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Exclusive: Engaging with arts improves quality of life, increases productivity and creates financial dividend'Most people are familiar with the buzz that attending a memorable play, film, concert or art exhibition can trigger.But now it is official: consuming culture is good for your health and wellbeing - and generates 8bn a year worth of improvements in people's quality of life and higher productivity. Continue reading...

Prime minister tells Joint Expeditionary Force conference in Estonia that Ukraine requires all the capability it can get'Keir Starmer is to visit British troops serving on Russia's border after saying that Ukraine will require more funding and capability.The prime minister was speaking at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) conference in Estonia, where he met leaders of other Baltic states. Continue reading...

Composer Toninho Geraes claims 2015 song Million Years Ago copied music of his samba classic Mulheres (Women)A Brazilian judge has ordered a song by British pop superstar Adele, Million Years Ago, be pulled worldwide - including on streaming services - over a continuing plagiarism claim by a Brazilian composer.The injunction threatens the Brazilian subsidiaries of Sony and Universal, Adele's labels, with a fine of $8,000 per act of non-compliance". Continue reading...

Driver of stolen Porsche fled the scene in Smethwick near Birmingham after collision that killed boy and injured four adultsA man has been arrested after a two-year-old boy died and four adults were injured in a hit-and-run collision in the West Midlands involving a stolen Porsche.Police were called to the incident in Dartmouth Road in Smethwick, near Birmingham, just before 11pm on Saturday. Continue reading...

Royal's relationship with alleged spy, Yang Tengbo, should be seen as a blessing in disguise, says China analystPrince Andrew should be commended for doing Britain a great service according to longstanding China watcher, Charles Parton. The now marginalised royal has, the analyst observed, almost single handedly" succeeded in highlighting the threat to free and open countries" posed by the contemporary Chinese state.The story of Sino-British has developed rapidly of late, turning 180 degrees in less than a decade. Continue reading...

Medical supplies airlifted to French Indian Ocean territory after Cyclone Chido leaves hundreds feared dead

North Korea has sent up to 12,000 troops to help support Russia's invasion of its neighbourNorth Korean troops have been killed during combat against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk border region, according Ukraine's military intelligence agency and the Pentagon.The deaths are the first reported since the US and Ukraine announced that North Korea had sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia to help it in the almost three-year war. Continue reading...

Jacktone Odhiambo sentenced to 50 years in prison over killing of housemate in city of EldoretThe housemate of an LGBTQ+ activist in Kenya has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder of Edwin Chiloba, whose mutilated body was discovered in a metal box almost two years ago.The high court in Eldoret found Jacktone Odhiambo guilty over the January 2023 killing that drew global attention to attitudes toward gay rights in the largely conservative Kenya, where the president William Ruto, has called gay rights a non-issue, and sex between men is illegal. Continue reading...

Labour's changes to local government may postpone votes in areas Conservatives and Reform UK were hoping to win seatsLocal elections for some English councils are likely to be delayed next year as a result of the government's plans to scrap district councils, officials have indicated.Angela Rayner, the communities secretary, announced plans for a sweeping overhaul of local government on Monday as part of what ministers say is the biggest devolution of political power this century. Continue reading...

Acclaimed documentarian plans documentary on murder of Brian Thompson and larger conversations it has inspiredAlex Gibney and Anonymous Content are planning a documentary project on the murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, and the larger public conversation about health insurance companies that the crime inspired.The prolific film-maker's company, Jigsaw Productions, will partner with Anonymous Content on the as yet untitled project about the dominant US news story of the month, since Thompson was fatally shot in midtown Manhattan on his way to an investor conference on 4 December. Continue reading...

Shadow home secretary calls for a rethink in relations with Beijing but Labour highlights events during Cameron's premiershipAsked again about China, Starmer says:Our approach is the approach I've just set out.It's important to engage. Of course, we have to challenge where we must, but it's better to engage, to challenge, than to stay aside, as it were, important to cooperate where we can on issues like climate change, which need that cooperation.Of course, we are concerned about the challenge that China poses.As you know, I had a meeting with the [Chinese] president just a few weeks ago. Our approach is one of engagement, of cooperating where we need to cooperate, particularly for example on issues like climate change, to challenge where we must and where we should, particularly on issues like human rights, and to compete when it comes to trade. Continue reading...

Chris Wormald emails civil servants saying he will back Keir Starmer, who wants them to do things differently'The new cabinet secretary has told the country's half a million civil servants they must do things differently" to deliver Keir Starmer's plans for government, as Whitehall braced for job cuts and tighter spending.In an email to all staff on his first day in the job, Sir Chris Wormald, taking over from Simon Case, pledged a rewiring" of the British state, echoing the words of the prime minister on announcing his appointment. Continue reading...

Next season of critically acclaimed drama will be set in Thailand with Jason Isaacs and returning Natasha RothwellOnce again, there's trouble on the horizon for the White Lotus resorts. The first teaser trailer for the acclaimed HBO show's third season suggests as much intrigue, secrets and incendiary social critique as the first two - this time, on the beaches of Thailand.The 90-second trailer substantiates creator Mike White's suggestion that the Emmy-winning series, which satirized wealth privilege at a Hawaiian resort in season one before moving to bedroom farce in Sicily for season two, would tackle westerners' interest in eastern spirituality in its third outing. Continue reading...

Chancellor triggered path to elections, due to take place on 23 February, by firing finance minister Christian LindnerScholz, who has campaigned on a pledge of being a peace chancellor" against frontrunner Merz's more hawkish approach to Russia, again stresses his opposition to sending long-range Taurus missiles or German soldiers to embattled Ukraine.Scholz is clearly using the Bundestag speech as a campaign rally. He has repeatedly denounced his former coalition partner, the Free Democrats, blaming them for the collapse of the government with weeks-long sabotage". Referring to their deep differences over fiscal policy, Scholz stresses the need for government spending to address the economic downturn. Not everyone in the coalition saw it that way," he said. If there is a country in the world that can afford to invest then it's us." He urges a modernisation" of the debt brake which curbs state investment. Continue reading...

Ankara says plan would seriously undermine' efforts to bring stability to Syria after Bashar al-Assad's fall

Ex-nurse's lawyer announces move after witness changed his mind on some key evidence about baby deathsLucy Letby's lawyer has announced he is seeking to reopen her appeal because the prosecution's lead medical expert witness, Dr Dewi Evans, has changed his mind on some key evidence.At a press conference held at the Royal Society of Medicine on Monday, Mark McDonald said Evans was not a reliable expert, and that all the convictions were not safe. Continue reading...

Yang, a businessman also known as Chris Yang, can be named after judge lifted anonymity order

Former Syrian leader claimed he wanted to stay and fight but left after Russian airbase came under attack

Former Post Office CEO has maintained her innocence in a closing submission to the inquiry, saying executives did not share crucial information with herPaula Vennells, the former Post Office chief executive, has continued to maintain her innocence, saying she remains devastated" that other executives did not share crucial information about the faulty Horizon IT system.Lawyers for Vennells, writing on her behalf in closing submissions to the inquiry into the Post Office scandal, said no evidence has emerged to show she acted in bad faith". Continue reading...

UK government to retain golden share' in parent company International Distribution Services

A stretch of the river in West Yorkshire was the first to be given bathing water status in 2020 but has since recorded poor water qualityThe first river to be given bathing water status in England is in limbo waiting for the Environment Agency (EA) to approve crucial nature-based solutions that are part of 43m in improvements to cut sewage pollution.In the West Yorkshire town of Ilkley, campaigners were the first to use the EU-derived bathing water regulations to drive a cleanup of their river. But since part of the River Wharfe was granted bathing water status in 2020, water quality has persistently been recorded as poor, most recently in the latest classifications last month. If it remains poor next year, when the status is up for renewal, it could lose its bathing water designation. Continue reading...

Church of England crisis deepens as second archbishop faces calls to resign over response to abuseThe archbishop of York has said he acted as soon as legally possible against a priest repeatedly accused of sexual misconduct and abuse after facing calls to resign over his handling of the case.Stephen Cottrell is due to take over temporary leadership of the church in three weeks when the resignation of the archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, over his failures to deal properly with abuse takes effect. Continue reading...

Berlinale head, Tricia Tuttle, says some artists fear criticism of Israeli actions will be condemned as antisemitismA polarised debate about Gaza in Germany is leading some artists to shun one of the world's top film festivals, its new director has said.Tricia Tuttle, the head of the Berlin international film festival, said a perception that Germany had been overzealous in its policing of speech about the Middle East conflict, and controversy over this year's awards ceremony, were having an impact as she planned her first edition. Continue reading...

Pentagon also considering redesignating Iranian-backed Houthis as terrorist group

Entain, which runs Ladbrokes and Neds, did not have appropriate oversight of its anti-money laundering program, Austrac alleges

Kohli died in hospital after being injured in Leicestershire park in SeptemberA 12-year-old girl has been charged with manslaughter over the death of Bhim Kohli, 80, who died in hospital after being injured in a park in Braunstone Town in September, Leicestershire police said.More details soon ... Continue reading...

Advanced mobile forensics products being used to illegally extract data from mobile devices, Amnesty findsPolice and intelligence services in Serbia are using advanced mobile forensics products and previously unknown spyware to illegally surveil journalists, environmental campaigners and civil rights activists, according to a report.The report shows how mobile forensic products from the Israeli firm Cellebrite are used to unlock and extract data from individuals' mobile devices, which are being infected with a new Android spyware system, NoviSpy. Continue reading...

UK ministers face pressure over Chinese spy scandal as MPs consider naming banned businessmanAn alleged Chinese spy who forged a close relationship with Prince Andrew is just the tip of the iceberg" of Beijing's attempts to infiltrate the UK, a leading China-sceptic MP has said.Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative leader, who is seeking an urgent Commons question on Monday to quiz ministers about the issue, said Keir Starmer's efforts to create better links with Beijing had involved the UK showing a massive amount of weakness to China". Continue reading...

President Yoon Suk Yeol and senior officials face potential charges of insurrection and abuse of authoritySouth Korea's constitutional court has begun reviewing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his attempt to impose martial law on 3 December, a process that will decide if he is removed from office.The court will hold the first public hearing on 27 December, spokesperson Lee Jean told a news conference, after the court's six justices met on Saturday to discuss plans for reviewing the impeachment by the opposition-controlled parliament. Continue reading...

This blog is now closedA second person has died following a fatal crash in Armidale at the weekend.A car and several cyclists collided about 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon, before the car continued and hit a tree, NSW police said. One of the cyclists, a man in his 60s, died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.About 110,000 new EVs are expected to be sold this year, a major milestone for the Australian market;There are now 122 EV models, and more than 220 variants - a 50% increase in variants compared to 2023.The number of fast and ultra-fast charging locations across Australia has nearly doubled within a year, surpassing 1,059 sites nationwide. At these locations there are more than 1,849 high power public chargers. Continue reading...

Exclusive: FoI requests reveal 2.5bn was spent out of 10.6bn fund for three main local regeneration schemesThe Conservatives spent only a quarter of the money they allocated to levelling up, according to freedom of information requests that underline how Michael Gove's flagship regional spending scheme failed to live up to expectations.The previous government allocated 10.6bn to the three main schemes under the levelling up programme, which provided funding for regeneration projects as diverse as leisure centres and local transport networks. Continue reading...

Widespread heat recorded across South Australia, Victoria, Northern Territory and New South Wales

In today's newsletter: Many questions remain unanswered about the person known only as H6, but the complex relationship between China and the UK is sure to be put under the spotlightGood morning. Espionage is an obviously mysterious business, but there can be fewer greater puzzles in the annals of national security than the one that has arisen in the last few days. If you were the mighty Chinese state, and making a list of British public figures who might hold useful intelligence or influence, what would make you put Prince Andrew on it?I can't answer that one. But many other questions besides have arisen since it emerged that a businessman and alleged Chinese spy with links to Andrew has been barred from entering the UK on national security grounds - and last night, MPs raised fears that the case shows that the UK has been too eager to strengthen UK-China relations. Today's newsletter explains what we know. Here are the headlines.Ireland | Israel has announced it will close its embassy in Ireland, citing Dublin's decision last week to support a petition at the international court of justice accusing Israel of genocide. Irish taoiseach Simon Harris called the move deeply regrettable".Economy | Fifty economists and policy experts have issued a warning to Rachel Reeves that encouraging the city to expand could threaten financial stability and jeopardise growth. The chancellor has claimed that regulations imposed after the global financial crisis have gone too far".Extreme weather | At least several hundred people are feared to have been killed after the worst cyclone in almost a century ripped through the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on Saturday. Officials said the final toll would be hard to ascertain but could be in the thousands.Immigration and asylum | Syrian asylum seekers left in limbo after the UK home secretary said the government was pausing their claims have called the decision cruel" and urged officials to resume processing their cases. About 6,500 cases are now in the system.Guardian and Observer charity appeal | Guardian and Observer readers gave 57,000 over the phones during our annual charity appeal telethon for charities supporting the victims of war and conflict, with the overall total hitting more than 500,000. You can still donate here. Continue reading...

Former officer was sacked after being found guilty of fatally shooting 95-year-old Clare Nowland with Taser

Resignation of the humble staffer who maybe got a little bit ahead of himself' hands Victorian premier need for cabinet reshuffle

The classical musician, who performed with George Harrison and Van Morrison, died in a San Francisco hospital on SundayZakir Hussain, one of India's most accomplished classical musicians who defied genres and introduced tabla to global audiences, has died aged 73.The Indian classical music icon died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, at a hospital in San Francisco on Sunday, his family said in a statement. Continue reading...

Renee Fry-McKibbin and Marnie Baker will sit on the RBA's new board, which follows the government's reform of the central bank

Increase due to a growing number of complex births caused by rising obesity rates and women having children later in lifeOne in four babies born in NHS hospitals in England last year were delivered by caesarean section, official figures show.The gradual increase in the number of caesarean births over the past decade is due to a growing number of complex pregnancies and births, caused by factors including rising obesity rates and women waiting until they are older to have children. The proportion of spontaneous deliveries that do not involve drugs or other medical interventions has steadily declined in the last 10 years. Continue reading...

Former first minister marks 10th anniversary of legislation in Scotland with call for vigilance over polarisationThe civilised" debate that led to the legalisation of equal marriage in Scotland would not be possible 10 years on amid a global trend towards polarisation and the increasing inability to find common ground, Nicola Sturgeon has said.Sturgeon, who led the Scottish government's drive for equal marriage rights when she was deputy first minister, said she believed the outcome would probably be the same, but the nature of the debate would be much more toxic, divisive and unpleasant than it was 10 years ago". Continue reading...

Some solicitors in England and Wales are not taking on loss-making cases such as burglary amid MoJ dispute over legal aid, Law Society saysLawyers are refusing to represent people charged with certain crimes amid a crisis over solicitors' pay, with one burglary suspect turned away by 12 legal firms, the Law Society president has said.Richard Atkinson, who leads the organisation representing more than 200,000 solicitors in England and Wales, said its members lost money if they took such cases and warned that other crimes, including lower level sexual offences, also risked becoming uneconomic for practitioners. Continue reading...

Rachel Reeves wants to drive efficiency savings as part of spending review - departments are used to the challengeExperienced Whitehall officials would have been forgiven for experiencing a sense of deja vu when listening to the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, this month as she laid out her plans to drive efficiencies from the civil service as part of her spending review.The previous government allowed millions of pounds of taxpayers' money to go to waste on poor value for money projects," she said, as she told departments to draw up plans for 5% efficiency savings across their budgets. Continue reading...

Almost half of those surveyed by Bristol academics said increases were necessary' to improve public servicesVoters have broadly accepted that the 40bn in tax rises in Rachel Reeves's first budget are necessary" to improve public services, despite the majority expecting to be worse off as a result, according toresearch.The chancellor announced in October a package of tax increases in order to fund investment in public services, particularly the NHS and schools - with the largest revenue-raiser a 25bn increase in employer national insurance contributions (NICs). Continue reading...

Israeli PM spoke of warm' discussion with US president-elect amid pressure from Trump camp for progress on hostage releasesBenjamin Netanyahu has said he spoke to Donald Trump over the weekend about his plans in Syria and efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza amid a wave of strikes in the territory.The Israeli prime minister said in an address on Sunday night: We had a very friendly, warm and important discussion. We discussed the need to complete Israel's victory and we spoke at length about the efforts we are making to free our hostages." Continue reading...

Townsville bishop Timothy Harris, who provided care to families of Scott Rush and Michael Czugaj, says the path to recovery will be long

Foreign affairs department updates travel advice for Fiji to include warning about risk of methanol poisoning and drink spiking

Ukraine accuses Moscow of recklessness due to risk of ecological damage as second tanker runs agroundA Russian tanker carrying more than 4,000 tonnes of oil products has sunk in the Black Sea amid stormy conditions while a second has run aground, threatening an ecological disaster.The cargo ship Volgoneft-212 snapped in half on Sunday after being hit by a large wave. Video showed its bow end sticking vertically out of the water. The boat got into difficulties off the east coast of occupied Crimea, 5 miles (8km) from the Kerch strait, Russian media reported. Continue reading...

Benjamin Netanyahu approved plan to double Israeli population in occupied Golan Heights after night of strikes that came despite Syria rebel leader's pledge of peaceIsrael struck dozens of sites in Syria overnight with airstrikes, despite the Syrian rebel leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, saying his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group was not interested in conflict with Israel.Jolani's comments came as Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced on Sunday that he had approved a plan to expand settlement building in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Continue reading...

Muhammed Sharif goes to high court in Lahore and says safest place' for his other grandchildren is with himSara Sharif's grandfather said he will fight to keep her siblings in Pakistan, calling it the safest place for them", as a vigil was held for the murdered 10-year-old in Surrey.Muhammad Sharif said he would appeal to the high court in Pakistan to stop Sara's five siblings from being returned to the UK. Continue reading...

A woman in her 30s died on Sunday, the second fatality of the collision after a man in his 60s died at the scene

Allegations raise calls for caution in UK over bid to re-establish China linksMPs fear the government is moving too fast to re-establish UK-China relations as some consider naming the alleged spy who used his relationship with Prince Andrew to get access to the heart of the British establishmentMinisters will come under pressure this week to set a timeline to revive the foreign influence registration scheme (FIRS), which had been delayed until next year, and to put China on the enhanced category for threats. Continue reading...