World news | The Guardian

Researchers say interventions could address key factors, such as smoking, but structural changes' also neededFour key factors have been identified that together account for more than one-third of the inequalities in infant deaths between the most and least deprived areas of England.Researchers say targeted interventions to address these factors - teenage pregnancy, maternal depression, preterm birth and smoking during pregnancy - could go a significant way to reduce inequalities, although higher-level structural changes to address socioeconomic inequality will also be necessary. Continue reading...

Joint review by chief of Ofsted and prisons chief inspector discovers children kept in cells to avoid conflictChildren in youth offender institutions (YOIs) are being denied access to education, with too many being kept in their cells as staff struggle to keep warring youngsters apart, a damning new report has found.It documents a worrying decline in the quality and quantity of education provided to 15 to 18-year-olds in YOIs over the last decade despite a sharp drop in the number of children being held in custody. Continue reading...

Port of London authority to reopen scheme with waiting list, after surge in popularity of exploring riverbank for treasureWhether fuelled by social media or prompted by the Covid lockdowns, the years between 2019 and 2022 saw a huge surge in interest in mudlarking on the foreshore of the River Thames in London.The practice of exploring the riverbank for archaeology is permitted only with a permit from the Port of London authority (PLA), which owns much of the shoreline. But so dramatic was the growth in demand for permits - from 200 applications in 2018-19 to more than 5,000 three years later - that the port suspended the scheme in 2022 to protect the integrity and archaeology of the foreshore". Continue reading...

Prosecutor general investigating drone footage apparently showing summary executions of surrendering soldiersAuthorities in Ukraine have launched an investigation into what they said was the apparent summary execution by Russian troops of 16 Ukrainian soldiers who had surrendered on the eastern frontline.This is the largest reported case of the execution of Ukrainian PoWs on the frontline and yet another indication that the killing and torture of prisoners of war are not isolated incidents," Ukraine's prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, said on X. This is a deliberate policy of the Russian military and political leadership." Continue reading...

Tory leadership contender claims at party conference that a minority leak official secrets and undermine ministersKemi Badenoch has said she believes up to 10% of civil servants are so bad they should be in prison, claiming they leak official secrets and agitate" against ministers.At a fringe event at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham, the leadership contender said she did not want to criticise all civil servants but said there were a few who were obstructive. There's about 5-10% of them who are very, very bad. You know, should-be-in-prison bad," Badenoch said. Continue reading...

Ancram held role in early 2000s and also served as shadow foreign secretary before entering Lords in 2010Tributes have been paid to the stable voice" of former deputy leader of the Conservative party Michael Ancram, who has died aged 79.Ancram, known formally as the 13th Marquess of Lothian, held the role under Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard for five years in the early 2000s. Continue reading...

House of Commons defeats oppositional Conservative party's bid to topple Canadian prime minister's reignJustin Trudeau, Canada's prime minister, has survived a second parliamentary confidence motion in less than a week after opposition parties vowed to keep his minority Liberal government alive for now.Legislators in the House of Commons voted 207-121 to defeat a bid by the official opposition Conservative party to topple Trudeau, who faces increasing voter fatigue after almost nine years in power. Continue reading...

Two men reportedly opened fire and stabbed people on train and in nearby street before being shot deadSix people were killed and 10 wounded in a shooting and knife attack on the Israeli seaside city of Jaffa that occurred minutes before Iran launched a huge missile attack on Israel. Five of the wounded were described as being in a serious condition.CCTV footage showed two men, reportedly armed with an assault rifle and a knife, dressed in black emerging from a train near the light-rail stop along Jerusalem Boulevard where they opened fire on passersby as well as on a second nearby street. Continue reading...

Raisin takes 15,000 prize with a brilliantly rendered glimpse into life in the edge-lands'

The TV patriarch, who also played the older Kunta Kinte on the mini-series Roots, died on 21 August, according to a statement from his sonJohn Amos, who starred as the stoic father on Good Times and played the older Kunta Kinte on Alex Haley's seminal mini-series Roots, has died at the age of 84.His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, announced that Amos died on 21 August of natural causes in Los Angeles. Continue reading...

Family of Laura Winham, who was mentally unwell and lived in social housing, raised concerns two months before her remains were foundThe family of a vulnerable woman whose dead body lay in her social housing flat unnoticed for more than three years had raised concerns about her welfare two months before she was discovered, an inquest has heard.Laura Winham's remains were found by her brother in her flat in Woking, Surrey, in May 2021, after the family asked police to break in. They previously said she had been abandoned and left to die" by social and mental health services. Continue reading...

Review of 1921 massacre comes months after Oklahoma supreme court dismissed lawsuit brought by two survivorsLate Monday, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) announced it plans to launch the first-ever federal investigation into the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, in which hundreds of Black Tulsans were killed, thousands were displaced and forced into internment camps overseen by the national guard, and Greenwood, the thriving district once known as Black Wall Street", was decimated, looted and burned by a racist mob.The review, launched by the civil rights division's Cold Case Unit, comes after a major setback for survivors and descendants of the massacre. In June, Oklahoma's supreme court dismissed a lawsuit brought by two survivors, Lessie Benningfield Randle, 109, and Viola Fletcher, 110. In July, the women once again called for Joe Biden and the justice department to intervene. Continue reading...

This live blog is closedPopular Conservatism, or PopCon, has released the results of a survey of party members suggesting more than half of them favour a merger with Reform UK. Some 30% of the respondents said they tended to support the idea, and 23% were strongly in favour. The survey covered 470 members.Annunziata Rees-Mogg, PopCon's head of communications and a former Brexit party MEP, said:Every Conservative activist and canvasser knows people who had been Tories, but voted Reform UK in July. It is no surprise our panellists understand that the next leader of the party needs to take action to bring many like-minded voters back to the Tories. Almost three-quarters want a relationship with Reform in order to unite the right.The answer I was often given by people in government at the time was that lockdowns were very popular.They were getting 60, 70, 80% popularity ratings in the opinion polls. But you mustn't believe those opinion polls, they're basically nonsense. Continue reading...

Ambulance technician says policy of only donning protective equipment at scene cost vital minutesDying patients experienced vital delays in being treated by paramedics because of the time it took ambulance crews to put on protective personal equipment, the Covid inquiry has been told.An ambulance technician, Mark Tilley, came close to tears on Tuesday as he described how the experience still played on his mind". Continue reading...

Iceman' files for defamation after allegations he subjected former partner and children to physical and verbal abuseA biopic of the Dutch extreme athlete and wellness guru Wim Hof has been put on hold after allegations of domestic violence against the man who calls himself the Iceman" emerged in the Dutch media over the weekend.A report published in de Volkskrant newspaper on Saturday claimed the 65-year-old had subjected his former partner, their son and her two children from a previous marriage to physical and verbal abuse over a period of 13 years. Continue reading...

The singer is at the centre of a lawsuit accusing her of fraud and breach of contract over the collapse of an arena tourLauryn Hill is being sued by her Fugees co-member Pras Michel for fraud and breach of contract.Michel, who co-founded the Fugees, claims that the singer's arrogance" and narcissistic tendencies" helped to sabotage their cancelled comeback tour. Continue reading...

Jack Chambers' comment comes weeks after government lost case in ECJ arguing tech company should keep moneyThe Irish finance minister has hailed the 14bn tax windfall from Apple as transformational" just weeks after the government lost a case in the European court of justice arguing the tech company should keep its money.Unveiling the country's budget on Tuesday, finance minister Jack Chambers said the money would be used on infrastructure and not to splurge on giveaways before the general election that is expected in November. Continue reading...

Henry Staunton tells inquiry of risk if staff involved in prosecutions are not fired before new IT system is rolled outThe former chair of the Post Office has warned of another Horizon-style scandal if so-called untouchable" investigators and executives involved in the prosecution of sub-postmasters are not fired before the organisation rolls out its new IT system.Henry Staunton, who was sacked by the then business secretary, Kemi Badenoch, in January, said there there were still millions of pounds in dispute between what sub-postmasters and the Post Office have recorded. Continue reading...

New prime minister receives applause and boos in national assembly as he urges political forces to work togetherIn his first address to the French parliament, the new prime minister, Michel Barnier, has said colossal" debt is a financial sword of Damocles" hanging over the country, requiring cuts in public spending and tax increases.In an hour-long inaugural address, Barnier was alternately heckled and applauded as he outlined his minority government's political programme in the national assembly, which remains deeply divided. The lower house is split between three political blocs, none of which emerged with a majority after June's snap general election. Continue reading...

The 90-year-old Four Seasons singer makes statement after fan concern following viral videos of recent performancesFrankie Valli is speaking out in defense of his health, after videos of the 90-year-old singer appearing frail and disoriented on stage went viral on social media platforms such as TikTok.The videos sparked concern among fans that the Four Seasons frontman was being forced to perform against his will, with some accusing his team of elder abuse. Continue reading...

Businesses in England and Wales say they are paying for historic errors' by water suppliers

Suppliers say gen Z and millennials are driving trend for 1970s-style fixtures as well as other bright coloursWild sage, lemon, peach, sorbet, mint, and avocado: not the makings of a bizarre fruit salad, but some of the forgotten shades of Britain's bathrooms that were popular in the mid-20th century.The colourful suites disappeared from homes as whites and minimalist, neutral designs took over in the 1990s. But avocado-coloured bathrooms are back, and it is gen Z and millennials driving the trend. Continue reading...

Unite claims some employers' systems will short-change workers, and rules are not yet enforced in Northern IrelandUnions fear some restaurants and other businesses may slip through the net of new legislation over the fair distribution of tips and service charges that comes into force in Great Britain on Tuesday.The government said the long-planned changes would mean workers would be in line for about 200m that may otherwise have been retained by employers. Continue reading...

US state department said it was told Israeli forces were targeting infrastructure near the borderIsraeli forces appeared to have launched what sources called limited ground operations" targeting Hezbollah inside southern Lebanon, US and other officials said late on Monday.This is what they have informed us that they are currently conducting, which are limited operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border," a state department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, told journalists. Continue reading...

Health secretary is examining case for a comprehensive plan for England to tackle UK's second-biggest killerWes Streeting may revive the use of a dedicated cancer strategy to tackle the UK's second biggest killer after experts warned the Conservatives' scrapping of it was a disaster" for patients.The health secretary is considering publishing a new comprehensive plan for England, amid record numbers of people being diagnosed with the disease and NHS cancer services struggling to meet demand. Continue reading...

Tory leadership contender received donations totalling 75,000 from firm that was loaned money via a tax havenRobert Jenrick is facing further questions about donations totalling 75,000 to his Conservative leadership campaign from a firm that was loaned money via a tax haven, after a businessman revealed himself to be the ultimate source of the funding.Jenrick, the former immigration minister, has been criticised over the transparency of his funding after it emerged that the campaign donation came from a company that had been loaned money from another firm based in the British Virgin Islands. Continue reading...

Tehran is struggling to find a way to respond to the attacks on its proxy in Lebanon that won't ignite all-out war

After the Gallagher brothers teased the news on billboards warning be careful what you wish for', international fans will get their bite at the year's most fevered reunionOasis have announced that their reunion tour will take them to the US, Canada and Mexico in August and September 2025.The band previously teased the news on billboards in New York, Toronto, Chicago and other cities. Be careful what you wish for," the advertisements said. Continue reading...

Cabinet secretary, who has served four prime ministers, says he will go at the end of the year

The sunshine state is heading to the polls on 26 October. Can Labor cling to government or will there be an LNP landslide?

Alliance for Gambling Reform labels gifts an undemocratic opportunity for lobbying' but MPs defend hospitality as within rules and properly disclosed

Jamie Pearson, 27, had waited nearly 24 hours to see an NHS mental health worker after taking an overdose in AugustA 27-year-old man who killed himself in a hospital toilet after waiting nearly 24 hours to see a mental health professional was badly failed by the NHS, his mother has said.Jamie Pearson was admitted to Blackpool Victoria hospital's A&E department after taking an overdose of high-strength painkillers on 17 August. Continue reading...

Dominant demographic among viewers don't feel like they are represented on screen', say Amy Roberts and Loren McLaughlinThe creators of a new working-class Downton Abbey" drama say the lack of such programming is being compounded by the decline of soaps and posh older guys" who have had the monopoly on storytelling.Made by the producers of All Creatures Great and Small, the rags-to-riches" period drama The Hardacres is the brainchild of Call the Midwife and Our Girl writers Amy Roberts and Loren McLaughlin, who said they chose to make the series because, more working-class people watch telly than any other demographic, but they don't feel like they are represented on the screen". Continue reading...

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' 2024 report shows rising out-of-pocket costs hit vulnerable with chronic, complex and mental illnesses hardest

Shadow communities secretary calls for more personal responsibility' and to let businesses make more decisions

Pat McFadden says unfair' system has meant ministers and shadow ministers face less scrutiny than backbench MPs

Rosie Duffield says government focused on greed and power' and the lads are in charge', day after leaving partyThe former Labour MP Rosie Duffield has said Keir Starmer has a problem with women" and that the government is more interested in greed and power" than making changes to the country.In a broadside at Starmer's leadership, Duffield told the BBC she was Labour in my heart and soul" but said the scandal over senior party figures' acceptance of donations and gifts including clothes was indefensible given the party was keeping the two-child benefit cap and had cut the winter fuel allowance for all but the poorest pensioners. Continue reading...

France says Israel must stop strikes, as governments voice alarm over escalation and killing of Nasrallah

As store confirms non-disclosure agreements will be waived, investigation continues into full extent of the late owner's abuseLawyers acting for women attacked by Mohamed Al Fayed say Harrods must reveal how many people were silenced by non-disclosure agreements after its new owners pledged not to enforce any signed during his ownership.Fayed covered up his sexual abuse by intimidating victims into signing NDAs in exchange for money, as well as taking libel action against media outlets that tried to expose him. Continue reading...

Two weather warnings for wind and rain, with river levels already high and ground saturated in some placesEngland and Wales are braced for heavy rain and strong winds just days after homes and businesses were flooded.Two fresh weather warnings come into force on Sunday for wind and rain which will hit areas already saturated by downpours earlier in the week. Continue reading...

Prime minister hopes to use talks with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen this week to prepare for a reset in the springKeir Starmer will use a meeting with the European Commission president this week to pave the way for a springtime overhaul of Britain's Brexit deal, amid warnings that closer ties will be essential in his government's desperate search for growth.The prime minister will meet Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Wednesday. However, it comes with home secretary Yvette Cooper still vehemently opposed to an agreement that would allow young people to move more freely between Europe and the UK - a measure that EU diplomats regard as key to unlocking more serious talks in the spring. Continue reading...

Australia's lack of transparency and funding leave it on the outer as researchers worldwide explore alternatives for training, study and testing

Israel's airstrike on Hezbollah's leadership in Lebanon has far-reaching implications for Tehran and WashingtonWhen Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, told reporters in New York on Friday that the coming days will determine the future path of the Middle East, he could not have been more prescient, even if at the time he was hoping that Hezbollah and Israel could be persuaded to step back from the brink.Now, with the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah confirmed killed, the region, after 11 months, has finally stepped over the brink and into a place it has truly never been before. Continue reading...

Conservative grandees at the conference in Birmingham fear that none of the candidates can unite the party's factionsSenior Tories are already predicting that whoever wins the Conservative leadership race is unlikely to survive until the next election, amid criticisms of a B-list" contest that risks taking the party farther to the right.Some veteran figures have decided to give this weekend's conference in Birmingham a miss, fearing the party has learned little from the complete loss of discipline that characterised its final years in government. Continue reading...

This live blog is now closed, you can read more of our Ukraine war coverage hereRussia has filed pre-trial claims" against Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland over the Nord Stream pipeline explosions, accusing the West of trying to sweep the matter under the carpet", Reuters is reporting.The multi-billion dollar pipeline that carried natural gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea was ruptured by a series of blasts in September 2022, seven months after Russia invaded Ukraine. Continue reading...

Police hunting for suspects in attacks that took place in same neighbourhood in Eastern Cape provinceSeventeen people, including 15 women, have been killed in two mass shootings that took place close to each other in a rural town in South Africa, police said.A search was under way for the suspects, the national police spokesperson, Brig Athlenda Mathe, said in a statement on Saturday. One other person was in critical condition in the hospital, she added. Continue reading...

Days after floods hit, further heavy rain likely to cause travel delays and flooding from late Sunday afternoonWeather warnings have been issued as strong winds and heavy rain approach the UK, days after some areas were hit by flooding.The Met Office issued a yellow rain warning - meaning further heavy rain is likely to cause some travel delays and flooding - covering much of southern England and south Wales between 4pm on Sunday and 9am on Monday. Continue reading...

Foreign Office advises people to take next available flight as it tries to secure seats amid escalating violence

Self-styled image architect' helped turn Zendaya into a household name - and catapulted himself into the spotlightHe is the man behind some of the most memorable moments in fashion - but you have probably never heard of him.Law Roach is the 46-year-old stylist who put Celine Dion in a pink frothy millefeuille-esque coat on the cover of Vogue France, dressed the actor Hunter Schafer in little more than a feather at a 2023 Oscars party, and convinced the model Bella Hadid to wear solely vintage on the Cannes red carpet. Continue reading...

Prime minister says music was great joy' of his youth and he wants to reverse degrading of creative arts'His father - as we know - was a toolmaker, and he has spoken often of the pebble-dashed semi where he grew up. But when Keir Starmer addressed the Labour party conference this week it was a less familiar aspect of his childhood that he chose to highlight.One of the things that had given him great joy" as a child, as well as the football, obviously", was playing the flute, he told delegates in Liverpool. I don't think you were expecting that, were you?" Continue reading...