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Exclusive: British students will be able to participate in EU-wide scheme from January 2027, sources sayAn agreement to rejoin Erasmus - the EU's student exchange programme - is expected to be announced on Wednesday as part of the UK government's drive towards closer relations with Brussels.Final details of the announcement have now been agreed by the two sides, with a plan to allow UK students to participate in the EU-wide scheme without paying any additional fees from January 2027, sources said. Continue reading...

Richard Davies, 49, and Faye Stevenson-Davies, 43, defied odds of more than 24 trillion-to-one after first winning the jackpot prize in 2018A couple from mid Wales have become 1m national lottery winners for the second time, defying odds of more than 24 trillion to one to claim the jackpot again.Richard Davies, 49, and Faye Stevenson-Davies, 43, first landed a seven-figure prize in June 2018 through the EuroMillions millionaire maker. Continue reading...

Annual UCLA study finds declines in cultural diversity behind and in front of the camera since last yearPopular scripted series on streaming services showed a marked decrease in cultural diversity both behind and in front of the camera last year as Hollywood inclusion programs waned, a new study from the University of California at Los Angeles concluded.The latest edition of the school's Hollywood Diversity report, published Tuesday, found that of the top 250 most-viewed current and library scripted series in 2024, more than 91.7% were created by a white person, with white men accounting for 79% of all show creators - both increases from last year. Diversity also slipped for performers, with white actors cast in 80% of all roles. Continue reading...

Development abandoned after Serbian minister indicted over $500m project, in setback for Trump family empireSerbia's authoritarian ruler has threatened reprisals after protesters and a prosecutor thwarted plans for a Trump Tower in Belgrade.In a rare setback for the Trump family's global moneymaking campaign, the $500m development was abandoned after Monday's indictment of a Serbian minister on suspicion of abusing his office to support the project. Continue reading...

Review, which will focus on effectiveness of political finance laws, follows conviction of former Reform politician for accepting bribesAn independent review into the impact of foreign financial influence and interference in domestic politics from Russia and other hostile states has been announced after one of Reform UK's former senior politicians, Nathan Gill, was jailed for accepting bribes from a pro-Kremlin agent.Amid growing concern inside the security services and parliament over the scale of the foreign threat to British democracy, the government-commissioned inquiry will focus on the effectiveness of the UK's political finance laws. Continue reading...

Legislation clears upper house after Tories and cross-benchers drop opposition to lifting compensation capLisa Nandy, the culture secretary, has published a green paper on BBC charter renewal. It includes a consultation on options for the future.On funding, the document says the government has an open mind" on how the licence fee system may be reformed to stop fewer households paying every year. It suggests there might be a new type of licence fee for people who say they don't watch BBC TV, but who do use the BBC's website, or BBC Sounds.In addition to BBC saving and efficiency programmes, we also want to explore wider reforms that could help address the funding challenges the BBC faces. We have not ruled out keeping the current licence fee in place with its current structure. However, given the sustainability challenges it is facing, we are also reviewing the scope of services for which the licence fee is required and considering differential rates for specific types of users, to make it more sustainable for the long-term, along with increasing commercial revenue to ease the burden on the public. This would aim to reverse the trend of fewer households paying every year and declining overall income, which risks the BBC declining if it is not addressed. Any reform of the licence fee must be proportionate and reflect the cost-of-living burden on the public.As the licence fee is a tried and tested public funding model, we are not considering replacing it with alternative forms of public funding, such as a new tax on households, funding through general taxation, or introducing a levy on the revenues of streaming services to fund the BBC ...My aims for the charter review are clear. The BBC must remain fiercely independent, accountable and be able to command public trust. It must reflect the whole of the UK, remain an engine for economic growth and be funded in a way that is sustainable and fair for audiences. Continue reading...

Commission proposes cutting obligation for 100% zero emission vehicles beyond 2035 to 90% after pressure from industry and some EU statesThe EU has confirmed it wants to water down its 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol or diesel cars, yielding to heavy pressure from the car industry and leaders from several EU member states including Germany and Italy.Wopke Hoekstra, a European climate commissioner, described the proposals as a win-win" situation for consumers and industry, keeping Europe on the electrification course with a series of carrot and stick measures. Continue reading...

Writers cited Machado's support for Trump's pressure campaign against Venezuela's Nicolas MaduroAt least three writers have withdrawn from next month's Hay festival in Cartagena, Colombia, in protest at an invitation extended to the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado.The main reason cited by them is Machado's support for Donald Trump's four-month pressure campaign against Venezuela's dictator Nicolas Maduro and her comments in favour of a potential US military intervention in the Caribbean country. Continue reading...

Attraction part-funded with 500m of public investment will be constructed on site of a former brickworksThe UK's first Universal Studios theme park has been granted planning permission by the government to begin construction.The attraction, which is being part-funded with 500m of public investment in rail and road infrastructure, will be built on the site of a former brickworks near Bedford. Continue reading...

Boy was arrested on Monday evening after officers were called to property in Weston-super-MareA teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of a nine-year-old girl in Weston-super-Mare, police have said.Officers were called by paramedics to a property in the North Somerset town just after 6pm on Monday, Avon and Somerset police said. Continue reading...

British Indian Ocean Territory commissioner's appeal against decision last year rejected by judges in LondonAppeal court judges have backed a decision that dozens of asylum seekers were unlawfully detained on one of the world's most remote islands, rejecting an appeal on Tuesday by the commissioner for the territory.Exactly a year ago, on 16 December 2024, a judge ruled that Tamils who arrived on the island of Diego Garcia, a UK and US military base, after a shipwreck while they were trying to reach Canada to seek asylum, were unlawfully detained there for three years in conditions described as hell on Earth". Continue reading...

Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo and Eve Hewson head up the director's latest effortThe first trailer for Steven Spielberg's mysterious UFO movie has now provided more details on what audiences can expect.Disclosure Day, written by Jurassic Park's David Koepp based on a Spielberg story, sees a starry cast deal with the discovery of aliens. Why would he make such a vast universe yet save it only for us?'" Elizabeth Marvel's character says at the end of the teaser. Continue reading...

Justice secretary criticised for refusing to meet lawyers who say their clients' health is rapidly deteriorating'Palestine Action-affiliated hunger strikers are likely to die without David Lammy's intervention, lawyers representing the prisoners have said as they criticised the justice secretary for refusing to meet them.Solicitors wrote to Lammy last Wednesday to request an urgent meeting before their clients' health deteriorates beyond any possible recovery". But a subsequent letter sent on Tuesday said that his reply, received on Monday does not directly address our request". Continue reading...

Equinor accused of extensive and long-term pollution' caused by years of inadequate maintenanceNorway's national oil company, Equinor, is facing a 53m penalty for oil spills and gas leaks at the oil-rich Scandinavian state's only refinery, which officials said were the result of years of inadequate maintenance.Norway's economic crime agency, Okokrim, said it had taken action against Equinor over extensive and long-term pollution" at the refinery in Mongstad, on Norway's North Sea coast. Continue reading...

Police said Paul Doyle, 54, used his vehicle as a weapon' in a moment of rage at a victory parade in the city on 26 MayA former Royal Marine is starting a 21-year jail term for mowing down dozens of Liverpool football fans in a truly shocking" act that defies ordinary understanding".Paul Doyle, 54, bowed his head as he was sentenced at Liverpool crown court where victims and their families watched, some in tears, from the public gallery. Continue reading...

Reform deputy leader says party's role is to challenge' minister after Chris Parry posted on X that Lammy should go home to the Caribbean'

Driver's previous assault convictions listed at sentencing hearing together with victim statementsAs a reminder, on Monday, prosecutors said in the space of two minutes, Doyle's Ford Galaxy - which weighed nearly two tonnes - collided with well over 100 people" and he was prepared to cause those in the crowd, even children, serious harm if necessary to achieve his aim of getting through".Doyle admitted to dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent last month. Continue reading...

If not, academics say, people will continue to get sick and die while schools close and hospitals are overwhelmedWith flu cases rising and resident doctors on strike from Wednesday, the NHS is under considerable pressure. But experts say lessons from the Covid pandemic could help ease the situation.A trio of UK-based academics say a three-pronged approach of increasing uptake of flu vaccines, boosting support so people can stay home when unwell, and increasing ventilation and air quality would help to protect people from influenza. Continue reading...

Pump prices stuck' despite cost of oil falling amid prospect of peace in Ukraine, say expertsFuel retailers are under pressure to cut their pump prices after oil prices fell below $60 a barrel for the first time in more than seven months on hopes of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal.The price of a barrel of Brent crude dropped by more than 1% to $59.20 on Tuesday morning, its lowest since early May. Continue reading...

Heavily indebted utility puts back retention payments' for 21 executives until new year amid search for rescue dealThames Water has deferred awarding bosses retention payments totalling 2.5m, avoiding a potentially damaging pre-Christmas row as the heavily indebted utility scrambles to agree a multibillion-pound rescue deal.Sources at the UK's biggest water company confirmed the controversial retention payment package for 21 senior executives, which had been due to go out this month, would remain on hold until the new year. Continue reading...

US says talks with Ukraine in Berlin have resolved 90% of difficult issues - but no sign Putin willing to compromise

Crucial talks begin on corporation's future amid efforts to protect it from government influenceMinisters are examining plans that would increase the BBC's independence from politicians, including ending political appointments to its board, as part of crucial talks over the corporation's future.The government is to consider overhauling the process by which the BBC has to renew its charter every decade, aiming to place it farther away from the influence of governments. Continue reading...

Jonathan Hall KC warns of people being wrongly investigated and of impact on journalists and thinktanksEspionage offences in the UK's new National Security Act are so broadly defined that they will result in cases of real harm" with people wrongly investigated, according to the first review of state threats legislation.Jonathan Hall KC, an independent reviewer appointed by the home secretary, said the 2023 law had to be monitored against misuse and overreach" because it could extend into politics, journalism, protest and other day-to-day activity. Continue reading...

Since Trump's second term began in January, global healthcare, especially for sexual and reproductive health, has been under constant attackThis time last year, women's rights organisations were bracing themselves for a second Trump term. Few were prepared for the chaos that would be unleashed in January. The volume and speed of executive orders coming out of the White House were seen as a deliberate tactic to overwhelm and create panic. In many ways it worked - there was confusion, anger and exhaustion as organisations scrambled to fill the gap left by the USAID freeze. But that was just the beginning.The US administration has been the key driver, supported by intense advocacy work by ultra-conservative groups using the moment to strengthen global ties with political allies. Continue reading...

High court rules whole cooked cool-down chickens should be subject to standard 20% tax rate for hot food

The prime minister needs to ask tough questions and stare down opponents to achieve real action in the wake of the terror attack in Sydney

Jobs market slowdown likely to become policy focus and will also have impact on interest rates decision

Dashcam footage shows the moment Boris Gurman tackles shooter Sajid Akram and wrestles a gun from himDramatic footage has emerged of two victims who tried to stop a gunman during the early stages of the Bondi beach terror attack on Sunday.The couple have been identified as Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, after their family gave a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald. Continue reading...

Nour AbuShammala has returned to her partly destroyed apartment in Gaza City. This is her story of multiple displacements, injury and devastation over the last two yearsWhen 26-year-old Nour AbuShammala stepped back into her family's apartment in Gaza City in October the rooms were gutted, the walls were damaged by bombing, and there was no water or electricity, but it was still home.Since the outbreak of war in October 2023 she has been forced to flee six times. This is her story of relentless displacement, survival and loss, told using photography and videos provided by AbuShammala and satellite imagery of a ruined Gaza. Continue reading...

Chris Minns and Mal Lanyon questioned about police resources at Hanukah event and response time after Naveed Akram and father Sajid allegedly started shooting

The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, claimed this isn't a gun problem, it's an ideology problem'

Demands for oversight grow after inquiry calls sector an unregulated free for all' and families seek stronger safeguardsMinisters are expected to back calls to regulate England's funeral industry for the first time, after a series of scandals over the handling of remains.Bereaved families have called for a new investigatory body and rules governing professional qualifications after an official inquiry declared the sector an unregulated free for all". Continue reading...

It is hoped the institution can help foster new bonds in a fractured nation, but such optimism will be a stretch for someIt was a night at the museum like no other. As the staccato sound of firecrackers and explosions rang out across Martyr's Square in the heart of Tripoli, for once it was not Libya's militias battling it out for a larger stake in the country's oil economy, but a huge firework display celebrating the reopening of one of the finest museums in the Mediterranean.The National Museum of Libya - housing Africa's greatest collection of classical antiquities in Tripoli's historic Red Castle complex - had been closed for nearly 14 years due to the civil war that followed the former dictator Muammar Gaddafi's downfall. Its ceremonial reopening came at the climax of a lavish show compressing Libya's rich history and attended by diplomats and Arab celebrities, with a full-size Italian orchestra, acrobats, dancers, arches of fire and lights projected on to the fort. It did not lack for circus drama or cost, peaking with a billowing Ottoman sailing ship arriving high above the port on wires to be greeted by an angelic-appearing Libyan woman. Continue reading...

Youth Endowment Fund survey finds a quarter of 13- to 17-year-olds are enticed or scared into committing crimesOne in nine teenagers have been approached by criminals to sell, move or store drugs, weapons or money, research reveals.More than a quarter of those approached accepted the offer, representing about 120,000 teenagers across England and Wales, according to the results of a survey by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), an anti-youth violence charity. Continue reading...

More than 100,000 customers were charged a fee despite cancelling their subscription before the specified cut-off time, watchdog allegesMore than 100,000 customers of a popular meal-kit delivery provider were allegedly misled and caught in so-called subscription traps".The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has taken HelloFresh and Youfoodz, both owned by the German-based parent company HelloFresh SE, to the federal court in separate proceedings. Continue reading...

Police investigating claims Sajid and Naveed Akram received training' overseas before Sunday's attackThe father and son duo allegedly behind the Bondi attacked appear to have been inspired by Islamic State, the Australian prime minister says, as police confirmed they were investigating why the pair travelled to the Philippines last month.The New South Wales police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, on Tuesday alleged Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father, Sajid, had recently travelled to the Philippines. Continue reading...

Sheina Gutnick identified her father as the second heroic bystander in widely circulated footage of Ahmed al-Ahmed disarming one of the gunmen

US president says he feels so badly' about Lai's conviction and has spoken to the Chinese leader about itDonald Trump has said he wants Chinese leader Xi Jinping to release Jimmy Lai as he voiced sadness over the Hong Kong media mogul's conviction on national security charges.I feel so badly. I spoke to President Xi about it, and I asked to consider his release," Trump told reporters on Monday, without specifying when he asked Xi. Continue reading...

Opposition claims SIR process being used to disenfranchise minority groups to benefit Narendra Modi's governmentIndia's political opposition has warned that democracy is under threat amid a controversial exercise to revise the voter register across the country, which critics say will disenfranchise minority voters and entrench the power of the ruling Narendra Modi government.An debate erupted in India's parliament last week over the special intensive revision (SIR) process, which is taking place in nine states and three union territories, in one of the biggest revisions of the country's electoral roll in decades. Continue reading...

Report to highlight uncomfortable truths' and could recommend radical change', former health secretary saysA major review into rising inactivity among Britain's young people has been launched by the former health secretary Alan Milburn, with a promise not to shy away from uncomfortable truths" or radical" policy solutions.A panel of health, business and policy experts, including the former John Lewis boss Charlie Mayfield, ex-Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane and social welfare expert Dame Louise Casey, will help draw up recommendations. Continue reading...

British Dental Association says government's plan has no new money behind it' and further changes neededDentists in England will be paid more to ensure patients have easier access to emergency appointments under government plans, but experts have expressed doubt that it will improve care.The changes, which will be introduced from April next year, will include dentists being incentivised to provide emergency and complex treatments through the introduction of a standardised payment package, ministers said. Continue reading...

Supermarket price survey ranks Woolworths second-cheapest followed by Coles and IGA

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Attorneys who eventually quit tell LA Times they were pushed to conclude university system had violated lawAttorneys with the US Department of Justice have reportedly said they felt pressured to accuse the University of California of discriminating against Jewish students and faculty, at the urging of the Trump administration, in what one lawyer described as a hit job".Nine attorneys, some of whom requested anonymity, shared insider accounts with the Los Angeles Times of the federal government's investigation into California's research university system. The attorneys said they felt pushed to conclude the UC had violated the law before they had determined the facts. All of the attorneys eventually resigned. Continue reading...

Wes Streeting and BMA urged to seek mediation as hospitals in England struggle amid flu outbreakHospitals are cancelling tens of thousands of appointments and operations after resident doctors voted overwhelmingly to reject a last-ditch government offer to avoid this week's strike.The health secretary, Wes Streeting, and the British Medical Association (BMA) are being urged to agree to see if an independent mediator can break the deadlock in the almost three-year-old pay and jobs dispute in England. Continue reading...

Maduro regime accuses Caribbean nation of participating in theft of Venezuelan oil' as tensions mount in regionVenezuela has accused the government of Trinidad and Tobago of taking part in the US seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast last week, as Donald Trump's four-month pressure campaign against Nicolas Maduro continues to reverberate across the region.In a statement on Monday, the Maduro regime accused Trinidad and Tobago of participating in the theft of Venezuelan oil, committed by the US administration on 10 December with the assault on a vessel transporting this strategic Venezuelan product". Continue reading...

Campaign groups warn prolonged inquiries are retraumatising survivorsA super-complaint has been filed against police forces in England and Wales over years-long delays in investigating sexual offences.More than 37,000 sexual offence investigations have taken longer than three years to conclude over the past decade, campaigners said. Continue reading...

UK, EU and Australia say guilty verdict against 78-year-old is further blow to democracy and press freedom in territoryGovernments, institutions and rights groups across the world have condemned the conviction of the former pro-democracy media tycoon and British citizen Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong on national security charges.The 78-year-old was found guilty in West Kowloon district court on Monday of one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications and two counts of conspiracy to foreign collusion. The charges were brought under the city's punitive national security law , introduced in 2020, and a British colonial-era sedition law that has been used in recent years by authorities. Continue reading...

Nick Reiner arrested on suspicion of murder after Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner found dead at their home

Tories accuse Vince of morally repugnant statement' after he says Israeli government is partly responsible for rising antisemitism