World news | The Guardian

Many alerts remain in place with power outages in some regions

Mark Rutte said Europe would need to spend billions and billions of euros' on defenceThe European Commission got also asked about the regular US criticism that it is targeting" US big tech companies and that, in doing so, it undermines free speech.Digital spokesperson Regnier replied:Again, we don't target any company ... based of its origin.Now on your censorship point: I think if anyone dares to compare freedom of expression with child sexual abuse material or freedom of expression with undressing women digitally without their consent, then they are not fully aligned with Europe or absolutely not aligned with Europe. We don't even live on the same planet.No comments to be made on this US internal matter. But, of course, we deplore any loss of innocent lives."I have said innocent lives, but it's not for us to judge, innocent or not innocent. Any life lost, we deplore it, in general, and it is, of course, for the justice system in the US to establish the facts." Continue reading...

Inquiry into enlistment medical examinations has been expanded from army to also include navy and RAFMore than 500 people have contacted police investigating sexual abuse that allegedly took place during armed services medical examinations over almost 50 years.The investigation was launched after reports about the abuse of some recruits at army enlistment medical examinations but its scope has been expanded to include the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Continue reading...

Greater Manchester mayor's participation in 26 February byelection would divert resources', says prime minister

Britain among 10 countries to build 100GW grid in North Sea linking countries through subsea cablesThe German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has said he wants the North Sea to become the largest reservoir of clean energy worldwide", as he announced plans to accelerate efforts to link up offshore wind power projects with Europe.The UK and nine other European countries have agreed to accelerate the rollout of offshore windfarms in the 2030s and build a power grid in the North Sea, in a landmark pact to turn the ageing oil basin into a clean energy reservoir". Continue reading...

More than 100 people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in South Africa, Mozambique and ZimbabweDevastating floods have killed more than 100 people in southern Africa since the beginning of the year and displaced hundreds of thousands, as authorities and aid workers warn of hunger, cholera and attacks by crocodiles that have spread with the waters.More than 70 people have died in Zimbabwe and 30 in South Africa, where hundreds of people were evacuated from Kruger national park earlier this month after a deluge of rain. Continue reading...

Elijah Wood joined protest in Utah's Park City in memory of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, while Natalie Portman said what is happening is absolutely horrific'The Sundance film festival, which is currently under way in Park City, Utah, saw a mass protest against the two fatal shootings in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, along with high-profile interventions from major film industry figures.Actor Natasha Lyonne was among those spreading social media posts about the protest, called Sundancers Melt ICE", which was called for Sunday afternoon. The organisers asked for a 10-minute respectful" event at sunset on Park City's Main Street to memorialise Renee Good, who was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on 7 January, and Alex Pretti, who was killed on Saturday by an agent of the Department of Homeland Security. Continue reading...

The Labour party has once again been plunged into turmoil after the NEC blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton byelection. Will the row quickly fade, or does it risk piling further pressure on the prime minister? Meanwhile, Pippa Crerar will be joining Keir Starmer on his trip to China - but can he focus on diplomacy abroad, or will the Westminster psychodrama continue to overshadow the visit? Continue reading...

Warnings issued across 26 US states, while Portugal braces for heavy rain as Storm Joseph rolls inThe US is enduring another bout of severe winter weather, as a succession of powerful weather systems brings heavy snow, freezing rain and extreme cold temperatures across much of the country.Twenty-six states, from Texas to Massachusetts, were under storm warnings issued by the National Weather Service over the weekend, with many alerts remaining in place this week. Continue reading...

Aisha Chughtai, who represents the district where Alex Pretti was fatally shot, vows to fight through despair' caused by federal immigration enforcement

Airline raises forecasts for profits and passenger numbers, after boss said spat with Tesla CEO boosted bookings

Trump and team seem to prioritize vilifying victims of their immigration operations, regardless of conflicting evidenceIn the moments after federal officers shot Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Pretti dead, Trump administration figures almost immediately made public statements in press conferences, televised interviews and social media posts that were at best indifferent to the evidence available at the time and at worst completely fabricated.A pattern is emerging, in which the Trump administration prioritizes the vilification of the dead victim as to blame for the incident over preserving the neutrality of any investigative process. Continue reading...

Thousands of people across Sydney and Melbourne take part in March for Australia rallies on Invasion Day

Makers of TV series to work with Sam Mendes' production company on theatre show to open in London in 2027There's the wildly popular TV series, a two-hour immersive experience, a board game, a card game and, perhaps only for the superfans, the opportunity to buy branded full-length hooded cloaks.Now The Traitors is to be adapted for the stage in what producers say will be a bold and surprising" theatrical experience. Continue reading...

Fire in Otways has burned about 9,400 hectares and could spread as far as Lorne amid onset of heatwave in Victoria

Allies of Greater Manchester mayor say No 10 has chosen factionalism' as decision leads to a furious backlashThe Labour party faced the prospect of civil war on Sunday night after Keir Starmer and his allies blocked Andy Burnham's return to parliament to stave off a potential leadership challenge.There was widespread anger among Labour MPs and union backers after the 10-strong officers' group" of the party's ruling body, including the prime minister himself, voted overwhelmingly to reject Burnham's request to seek selection for the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection. Continue reading...

Preventing the mayor from returning to Westminster deprives the party of its most potent candidate in Gorton and DentonWhen Labour dignitaries gathered at the Titanic hotel in Liverpool on Friday night, one question loomed above all others: to change captain or not?For many, that question has become even more pressing after Keir Starmer's allies brutally stopped Andy Burnham's return to Westminster before it had even begun. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Outgoing director general indicates support for update to licence-fee model as part of wider changesThe BBC will face profound jeopardy" over its future unless it embraces significant changes to its funding, its outgoing director general has said, as he signalled his support for an overhaul of the licence fee.Speaking to the Guardian, Tim Davie called for supporters of the corporation to stand up and fight" for it, amid increased hostility from its commercial and political critics. Continue reading...

Ministers plan to license content from institutions such as National History Museum and National Library of ScotlandMet Office data and legal documents from the National Archives could be used by artificial intelligence systems as the UK government pushes ahead with plans to employ nationally owned material in AI tools.The government is providing funds for researchers to test how Met Office content could be used by the technology, such as in helping agencies and councils know when to buy more road grit. Another project will explore whether legal data from the National Archives - the UK's repository for official documents - could help medium- and small-sized businesses with legal support. Continue reading...

Study finds top performers over past decade have companies in industries such software, marketing and finance

Authorities unveil giant billboard with direct threat to US as warships head to regionIranian authorities unveiled a new mural on a giant billboard in a central Tehran square on Sunday with a direct warning to the United States to not attempt a military strike on the country, as US warships head to the region.The image shows a bird's-eye view of an aircraft carrier with damaged and exploding fighter planes on its flight deck. The deck is strewn with bodies and streaked with blood that trails into the water behind the ship to form a pattern reminiscent of the stripes of the US flag. A slogan is emblazoned across one corner: If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind." Continue reading...

Are the German people on board with the government's massive militarisation programme? Kate Connolly reportsNot so long ago, to be a German soldier dressed in German uniform was quite a difficult role to embody. I mean, you could be going down the street and you could be spat on, or you could have names called at you.I've recently seen people get into conversation with soldiers, which I hadn't seen in the past, [and] more recently, somebody going up to a soldier and actually getting him into conversation about his role, and at the end of the conversation, thanking him." Continue reading...

Rescuers save at least 300 people after inter-island ferry sank early on Monday en route from the port city of Zamboanga to southern Jolo islandAt least 15 people have died after a ferry with more than 350 people sunk early on Monday near an island in the southern Philippines, according to local officials, with the coast guard warning that 28 people remained missing.The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, an inter-island cargo and passenger ferry, was sailing to southern Jolo island in Sulu province from the port city of Zamboanga with 332 passengers and 27 crew members when it apparently encountered technical problems and sank after midnight, coast guard officials said. Continue reading...

We're going to have to confront this idea that the centre of Sydney can be dominated weekend after weekend,' NSW premier says

Zhang Youxia, second-in command under president Xi Jinping as chairman of the Central Military Commission, has long been seen as Xi's closest military allyChina's most senior general is under investigation, China's defence ministry has confirmed, in the highest profile case to date in an aggressive anti-graft purge of senior military leadership in recent months.Zhang Youxia serves as second-in-command under president Xi Jinping as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission - the supreme command body - and has long been seen as Xi's closest military ally. Continue reading...

Taxi app's analysis shows Scottish capital had highest number of trips made between 10pm and 4pm in 2025Edinburgh and Glasgow have a busier nightlife than London, according to data on late-night journeys from Uber.The global ride-hailing app analysed millions of trips and takeaway deliveries from the UK's biggest cities, and found that Edinburgh had the highest proportion of journeys made between 10pm and 4am. Continue reading...

This live blog is now closed.

Netanyahu says it will open Rafah crossing and begin second phase of ceasefire after search endsIsrael said on Sunday its military was conducting a large-scale operation" to locate the last hostage in Gaza, as Washington and other mediators pressure Israel and Hamas to move into the next phase of their ceasefire.The statement came as Israel's cabinet met to discuss the possibility of opening Gaza's key Rafah border crossing with Egypt, and a day after top US envoys met the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, about next steps. Continue reading...

Snow, sleet and perilously cold temperatures sweep eastern two-thirds of country as thousands of flights grounded

Yousef Pezeshkian says nothing will be solved by trying to postpone moment images of violent crackdown circulateThe son of Iran's president has called for the internet restrictions in the country to be lifted, saying nothing will be solved by trying to postpone the moment when pictures and video circulate of the protests that were violently crushed by the regime.With a battle under way at the top of the regime about the political risks of continuing to block Iran from the internet, Yousef Pezeshkian, whose father, Masoud, was elected in the summer of 2024, said keeping the digital shutdown would create dissatisfaction and widen the gap between the people and the government. Continue reading...

Greater Manchester mayor will not be tested in tough byelection or against PM for now, but can continue to pose speculative threat

PM says recent agreement just cuts tariffs on a few sectors, as Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Canadian importsCanada's prime minister, Mark Carney, said on Sunday his country had no intention of pursuing a free trade deal with China, responding to Donald Trump's threat to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if the US's northern neighbour went ahead with a trade deal with Beijing.Carney said his recent agreement with China merely cut tariffs on a few sectors that were recently hit with them. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Almost half of GPs have seen children up to the age of seven who have obesity, research findsAlmost a quarter of GPs are seeing children aged four or under who are obese, according to a survey of UK family doctors.The alarming" research also found that almost half (49%) of GPs have seen boys and girls up to the age of seven who have obesity, including a handful younger than a year old.Almost one in four (23%) said they had seen children aged zero to four where obesity was a clinical concern.Among the doctors, 81% have seen obesity in those between their first 12 months and the age of 11.Four in five (80%) find it somewhat or very challenging to talk to the parents of an obese child under the age of 16 about their weight and health, with only 10% saying that is easy to do.Nearly two thirds (65%) find it hard to talk to obese young people themselves, with just 20% saying that is easy. Continue reading...

PM will now face questions over whether he is focussed more on protecting job than boosting Labour's chancesIt is a sign that the political deck of cards is stacked against you when the only good hand is one that was never really going to be dealt. And so it was with Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham.In an ideal world for the prime minister, Andrew Gwynne's announcement that he was stepping down from his Gorton and Denton seat would have been followed by Burnham saying he already had a job as Greater Manchester mayor and would sit this one out, thanks very much. Continue reading...

When organisers posted a TikTok promoting 45-minute pilates sessions, the video amassed 2m views. Now plans are afoot for female classes and youth clubsIt's early afternoon on a gloomy day at the Jamia Usmania mosque in Bradford and a group of mostly elderly men have finished their midday prayers.The assembly of mainly retired men would usually return to the familiar drumbeat of day-to-day life, but instead they make their way downstairs to tackle squats, glute bridges and the butterfly position in the mosque's weekly 45-minute pilates class. Continue reading...

Serco employees also say they are given email addresses identical to public servants, making them indistinguishable

Lee Knight says accolade for A Friend of Dorothy, based on friendship with neighbour, sends message to never give upA writer-director from Stanmore in Middlesex whose short film has been nominated for an Oscar has said he feels utterly overwhelmed" by the accolade.Lee Knight's film A Friend of Dorothy, starring Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry, is in the running for best live action short. Continue reading...

Some residents say they are facing financial ruin as government's long-awaited law changes stallI don't say this lightly, but I feel traumatised by this," said Sarah*, a leaseholder who owns a one-bedroom flat in Moseley, south Birmingham. Every time I open the front door to my house I'm expecting some frightening letter with lots of zeros on it. It has ruined my life, to be honest."Sarah works full-time as a school teacher, but has been forced to take up a second job to pay the spiralling bills from the management company of her building. Continue reading...

Home secretary says climbdown was as good as it gets' from US president despite failure to apologise for remarksDonald Trump's climbdown over his claim that UK troops avoided the frontline in Afghanistan has been greeted with cross-party relief in Westminster despite his failure to apologise for remarks widely condemned as offensive and false.In a rare clarification, the US president praised British troops as being among the greatest of all warriors" and acknowledged that 457 had died in Afghanistan. Continue reading...

Survey finds schools referring homeless children to food banks as record numbers live in temporary housingSchools are regularly referring homeless children to food banks, driving them to classes and washing their clothes, according to research.A survey conducted by the housing charity Shelter and NASUWT, also known as the Teachers' Union, asked 11,000 teachers about their experiences of working with children living in temporary accommodation. Continue reading...

US readers said they were feeling anxious and helpless as authorities' brutal crackdown has left thousands deadRecent protests in Iran have created the most serious and deadliest unrest in the country since the 1979 revolution, prompting eyes from all around the globe to shift to the Middle East.The Guardian asked Iranians living outside the country to share their views on the current situation in the country and about the possibility of US intervention. Continue reading...

In the search for stability, some western nations are turning to a country that many in Washington see as an existential threatIf geopolitics relies at least in part on bonhomie between global leaders, China made an unexpected play for Ireland's good graces when the taoiseach visited Beijing this month. Meeting Ireland's leader, Micheal Martin, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China's president, Xi Jinping, said a favourite book of his as a teenager was The Gadfly, by the Irish author Ethel Voynich, a novel set in the revolutionary fervour of Italy in the 1840s.It was unusual that we ended up discussing The Gadfly and its impact on both of us but there you are," Martin told reporters in Beijing. Continue reading...

High-profile Australians celebrated alongside more than 600 civilians who have changed lives and the country

Critics say banks will be able to avoid tax on compensation payouts to victims of 11bn loans scandalThe City minister, Lucy Rigby, has been accused of snubbing taxpayers after she appeared to brush off concerns about a 2bn tax loophole benefiting big banks caught up in the car loans scandal.Rigby was urged to intervene by a member of the parliamentary Treasury committee after it emerged that lenders including Barclays, Lloyds and Santander could sidestep rules designed to ensure banks pay tax on compensation linked to corporate misconduct. Continue reading...

Voting ends in month-long poll derided internationally as sham designed to cement army's grip on powerVoting in Myanmar has ended with the military-backed party expected to win a landslide victory after a month-long election that has been widely derided as a sham designed to cement the army's grip on power.The junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has rejected criticism of the vote, saying it has the support of the public and presenting it as a return to democracy and stability. Continue reading...

Home secretary is chair of party's NEC, which will decide if Greater Manchester mayor can seek return to parliamentLabour must do all it can to avoid a psychodrama" over Andy Burnham's possible return to parliament, Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has said.Mahmood is chair of Labour's national executive committee (NEC), which was due to meet later on Sunday to decide whether Burnham should be allowed to seek selection for the Gorton and Denton byelection, which would involve him giving up his Greater Manchester mayoralty. Continue reading...

Wasdale mountain rescue team says we struggle to understand when the rescued take advantage of hospitality'A mountain rescue team has appealed for two rescued walkers to pay a hotel bill they owe, return head torches they took and collect a hospital crutch one of them used to climb Scafell Pike in treacherous conditions.We avoid judging those we rescue," said Wasdale mountain rescue team in a statement. But we struggle to understand when the rescued take advantage of hospitality provided by our supporters in the valley." Continue reading...

January is a prime time for people looking to get fit, so fraudsters create fake websites and appsA new year means a new start - it's time to get fit and there are quite a few deals out there. On Facebook you see a local gym advertising a discount on membership if you sign up within the next few hours. There are limited spaces so you act quickly.It's only after you pay that you realise the ad was a fraud: you've received no membership details and when you contact the gym it has no record of your payment. Continue reading...