Activists threaten legal action over mouflon hunting on Tuscan island as part of EU-funded biodiversity projectAnimal rights activists have threatened legal action against the national park that runs a group of islands off Italy’s Tuscan coast as controversy intensifies over the culling of rare mouflon sheep on the tiny island of Giglio.Hunters arrived on Giglio this week and have so far killed four mouflons, a wild sheep native to the Caspian region that is thought to be an ancestor of domestic breeds. Continue reading...
Don’t buy too much cheese. Do buy enough washing-up liquid. Keep the big day stress-free with our tips from top chefsFestive shifts at a butcher’s shop are exhausting, with customers at their best and worst. Ben Curtis, previously a butcher, now head chef at Smoking Goat in Shoreditch, remembers people asking, “What should I have for Christmas?”, without saying who they were cooking for or what they liked, “so you could never give a helpful answer”. Butchers, fishmongers and cheesemongers want you to have delicious food, but give them something to go on. Continue reading...
Donald Robertson, 66, has also been charged with kidnap and rape of 16-year-girl in BerkshireA 66-year-old man charged with the murder of Shani Warren, who was found bound and gagged in a lake nearly 35 years ago, has failed to appear in court for his first remand hearing.Donald Robertson was charged at High Wycombe magistrates court on Friday with falsely imprisoning, indecently assaulting and murdering Warren in Taplow, Buckinghamshire, on 17 April 1987. Continue reading...
Decision paves way for Council of Europe to launch infringement proceedings against TurkeyA Turkish court on Friday extended the imprisonment of the philanthropist Osman Kavala, whose case caused a diplomatic crisis with the US and other western countries after they called for his release.The court’s decision paves the way for the Council of Europe to launch infringement proceedings against Turkey. Continue reading...
Scientists are combing Ireland’s west coast for seaweed to feed to farm animals after research showed it could stop them belching out so much climate-heating methane
Michael Sellers is believed to have killed 23-year-old months after she reported him to Derbyshire policeTwo police officers have been served with misconduct notices over their handling of a stalking allegation made by 23-year-old Gracie Spinks several months before she was killed, the police watchdog has said.Spinks was stabbed to death in a field in Duckmanton, Derbyshire, in June as she was caring for her horse, and is believed to have been killed by Michael Sellers, 35, who was found dead nearby. Continue reading...
With its punchy scripts and feminist gaze, the subversive period drama has become a word-of-mouth hit. As it returns, stars Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult talk racy Russians, randy frogs – and the weird things they’ve robbed off the setAt the top of the stairs in his Los Angeles home, a portrait of Nicholas Hoult in military regalia hangs on the wall. “That’s very, very normal,” the actor deadpans, before breaking into a laugh. Gladly it isn’t some kind of big-headed shrine to himself, but rather a prop he took from the set of The Great, the gory and garish TV show in which he stars as the Russian emperor Peter III. His co-star Elle Fanning giggles as she admits pinching a sculpture of herself made of butter (“I receive a lifesize version in the show, but I just took the little one”). In fact, as they recall other decorations – a baby’s teddy bear said to be “made from a real bear”, and the mummified remains of Hoult’s onscreen mother, wheeled around in a glass case – the portrait and sculpture start to sound normal, even mundane, by comparison.Created by Tony McNamara – co-writer of the Oscar-winning film The Favourite – The Great isn’t your average period drama. A racy, raucous and not-at-all historically accurate comedy-drama shot through with feminist revisionism, it tweaks and embellishes the story of how Catherine the Great (Fanning) overthrew Hoult’s Peter to become Russia’s longest serving female leader. Hoult, 31, was cast after nailing the “flamboyant, cruel egotist in a wig” role of the Earl of Oxford in The Favourite. Meanwhile, Hollywood star Fanning is perfectly cast as Catherine, appearing much older than her 23 years, but always with an air of youthful mischief. Continue reading...
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has reprimanded Boris Johnson for trying to negotiate with him about stopping people crossing the Channel in public, via Twitter. He said he was 'surprised' by Johnson’s decision to communicate with him in this way, because it was 'not serious'. He added: 'We don’t communicate by tweets'
by Helen Davidson in Taipei and agencies on (#5SC8C)
While the world has wondered about the fate of the tennis star, the former Chinese vice-premier has remained silentFor the past three weeks, the world has been asking #WhereIsPengShuai, after the Chinese tennis star alleged on social media she was sexually assaulted by a former senior government official.Peng’s allegations, published on Weibo in a post, were shocking and quickly censored. She was not seen for almost three weeks, prompting an international campaign calling for information on her whereabouts and wellbeing. Continue reading...
And I’m still waiting for a steward’s inquiry into how Jurgen got knocked out in the Bake Off semi-finalDuring the half-time break at the Spurs v Leeds game yesterday, I was chatting to my friend Matthew, with whom I have been going to the football for longer than either of us cares to remember. It had been a particularly bleak first half. Tottenham were supposed to be reinvigorated under their new manager, Antonio Conte, but there appeared to be no difference to how they had played under both José Mourinho and Nuno Espírito Santo. The team still lacked any creative ideas – the default mode of every player was to pass the ball sideways – and Leeds, a side just above the relegation zone, were in complete control. What’s more, Spurs had not managed a single shot on goal, let alone one on target. So I told Matthew what had been on my mind. That I wasn’t sure how much longer I could face putting myself through such unremitting suffering: something that I had previously effortlessly taken in my stride. Indeed I had always worn Spurs’ capacity to let its fans down as something of a badge of honour. I had expected Matthew to tell me to get a grip and stop moaning. If I expected to win a major trophy I should support another team. Instead, he told me that his father – a longtime season-ticket holder back in the day – had also reached the same point at roughly the same age as me and had stopped going to games. Which got me wondering if there was a quantity theory of disappointment in football and that I had reached my limit. I’ve a while to find out. Spurs came out for the second half looking like a different team and went to dominate the game and win quite comfortably. We left the ground making plans to meet up for the Brentford game next week. Maybe I’m just incurably shallow. Continue reading...
Gabriel Abutbul Alon accused of helping remove Eitan Biran, six, from Italy during bitter custody battleA man suspected of assisting the alleged kidnap of a six-year-old boy who survived a cable car crash in Italy has been arrested in Cyprus.Gabriel Abutbul Alon, an Israeli national, is accused of driving the car in which Eitan Biran was taken across the Italian border to the Swiss city of Lugano and arranging the private plane that flew him from there to Tel Aviv. Continue reading...
Cody Ackland to appear before magistrate in connection to disappearance of 18-year-old at bus stop in DevonA 24-year-old musician has been charged with the murder of 18-year-old Bobbi-Anne McLeod, who disappeared from a bus stop in Devon.Cody Ackland, who lives in the Southway area of Plymouth, appeared before magistrates in the city on Friday dressed in a grey sweatshirt and grey trousers, and flanked by two custody officers. Continue reading...
Grand ceremony for reopening of 3,400-year-old road aims to help revive tourism industryA restored road connecting two ancient Egyptian temple complexes in Karnak and Luxor has been unveiled in a lavish ceremony aimed at raising the profile of one of Egypt’s top tourist spots.The procession on Thursday to reopen the 1.7-mile (2.7km) road included a reenactment of the ancient Opet festival, in which statues of Theban deities were paraded annually during the New Kingdom era in celebration of fertility and the flooding of the Nile. Continue reading...
Girls to have two years in which to return to school after giving birth, but will still be excluded whilst pregnantThe Tanzanian government has announced it will lift a controversial ban on teenage mothers continuing their education.Girls will have two years in which to return to school after giving birth, the ministry of education said. However, the move is not legally binding and girls will continue to be banned from class while pregnant. Continue reading...
Anxiety and desperation are setting in for 84 people forced to isolate inside Aquarius Backpackers because of a Covid caseDay three of lockdown at the Aquarius Backpackers, and all Nina D’Angelo craves is a decent coffee.“I saw a cop drinking one and asked, ‘sir, could I have an almond latte please?’ But really it’s the lack of information that’s getting to me,” she said from her hostel dorm. Continue reading...
Government-appointed officials say the troubled council still faces significant issues following a ‘toxic period’Liverpool city council is “emerging from a difficult, somewhat toxic period”, according to the first report from government-appointed commissioners sent in following the former mayor’s arrest and allegations of corruption.The report, published after the commissioners’ first three months, also warned that the desire for quick change has led to a “frenetic rather than purposeful and targeted approach”. Continue reading...
by Ruth Michaelson and Agence France -Presse on (#5SAWB)
Ahmed Nasser al-Raisi of United Arab Emirates elected despite concerns of human rights groups and MEPsAn Emirati general accused of torture has been elected president of Interpol, despite the concerns of human rights organisations and members of the European parliament who fear the global police agency will be at risk of exploitation by repressive regimes.The appointment follows generous funding by the United Arab Emirates for Interpol, which is based in Lyon, France, and accusations Abu Dhabi has abused its system of “red notices” for wanted suspects to persecute political dissidents. Continue reading...
by Patrick Butler Social policy editor on (#5SB97)
Regulator probes potential mismanagement at Fashion for Relief and payments to trusteeThe fashion charity established by the supermodel Naomi Campbell has come under formal investigation from the charities watchdog over misconduct concerns relating to its management and finances.Campbell created Fashion for Relief in 2005 to raise funds for children living in poverty and adversity around the world, and says it has raised millions over the years for good causes through its annual charity fashion show. Continue reading...
Double-edged, curved falcata particularly sought after because of the original condition of its bladeMore than 2,000 years after it was last wielded by a warrior somewhere on the Iberian peninsula, a rare, magnificent – and plundered – sword has been recovered by Spanish police, who tracked it down before it was sold online.The pre-Roman falcata, a double-edged, curved sword used by the Iberians between the fifth and first centuries BC, was seized along with 202 other archaeological pieces after it appeared on what Policía Nacional officers termed “a well known social media site”. Continue reading...
Airlines report more than 5,000 incidents involving passenger behaviour on flights this yearThe US attorney general Merrick Garland has directed the swift prosecution of federal crimes on commercial flights as officials face a large increase in the number of investigations into passenger behaviour.Airlines and their unions have pressed the US government to push more aggressively for criminal prosecution. Airlines have reported more than 5,000 incidents involving unruly passengers this year, with more than 3,600 of those involving people who refused to wear face masks. Continue reading...
by Josh Taylor (now) and Amy Remeikis (earlier) on (#5SABC)
Scott Morrison announces deployment of personnel to Solomon Islands as protests continue; Labor targets federal integrity commission during question time; George Christensen ‘clarifies’ Hitler, Mao, Stalin comments; Victoria records 1,254 new Covid cases and five deaths; NSW reports 276 cases and no deaths. Follow live updates
People who’ve integrated into society are expected to return to the country’s oldest refugee camp, as cost of living and anti-refugee sentiment risesDzaleka, Malawi’s first refugee camp, is about 25 miles north of the capital Lilongwe. Built 25 years ago in response to a surge of people fleeing genocide and wars in Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it was then home to between 10,000 and 14,000 refugees. But the camp now houses more than 48,000 people from east and southern African countries – four times more than its initial capacity.Several hundred continue to arrive each month, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), and in August 181 babies were born there. The deteriorating situation in neighbouring Mozambique is swelling the numbers further, as is the government’s recent decree that an estimated 2,000 refugees who had over the years left Dzaleka to integrate into wider Malawian society should go back, citing them as a possible danger to national security. Continue reading...
Drains blocked by sand after extended dry period are thought to have worsened conditionsFlash flooding affected some parts of Israel last week with the country hit by frequent storms. Earlier this year, the country experienced an extended period of dry and windy conditions. This is thought to have exacerbated the flooding, with drainage systems blocked by sand and the infrastructure unable to cope with torrential downpours. Vehicles skidded off roads and people became stranded in the flooding. One man found unconscious in the flood waters.Somalia is heading for its fourth consecutive drought, with worsening conditions expected over the coming months. So far, more than 100,000 people have fled their homes looking for water and food. Extreme drought conditions can affect 80% of the country of 2 million people. Projected to be one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Somalia has been ravaged by natural disasters, with 12 droughts and 19 flooding events since 1990. Continue reading...
by Rajeev Syal, Angelique Chrisafis and Diane Taylor on (#5S9Z0)
Two survivors in intensive care as four are arrested after deaths in boat described as like ‘a pool you blow up in your garden’Dozens of people including a young girl have died trying to cross the Channel to the UK in an inflatable dinghy, officials say, in what is the deadliest incident since the current crisis began.Two survivors are in intensive care while police have arrested four people suspected of being linked to the drownings. The International Organisation for Migration said it was the biggest single loss of life in the Channel since it began collecting data in 2014. Continue reading...
Two officers reported domestic abuse by former PC Clarke Joslyn and condemn force’s ‘boys’ club culture’A police force has apologised to two women whose reports of domestic abuse at the hands of a fellow officer were ignored.Gwent police issued a statement on Wednesday saying it is “extremely sorry” for failing to properly investigate allegations of abuse made by both women, and said it had now “taken the actions needed to get this right in future”. Continue reading...
International community’s high representative calls for diplomatic engagement from US and EuropeThe top international official in Bosnia has said that the Serb separatist threat to re-establish their own army had receded for now, but the country and surrounding region were still heading for crisis without substantial diplomatic engagement from the US and Europe.Christian Schmidt, a German former minister serving as the international community’s high representative to Bosnia-Herzegovina, said the Serb separatist leader, Milorad Dodik, had been persuaded by regional leaders to suspend his plans to pull Serb soldiers out of the Bosnian national army and reconstitute a Bosnian Serb force. Continue reading...
The prime minister said on Wednesday he was shocked after 31 people died trying to cross the Channel to the UK in an inflatable dinghy.'My thoughts and sympathies are first of all with the victims and their families,' Johnson said. 'It’s an appalling thing that they have suffered. But I also want to say that this disaster underscores how dangerous it is to cross the Channel in this way'
Thursday: Liberal MP blasts Morrison government for failing to establish an anti-corruption watchdog. Plus: 130 local, sustainable or just plain delightful Christmas present ideasGood morning. Scott Morrison faces more criticism from his backbench, Australia is accused of failing to provide international leadership over global vaccine access and Sweden’s first female PM lasts just 12 hours in the job.A Liberal MP has condemned the government’s failure to draft legislation to establish a commonwealth integrity commission, almost three years after it promised to do so. A Tasmanian MP, Bridget Archer, said she was “perplexed” as to why little progress had occurred, and also that she was “a bit offended” that the religious discrimination bill had been prioritised. Archer also attacked “tribalism” within politics, warning she was “absolutely” prepared to cross the floor to back legislation introduced by the independent MP Helen Haines, saying integrity should be “above politics”. Continue reading...
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was ruled ineligible amid disputes over rules and threats to peace processLibya’s election commission said on Wednesday that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of the former ruler and a strong candidate in December’s planned presidential election, was ineligible to run, compounding the turmoil surrounding the vote.Gaddafi was one of 25 candidates that the commission disqualified in an initial decision pending an appeals process that will ultimately be decided by the judiciary. Ninety-eight Libyans registered as candidates. Continue reading...
by David Pegg, Rob Evans and Caroline Davies on (#5SA83)
Judge reveals identities of more than 30 people whose wills – showing details of their assets – were sealedWills detailing the assets of distant relatives of the royal family have been kept secret through an obscure legal procedure, a court document has revealed.The Windsor family has over the last century managed to exempt itself from a law requiring the wills of British citizens to ordinarily be made public. Continue reading...
The world champion opens up on his struggle for motivation ahead of an intriguing showdown with youth rival Ian Nepomniachtchi“I’m less hungry. I think you’re always going to be if you’re playing for the world title for the fifth time, rather than the first.” It is quite the opening gambit from Magnus Carlsen, in his final newspaper interview before he puts his crown on the line again. But sport’s deepest thinker is merely revving up before he truly opens up.Carlsen has long established himself as the greatest chess player of his generation. Perhaps any generation, given he is the highest-rated of all time and has held the Fide world title since 2013. But there is something else that marks the Norwegian out in an era where sporting superstars are increasingly bland and on brand: his unflinching honesty. Continue reading...
Some residents evacuated and public told to avoid area as emergency services respond to incidentFirefighters are tackling a huge blaze and apparent explosions on an industrial estate near Hull.Some residents were evacuated from nearby houses and emergency services warned residents to keep their doors and windows closed as they respond to the incident in Hessle. Continue reading...
Social Democrat, Green and liberal parties agree to form government after two months of talksGermany’s new three-way coalition government of Social Democrats, Greens and liberals has addressed the public for the first time, pledging to put climate protection at the top of its agenda, but stressing its first priority was to control the pandemic.Replacing Angela Merkel as leader after 16 years, Olaf Scholz of the Social Democrats used his opening speech to deliver a dramatic appeal to Germans to get vaccinated, announcing a seven-point plan to tackle the health emergency, which he called “very serious”, stressing that hospitals were close to capacity, and that his government would be considering the introduction of a vaccine mandate. Continue reading...
‘The model is holding a child’s doll, looking out over the wreckage. It represents the future generations we’re condemning to environmental catastrophe’Outside Dakar, Senegal’s capital, is a rubbish dump with its own name: Mbeubeuss. The land on which it sits was once flat swampland. It began as a landfill site in 1968; today, it is a mountain of rubbish. It has accumulated so much plastic waste from the city that to reach it you have to drive on a road of compacted trash.This is not the Africa I grew up in. As a child here in the 1970s and 80s, it was not like this. But when I returned in 2012, I was shocked at what I found. Here in Senegal, there was plastic waste everywhere – at roadsides, in trees, everywhere. The younger generation don’t know any different: it’s just part of their environment now. I decided I wanted to shoot a series to raise awareness of environmental issues in Senegal, in the hope that people would realise that things do not have to be this way. I wanted to connect environmental issues with the cultural interests of the population, and started researching animism – the belief that objects and the natural world are imbued with spirits. Continue reading...
by Vikram Dodd Police and crime correspondent on (#5S9SY)
Jamie Lewis and Deniz Jaffer referred to Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman as ‘dead birds’ on WhatsAppTwo Metropolitan police officers who shared photos of two murdered sisters and referred to them as “dead birds” have been found guilty of gross misconduct.PC Jamie Lewis, 33, will be instantly dismissed from the force, while former PC Deniz Jaffer, 47, had already resigned. Continue reading...
They are running rampant through the US and Europe: stealing a nudist’s laptop, rifling through rubbish and upsetting Shakira. Just how worried should we be?Name: The swine bomb.Status: Ongoing and escalating. Continue reading...
Lee McLeod describes 18-year-old who went missing in Plymouth as ‘beautiful and talented’The brother of an 18-year-old woman whose body was found three days after she went missing near her home in Devon has led tributes to her, describing her as “beautiful and talented”.Police in Plymouth launched a murder inquiry after finding a body believed to be that of Bobbi-Anne McLeod. Two men aged 24 and 26 have been arrested. Continue reading...
NGOs believe raids, officially part of an embezzlement inquiry, are an attempt to ‘criminalise social movements’Rights activists in El Salvador said they will not be pressured into silence after prosecutors raided the offices of seven charities and groups in the Central American country.“They’re trying to criminalise social movements,” said Morena Herrera, a prominent women’s rights activist. “They can’t accept that they are in support of a better El Salvador.” Continue reading...
Christmas shortbread as made by our resident perfectionist, with a few choices of festive flavouringsThe world may have gone mad for spiced speculoos this year, but, for me, Christmas will always be all about two biscuits: gingerbread, for decorations, and shortbread, for actual consumption. Easy to make and a genuine crowdpleaser, shortbread will keep well for several weeks, which makes it the gift that keeps on giving well into the dark days of January. Not that it’ll last that long.Prep 15 min
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