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Supermarket giants respond to Choice undercover study as National Farmers' Federation questions if they are really competing against each other

Acid Survivors Trust International calls for more focus on prevention in similar strategy to that for knife crimeAcid attacks and other offences involving corrosive substances in the UK have risen by 75% in a year but only 8% of cases led to criminal charges or a summons, figures suggest.The total number of recorded offences last year based on freedom of information (FOI) requests was 1,244 - up from 710 in 2022 - comprising 454 physical attacks and 790 other alleged offences, including carrying corrosives and threats of acid attack to aid other offences such as rape or robbery. Continue reading...

With lagoons once choked by rubbish, pressure from the appalled community led the government to ban certain single-use productsFor generations, the people of Erakor village in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu would pass their time swimming in the local lagoon. Ken Andrew, a local chief, remembers diving in its depths when he was a child, chasing the fish that spawned in its turquoise waters.That was decades ago. Now 52, Andrew has noticed a more pernicious entity invading the lagoon: plastic. Continue reading...

Michael Fellows and Jason Alvarez have dismissed their suit with prejudice, having previously argued that the late concert had impacted their sleepTwo Madonna fans have dropped their lawsuit against the singer for starting her show two hours late, having previously argued they had to get up early the next day.In January, Michael Fellows and Jason Alvarez filed a class action case against the singer, Brooklyn venue the Barclays Center and her tour promoters Live Nation after she came on stage at 10.30pm at the Barclays Center on 13 December. Continue reading...

Power was restored on Wednesday afternoon, after the outage caused confusion on the streets of Quito as traffic lights ceased workingPower was nearly fully restored in Ecuador, hours after a nationwide electricity outage left the country of about 18 million in the dark, including the capital's subway system.Public works minister Roberto Luque said in a post on X that 95% of service had been restored by late Wednesday afternoon. Continue reading...

Richard Christou tells public inquiry that real failure in Post Office scandal was the way prosecutions had been handledA former executive of Fujitsu, the company that developed the Post Office's Horizon IT system, has told a public inquiry he felt aggrieved" that what he thought was a good system" had been placed into such disrepute by the scandal, and said he believed that the real issue" was the way criminal prosecutions of post office operators had been handled by the state-owned body.Richard Christou, the former chief executive and executive chairman of Fujitsu Services Holdings, was testifying at the inquiry, which is examining why the Post Office prosecuted and ruined hundreds of people, alleging financial shortfalls in their post office branch accounts. Despite campaigns, it took years for the Post Office to admit that faults with Horizon were behind many of the shortfalls. Continue reading...

Proportion of adults using e-cigarettes containing up to 20mg/ml of nicotine has increased to 32.5% from 6.6% in 2021The use of high-strength nicotine vapes has increased sharply in the last three years, a study has found.Researchers found that in June 2021, only 6.6% of people were using the highest-strength vapes, defined as those near the legal limit of 20mg/ml of nicotine, yet by January 2024 that had increased to 32.5% of users. Continue reading...

Testimony 360 project allows pupils to talk to AI versions of survivors and take virtual tours of concentration campsA groundbreaking educational programme will launch in UK schools later this month using artificial intelligence and virtual reality to future-proof" the testimonies of Holocaust survivors.The Holocaust Educational Trust, a London-based charity, will launch its Testimony 360 programme across schools in the UK, allowing pupils to have lifelike, face-to-face conversations with Holocaust survivors through innovative technology. Continue reading...

Officer arrested on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, say Metropolitan policeOne of Rishi Sunak's close protection officers has been arrested over alleged bets about the timing of the election.The officer was arrested on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan police said in a statement. Continue reading...

Campaigners fear current plans will allow landlords to find new ways to evict tenants if party wins powerLabour is facing pressure to deliver more radical reforms of private renting amid fears landlords will find new ways to evict tenants despite the party confirming it would end no-fault evictions, ban bidding wars and introduce time limits to fix potentially lethal mould.In a campaign push aimed at the rip-off private rented sector", Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, and the shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, claimed private renters would be 250-a-year better off under a Labour government after it forces landlords to improve the energy efficiency of leaky rental homes. Continue reading...

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah warns of war without rules' if Israel launches full-scale invasion against Lebanese militiaThe leader of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, warned of a war without rules or ceilings" in the event of a full-scale Israeli offensive against the Lebanese militia, as he threatened that Cyprus could become a target if it allowed Israel to use its territory in any conflict.Cyprus and Israel have a bilateral defence cooperation agreement which has seen the countries conduct joint exercises. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Shadow chancellor says she wants to shatter last glass ceiling in politics' and improve women's position

Party removes support for Andy Brown, standing for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, after reported posts about novichok poisonings

Risk is that miscalculation leads to sudden conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which is far more powerful than HamasA warning from Israel's foreign minister, Israel Katz, that a decision on all-out war" with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is coming soon is almost certainly a fresh attempt at deterrence on his part - not least because both sides well understand how devastating full hostilities would be.The reality is that Hezbollah, an ally of Iran, is a more powerful adversary than Hamas in Gaza. It is estimated to have between 30,000 and 50,000 fighters available and a similar number in reserve - plus between 120,000 and 200,000 unguided missiles and rockets, plus attack and reconnaissance drones. Continue reading...

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un's agreement raises western alarm about possible Russian help for nuclear programmeThe Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, have signed a pact that includes a clause requiring the countries to come to each other's aid if either is attacked, a move that has raised western concerns about potential Russian aid for Pyongyang's missile or nuclear programmes.The inclusion of a mutual defence clause in their comprehensive strategic partnership, which Kim described as an alliance", will add to the west's alarm over growing economic and military ties between North Korea and Russia. The deal was finalised on Wednesday after hours of talks in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. Continue reading...

National Rally's Jordan Bardella insists he would need to govern free of partners if party wins parliamentary electionsJordan Bardella, the leader of the National Rally (RN), has said he will not accept the job of prime minister unless his far-right party wins an absolute majority in parliament because he would not have the freedom to act in the daily lives of French people" as he sees fit.Polls suggest the RN is on course to win the snap parliamentary elections called by Emmanuel Macron after the Eurosceptic, anti-immigration party's crushing victory in European parliament elections earlier this month. Continue reading...

Extraordinary and unique' ancient beach that was destroyed in AD79 disaster reinstated in southern ItalyAn ancient Roman beach that was buried by the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius has reopened to the public at Herculaneum archaeological park in southern Italy.The beach has been reinstated after conservation work in recent years restored its original level, including bringing back sand, which is aimed at giving visitors the experience of walking along the beach almost as it was before the eruption. Continue reading...

Sir Anthony Seldon leads analysis that concludes that equality, growth and the UK's standing in the world have all declined since 2010 Sign up to our Election Edition daily newsletterAnd here are some of the best pictures from yesterday's campaigning. As more voting people than ever appear poised to turn away from the Tories, Sunak appeared in several photographs with sheep and lobsters as he visited North Devon, held by the Tories since 2015. The Guardian's Archie bland named the sheep the Dubious photo opportunity of the day", after the sheep ran away:Starmer, meanwhile, appeared on LBC where he clarified that Premier League Football Clubs would not be subject to a 10% transfer tax to fund clubs lower down the pyramid. Let me just kill it dead, we're not looking at that," Starmer said. He also visited a tennis club and a pub in Reading West and mid Berkshire. Continue reading...

Independent candidate Akhmed Yakoob also said 70% of hell will be women' during guest appearance on Minted Minds YouTube seriesAn independent candidate standing in Birmingham said 70% of hell will be women" and joked about domestic violence on a podcast earlier this year, as polling suggests he is closing the gap with Labour.Akhmed Yakoob, who came third in the West Midlands mayoral election in May with just over 10% of the vote, is standing against Labour's Shabana Mahmood in Ladywood, one of the most deprived constituencies in the country. Continue reading...

Nobel prize winners and former Bank of England officials believe Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer can bring about desperately needed' change

Baby was treated at the scene by paramedics but died later in hospital, West Midlands police saidA seven-month-old baby girl has died in hospital after being bitten by a pet dog and suffering serious head injuries.Officers were called to a property in Shorncliffe Road, Coventry, shortly after 3pm on Sunday, West Midlands police said. Continue reading...

Some candidates complaining of lack of ministerial visits and money have turned to Boris Johnson for help

Scottish first minister says election is chance to reinforce the case for split and warns over Labour cuts

Decision to launch excessive deficit procedure' sets up collision course with post-election governmentThe European Commission has issued a reprimand to France for breaking EU fiscal rules before an election where the frontrunners are making lavish spending promises.The EU executive's decision to launch the excessive deficit procedure" against France is a blow to Emmanuel Macron - with a deficit well above the EU threshold - and also sets up a collision course with a post-election government potentially dominated by the far-right or the left coalition. Continue reading...

Iran-backed militant group fired more than a dozen projectiles into northern Israel, says Israeli army, day after Israel warned of total war' with group

It compares with 21.7% in the private sector which WGEA report says is due to more flexible working practice and more full-time work

Undercover shopping study on 14 common items part of move to provide transparency after Coles and Woolworths accused of price gouging

Consultant tells court he walked in on nurse apparently doing nothing to help newborn she is accused of trying to murderA senior doctor has told a jury he walked in on Lucy Letby watching a newborn girl suffer a life-threatening" collapse while apparently doing nothing to help her.Letby, 34, is accused of attempting to murder the two-hour-old baby by dislodging her breathing tube shortly after the infant's designated nurse left her side. Continue reading...

Country is among seven that could face fines as it heads for high-stakes vote this monthAnd here's the centre-right European People's party leadership in the European parliament for the next term.Here's more from Reuters on what the far-right National Rally's Jordan Bardella told reporters today about his views on Ukraine: Continue reading...

Members of public try to intervene during incident and Wiltshire police arrest two peopleTwo people have been arrested after Just Stop Oil activists sprayed orange powder paint over Stonehenge.Rishi Sunak condemned the incident, saying: This is a disgraceful act of vandalism to one of the UK's and the world's oldest and most important monuments." Continue reading...

PM says donor is genuinely contrite' as phone-in caller challenges him over businessman's remarks about Diane Abbott

Labour leader says Tories calling for amnesty on rule-breakers are out of touch with people who paid high price

Russian leader's visit to Pyongyang seen as a meeting of minds, but long-term military consequences are unclear

IOPC says Surrey police should investigate incident in Staines-upon-Thames after witnesses filed complaintsThe baby cow that was filmed being run over by police had gone on a rampage, ramming a police car and charging at and threatening people, the police watchdog has said.The incident last Friday was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which on Wednesday said Surrey, the force involved, should investigate complaints received. Continue reading...

Housebuilder aims to create 4,000 private rental homes in UK capital and south-east over next decade

Mackay public were earlier told to stay indoors while police searched for man allegedly involved in incident

Singer and saxophonist known for confrontational stage persona had experienced ill health for a number of yearsJames Chance, the singer-saxophonist whose squalling blend of funk, jazz and post-punk found a cult following in mid-1970s New York onwards, has died aged 71.His brother David Siegfried stated that he died on Tuesday in New York. No cause of death was given, but the musician's health had been in decline for several years" according to Siegfried. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Defamation trial judge found on balance of probabilities Lehrmann was recklessly indifferent to whether or not there was consent'

Energy minister's comments come as Nationals leader David Littleproud refutes deputy's claims plants won't be built if communities were opposed

Australian energy sector and industry groups warn of risk of cost blowouts and destroying private sector investment

Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledges the state's education department failed to listen when children spoke out

Egypt forcibly returned 800 Sudanese detainees in first three months of this year, Amnesty International reportsThe Egyptian authorities have used EU-funded security forces in a campaign of mass arrests and forcible deportations against refugees from the Sudan war, according to a human rights group report.Amnesty International found Egypt forcibly returned an estimated 800 Sudanese detainees between January and March 2024, who were all denied the possibility to claim asylum". Continue reading...

Jury finds 33-year-old drugged and fatally shot Mutten in the Blue Mountains in January 2022

Jewish MP Josh Burns says attack that saw Zionism is fascism' graffitied on his Melbourne office was politically motivated'

Abul Rizvi accuses major parties of short-termism', saying Labor's approach to immigration is unsustainable' while Coalition's would be pure chaos'

Coalition to push ahead with potential sites across Australia, but serious questions remain about viability and cost

The contaminants have also recently been found in testes and semen amid concerns about falling male fertilityMicroplastics have been discovered in penises for the first time, raising questions about a potential role in erectile dysfunction.The revelation comes after the pollutants were recently detected in testes and semen. Male fertility has fallen in recent decades and more research on potential harm of microplastics to reproduction is imperative, say experts. Continue reading...

Food Foundation says height of five-year-olds falling, child obesity up by a third and type 2 diabetes by a fifthChildren across the UK are getting shorter, fatter and sicker amid an epidemic of poor diets, food insecurity and poverty, according to a report warning that millions are facing a timebomb" of avoidable health conditions.The average height of five-year-olds is falling, obesity levels have increased by almost a third and the number of young people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has risen by more than a fifth, the report by the Food Foundation said. Continue reading...

Report finds that religious, historical and cultural references have been removed in crackdown by BeijingHundreds of Uyghur villages and towns have been renamed by Chinese authorities to remove religious or cultural references, with many replaced by names reflecting Communist party ideology, a report has found.Research published on Wednesday by Human Rights Watch and the Norway-based organisation Uyghur Hjelp documents about 630 communities that have been renamed in this way by the government, mostly during the height of a crackdown on Uyghurs that several governments and human rights bodies have called a genocide. Continue reading...

The Australian mining magnate can try to prove that Meta was negligent in allowing scam ads on Facebook, judge says