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Updated 2026-06-22 12:49
Starmer resigns as prime minister as Streeting backs Burnham for leadership - UK politics live
The prime minister said a new leader will be in place before parliament returns in September
Johnny Marr to auction off dozens of guitars heard on Smiths classics such as This Charming Man
Christie's sale in London in September carries estimates up to 150,000, with some instruments also used by Noel Gallagher and Bernard SumnerJohnny Marr is preparing to auction off about 80 of his guitars, including the Rickenbacker heard on This Charming Man.Marr has partnered with Christie's for the auction, which will take place on 17 September in London, with the collection - including amps and other equipment - available for the public to view in London and New York prior to the sale. Continue reading...
Middle East crisis live: US-Iran talks laid ‘very good foundation for a successful final deal’, says Vance
The vice president said the move represented a major milestone' in ending Iran's nuclear programmeAccording to Palestinian news agency Wafa, a high school student was killed and several other civilians were injured earlier today in an Israeli attack on a civilian vehicle in Gaza City. The Gaza health ministry says at least 1,021 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire' between Israel and Hamas came into effect in October 2025.In a post on X, Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, said US-Iran talks have concluded successfully" in Switzerland, adding that discussions produced agreement on the establishment of a high-level committee" to provide political oversight" of the talks which are now entering a more technical" phase. Continue reading...
Alan Greenspan, longtime head of the US federal reserve, dies aged 100
Greenspan served under the presidencies of Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, Bill Clinton and George W BushAlan Greenspan, the influential economist who steered US monetary policy during his five terms as chair of the Federal Reserve under four presidents, has died aged 100, according to the Fed.In a statement that she shared with NBC News, Andrea Mitchell - Greenspan's wife and a correspondent of the network - said he died from complications of Parkinson's disease. Continue reading...
Two men arrested in relation to hospital mortuary practices in Nottingham
Arrests part of Operation Perth investigation into failures in NHS trust's maternity servicesTwo men have been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in the running of a mortuary service at a hospital trust at the centre of the NHS's largest inquiry into maternity services.Nottingham University hospitals (NUH) NHS trust will be the focus of a major report on Wednesday into how failings led to the deaths of babies and serious harm to families. Continue reading...
Zelenskyy pledges to ‘bring war back to Russia’ after drones swarm toward Moscow – Europe live
Russia intercepted 300 Ukrainian drones across the country and temporarily suspended operations from Moscow airportUkraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy also responded to Starmer setting out his plans to resign as Britain's PM, telling him he would always be a welcome guest" in Ukraine for his support to the wartorn country.In a statement on his social media, he said:Keir, thank you for all our cooperation, your support, and the joint decisions that have helped make our Europe and our protection of life stronger.The United Kingdom has been, is, and will remain among the world's leaders. Here in Ukraine, we deeply value Britain, and every meeting and every conversation we have had has always been filled with real substance. Continue reading...
First Thing: Iran says there is ‘progress’ in talks despite Trump’s coarse threats
US president threatened Iran over strait of Hormuz in sweary outburst. Plus, Starmer to step down as UK's PM two years after historic landslide
UK Met Office issues rare red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday
People in southern Wales and area of England from Kent and Sussex to Somerset and Birmingham urged to protect themselves from extreme heatThe UK's Met Office forecasters have issued a rare red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday in the face of extreme heat and humidity.It covers southern Wales as far west as Swansea, and an area of England that includes London and runs from the inland areas of Kent and Sussex, all the way across to Somerset, as far north-west as Birmingham, and as far north-east as southern Cambridgeshire. Continue reading...
Marius Borg Høiby rape conviction renews focus in Norway on consent in digital age
Norway is supposedly one of world's most gender-equal countries, yet sexual violence remains prevalent across societyIn many ways, the case of Marius Borg Hoiby, who was sentenced to four years in prison last week after being found guilty of offences including domestic violence and two counts of rape, was exceptional.The king's 29-year-old step-grandson grew up in the public eye alongside the royal family, mixing in Oslo's wealthiest circles, partying at exclusive nightclubs and having afterparties at his family's official royal residence. Continue reading...
Wes Streeting will not stand for Labour leadership as Andy Burnham announces candidacy
Former Greater Manchester mayor will be overwhelming favourite to succeed Keir StarmerWes Streeting has said he will not stand for the Labour leadership, directly after Andy Burnham said he would, making it highly likely that Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, will become prime minister next month.In a post on X, Burnman, who will be sworn is as an MP later on Monday after winning last week's Makerfield byelection, said Starmer's announcement on Monday that he would stand down as prime minister marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way", adding: I will put myself forward as part of this process." Continue reading...
Weather tracker: Extreme heat in Europe as typhoon strengthens off Philippines
Eastern Europe to see temperatures above early July average into next weekThe extreme heat experienced across central and western Europe, including the UK, will continue to shift eastwards. As slightly cooler weather infiltrates into western Europe, with risks of downpours and thunderstorms, eastern Europe is likely to see temperatures several degrees above the early July average into next week. Peak highs of between 35C and 40C are expected across southern Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and into the northern Balkans.Typhoon Mekkhala, the seventh typhoon of the season in the western Pacific, strengthened east of Luzon on Sunday with sustained winds of 75mph (120km/h) and gusts in excess of 100mph over open water, and is set to head northwards through the Philippine Sea this week. Forecast projections suggest Mekkhala will reach its peak intensity during Tuesday and Wednesday this week as sustained wind speeds break 100mph. While the typhoon is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea, it may produce large wave conditions close to Taiwan, with warnings to shipping likely. Continue reading...
Europe suffers under record heatwave as temperatures forecast to reach 44C
Rail services, schools and sports events hit, with deaths of three elderly people in France partly blamed on intense heatWestern Europe is enduring a ferocious heatwave forecast to break temperature records, with half of France on red alert, rail services in Belgium disrupted and sports events in Spain and Germany cancelled or postponed.French authorities on Monday placed 49 of the country's 96 mainland departments on a level 1 danger-to-life warning, urging 35 million people to exercise absolute vigilance", drink water often, avoid all strenuous exertion and avoid direct sun. Continue reading...
The US re-legalized the death penalty 50 years ago. Is it working as intended?
The Marshall Project analyzed over 9,000 death sentences handed down since states brought the punishment backFifty years ago, Americans set out on a polarizing mission: to find a just and fair way to punish the worst-of-the-worst crimes by execution.In some ways, this was a surprising choice. In 1972, a narrow majority of the US supreme court had scrapped the country's entire death penalty system, calling it morally unacceptable", racially discriminatory" and arbitrary". It seemed possible that Americans might join our peers in Europe and Latin America, many of whom had ended executions for good. Continue reading...
Frozen by the challenges of power: how Starmer turned triumph into tragedy
Starmer appeared ruthless in banishing the influence of Jeremy Corbyn, and winning power - but far less certain on how to wield itFew would describe him as a dramatic man, but Keir Starmer's political career has been almost Shakespearean in its trajectory: a mere 11 years to enter parliament, lead Labour to an election win many assumed was impossible and then, inside the final two years, throw it all away.His demise is, of course, a reflection of an unprecedented era, one in which voter loyalties were atomised, a two-party hegemony fractured into five, and for the first time ever Labour faced a coherent threat on its left as well as its right. Continue reading...
Keir Starmer to step down as prime minister two years after historic election victory
Labour leader bows to mounting pressure after Andy Burnham's success against Reform UK in MakerfieldKeir Starmer has announced he will stand down as prime minister after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers, following the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster.Less than two years after a historic election victory, Starmer had faced calls from his MPs to set out a timeline for his departure, with many of them spooked by the threat from Nigel Farage's party ahead of the next general election. Continue reading...
Australia politics live: Jonno Duniam calls Pauline Hanson’s push for monoculture ‘bizarre’
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Late Windrush victim’s compensation to fund prize for British Caribbean playwrights
The Windrush Prize will award 10,000 to the writer of the winning play, which will receive a run at the Arcola theatre next yearThe first prize dedicated to discovering and developing British Caribbean playwrights has been launched using compensation awarded to a Windrush victim who died before receiving it.The Windrush Prize for British Caribbean Playwrights, believed to be the first major prize of its kind in 30 years, has been established by Shereener Browne, the founder and artistic director of Orisun Productions and a former barrister, in memory of her late father, Myron Brown. Continue reading...
Teen accused of planning terror attack on Peter Dutton and Brisbane march was making ‘edgy joke’, court told
Defence barrister claims teenager was a troubled kid' but crown prosecutor says he was serious when he wrote of copying US domestic terrorists
Report on Nottingham NHS maternity scandal to reveal ‘horrendous’ failings
Insider indicates Ockenden inquiry has uncovered appalling behaviour including racism toward mothersThe report of the inquiry into the biggest maternity scandal in NHS history will outline horrendous" failings in the care provided to women in Nottingham, the Guardian can reveal.A catalogue of appalling behaviour over many years by staff at the city's two hospitals - Queen's Medical Centre and Nottingham City hospital - included racism towards mothers, it will say. Continue reading...
Monday briefing: What’s next for no-drama Starmer as his ‘political challenges’ pile up?
In today's newsletter: Our senior political correspondent talks about how the coming days and weeks may unfold for the Labour government, and how Keir Starmer ended up the most unpopular prime minister in memory Don't get First Edition delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning. Today's the day, probably. Keir Starmer is expected to announce that he will step down as prime minister, after overwhelming pressure from Labour MPs to make way for Andy Burnham to become party leader.This follows the Manchester mayor's emphatic victory in last Thursday's Makerfield byelection, where he leveraged his popularity and the prevailing anti-Starmer mood to secure more votes than Reform and Restore combined, cementing his credentials as the man who can take on the hard right in the next general election.Middle East | High-stakes talks between the US and Iran are expected to continue for the rest of the week in Switzerland, after a tense start that saw Iranian negotiators walk out in protest at a stream of threats issued by Donald Trump on social media.Edinburgh | Police Scotland said a man was charged after a series of attacks in Edinburgh on Friday night that are being treated as potential anti-Muslim hate crimes. Counter-terrorism officers were brought in to investigate the attacks in which five people were injured.UK weather | The Met Office forecasts that extremely high temperatures could last from Monday until Thursday, leading to health concerns for elderly and vulnerable people.UK news | Police have named the driver killed in the Bedford train crash on Friday, as his family said they are devastated by his loss".Prisons | Pet ferrets kept as therapy animals at the UK's largest children's prison have been co-opted by managers to kill rats, resulting in a bloody incident and concerns over child and animal welfare.Tuesday | This day marks the 10 years since the UK voted to leave the EU. A Guardian report analysing the complex legacy of Brexit through boats, bankers and borders is a good place to consider the legacy of leaving the EU.Tuesday | Also this day, Peter Murrell, the ex-chief executive of the SNP, is likely to be sentenced to prison custody after pleading guilty to embezzling more than 400,000 from the party.Wednesday | Donna Ockenden will publish her review of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Britain's biggest maternity care scandal.Friday | Kings Charles will become the first head of state to reveal their personal tax bill, and will release other financial reports for the royal household. Continue reading...
Almost three tonnes of cocaine found buried under Sydney property in Australia’s biggest ever seizure, police say
Australian federal police arrested and charged two men after allegedly finding $800m worth of cocaine in bunkers' under shipping containers
Zali Steggall expected to launch teal party after months of secret talks
Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Nicolette Boele are understood to be open to the idea but other crossbenchers are firmly against
Western Australian poultry farms locked down as second wild bird tests positive for H5N1 bird flu
Poultry producer Ingham's announces move, as a brown skua and a giant petrel the first confirmed H5 cases on Australia's mainland
After Burnham’s reign, battle begins for Greater Manchester’s mayoral crown
The influential role vacated by the new Makerfield MP will be fiercely contested by Labour, Reform and the GreensAs Andy Burnham maps out the final steps on his path to Downing Street, he may feel that his future is clear. But a look back over his shoulder reveals a cloudier outlook, inviting the question: what now happens to his former role as Greater Manchester's mayor?An election has been set for 30 July, and with the job widely seen as having grown under Burnham's tenure to become one of the most influential in British politics outside Westminster, Labour is desperate to cling on to it - but parties to its right and left both see an opportunity. Continue reading...
Gen Z earning more than millennials did at the same age, says thinktank
At age 24, workers born in the late 1990s are paid more than any cohort since those born in the 1950sGen Z's early careers are more financially rewarding than those of millennials, research suggests.Those typically born between 1997 to 2012 are experiencing a mini-rebound in pay packets, according to the research by the Resolution Foundation, in a seeming contrast to how the previous generation entered the job market. Continue reading...
Top officer says anti-racism guidance has fuelled myth of two-tier policing
Head of Greater Manchester force refutes claims of anti-white bias but says he understands where it comes fromPolicing in Britain has adopted the language of activism" and official guidance has over-corrected" to combat accusations of racism, one of the UK's most senior officers has said.Sir Stephen Watson, the chief constable of Greater Manchester police, said he did not believe that two-tier policing" existed or that forces were biased against white people. Continue reading...
Clearance rates hit six-year low as more than half of Australian homes up for auction fail to sell
Preliminary data show 47.7% of homes sold at auction in the week ending 21 June, the lowest rate has been since April 2020
US-Iran talks strained as Trump threats spark Iranian walkout
Talks expected to continue for rest of the week despite disruption caused by US president's threat to bomb Iran and kidnap negotiating teamHigh-stakes talks between the US and Iran are expected to continue for the rest of the week in Switzerland, after a tense start that saw Iranian negotiators walk out in protest at a stream of threats issued by Donald Trump on social media.The US president had threatened to bomb Iran and even to kidnap the Iranian negotiating team unless the strait of Hormuz was reopened, forcing mediators Qatar and Pakistan to continue negotiations in the background. Continue reading...
Far-right millionaire wins Colombia’s razor-tight presidential election
Leftwing opponent alleges vote count irregularities after Trump-endorsed lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella secures narrow majorityThe Trump-admiring far-right millionaire lawyer and self-styled outsider" Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia's presidential runoff, defeating the leftwing senator Ivan Cepeda.With 99.99% of ballots counted in the preliminary vote tally, De la Espriella had secured 12.96m votes, or 49.66%, just 250,830 more than Cepeda, who received 12.7m votes, or 48.7%. A further 1.6% of ballots were cast blank. Continue reading...
Lloyds Banking Group to hire 300 tech experts to work on AI
Exclusive: While recruits will increase headcount for now, broader adoption of AI could lead to job cuts in futureLloyds Banking Group has launched an AI recruitment drive for 300 tech experts, weeks before its chief executive, Charlie Nunn, announces a strategic plan for the 261-year-old lender.The bank said it intended the recruits to work on its use and development of agentic AI by September, referring to autonomous AI models that can plan and execute tasks with minimal human oversight. Continue reading...
UK taxpayers want higher levies on big tech companies, survey shows
Two-thirds of respondents support increasing the 2% digital services tax for multinationalsTaxpayers want the UK to increase levies on giant global technology companies such as Facebook owner Meta, Google and Amazon, a survey of Britons' attitudes on corporate taxes suggests.The polling released on Monday by the Fair Tax Foundation - abody providing businesses with certification around responsible tax conduct - found that 67% of respondents believe that the government should charge higher digital services taxes on multinational technology groups to increase their overall tax contribution in the UK". Continue reading...
Wowcher apologises for email referencing toddler crocodile attack
Company extremely sorry' for unacceptable' email urging customers to Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid!'The discount voucher website Wowcher has apologised after appearing to make reference to a crocodile attack on a toddler at a zoo in an email promoting its offers.A spokesperson for Wowcher said it was urgently reviewing its marketing content after the subject line of an email on Saturday urged customers to Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid!" Continue reading...
Taxi and Uber rider targeted in suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh, say witnesses
White Scottish man, 38, charged after five men were injured in spate of attacks in city on Friday nightWitnesses to the alleged knife attacks on Muslims and others in Edinburgh on Friday have described seeing a taxi and an Uber bike courier being targeted in Leith.The attacks, suspected of being directed against Muslims and people of colour, began near a mosque in the west of Edinburgh, followed by incidents on Leith Walk in the east of the city. Continue reading...
‘A shift has taken place’: Starmer faces the music after weekend of reflection
While PM's desire to fight was strong, time with his inner circle at Chequers sharpened his sense of the inevitableOn Friday, as the dust settled on Andy Burnham's thumping victory in the Makerfield byelection, Keir Starmer was in defiant mood. I have said repeatedly, I am not going to walk away," the prime minister said, adding: Let's pull together as a party and a movement."Just 48 hours later, one of his most loyal ministers was on the BBC sending a very different message. I don't want to come on here and be delusional that there is no process, there are no forces at work which are challenging the prime minister as leader - that is clearly the case," said the business secretary, Peter Kyle. Continue reading...
Starmer expected to announce exit plan to clear way for Burnham to become PM
Ministers say Starmer will set out his intentions on Monday morning with an autumn departure the most likely optionKeir Starmer is expected to announce a timetable for his departure on Monday morning, clearing the way for Andy Burnham to become prime minister without a formal contest by the autumn.Cabinet ministers say Starmer will set out his intentions outside No 10 Downing Street, starting a process of the UK installing its seventh prime minister in a decade. Continue reading...
Starmer expected to announce departure on Monday as growing numbers of MPs back Burnham for PM – UK politics live
PM said to be reflecting on political realities', as president Trump joins in criticism of his leadership saying he has failed badly'
Transition timetable: what a Starmer autumn handover could look like
New leader could be chosen unchallenged or after a quick contest while outgoing PM has time to finalise his legacy
Train driver killed in Bedford crash named as family pay tribute
Family of Shaun Burton, 60, say they are devastated by his loss' and their thoughts are also with those affected'
Burnham ally to unveil ambitious plan to reverse decades of privatisation
Exclusive: Productive State policy paper envisages state regaining control of basics to make life affordable, in fleshing out of ManchesterismAndy Burnham's government should reverse 40 years of privatisation with a long-term plan to take over failing utilities in administration, issuing bonds for shares" and setting up state competitors, according to a new blueprint for Manchesterism".The policy paper - The Productive State - is released on Monday as Burnham arrives in Westminster to be sworn in as the MP for Makerfield. He widely expected to seek to enter No 10 to replace Keir Starmer in a matter of weeks. Continue reading...
Secret correspondence claims suggest tensions at top of Iranian government
Former negotiating team member gives shock interview claiming supreme leader's instructions were not followed
Dutch PM apologises for Moluccan soldiers’ mistreatment after Indonesian independence
Rob Jetten acknowledges grief and pain of Moluccan families as crowdfunded monument unveiled in RotterdamThe Dutch prime minister, Rob Jetten, has formally apologised for the heartless" mistreatment of thousands of Moluccan soldiers who fought for the Dutch colonial army during Indonesia's struggle for independence.About 12,500 men from a group of Indonesian islands who served in the Royal Dutch East Indies army came with their families to the Netherlands in 1951, many having been given no choice. They thought it would be a temporary evacuation after Indonesia had won independence. Continue reading...
France cancels events and restricts alcohol consumption amid brutal heatwave
Sports and nationwide music festival affected, with temperatures for some expected to reach 42C from MondayAuthorities in France have placed more than a third of the country under a red heat alert, cancelled some outdoor sports events and restricted alcohol consumption at the nationwide Fete de la Musique event amid a brutal heatwave forecast to push temperatures above 40C.Level 1 or 2 heat alerts were issued on Sunday for about 53 million people, just over 75% of the population. A record 35 of the country's 96 mainland departments were put on danger-to-life red alert, with another 45 under an orange warning. Continue reading...
Record-breaking heat expected across UK this week, says Met Office
Health alerts are in place as very high humidity adds to danger of heat stress for the most vulnerableThe Met Office has expanded its extreme heat warning for the UK, predicting record-breaking highs of 38C (100.4F) this week.The Met Office forecasts that extremely high temperatures could last from Monday until Thursday, leading to health concerns for elderly and vulnerable people. The forecaster said there was growing confidence" that this week may break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was set in 1976 in Southampton and Camden Square, London, in June 1957. Continue reading...
Coal companies to reap billions more in taxpayer diesel subsidies as Labor approves new mining
Albanese government under pressure to wind back fuel tax credit scheme for multinational miners as analysis shows cost to budget
Australia is publishing books too quickly – and everyone is losing out
Thanks to rushed deadlines, financial pressure and overworked staff, titles are going to market before they're ready - and then sliding from view immediatelyA Sydney author - I'll call her Rebecca - vowed never to write another book after the deranging experience of publishing her first. She's using a pseudonym because one day she might change her mind; the notoriously small Australian publishing industry does not tend to look with favour on authors who complain.When Rebecca was proofing her debut - a work of nonfiction published by one of the big five - she discovered that a pivotal chapter had been cut. I thought it was a mistake, that it had somehow been left out of the papers they'd sent," she says. Turns out they'd deliberately excised it and thought I wouldn't notice." Continue reading...
Keir Starmer expected to announce departure as prime minister on Monday
Business secretary says Starmer is reflecting on political realities' amid overwhelming pressure from MPs
David Hockney’s funeral held in private with just two mourners
Artist had requested only his partner and great-nephew attend, with memorial services planned in places he livedOnly two people attended David Hockney's funeral last week - in line with the British artist's final wishes.The two mourners at the private ceremony were Hockney's 61-year-old partner, Jean-Pierre Goncalves de Lima, and his 33-year-old great-nephew, Richard Hockney, a photographer who worked as the artist's assistant and frequently modelled for him. Both are trustees of the David Hockney Foundation, established by the artist in 2008. Continue reading...
Four months after the horrific Iran school bombing, fears grow that Trump and Hegseth will bury the truth
A secretive investigation into the attack that killed at least 175 has concluded, reports suggest. Will its findings ever see the light of day?The attack on a girl's elementary school in the Iranian town of Minab was one of the US military's deadliest civilian bombings in decades. But nearly four months on, the Pentagon has produced no answers about why the military fired a Tomahawk cruise missile into a school on the first day of the war, killing at least 175 people, mostly children.Some critics doubt that the Pentagon ever will, or will bury the results under classifications to keep the worst mistakes secret from the public. Continue reading...
‘Slug sleuth’ farmers in England help develop prediction tool to cut back on pesticide use
Maps created as part of Defra-funded Slimers project allowed test growers to halve amount of slug pellets usedFarmers believe they have a new weapon in their age-old battle against the slugs that destroy their crops: modern technology.Slug prediction maps, which have been created by computer models as part of an research project, are now helping growers to better target the use of pesticides, saving them money and reducing environmental harm. Continue reading...
‘This changes everything’: how Brexit altered Scotland’s political landscape
Former party leaders reflect on the turbulence that followed the referendum in which most Scottish voters backed the losing sideThe decision to quit the EU bolstered support for Scottish independence, which a decade after the Brexit referendum is at near record levels, according to Scottish Labour's former leader Kezia Dugdale.Dugdale said the Brexit vote creates a frame around fairness" for many in Scotland because, unlike England, Scottish voters comprehensively backed remain in 2016, by 62% to 38%, yet found their country taken out of Europe. Continue reading...
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