Lawyers predict more suppression and no active investigations' but victims' groups determined to continue fightAs Donald Trump's former defense lawyer Todd Blanche appears poised for confirmation as attorney general, numerous Jeffrey Epstein survivors have sounded the alarm that a US justice department helmed by him would derail their pursuit of justice.In a letter urging Republican senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn to reject his nomination, these survivors said that Blanche's handling of the Epstein case as acting attorney general was characterized by misstep after misstep. Continue reading...
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsThe UK's financial watchdog has launched a 2m advertising campaign aimed at curbing use of claims management companies (CMCs), and encouraging drivers hit by the car finance scandal to file their own complaints.The Financial Conduct Authority's 30-second video advert features a series of pedestrians jumping over car bonnets in slow-motion, action film style, while text flashes across the screen to encourage their peers to Feel Claim Confident."Many people who may be owed compensation aren't sure where to start or don't realise they don't have to pay someone to make a complaint. Our free tools are there to help people feel claim confident - so they can get any money owed back without it costing them a penny." Continue reading...
Defence secretary Wes Streeting says the country will see a prime minister that runs towards big and difficult issues'Keir Starmer resisting calls to stand down was selfish and stubborn", according to the current sole Scottish Labour leadership contender, Monica Lennon.As the Press Association reports, the earliest high profile call for Starmer to quit came from former Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who broke cover in February. Sarwar is now leaving Holyrood having been given a seat in the Lords and a job as a business minister by Andy Burnham.Clearly, the focus is the May election and what's happened in Scotland.The party has had its worst election result ever in the history of the Scottish parliament - in fact we've been losing seats and votes since 1999, so there's a downward trend that cannot be ignored.I think, on reflection, Keir Starmer should have read the room, I think he was selfish and stubborn and I think that's been a big part of our problem.That has contaminated people's view of Scottish Labour.Scottish Labour's got some serious decisions to make, and it's really important that our members have their say, that they're heard.I hope that other colleagues do come forward because I would welcome a debate, a discussion and a contest, because I think we really need to have that.It is right to recognise that the NHS and social care are deeply interconnected but the case for fixing social care extends far beyond protecting the NHS. There is a moral imperative to ensure older and disabled people can live independently with dignity and a compelling economic case too.Millions of people have unmet care needs, while unpaid carers and disabled adults are too often prevented from working, participating in their communities and planning for their futures because the support they need simply isn't there.Better social care would undoubtedly help some patients leave hospital more quickly but we should avoid suggesting that fixing social care alone will fix the NHS.Debates about social care are too often haunted by death tax' rhetoric and the costs of improving the system rather than focussed on the tangible benefits reform could bring for people and families.If the prime minister wants to succeed where previous governments have failed, he must make a positive case for reform and build a shared understanding of why change matters. Continue reading...
Shahin Ahmed praises relatives Shelina Rahman and her daughter Sameeha, who died trying to help his seven-year-old son in waterThe teenage girl and woman who died in the waters off an Essex beach were trying to help a seven-year-old boy who had got into difficulty, police believe.Family members identified the pair as Shelina Rahman, a 42-year-old British-Bangladeshi teacher who is married to a Bangladeshi politician, and her 15-year-old daughter, Sameeha. A seven-year-old boy, Musa Ahmed, is on life support in a hospital in London. Continue reading...
Mass hearings, removal orders in absentia' - judges are wrapping up immigration cases in unprecedented numbersThe second Trump administration recorded its highest number of immigration arrests so far last month. One significant and alarming reason that is far less noticeable than armored, masked agents swaggering in the streets with weapons may be a sudden change in America's immigration courts.Here, in recent months, accelerated mass hearings are giving people facing existential questions about their future little time to prepare for their cases, and judges are often ordering vulnerable immigrants deported without them even being in the courtroom. Continue reading...
Top House Democrat says US president failed to deliver' on campaign promises to lower costs and avoid overseas warsDonald Trump's Republican party has nothing to run on" for the congressional midterm elections after the president broke promises to lower costs and avoid starting war overseas, Hakeem Jeffries has said.The House minority leader, a New York congressman, made those comments on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, exactly 100 days from the 3 November midterms, when Jeffries and his fellow Democrats are aiming to take control of the US House and Senate from their Republican opponents. Continue reading...
Performer on trial on six charges of sexually penetrating a 20-year-old woman without consentA British YouTuber and musician accused of violently raping a fan after a gig never asked his alleged victim if she wanted sex, a court has been told.Rapper Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, is fighting six charges of sexually penetrating a 20-year-old woman without consent in a Perth hotel room in September 2024. Continue reading...
by Haroon Siddique Legal affairs correspondent on (#778KE)
Exclusive: Judge intends to consider terrorist connection' after convicting five for damage to Barclays in BurnleyFive Palestine Action activists face being sentenced as terrorists for breaking windows and throwing red paint at a branch of Barclays Bank in Lancashire.Brendon O'Hagan, 28; Amanda Kelly, 31; Hmeera Atiqnisar, 31; Mohammed Malik, 28; and Alma Yaniv, 70, were found guilty of causing 212,000 of damage during a direct action protest in Burnley in August 2024. They targeted the bank because it held shares in the Israeli weapons firm Elbit Systems. Continue reading...
Government move follows months of drought and crop failures in Karamoja, with 1.5m people facing malnutritionUganda has launched emergency food relief distribution after at least 19 deaths from hunger were reported in an area of prolonged drought in the east of the country.A crisis has been building in the Karamoja region of Uganda as crops have failed without the season's expected rains, leaving the region's 1.5 million people facing acute food shortages and rising malnutrition. Continue reading...
Top military officials say campaign has reached its limit of effectiveness and warn of dwindling stocks of munitionsThe US has paused strikes on Iran for a third night as top military officials advised Donald Trump to halt his bombing campaign, and diplomatic negotiations have continued to avoid a return to all-out war.Oil prices fell on Monday as markets responded to the pause in combat. Continue reading...
In today's newsletter: Across the country, a younger generation is turning private disillusionment into public defiance against a government that once felt untouchableGood morning. As flames engulfed parts of France and Spain this weekend, in India, the prime minister, Narendra Modi, was trying to put out a very different kind of fire. Thousands of people arrived in Delhi on Saturday to demand the resignation of his education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. When he stepped down in the early afternoon, the protests turned into a triumphant block party.But the Cockroach protests that have swept through India this summer are about much more than a single minister. They have humiliated Modi and undermined the indomitable power of his Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) that has ruled India for the past 12 years. They're also a lesson in using humour to political advantage.Wild fires | Authorities in France battled to contain a huge wildfire near Bordeaux in the south-west as Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, warned Spain and the Iberian peninsula were suffering the effects of the climate emergency.Germany | A man suspected of driving a van into a crowd near Berlin's Pride festival then going on a knife rampage in an Islamist terror attack has been shot dead by police, German officials have said.Iran | The US has paused strikes on Iran for a second night as top military officials advised Donald Trump to halt his bombing campaign, and diplomatic negotiations have continued to avoid a return to all-out war.UK politics | Britain's foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, is to indicate he will put the climate crisis and overseas development at the heart of UK international relations by taking up the country's seat on the board at the World Bank.UK news | Five Palestine Action activists face being sentenced as terrorists for breaking windows and throwing red paint at a branch of Barclays Bank in Lancashire.Monday | Andrew and Tristan Tate are due back in the Florida court where they're fighting their extradition to the UK, to face rape and sex-trafficking charges.Tuesday | Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to be among those attending the Washington DC memorial service for the late South Carolina senator and Trump ally Lindsey Graham.Thursday | People will go to the polls to elect the next mayor of Greater Manchester, who will replace Andy Burnham. Continue reading...
At least four people taken to hospital after gunfire at Seattle Center near Space Needle, with one reported to be in a critical conditionTwo people were killed and five others wounded in a shooting on Sunday evening during a food festival at an events complex near the Space Needle in Seattle, a city fire department spokesperson said.The Seattle Center was hosting the Bite of Seattle food festival over the weekend. After the shooting, police urged people to avoid the area. Continue reading...
National emergency test alert will be sent to all compatible mobile devices on 27 July, with domestic violence advocates advising how to turn off safe phones
National emergency test alert will be sent to all compatible mobile devices on 27 July, with domestic violence advocates advising how to turn off safe phones
by Josh Halliday North of England editor on (#778G5)
PM urged to end cover-up culture' and order independent review taking in evidence that has emerged on 1994 crashThe families of those killed in an RAF Chinook crash in 1994 have urged Andy Burnham to end Britain's cover-up culture" and order an independent review into the disaster.Twenty-nine serving military personnel died when the Chinook HC2 helicopter crashed on the Mull of Kintyre in south-west Scotland during a flight from Northern Ireland. Continue reading...
Bank of England expected to keep rates on hold on Thursday but renewed Iran conflict casts shadow over energy costsThe Bank of England could be forced to tear up its economic forecasts and raise interest rates later this year if oil prices return to above $100 a barrel, according to City economists.Before a meeting of Bank officials on Thursday, economists said that while an interest rate hike would probably be avoided this week there could be some in the future because of conflict in the Middle East. Continue reading...
Four others arrested on suspicion of same murder in Luton after death of 17-year-oldA 16-year-old boy has been charged with murdering a teenager who died from multiple stab wounds at a park in Luton, police said.Four other teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of the same murder. Continue reading...
Airport's bars and restaurants were also unable to serve drinks to passengers because of lack of running waterWater supply has been restored to most of Gatwick airport after passengers spent hours without access to working toilets, and bars and restaurants were closed.Most toilets had reopened across both terminals on Sunday evening, with the remaining facilities, including bars and restaurants, expected to return to normal for the first of Monday's flights. Continue reading...
by Deborah Cole in Berlin and Jennifer Rankin on (#7788X)
Abdul Ballout, 21, reportedly shot in operation at allotment in Spandau district after fatal attack in Tiergarten parkA man suspected of driving a van into a crowd near Berlin's Pride festival then going on a knife rampage in an Islamist terror attack has been shot dead by police, German officials have said.Police confirmed on Sunday evening that the chief suspect had been shot dead, reportedly during an operation at an allotment garden complex in the capital's Spandau district. Continue reading...
Director Ryan Coogler announces British actor in lead role alongside co-stars Letitia Wright and Winston DukeThe British actor David Jonsson has been unveiled as the new Black Panther by the film's director, Ryan Coogler.Jonsson, 32, known for roles in Industry, The Long Walk and Alien: Romulus, will play the son of Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa in the third Black Panther movie. Continue reading...
King's Fund report finds men and women live, on average, for 80 years and nearly 84 years, but gains are in southThe north-south divide in life expectancy in England has grown over the past decade, with people in northern regions facing more illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, but also suicides and deaths related to alcohol and drug misuse.Provisional figures show life expectancy reached an all-time high in 2025, with men and women in England living, on average, for 80 years and nearly 84 years respectively, but the gains were overwhelmingly in the south, the King's Fund said. Continue reading...
Ally forced to resign, with opposition parties reinvigorated and strongman leader's grip over media channels rockedEven the night before Narendra Modi accepted the resignation of his education minister, India's prime minister appeared confident that the largest mass uprising to take place in his 12 years in power would do little to rattle his government.Addressing his young friends" in a late-night Instagram selfie reel on Friday, he thanked the people - who were mobilised en masse across the country, shouting anti-government slogans - for their thoughtful suggestions". Continue reading...
Mythical home of the ancient Greek gods designated alongside the D-day landing beaches in NormandyAfter a 12-year wait, Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the ancient Greek gods, has been inducted into a hall of more modern fame as Unesco announced it would be added to its world heritage list.Greece's highest mountain made the list alongside the second world war D-day landing beaches in northern France and the ancient Japanese capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara. South Sudan's Boma-Badingilo landscape, host to one of the world's largest land mammal migrations, also won a designation - a first for the east African country. Continue reading...
Authorities issue wanted notice for Abdul Ballout, 21, after deadly van ramming described as Islamist terrorismGerman authorities have issued a wanted notice for a suspect in a deadly van ramming near Berlin's Pride festival that has been described as an Islamist attack.The interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, named the chief suspect as 21-year-old Abdul Ballout. German media reported he was a supporter of Islamic State with a criminal conviction in May. Continue reading...
Exclusive: Malcolm Roberts uses white supremacist concept to describe the party's plans for deporting 200,000 people from AustraliaSenator Malcolm Roberts claims One Nation wants to deport at least 200,000 people and has repeatedly referred to the far-right concept of remigration" in podcast interviews and speeches to niche platforms.In two recent podcasts, Roberts said One Nation wanted to deport 100,000 temporary residents as well as 100,000 international students - a total much higher than the party's published policy. The senator said after those people were removed, he wanted to start working on the higher numbers of people we need to get rid of". Continue reading...
Exclusive: Tribunal accepts three siblings could face persecution' for refusing military conscription due to their political opinion on warThree Israeli citizens facing conscription into the Israel Defense Forces have been granted the right to reapply for protection visas in Australia, after a government tribunal found they held a genuine fear they would be forced to break international humanitarian law in Gaza.The Administrative Review Tribunal found the punishment the young adults could face from the state of Israel - including imprisonment as conscientious objectors - would amount to persecution. Continue reading...
F-16 fighter jet intercepted drone in Romanian airspace over Black Sea, defence minister saysRomania has said it was summoning Russia's ambassador after the Nato member's military shot down the third drone in as many days.Romania has experienced frequent drone incursions since Russia launched its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but had not shot down any until Friday. Continue reading...
Preliminary study shows older people who avoided food four hours before bed did better in problem solving testsConfining mealtimes and snacks to a nine-hour window and avoiding food for four hours before bed may help stave off cognitive decline in older age, researchers say.A pilot study of older women living with overweight or obesity found hints of improvement in mental skills among those who ate within the restricted period compared with those who spread their meals over a longer time. Continue reading...
by Peter Walker Senior political correspondent on (#77837)
PM promises to defend national interest before anything else' in first big broadcast interview since entering No 10Andy Burnham has promised to disagree with Donald Trump if necessary, including in public, in his first big broadcast interview since becoming prime minister.Burnham's comments came as Wes Streeting, the new defence secretary, said he did not believe the Trump administration was looking for allies who suck up", but rather those with the confidence to set out disagreements when needed. Continue reading...
England's progress provides best football-related uplift of recent years, with one pub too packed to host its Dolly Parton tributeLate opening hours and England's progress to the semi-final of an expanded World Cup helped provide the best football-related uplift of recent years for pubs, figures suggest.Pubs poured 30m extra pints over the course of the tournament compared with a normal trading period, with busy pumps delivering 150m in added sales, according to the British Beer & Pubs Association (BBPA). Continue reading...
Adrian Howe's family believe that fears his deal would be financially ruinous led him to kill himselfThe family of a former mobile phone store manager who was found drowned days before his new Vodafone franchise was to open its doors is pressing the government to introduce a new franchising law in his name.The call comes a week after Vodafone settled a long-running legal claim filed by 62 of its former franchisees who alleged that the company unjustly enriched" itself at their expense by up to 85m. Continue reading...
The president really has no power over elections - but that hasn't stopped Trump from laying the groundwork to challenge results in NovemberWhen Donald Trump commandeered primetime US television last Friday, he delivered a familiar, but still extraordinary, message. The president argued once again that the results of the 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden, were illegitimate.US elections are vulnerable to being rigged and stolen", Trump alleged, claiming that the trust of the American people was lost" when he was defeated. Continue reading...
Government-backed investigation finds risks are normalised amid a narrowing of the public conversation'Journalists are self-censoring their reporting on rightwing protests, Donald Trump's administration and trans issues because of growing concerns about their personal safety, with newsrooms accused of normalising" the risks they face.Hundreds of journalists from across the UK have anonymously disclosed increasing nervousness over their security. Some have reported avoiding or altering coverage on certain topics due to intimidation, leading to self-censorship and a narrowing of the public conversation". Continue reading...
Allowing use of two neonicotinoids to combat crop-ruining disease will kill bees and reduce harvests, union saysBeekeepers and environmentalists in France have reacted furiously after parliament approved a bill reauthorising two banned pesticides scientists say can poison bees.There are no words to describe the frustration," said Carolyn Bouguet, a beekeeper in Essonne, greater Paris. Bee populations have already been badly compromised by climate change, new parasites and loss of habitat. And now this." Continue reading...
This blog is now closedWe're cohesive': PM says after muted ALP national conferenceThe prime minister, Anthony Albanese, spoke with David Speers on Insiders as Labor's 50th national conference in Adelaide was wrapping up.Well, our government does listen to people but [there was a] broad consensus about the direction in which we're taking government ... A government that doesn't sit idle. We don't just occupy the space. And there's recognition of that from delegates that we are a united party We're cohesive. Continue reading...
Scottish first minister thanks Nethy Bridge residents and aid workers after earlier requesting UK military aid to fight 10-day fireResidents of Nethy Bridge have been told they can return to their homes after a large fire broke out in the Cairngorms national park.Supt Judy Hill of Police Scotland said: Thanks to the efforts of fire crews, gamekeepers, contractors, partners and many others over the past 24 hours, there is no longer the immediate threat which prompted the evacuation of properties in Nethy Bridge. Continue reading...
Scotland Yard is looking at two 250,000 donations to the party by Britain Means Business before the 2024 electionPayments to Reform UK first revealed by the Guardian are now being investigated by the Metropolitan police.The inquiry is scrutinising payments made to the party via a company controlled by its deputy leader, Richard Tice. Continue reading...
Vega made remarks to ABC's John Quinones at National Association of Hispanic Journalists conferenceCecilia Vega, the former 60 Minutes correspondent, said on Thursday she felt pressured by CBS News's executives to incorporate political bias" into segments for the broadcast program.Vega made the remarks during an onstage interview with John Quinones, the ABC News correspondent, at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists' annual conference in New Orleans. Her comments were first reported by Status. Continue reading...
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