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Former SAS corporal allegedly placed man on his knees and ordered fellow soldier to shoot him, according to statement of factsAustralian soldiers have told prosecutors they executed unarmed civilians at the orders of Ben Roberts-Smith or in complicity with him, according to a statement of facts tendered to the New South Wales local court.Roberts-Smith, a Victoria Cross recipient and once one of Australia's most lionised soldiers, faces five charges of the war crime of murder, allegedly committed while he served in the Australian SAS in Afghanistan.Each victim was unarmed and present in a location where Roberts-Smith could reasonably have suspected insurgents to be located;Each offence was committed in a situation where there was no active engagements with enemy forces and the Australian Defence Force was in control of the environment;Evidence was planted or falsely associated with each deceased to enhance reporting that each of the killings was within the lawful rules of engagement;Each deceased was handcuffed, detained for a period, and questioned prior to their execution;None of the deceased was killed in a situation where the Australian Defence Force did not have effective control of the battlespace. Continue reading...

Trump administration has riled head of Catholic church over use of theology to justify conflict in IranThe contrast in experience between the two men disagreeing over war and theology was striking.On the one side was Pope Leo XIV, the first North American to head the Catholic church and the first cleric from the Augustinian order, who this week visited the modern Algerian city where Saint Augustine once lived. For Leo, who wrote his doctoral thesis on Augustine's ideas, it was the culmination of a lifelong intellectual interest. Continue reading...

Former SAS corporal granted bail ahead of potential trial on charges relating to alleged killing of civilians in Afghanistan

The prime minister has weathered the crises - for now - and there is a growing recognition that Australia is too vulnerable to world events

Prime minister says Corio refinery fire will not push Australia into stage 3 restrictions, despite reduced production of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel

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Man initially charged in July but Australian federal police uncovered dozens more alleged offences after reviewing files on his devices

Former MP Tom Hunt has been working for Pauline Hanson's party in the seat of Farrer, where One Nation hopes for a game-changing breakthroughOne Nation has recruited a former UK Tory MP who is now a member of Nigel Farage's populist right-wing party Reform to help its campaign in the upcoming Farrer byelection.Tom Hunt, the Conservative MP for the UK seat of Ipswich for five years until 2024, has been advising on the rightwing party's social media strategy for the byelection after a stint in the South Australian state election. Continue reading...

EU economy commissioner says Iran war is feeding Russia's war machine; Trump condemns massive strikes on Ukraine. What we know on day 1,513The EU expects to start releasing a new 90bn loan to Ukraine in the second quarter, the bloc's economy chief told AFP on Thursday. The EU's economy commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, was speaking on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank's spring meetings, which brought finance ministers, central bankers and other leaders to Washington. Our support for Ukraine, also continued pressure and sanctions against aggressor Russia was very much part of the agenda," Dombrovskis said. He warned that Moscow was emerging as a winner from this war in Iran, because it provides windfall profits to feed Russia's war machine".Russia hammered civilian areas across Ukraine with drones and missiles on Thursday, killing at least 17 people and wounding more than 100 others in the worst aerial attack in weeks, Ukrainian authorities said. Nearly 700 drones and dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles were used, as Ukrainian officials said vital stocks of advanced interceptors were running low.Donald Trump on Thursday condemned a massive Russian drone and missile attack across Ukraine that ripped through apartment buildings in the capital, Kyiv. Asked by reporters at the White House for his reaction to the barrage, Trump said: I think it's terrible."It is not in the interest of the US that Russia is the winner of the Iran war, the German vice chancellor, Lars Klingbeil, said on Thursday in Washington. It's not in our interest and it cannot be in the interest of the United States," he said in a joint statement with the finance ministers of Ukraine and Norway on the sidelines of the IMF spring meetings. Klingbeil said the Russian economy was growing thanks to the Middle East conflict and the country was profitting from the energy situation. As the conflict in the Middle East dominated the gathering of finance officials at the IMF in Washington, the ministers of Norway, Germany and Ukraine spoke about not forgetting to support Ukraine in its defence against Russia. All the meetings here are about the question of what's happening with the war in Iran, and I think it's really important we show solidarity with our friends in Ukraine," Klingbeil said.The heads of the EU and Nato on Thursday discussed efforts to bolster Europe's arms production, as Donald Trump threw doubt on Washington's commitment to the transatlantic alliance. We need to invest more, to produce more and to do both faster," the European Commission's president, Ursula von der Leyen, posted online after meeting Nato's chief, Mark Rutte. European nations are scrambling to bolster their militaries in the face of Russia's war on Ukraine and pressure from Trump. Continue reading...

Campaigners organise open letter to director demanding fair day's wage' for all workers at V&A museumsA row over pay has broken out at the V&A before the opening of its newest site , with thousands of people calling for it to become a living wage employer.On Saturday, V&A East will open its doors in Stratford, east London, showcasing stunning fabrics, photos and black British music. It joins a wider group of V&A museums including its original site in South Kensington, Young V&A in Bethnal Green and V&A Dundee. The V&A describes its latest opening as one of the most significant new museum projects in the UK. Continue reading...

US president told reporters he was not happy with Australia because they were not there when we asked them to be there'

Officers looking into attacks on Iran International media offices, synagogue and Jewish charity ambulancesCounter-terrorism investigators are examining three separate arson attacks in London against an Iranian dissident and Jewish targets amid fears the Iranian state may be behind them.The latest attack happened at about 8.30pm on Wednesday, outside the offices of Iran International, a Persian-language news channel that opposes the regime in Tehran. Continue reading...

Thieves believed to have escaped into sewers after holding staff and customers in Credit Agricole branch for two hoursArmed robbers held 25 people hostage at a bank in Naples for two hours on Thursday, before fleeing through a tunnel.The three thieves entered a branch of Credit Agricole in the southern Italian city at about 11.30am, taking hostage of staff and customers, who were freed by police a couple of hours later. Continue reading...

Sustained outperformance' merits pay rise, says company after it ups profit guidance to 1.2bn for year to January 2027

The spytech company and founder Peter Thiel should have their hands ripped off our NHS', say MPs during impassioned Westminster debateMPs have queued up to demand the government scraps its 330m NHS contract with the spytech company Palantir, calling it dreadful" and shameful" in a debate on Thursday, after which the government said it was no fan" of the US company's politics.Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs led the calls for Palantir, which also works for Donald Trump's ICE immigration crackdown and the Israeli military, to be removed as a supplier to the NHS federated data platform (FDP), with one Labour backbencher, Samantha Niblett, questioning whether it could be trusted as a custodian of the intimate health records of tens of millions of British citizens". Continue reading...

The prime minister was not aware that the former US ambassador had failed the vetting process, according to Downing StreetSwinney says this is a manifesto for the whole of Scotland.He confirms that the SNP would argue for the Scottish power to have more control over energy policy (still largely reserved to Westminter). He says:The problem is not that we do not have the energy. The problem is that Westminster has the power. This election is our opportunity to take those powers and put them into Scotland's hands. Continue reading...

Individuals such as Matt Goodwin and Lord Frost benefited from largesse of self-styled illiberal democracy'

The magazine company is also shuttering some editions of Allure, Glamour and Wired deemed to be unprofitableConde Nast is planning to shutter Self, its women's health magazine, after 47 years.In a memo published on the magazine giant's website on Thursday, the CEO Roger Lynch explained the decision by saying: As audience behaviors shift, we have not seen a path for Self to continue in its current form as a digital publication." Continue reading...

The Rev Catherine Hutton says hate cannot drive out hate' after protesters gathered to demand information about suspectsThe minister of a church near the scene of an alleged gang-rape in Epsom has condemned the intimidating" protest involving hundreds of people gathering in the Surrey town to demand information about the suspects from police.A woman in her 20s is believed to have been assaulted outside Epsom Methodist church in Ashley Road after leaving Labyrinth nightclub on Saturday between 2am and 4am, according to Surrey police. Continue reading...

Critics say efforts to rescue the animal, nicknamed Tommy, unlikely to succeed and could lead to further harmA last-ditch effort to rescue a wayward whale that has transfixed Germans for weeks has begun in the Baltic Sea despite criticism it has little chance of success and could further harm the 12-tonne creature.The male humpback whale was first spotted last month near Timmendorfer Strand on the northern coast of Germany, giving rise to its nickname Timmy. It has repeatedly become stranded and then freed itself after human assistance but it is now stranded again, with rescuers saying it is fighting a losing battle for its life. Continue reading...

Ukrainian president says nearly 700 Russian drones and 19 ballistic missiles mostly targeted Kyiv, Odesa and DniproGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz and Irish prime minister Micheal Martin are now speaking at a press conference after their meeting in Berlin.Let's listen in. Continue reading...

More than 100 injured across country after Russia launches nearly 700 drones and dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles

Leader of leftwing Economic Freedom Fighters was convicted last year for firing rifle in the air at 2018 rallyThe South African leftwing politician Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison for firing a rifle in the air at a political rally in 2018.Lawyers for the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, South Africa's fourth largest political party, immediately appealed, and Malema will remain free while the appeal proceedings are under way. Continue reading...

Tycoon's media empire accused of pushing far-right ideas, as writers say: We refuse to be hostages in ideological war'

Exclusive: Letter urges ministers to consult on Charity Commission measures meant to tackle extremismSeveral leading civil society organisations have urged the government to consult the sector before introducing new powers for the Charity Commission, which they caution risks suppressing legitimate advocacy" at a time when civic space is under increased pressure.Signatories, including leaders from some of the UK's largest civil society bodies, alongside faith-based and community organisations, wrote to the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, saying the proposed social cohesion measures could lead to the suppression of lawful advocacy, campaigning and community engagement". Continue reading...

Nadia Fall calls for bold thinking as she announces new shows including anti-Trump version of Thelma & LouiseTheatres facing financial difficulty can only prosper by programming their way out of it", according to the Young Vic artistic director, Nadia Fall, who has announces her new slate of shows, including an anti-Trump musical version of Thelma & Louise.Fall, who took the helm at the Young Vic in 2025 and oversaw staff cuts after a 500,000 deficit in the last financial year, said theatres must put on unmissable productions in order to balance the books. Continue reading...

Some petrol stations may see short-term outages and energy experts warn Victorian fuel prices could spike up to 20 cents a litre

Ministers drawing up contingency plans for reasonable worst-case scenario' if supply of CO is disrupted

Budget airline says passengers are leaving it later to book flights owing to economic uncertainty

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ONS figure for February suggests Britain was gaining momentum before conflict dashed hopes of recovery

Petrol production hit and full extent of damage unknown after unprecedented' fire at Viva plant in Corio

UK's biggest supermarket voices caution for year ahead despite annual profits rising 8.5% to 2.4bn

Resignation announced of Jai Patel, whose liquidated crypto firm was relaunched as Stack BTC this yearThe chief executive of a bitcoin company promoted by Nigel Farage has left his role as the venture attempts to convince investors that it is going to deliver long-term value" for shareholders.Stack BTC was launched to much fanfare in March this year, with Farage and former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng becoming some of its first shareholders. The company says its founder is Paul Withers, a friend of the Reform UK leader who owns a gold bullion company that Farage has also promoted, Direct Bullion. Continue reading...

Map reveals most severe concentrations of ammonia emissions, which are dangerous to health and environmentAmmonia pollution hotspots have been identified in areas with some of the greatest numbers of intensive pig and poultry farms in Britain, research has revealed.A new map for the first time reveals the most severe concentrations of ammonia emissions are clustered in Lincolnshire, Herefordshire and Norfolk. These regions all have a high density of intensive poultry and pig units that drive dangerous levels of ammonia, according to researchers from Compassion in World Farming (CiWF) and Sustain. Continue reading...

Electoral commission to recount votes in electorate of Narungga after Chantelle Thomas won the seat at the March state election

Court finds law - which effectively meant protesters could not march without risk of arrest - is unconstitutional

Transfer of medical services from hospital to former Wilko store is improving healthcare access and boosting footfallIt is a revolution that might just save the NHS - and the high street. Imagine being able to have your eyes tested, mole examined or get an appointment with a consultant without going to your local hospital - and maybe fit in some shopping or a cinema visit afterwards.That, increasingly, is what people in Barnsley are doing after an unprecedented relocation of medical services from the district general hospital into a purpose-built outpatients centre in the Alhambra shopping centre, which is getting a new lease of life thanks to the experiment. Continue reading...

More landlords having to cut prices to secure tenants, Rightmove data showsAverage private rents have stopped rising in Great Britain after almost a decade of increases, as more landlords cut their prices to secure a tenant, data shows.The typical advertised private rent outside London for properties coming on to the market remained flat at 1,370 a calendar month in the first three months of 2026, according to the property website Rightmove. Continue reading...

Missile and drone attacks on the port city of Odesa killed six people, with other fatalities recorded in Kyiv and DniproRussian strikes killed at least 12 people in Ukraine, local authorities have said, after Moscow pummelled its neighbour in overnight attacks.Missile and drone attacks on the southern port city of Odesa killed six people, the head of the city's military administration, Sergiy Lysak, wrote on Telegram on Thursday. Continue reading...

Energy crisis unfolding in Middle East has added political urgency, and more funding, to transform South Korea's solar industryIn Guyang-ri, a farming village of 70 households about 90 minutes south-east of Seoul, people gather for communal free lunches six days a week. The meals are funded by the village's one-megawatt solar installation, which generates roughly 10m won ($6,800) in net profit each month.Residents eat lunch together every day, so we see each other's faces, talk together," says Jeon Joo-young, the village chief. Bonds and solidarity between residents become much stronger. Life becomes more enjoyable." Continue reading...

This blog is now closed. Our latest full report is here: US and Iran in indirect talks to extend two-week ceasefireDonald Trump said the special relationship" between the US and UK was in a poor state but that it will not have impact on King Charle's upcoming state visit to America.In an interview with Sky News, the US president once again criticised Keir Starmer over his policies, particularly on energy and immigration, and reiterated his disappointment that the UK and other Nato allies had not joined his war against Iran when the US needed them". Continue reading...

Exclusive: John Sidoti wins cheers and applause at re-election fundraiser for his successor

Company has received about 8.7bn in renewable energy subsidies since 2012, despite claims wood pellets are not sourced sustainablyThe owner of the Drax power plant in North Yorkshire received record subsidies of almost 1bn for burning trees to generate electricity in 2025, a climate thinktank has calculated.The company was paid 999m last year for generating about 4.5% of Great Britain's electricity from its biomass plant, costing each household 13 a year, according to analysts at Ember. Continue reading...

Proceedings brought to halt as protesters condemn Russ Vought for slashing Pepfar program amid sweeping aid cutsProtesters decrying delays to funding in the battle against HIV/Aids charged into a congressional hearing where the Trump administration's budget czar, Russell Vought, was testifying in Washington on Wednesday.The demonstrators disrupted the proceedings on Capitol Hill and twice brought the hearing to a halt. Continue reading...

Scheme cutting bills by up to 25% expanded to cover 10,000 firms, but they will not be paid until next yearRachel Reeves has announced an expansion of support for the most energy-intensive UK businesses, as they face soaring bills as a result of the Middle East conflict.The chancellor said the long-promised British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) would be expanded to cover 10,000 companies, up from the 7,000 originally announced. Continue reading...

Suit alleges the billionaire's AI company is illegally spewing toxic pollutants from its datacenter in the Memphis areaA new lawsuit accuses Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company of illegally spewing toxic pollutants into residential neighborhoods on the border of Tennessee and Mississippi.The suit, filed on Tuesday in Mississippi federal court, alleges xAI is violating the Clean Air Act due to emissions from its makeshift power plant in Southaven, Mississippi, which powers its datacenter there. The NAACP, represented by environmental groups Southern Environmental Law Center and Earthjustice, says xAI has been polluting areas with homes, schools and churches, including in historically Black communities, by using dozens of methane gas generators without permits. Continue reading...

Woman, 47, and man, 46, held on suspicion of arson endangering life after attempted Finchley attackA 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life after an attempted attack on a synagogue in Finchley, north London, as part of an investigation into what the Metropolitan police described as an antisemitic hate crime".The force said the woman was arrested at an address in Watford just after 4.45pm on Wednesday, while the man was arrested at 7.15pm in the Watford area. Both suspects remain in police custody. Continue reading...

Verdict in states' lawsuit says concert giant stifled competition, raising pressure for changes to ticketing marketA jury has found that concert giant Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary had a harmful monopoly over big concert venues, dealing the company a loss in a lawsuit over claims brought by dozens of US states.A Manhattan federal jury deliberated for four days before reaching its decision Wednesday in the closely watched case, which gave fans the equivalent of a backstage pass to a business that dominates live entertainment in the US and beyond. Continue reading...

The S&P breached 7,000 points for the first time in history, in a rally that erased stark losses incurred at start of warWall Street scaled a fresh all-time high on Wednesday amid growing optimism among investors that the US-Israel war on Iran will soon be over.The benchmark S&P 500 breached 7,000 points for the first time in history, after climbing 0.8% over the course of the day, finishing at 7,022.95. The tech-heavy Nasdaq also rose 1.6% to 24,016.02, its own record high, while the Dow Jones industrial average remained broadly flat. Continue reading...