Leaked document emerges as domestic abuse survivors seek clarification over plans to cut sentences for low-level' offendersThe Ministry of Justice has been accused of putting the public at risk after quietly transferring locked up offenders to open prisons in a move to ease a critical overcrowding crisis.The Prison Officers' Association (POA) said officials launched a new scheme to swap dozens of prisoners to Category D prisons at the end of September without conducting pre-transfer assessments that would decide if it was safe to send them to the open estate. Continue reading...
by Helen Sullivan, Martin Belam and Léonie Chao-Fong on (#6FMDD)
UN human rights office warns Israel over legality of evacuation order and siege on Gaza; Biden set to visit Israel on Wednesday as attempts to broker aid supplies continue
Ken McCallum warns China is trying to steal industrial and technological secrets in the westAn estimated 20,000 Britons have been approached by Chinese state actors on LinkedIn in the hope of stealing industrial or technological secrets, the head of MI5 has said.Ken McCallum said industrial espionage was happening at real scale", and he estimated that 10,000 UK businesses were at risk, particularly in artificial intelligence, quantum computing or synthetic biology where China was trying to gain a march. Continue reading...
Body of newborn baby Callum was found by dog walker near Warrington amusement park in 1998A man and woman have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of an unidentified baby who was found strangled to death near a theme park in Cheshire 25 years ago.The baby boy's body was discovered in a black bin bag by a dog walker in woodland near Gulliver's World amusement park in Warrington on 14 March 1998. Continue reading...
Rupert Murdoch empire could secure windfall by breaking up business, says Starboard ValueRupert Murdoch's News Corp should seek a $7bn (5.7bn) spin-off of its online property businesses to help increase its market value, according to an activist investor.The hedge fund Starboard Value, which has been building a stake in News Corp, said that the $12.6bn valuation of the company does not make sense" and management should look at breaking up the business. Continue reading...
First minister announces surprise move as part of fightback against Labour surge, sparking row with Greens coalition partnerHumza Yousaf has announced that Scotland's council taxes will be frozen next year, and millions added to health spending, as he launched a fightback against Labour's surge in the polls.Yousaf admitted in his first conference speech as Scottish National party leader that last month's huge defeat at the hands of Labour in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West byelection had been a tough night" for the SNP. Continue reading...
Library service schemes to offer free, heated space, which began last year in response to the cost of living crisis, will resume at the end of OctoberMost libraries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will again offer warm banks" this winter as cost of living pressures continue, according to a survey.Of the libraries surveyed, 93% are preparing to offer free, heated spaces for visitors during the cold months as part of a warm spaces scheme. The warm hubs" initiatives began in 2022 when energy prices rose after the the Russia-Ukraine war began. Continue reading...
Labour urged to clarify its position on collective punishment by 39 academics who say party must confirm it opposes the commission of war crimes'Rishi Sunak told cabinet this morning that Britons are likely to be among those being held hostage by Hamas.In the Commons yesterday he said that at least six Britons were dead and that a further 10 were missing, some of whom were also thought to be dead.[The PM] underscored the abhorrence of Hamas's deliberate targeting of civilians and said the UK would continue to stand with Israel and respect their right to self-defence. He said that the UK will play its part to help alleviate the unfolding humanitarian crisis, recognising that Hamas is actively seeking to endanger Palestinian civilians. The prime minister also added that Hamas were responsible for the murder and suspected abduction of British nationals.We continue to urge Israel as a democracy we work closely with to act within international law in their actions, I think they are taking steps to do that.We are in discussions and are keen to see water restored to the area.We do believe it is vital that water supplies are restored, including local capacity, and we'll continue to have discussions on that front. Continue reading...
Ruling Law and Justice party secured most votes but it appears likely Donald Tusk's Civic Coalition will be able to form a governmentWe want to hear from you. Are you a voter living in Poland or another country? What are your thoughts on the election results? How will the change of power likely impact you?You can share your thoughts on the Poland election results using this form. Continue reading...
Budgeting hack can lead to large amounts of money being stolen in break-ins, insurer saysA home insurer has issued a warning about the risks of a budgeting trend known as cash stuffing" after seeing a surge in the number of theft claims.Popular on social media, cash stuffing - also known as the cash envelope system - is a budgeting technique that supposedly helps cash-strapped households keep track of their spending and saving without having to resort to complicated spreadsheets. Continue reading...
by Mark Brown North of England correspondent on (#6FMS9)
Ahmed Alid remanded into custody during court appearance over death of Terrence Carney, 70, on SundayA man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court accused of murdering a 70-year-old passerby in Hartlepool.Terrence Carney had just used a cash machine when he was attacked by a person with a knife in the town centre in the early hours of Sunday morning in what police later described as an isolated" incident. Attempts were made to treat Carney but he died at the scene. Continue reading...
Exclusive: Police in British overseas territory known for beautiful beaches said to have been overwhelmed by extreme violenceWith sweeping beaches and turquoise waters, the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British territory in the Caribbean, are best known as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world.But an internal Foreign Office investigation seen by the Guardian lays bare the extent to which the islands were engulfed by extreme violence last year amid a turf war for control of drug trafficking routes. Continue reading...
Exclusive: Warning system similar to one used by hospitals would allow GPs to flag unsafe workload levels and trigger supportBritain's top family doctor is calling for a black alert" system to be introduced in general practice so that doctors can warn when surgeries are dangerously over capacity.It comes as a report reveals that almost half of GPs can no longer guarantee safe care for millions of patients, as a shortage of medics means they are unable to cope with soaring demand. Continue reading...
CAA told to partly reconsider decision on how much hub can charge airlines for using its servicesA verdict on how much Heathrow airport can charge airlines must be reconsidered in part, the UK's competition watchdog has ruled, amid a longrunning row at Europe's busiest airport.In March, the aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), ordered London's largest airport, to cut its passenger charges by about 20% next year, which could result in lower air fares. Continue reading...
In today's newsletter: In what could be the most consequential election in the country since the fall of communism, Poland may have made a step closer to Europe Sign up here for our daily newsletter, First EditionDzie dobry. It is the end of evil times," Donald Tusk, the former prime minister of Poland and leader of the country's main opposition party, declared as polls indicated a clear majority for a centre-left coalition in what has been billed as Poland's most important general election since the fall of communism in 1989. We did it, for real. Poland won, democracy won."Well, technically, Tusk's Civic Coalition (KO) party didn't win. But it doesn't matter, as the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party and its potential rightwing partner do not appear to have won enough votes to extend nine years in power.Brussels shooting| Brussels is on its highest level of security alert after two Swedes were shot dead in the centre of the city by a gunman who federal prosecutors said claimed to be inspired by Islamic State.Israel-Hamas war | President Joe Biden will travel to Israel for talks with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday as concerns grow that the Israel-Hamas war could spiral into a regional conflict.Conservatives | The Conservative MP Peter Bone repeatedly hit and verbally abused a member of his staff, often asked him for massages and on one occasion put his bare genitals in the other man's face, according to a report by a House of Commons regulator.UK news | Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation into the suspected murder of a man and the assault of another after an incident in Hartlepool in the early hours of Sunday.Economy | The Bank of England has more work to do" to ensure inflation is brought back under control, the chief economist Huw Pill has said. Raising the possibility of an increase in borrowing costs from the Bank, Pill said the fact that the headline measure of the cost of living was falling was not enough to claim victory. Continue reading...
Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, does not meet age requirement of 40 but constitutional court - headed by president's brother-in-law - makes exceptionAn Indonesian court has made a controversial exception allowing the eldest son of outgoing President Joko Widodo to run for vice-president in the 2024 election.In a decision that outraged critics of the president, the constitutional court ruled that candidates under the required age of 40 can seek the presidency or vice-presidency in the 14 February ballot provided they have previously held elected regional office. Continue reading...
Three Little Birds, based on stories of Henry's family in 1950s, is not Disneyfication' of prejudice his parents' generation encounteredLenny Henry says he hopes his new Windrush-based drama Three Little Birds will prevent the Disneyfication" of the racism his parents' generation encountered and generate a conversation among children.The ITV series, which he wrote with Russell T Davies and stars in, is based on stories from his family and friends. It shows the trials and racism faced by three women emigrating from Jamaica to England in the 1950s. Continue reading...
Forensic anthropologists say many of the 350 human remains they are examining may never be identifiedOn a table, a jumble of bones and fragments are laid out carefully, some grey, others charred black. A skeleton hangs at the side of the room for reference.Three forensic anthropologists peer over them with the intent focus of professionals trying to solve the most tragic of puzzles. Their job is to identify some of the most badly damaged remains of victims of the Hamas massacres of 7 October. Continue reading...
Emergency meeting called after a week of rows including over Ursula von der Leyen's trip to IsraelAn emergency meeting of the heads of EU member states has been called on Tuesday in an effort to harmonise" the bloc's response to the conflict in Israel and Gaza after a week of dysfunction and division.As fears grow over the risk of a wider war and a humanitarian catastrophe in the region, EU member states admit they have struggled to put on a united front as they did in February 2023 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Continue reading...
The European Commission aims to cut plastic pellet pollution by 74% by the end of the decadeThe EU has announced further plans to crack down on microplastics after its ban on glitter came into force.The proposal, which tackles tiny pellets used in nearly all plastic products, aims to cut plastic pellet pollution by 74% by the end of the decade. Overall, it would lead to a 7% reduction in Europe's microplastic pollution, according to the European Commission. Continue reading...
Paola Malanga and assistant put together a programme of more than 160 films showcasing female talentPrejudice towards women in the film industry lingers beneath the surface like magma" in a volcano, the artistic director of the Rome film festival has said, before she opened the 18th edition of an event that will showcase more female talent than ever.Paola Malanga, a former Rai Cinema executive who was hired last year in an effort to remould a festival that over its history has had its highs and lows, said that although women were becomingly increasingly present in all levels" of the industry, sexist attitudes remained. Continue reading...
Plaster sculpture bought by Glasgow Museum from the artist in 1901 is unlocated'A statue by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin, part of his famous Les Bourgeois de Calais group, is currently unlocated" in Glasgow's art collections, museum officials have said.The plaster sculpture, bought by Glasgow Museums from the artist in 1901, was exhibited in Kelvingrove Park from 25 June to 30 September 1949, according to Glasgow Life, the organisation in charge of many of the Scottish city's cultural venues. But since then, it seems to have been lost. Continue reading...
by Mark Brown, Vikram Dodd and Hayden Vernon on (#6FKZG)
Ahmed Alid, 44, charged after one person died and another was injured in incident early on SundayA man has been charged with the murder of a 70-year-old who was killed in Hartlepool in the early hours of Sunday, as well as attempted murder.Ahmed Alid, 44, was charged following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and Cleveland police. Continue reading...
Defence minister says Chinese jet came within five meters of Canadian surveillance plane on UN operation over international watersCanada's defence minister has accused China fighter jets of carrying out a dangerous and reckless" interception of a Canadian military plane over international waters.Bill Blair spoke after Canada's Global News said a Chinese jet had come within five meters (16ft) of a Canadian surveillance plane taking part in a UN operation to enforce sanctions against North Korea. Continue reading...
by Tom Phillips Latin America correspondent on (#6FM9P)
Colombia's president likens Israel's actions to Nazis as Israel accuses Gustavo Petro of putting Jewish lives in dangerThe Israel-Hamas war has sparked a ferocious diplomatic spat between Israel and Colombia, with Colombia's president, Gustavo Petro, likening Israel's actions to those of Adolf Hitler's Nazis and Israel accusing Petro of putting Jewish lives in danger and encouraging the horrific acts of Hamas terrorists" with his hostile and antisemitic statements".The row began one day after Hamas's unprecedented 7 October attacks when Petro used his official X account to denounce what he called neo-Nazi" efforts to destroy the Palestinian people, freedom and culture. Continue reading...
Former PM Donald Tusk hails the end of evil times' as early results suggest opposition parties will be able to form governing coalitionPoland's ruling populists appear to be heading for electoral defeat in what would be one of the most consequential European political turnarounds of recent years. With the majority of votes counted, results suggest an opposition led by Donald Tusk should have a path to create a new governing coalition.A Tusk government would probably transform Poland's domestic political agenda and restart relations with Brussels, which had frayed over PiS's attacks on the independent judiciary and other rule-of-law issues. Continue reading...
Stay-at-home measures should have been last resort due to harmful effects, says epidemiologistNationwide lockdowns in the UK during the pandemic were a failure" of public health policy as they were not considered a last resort, an epidemiology expert has said.Giving evidence at the Covid-19 public inquiry on Monday, Prof Mark Woolhouse of the University of Edinburgh - a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M-O) - said the group failed to adequately assess the negative consequences of a nationwide lockdown. Continue reading...
Exclusive: Plan to outlaw all but the most vital of harmful chemicals is not included in leaked policy proposalsThe EU has abandoned a promise to ban all but the most vital of toxic chemicals used in everyday consumer products, leaked documents show.Other legislation to be dropped includes a ban on the export of outlawed chemicals from Europe to the rest of the world, a ban on caged farming and a sustainable food systems framework that the European Commission once described as a flagship" of its farm to fork strategy. Continue reading...
by Tom Phillips Latin America correspondent on (#6FM3D)
Reports say announcement likely on Tuesday that would allow banned Maduro opponents to run and oil sanctions to be liftedThe governments of the US and Venezuela are reportedly poised to announce a deal that could pave the way for sanctions relief on the economically wrecked South American country and for banned opponents of president Nicolas Maduro to compete in next year's election.Anonymous sources quoted by two US media outlets said a scaling back of sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry would be announced on Tuesday after Maduro officials restarted talks with opposition negotiators in Barbados. Continue reading...
World news | The Guardian