World news | The Guardian

The premier has been upbeat but there are signs of cuts to come and one analyst warns the state's financial strategy needs a course correction'

Gathering of face and voice data went unnoticed for one month after it was automatically enabled for video conferencing app users in March

Merger of Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism will be first in any major religion for more than half a centuryTwo Jewish movements in the UK have united to form Progressive Judaism, embracing female rabbis, same-sex marriage and mixed-faith couples and representing about a third of British Jews who are affiliated to synagogues.Liberal Judaism and Reform Judaism took the historic step of voting to unite at parallel meetings on Sunday. Each vote easily exceeded the required 75% threshold for the move, with about 95% in favour. Continue reading...

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and JD Vance among 150,000 present as Leo says he wants Catholic church to be leaven of unity'Pope Leo XIV said he wanted the Catholic church to be a small leaven of unity" in a time of too much discord and too many wounds", during his inaugural papal mass attended by world leaders including the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the US vice-president, JD Vance.Calling for more love and unity, Leo said the church's true authority" was the charity of Christ. He said: It is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a question of loving as Jesus did." Continue reading...

Palliative care consultant says insufficient consideration given to how disadvantaged communities may be affectedMinisters have not adequately considered how assisted dying would affect disadvantaged communities, a palliative care doctor and clinical academic has said.Bradford-based Jamilla Hussain said the equality impact assessment for the assisted dying bill was lightweight", and her own research had highlighted concerns that had not been reflected in the document. Continue reading...

Former cabin crew member Charlotte May Lee, 21, reportedly accused of trying to bring 46kg of cannabis strain kush into countryUK officials have said they are supporting a British woman arrested in Sri Lanka amid reports a former cabin crew member has been accused of smuggling cannabis into the South Asian country.MailOnline and the Sun reported that Charlotte May Lee, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, was detained at the main airport in the country's capital Colombo on Monday after arriving on a flight from Bangkok. Continue reading...

Starmer's island of strangers' immigration speech brings wave of condemnation from anti-racism campaignersLabour faces a watershed moment in its relationship with Black and Asian voters, experts warn, as the fallout from Keir Starmer's immigration speech continues with a wave of condemnation from anti-racism campaigners.The prime minister's claim that uncontrolled" migration had done incalculable" damage to British society has been labelled a betrayal by equalities groups. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Politicians including Andy Burnham call for councils to be given powers to stop new sites openingSlot machine companies are targeting Britain's poorest neighbourhoods and channelling the proceeds to billionaire-owned overseas corporations and a Wall Street fund that uses an offshore lending structure, the Guardian can reveal.The number of slot machine shops has risen by 7% since 2022, as companies -friendly planning and licensing laws to flood Britain's high streets with new adult gaming centres" (AGCs), most of which are open 24 hours a day. Continue reading...

Some conservatives rejected Francis for his leftist leanings, but Leo could be able to realize his forerunner's visionsRightwing Catholic Americans in positions of power - from the vice-president, JD Vance, to Leonardo Leo - may have breathed a brief sigh of relief when, after the white smoke cleared, Pope Leo XIV emerged on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica donning a traditional red mozzetta with a papal stole.It was, observers pointed out, a starkly different choice than his predecessor Pope Francis, a reviled figure among many staunch conservatives, who had worn all white on the same occasion in 2013 to symbolize his desire for simplicity and humility. Continue reading...

Kyiv officials believe Moscow is not interested in peace despite talks in Istanbul and Trump's interventionUkrainian officials believe a largely stalemated war of attrition with Russia is likely to continue for several more years, despite international efforts pushed by Donald Trump to end the fighting.After the inconclusive breakup of the first direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow in Istanbul on Friday, and despite the US president's planned calls with Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they see no evidence that Moscow is serious about peace. Continue reading...

Regulator says claims over failures no longer limited to the cost of a ticket in bid to toughen accessibility rulesRailway operators in the UK could soon have to pay out far greater sums in compensation to disabled passengers left unable to access trains despite booking assistance.The rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), has warned companies running trains and stations that compensation claims for failures can no longer be limited to the cost of a ticket. Continue reading...

Lib Dem MP says UK's recent tone is tougher but in terms of concrete actions, not much has changed'Layla Moran has told the UK government to match its tougher tone on Israel with action as she warned that people in Gaza face unbearably cruel levels of destitution".The Lib Dem MP called for further action, including recognition of a Palestinian state, in a renewed appeal for the family of Mohammad, an NHS doctor who operated on her last year, whose elderly parents remain stuck in northern Gaza. Continue reading...

This blog is now closedLiberals must build from the bottom up' after election disaster - RustonAsked why the Liberals were now reviewing their embrace of the Paris climate agreement under the former government of Scott Morrison, Ruston says the walloping voters handed the party meant absolutely everything" was up for review.To be quite frank, we have to build from the bottom up again because that election result was quite disastrous for the Liberal party and we need to be open and honest with ourselves about what we need to take forward so that we are meeting Australia where they are and not talking about where we are.Clearly we need to be doing something different. I think, you know, keeping an open mind, making sure we're honest and open with that analysis of what went wrong, and actually come out with a policy proposal and a modern Liberal party, still maintaining all of the values that we hold so dearly.Oh God, no, no, anything but, please. We have been there before many times over the past 20 years or so and to reopen the climate wars, as you aptly describe them, is like reopening an old wound. Continue reading...

Residents of India-administered Kashmir worry root cause of conflict remains and return of violence is inevitableA week after fleeing artillery fire from across the border, Rina Begum returned to find her home in Kashmir devastated. The walls were cracked, the roof crumbling, windows blown inward, and glass shards scattered across the floor, mingling with the ashes of her daughter's books.The 45-year-old gazed out through a fractured window frame at the looming mountains. Hell has been raining down from there," she said. Continue reading...

Israel finished second, with Estonia third and the pre-contest favourites from Sweden fourthAustria has won the Eurovision song contest after JJ triumphed in Basel with their song Wasted Love, an operatic ballad with soaring vocals that mutates into a club anthem for the finale. It is the third time the country has won, with JJ following in the footsteps of Udo Jurgens in 1965 and Conchita Wurst in 2014.Switzerland, which hosted the first ever Eurovision song contest in 1956, was the venue this year after Nemo won in Malmo last year with their song The Code. They presented the trophy to JJ, who called for more love". After finishing a reprise of their winning song, a clearly emotional JJ said thank you Europe, I love you all" Continue reading...

New deputy leader also signals he will be part of energy debate but stops short of saying whether nuclear reactors should remain policy

Cash-strapped council may seek to raise funds from rate-payers, state and federal governments, or road users to fix 85-year-old Story Bridge

Athens takes legal action after its most famous monument given role in creating extremely unpleasant image'Greece is taking legal action after authorities were caught unaware by the fifth-century BC Acropolis playing a star role in an Adidas advertising campaign.The decision to feature the western world's enduring symbol of democracy for commercial purposes in a hi-tech drone show has left Athens with no choice but to press charges, the country's culture minister said. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Guardian investigation reveals guidance for retailers in England changed after campaign by global food firmsGovernment legal guidance urging retailers in England to offer millions of consumers deals and discounts on minimally processed and nutritious food was dropped after a lobbying campaign by the world's biggest ultra-processed food firms, the Guardian can reveal.Ahead of new regulations banning junk food promotions from October, the Department of Health and Social Care issued advice to thousands of shops, supermarkets, online retailers and other businesses to help them comply with the law. Continue reading...

Libertarian far-right Sawomir Mentzen and hard-left Adrian Zandberg among challengers as country prepares to vote in presidential electionHidden off a charming market square in central Poland, a bar offers the closest physical experience to walking into the internet.Stretching incongruously through medieval basements, Pub Mentzen in Toru feels like it was designed by someone on a full-fat diet of online politics. As you enter, a gallery wall displays mugshots of customers we don't serve", but instead of rowdy patrons, it features Polish political leaders, including at least five prime ministers. Continue reading...

This live blog is now closed, you can read our full report hereAn Iraqi political official, speaking to the Associated Press (AP) on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment, said that Iran's al-Quds force commander Esmail Ghaani had paid a visit to Baghdad prior to the Arab League summit and conveyed messages of support for the Iranian-American negotiations" for a nuclear deal and a demand for the lifting of crippling sanctions on Iran.The Arab League is meeting in Baghdad on Saturday to discuss Gaza and other regional crises, but some leaders are expected to miss the talks that come straight after US president Donald Trump's Gulf tour. Continue reading...

Blaze which killed Jennie Logan, 30, Martyn Sadler, 38, and David Chester, 57, reminder of courage and sacrifices' made by firefightersTributes have been paid to the three people, including two firefighters, who were killed in a fire at a business park in Bicester.Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, were killed at the former RAF base in Oxfordshire. David Chester, 57, a father of two from Bicester, who worked at the site, also died. Continue reading...

Immigration rises up the agenda and housing remains key issue as polls point to a similar result to 2024 votePortugal will return to the polls for the third time in just over three years on Sunday to vote in a snap general election triggered by the country's centre-right prime minister, Luis Montenegro, who is under pressure over his family's business activities.Montenegro, who leads the Social Democratic party - the largest party in Portugal's ruling Democratic Alliance (AD) coalition - is facing political and judicial scrutiny over a data protection consultancy that he founded in 2021 and which he transferred to his wife and sons the following year. Continue reading...

French president thought to be reconsidering June announcement at UN meeting, which would push back a similar move from the UKBritish officials are dubious that Emmanuel Macron intends to press ahead with French recognition of a Palestinian state next month - the first by a G7 nation - which could also push back the UK government following suit.The French president indicated last month that Paris might recognise Palestine, joining 148 other countries, but said he wanted to do so at a UN conference in New York in June as part of a wider process. Continue reading...

As festivalgoers do whatever it takes to pay for the summer season, struggling organisers innovate to sell ticketsFrom Monday to Friday, Jessica Heath works as a civil servant in central London - but when the weekend comes, it's not time to relax. For the past two years, the 28-year-old has also worked evening shifts most Saturdays and Sundays at a nearby wine bar, with one clear aim - to save up for her summers.Heath has been a huge music festival fan since she first went to Leeds as a teenager and each year, including day events, she takes in at least seven, some as a volunteer. Without that and her second job, she'd never be able to afford it, she says. Continue reading...

Tayshan Hayden-Smith says Chelsea flower show celebrates exclusivity over equity' and he was naive to think he could bring changeA gardener and activist hired by the Royal Horticultural Society to help it reach out to younger and disadvantaged people has said its flagship Chelsea flower show celebrated exclusivity over equity" as he walked away from the role.Tayshan Hayden-Smith, 28, was asked in 2022 to become the charity's ambassador for young people and communities. But now he says that after three years working with the RHS, he has lost hope that it genuinely wants to become more accessible. Continue reading...

The results of the election rerun could alter the future of the country, which is suffering under political divisionsCollecting her 10-year-old son from primary school in Bucharest's crumbling Ferentari neighbourhood, Georgeta Petre was quite sure who she would be casting her ballot for on Sunday, and why.I hope he will change things," she said. I hope he'll do things better. Everyone before him just ... lied. Look around - we can't continue like this. I can't afford food, or clothes for the children. I'm voting for George Simion. He will be different." Continue reading...

The 28-year-old Tongan national was being moved from Villawood immigration detention centre before alleged attack and escape

Three who died identified as firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, and David Chester, a member of the publicThe three people who died in a fire at a former RAF base in Oxfordshire on Thursday have been named by police.Firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, died after explosions were heard at Bicester Motion, a business park and former RAF base, Thames Valley police said. Continue reading...

Local, state and federal officials launch full-scale' search and warn people who escaped are armed and dangerous'Ten people in custody at the New Orleans jail, including a man convicted of four killings, escaped early on Friday morning.The escapes prompted local, state and federal officials to launch a full-scale search operation" for nine who remained at large early on Friday evening - and to warn community members to be on the lookout for armed and dangerous" individuals. Continue reading...

Ice used warrant application as pretext' to try to arrest two students in order to deport themImmigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) effectively misled a judge in order to gain access to the homes of students it sought to arrest for their pro-Palestinian activism, attorneys say.A recently unsealed search warrant application shows that Ice told a judge it needed a warrant because the agency was investigating Columbia University for harboring aliens". In reality, attorneys say, Ice used the warrant application as a pretext" to try to arrest two students, including one green card holder, in order to deport them. Continue reading...

Rightwing lawmakers say president's bill - centered on tax cuts and funding deportations - doesn't make enough cutsRightwing lawmakers derailed Donald Trump's signature legislation in the House of Representatives on Friday, preventing its passage through a key committee and throwing into question whether Republicans can coalesce around the massive bill.The party has spent weeks negotiating a measure dubbed the one big, beautiful bill" that would extend tax cuts enacted during Trump's first term, fund mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, and temporarily make good on his campaign promise to end the taxation of tips and overtime. To offset its costs, Republicans have proposed cuts to the federal safety net, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Continue reading...

Met police says boy, 16, and girl, 15, being held on suspicion of animal cruelty in relation to incident in RuislipTwo teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty in connection with the deaths of two kittens in London, the Metropolitan police have said.A 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were arrested on Friday in relation to an incident in Ruislip, north-west London, on 3 May. The pair remain in custody, the force added. Continue reading...

International criminal court confirms move after latest news reports about details of alleged sexual misconductThe chief prosecutor of the international criminal court, Karim Khan, will take a leave of absence until an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct reaches a conclusion, the court has confirmed.Staff in the ICC's prosecution division were told on Friday that Khan would temporarily step aside until an external investigation examining the allegations against him was completed and court authorities could consider its findings. Continue reading...

President says US will take care of' situation in Gaza on final day of Gulf tour in Abu DhabiDonald Trump has said people are starving in Gaza and the US would have the situation in the territory taken care of" as it suffered a further wave of intense Israeli airstrikes overnight.On the final day of his Gulf tour, the US president told reporters in Abu Dhabi: We're looking at Gaza. And we're going to get that taken care of. A lot of people are starving." Continue reading...

Apart from agreeing to swap 1,000 prisoners each, Moscow sticks to maximalist demands in IstanbulRussia and Ukraine have agreed to a large-scale prisoner exchange but failed to reach a breakthrough during their first direct peace talks since 2022, held in Istanbul without either Vladimir Putin or Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Sitting down under pressure from the US president, Donald Trump, Ukraine had pushed for a 30-day ceasefire before the talks. Moscow rejected this, appearing to stick to its maximalist demands, including sweeping restrictions on Ukrainian sovereignty. Continue reading...

About 150 changes have been made to the bill since MPs voted on it last year. This live blog is closed

Path to peace looks as unclear as it was before European leaders' meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv

Hadi Matar was convicted of attempted murder for 2022 attack that left writer blind in his right eyeThe man found guilty of attempted murder of Salman Rushdie has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.On Friday, the Chautauqua county court issued the sentence to Hadi Matar, 27, of New Jersey, nearly three months after he was first convicted of attempted murder in the second degree. Continue reading...

Thirteen candidates making their last pitches before Super Sunday' with votes also due in Portugal and Romania. This live blog is closedPoland's presidential elections on Sunday are a historic, groundbreaking" chance for Donald Tusk's centrist party to show it was not trying to deceive women" when it promised to change some of Europe's most restrictive abortion laws, campaigners have said.Five years after its near-total ban on abortion set off the largest protests in the country since the fall of communism, the elections will be critical in determining whether there will finally be change in Poland, said Antonina Lewandowska of Federa, the federation for women and family planning. Continue reading...

US singer remanded until 13 June after appearing in UK court charged with grievous bodily harm in alleged 2023 assaultThe singer Chris Brown has been remanded in custody by a court in the UK, accused of attacking a music producer with a bottle in a nightclub.The 36-year-old American R&B singer, a former partner of Rihanna, was arrested at 2am on Thursday at the five-star Lowry hotel in Salford, after flying into the UK for a tour. Continue reading...

Letters sent by broadcaster and MPs with medical backgrounds call for action to change lawEsther Rantzen has urged all MPs to back Kim Leadbeater's strong, safe, carefully considered bill" to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales, which faces its next Commons test on Friday.In an impassioned letter, the broadcaster, who has stage-four lung cancer, said she and other terminally ill adults asked MPs to allow a good, pain-free death for ourselves and those we love and care for". Continue reading...

Roman Lavrynovych is accused of three counts of arson with intent to endanger life after fires in north LondonA man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged in connection with fires at two properties and a car linked to the prime minister.Roman Lavrynovych is accused of three counts of arson with intent to endanger life after the fires at various locations across north London. Continue reading...

Row breaks out in Marnhull, location used in Tess of the D'Urbervilles, over plans to build 120 homesThomas Hardy described his fictional village of Marlott as being in an engirdled and secluded region, for the most part untrodden as yet by tourist or landscape-painter, though within a four hours' journey from London".But the Victorian realist would now barely recognise Marnhull, the real-life village in north Dorset upon which Marlott was based, and would probably be surprised to know his name is repeatedly invoked in official submissions arguing against its expansion. Continue reading...

Investment firms say scaling back tax breaks would help UK stocks, but banks and public are wary of change

Exclusive: Christian, Muslim and Jewish representatives write to prime minister after island of strangers' speech

MP behind bill for England and Wales says changes being debated in parliament on Friday will make it stronger

Exclusive: court documents reveal Harry claimed front page story and other articles had hugely negative impact on his mental health and that of his wife and children'Prince Harry has accused the Sun newspaper of being motivated by revenge when publishing a front page story reporting that he had been named in a lawsuit accusing Sean Diddy" Combs of sex trafficking, according to claims in newly disclosed court document.The story was said by the Duke of Sussex to be among a large number of false and highly derogatory articles" published by Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers (NGN) in retaliation" for his claims of phone hacking and unlawful information gathering. Continue reading...

Aid cuts, conflict, climate and economic shocks contribute to sixth consecutive rise in numbers facing high levels of food insecurity'Acute food insecurity continues to rise at an alarming rate, with almost 300 million people at risk of death through starvation, new analysis reveals.Escalating conflict and cuts to humanitarian aid along with climate and economic shocks forced an additional 13.7 million people into chronic food insecurity last year. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Winston Knight's deportation order revoked by Home Office after a decade living on streets in KingstonThe Home Office has agreed to fly home a member of the Windrush generation who lived in the UK for 47 years before being wrongly deported and forced to live on the streets of Jamaica in horrific conditions for more than a decade.In a highly unusual move and after protracted legal action, Home Office officials have accepted that Winston Knight, 64, is a member of the Windrush generation and have agreed to revoke his deportation order.In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 and the domestic abuse helpline is 0808 2000 247. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In the US, the suicide prevention lifeline is at 988 and the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org Continue reading...