesday morning after the allegations came to light. Continue reading...

Witnesses describe total mayhem' as animals run through centre of UK capital during rush hourFour people have been taken to hospital after several military horses broke loose during a morning exercise and bolted through central London, colliding with vehicles.Astonished witnesses described total mayhem" as the runaway horses, including one white horse drenched in blood, ran through the rush-hour streets. Continue reading...

Deputy Labour leader also criticises watering-down of leasehold reform plans while facing Oliver Dowden at deputy PMQs

Former employee Emilio Garcia alleges chart-topping rapper had sex in front of him in a moving car, and made abusive comments and employment law violationsMegan Thee Stallion has been sued by a former employee who alleges she withheld payment and created an abusive work environment", including having sex with a woman next to him in a moving car.Cameraman Emilio Garcia alleges severe" and pervasive" harassment by the chart-topping rapper following the incident, including sexual comments and fat-shaming insults, as well as a loss of earnings. He is seeking unpaid wages and interest on them, as well as damages, and wage penalties under California labour laws. Continue reading...

Two crew members were hospitalised when a car and truck collided during shooting of The Pickup in Atlanta, GeorgiaSeveral crew members were injured and two were hospitalised when a car and truck collided during shooting of the Eddie Murphy film The Pickup in Atlanta, Georgia.Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement that the scene that led to Saturday's accident in Georgia had been rehearsed and all safety precautions were taken. Neither Murphy nor the film's other stars, including Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson, were on the set at the time. Continue reading...

Media regulator says British public has no desire to stop politicians presenting on news channels

The African country accounted for two-thirds of the additional 13.5m people needing urgent help as displacement drove food insecurity globallySudan had the world's largest number of people facing extreme food shortages in 2023 as conflict and displacement drove food insecurity globally, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).The war between rival generals meant Sudan accounted for two-thirds of the additional 13.5 million people needing urgent help last year, while conflict also plunged Gaza into the world's most severe food crisis with its entire population facing high levels of food insecurity. Continue reading...

US secretary of state to hold talks with Chinese counterpart and most likely with President Xi JinpingAntony Blinken has landed in China amid a worsening rift between the world's two most powerful countries that threatens to overshadow otherwise improving relations.The US secretary of state arrives with a warning that the US and its European allies are no longer prepared to tolerate China's sale of weapon components and dual-use products to Russia, which are helping Vladimir Putin rebuild and modernise his arms factories, enabling him to intensify his onslaught on Ukraine. Continue reading...

Rights chief also warns Britain will be judged harshly by history for its failure to help prevent civilian slaughter in Gaza'The UK has been accused by Amnesty International of deliberately destabilising" human rights on the global stage for its own political ends.In its annual global report, released today, the organisation said Britain was weakening human rights protections nationally and globally, amid a near-breakdown of international law. Continue reading...

Investors lodge 58% protest vote against emissions report but defiant chair Richard Goyder maintains company is part of solution to climate change

NSW police deputy commissioner says more than 400 police were involved in the raids

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Member of parliament for Birkenhead between 1979 and 2019 has died after a period of illness, his family has announcedThe former Labour minister and crossbench peer Frank Field has died aged 81, his family has announced.A statement from Lord Field's family, issued by his parliamentary office, said: Frank Field (Rt Hon Lord Field of Birkenhead, CH) has died at the age of 81 following a period of illness. Continue reading...

Less than 24 hours after the bot was launched, internet users were already attempting to jailbreak' the program

Australian federal police have told court there was a real risk' the video could be used to encourage people to commit terrorist attacks

Greens criticise Albanese government's abysmal lack of action' as CPI figures show education costs driving up inflation

Bags went missing in Dubai floods, with embassy staff only able to retrieve one instrument and a handful of dress uniforms for defence force musiciansAustralia's and New Zealand's defence forces are once again coming together at Gallipoli - this time to ensure New Zealand's military band can play on.The band's luggage was among thousands of bags lost during last week's Dubai floods, with embassy staff only able to retrieve one instrument and a handful of dress uniforms ahead of the 25 April dawn service in Turkey. Continue reading...

Petition filed on behalf of woman known as as Fausia, who underwent a forced pregnancy after being rapedHonduras is being taken to a global human rights body for the first time over its total abortion ban, which campaigners say violates women's fundamental rights and the country's international commitments.The Center for Reproductive Rights and the Honduras-based Centro de Derechos de la Mujer (Center for Women's Rights, CDM) filed a petition with the UN human rights committee this month on behalf of a woman known as Fausia, who underwent a forced pregnancy after being raped and denied an abortion under Honduras' draconian laws. Continue reading...

Former DUP leader will be seen for first time since his arrest when he attends court in Newry on WednesdayJeffrey Donaldson is due to make his first court appearance in Northern Ireland on sexual offence charges amid a heavy security presence.The former Democratic Unionist party (DUP) leader is scheduled to appear at Newry magistrates court in County Down on Wednesday morning to face allegations of sexual abuse against two people. Continue reading...

Three-decade campaign by the Gweagal community of La Perouse sees repatriation of four spears to Kamay

Releasing secret safety data will save lives', automobile association says as report shows 1,286 people died on Australian roads over the last year

Chris Minns to announce details of review after court hears the man charged with her murder was on bail for other offencesThe New South Wales government has ordered a review of the decisions a court made to bail a man facing charges of raping and stalking Molly Ticehurst, and who has subsequently been charged with her murder.The premier, Chris Minns, said he would announce the details of the review on Wednesday after Daniel Billings was charged with the domestic violence murder of his 28-year-old ex-girlfriend. Continue reading...

Authorities in Greece warn the dust concentrations can reduce sunlight and visibility, while increasing levels of fine pollution particles pose health risksClouds of dust blown in from the Sahara covered Athens and other Greek cities on Tuesday, one of the worst such episodes to hit the country since 2018, officials said.A yellow-orange haze smothered several regions after days of strong winds from the south, limiting visibility and prompting warnings from the authorities of breathing risks. Continue reading...

Watchdog says only a third of local authorities are confident they will have enough places for SeptemberThe deployment of the government's childcare scheme to tens of thousands more families is facing significant uncertainties" and may struggle to meet its own targets, according to a report by Whitehall's spending watchdog.The National Audit Office revealed the Department for Education (DfE) had assessed the likelihood of being able to deliver the funded childcare places it promised for September 2024 and 2025 as amber/red problematic". Continue reading...

One in five people on average need at least three interactions - but for ethnic minorities figure rises to one in threeEthnic minorities and young people require more visits than other people to the GP before being diagnosed with cancer, according to new analysis.On average, one in five people across England require three or more GP interactions before being diagnosed with cancer. But for people from ethnic minority backgrounds, the figure rises to one in three, according to analysis of the NHS cancer patient experience 2022 survey by QualityWatch, a joint programme from the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation. Continue reading...

Children among those killed in second fatal incident in two weeks close to the Horn of Africa, says UN agencyAt least 21 people have died after a boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti, the UN's migration agency has said.It was the second fatal maritime accident in two weeks off the Horn of Africa nation, which lies on the perilous so-called eastern migration route from Africa to the Middle East. Continue reading...