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US state department says law could drive away foreign investment while David Cameron described it as dangerous and worrying'Human rights groups and diplomats have criticised a law passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend that would impose heavy prison sentences on gay and transgender people.The US state department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said in a statement that the law on passed Saturday threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society" and can be used to hamper free-speech and expression". He warned that the legislation could drive away foreign investment. Continue reading...

Ads to be removed from London transport network amid criticism of Mayor Sadiq Khan's baffling' decision to allow themOnline casino company 888.com will withdraw adverts from locations including London's transport network after a backlash against their tone, prompting criticism of the capital's mayor, Sadiq Khan, for allowing them to appear in the first place.With less than a week to go before Londoners vote for their next Mayor, Khan's Conservative rival, Susan Hall, joined a leading clinician and a group of peers in questioning Transport for London's baffling" decision to accept the campaign. Continue reading...

Paralympian Mohammad Barrangi hopes his work will help people think of human stories behind headlines about migrationA decade ago the artist Mohammad Barrangi was representing Iran as an elite Paralympic sprinter and was ridiculously speedy.My best time for the 100 metres was 10.72 seconds, in Tunisia," he says with understandable pride. I have friends who don't believe I'm an artist." Continue reading...

Girl of between 12 and 16 was making her first appearance at Evo Japan as contests previously finished past her bedtimeA girl scored a win at one of Japan's top fighting video game contests, in a competitive puzzle game released before she was born.The girl, known as Money Idol-chan" after the game she competed in, has grown up playing competitive video games. Since 2022, her parents have run Anegasaki Shooting Star, a tiny arcade on the east side of Tokyo Bay. Her name has not been released and her age has been given only as between 12 and 16. Continue reading...

British Skydiving Board to investigate after man in his 40s found at industrial estate in ShottonThe British Skydiving Board will investigate the death of a man in his 40s in a parachute incident in Durham on Saturday.The man was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services were called to South West Industrial Estate in Shotton shortly after midday. The death is being treated as unexpected and a cordon remains in place at the scene. Continue reading...

Two people still in hospital after major incident across Westward Ho!, Bideford and BarnstapleA second man has died after being supplied with an unusually strong batch" of heroin circulating in north Devon.One man died after taking the substance on Friday and police confirmed a second man, who had earlier been admitted to hospital, died late on Saturday. Continue reading...

Prime minister says he is not distracted by poor personal ratings as rebel MPs are said to be plotting to oust him after local electionsRishi Sunak has refused to quash speculation of a July general election as he insisted he was not distracted" by his personal ratings lingering at record lows.The prime minister said he would not say anything more than I've already said" and that his working assumption" was there would be an election in the second half of the year. Continue reading...

Taoiseach wants to reduce arrivals through Northern Ireland amid concern that Sunak's Rwanda plan is driving people to IrelandIreland plans to return asylum seekers to the UK under new emergency laws, in an effort to stem arrivals through Northern Ireland.The taoiseach, Simon Harris, wants the proposals brought to cabinet next week amid concern that Rishi Sunak's Rwanda plan was rerouting asylum seekers from the UK. Continue reading...

Protesters call for concrete action as prime minister agrees more needs to be done

Jacinta Allan says failure of voice referendum hardened her resolve to present the facts' about impacts of colonisation

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Campaigners say cash-strapped local authorities are placing young people in budget accommodation, making them targets for grooming by criminal gangsVulnerable teenagers in care are being placed in hotels by cash-strapped councils, with experts warning they are being served up" to criminal gangs.Children aged 16 to 17 are entering care in greater numbers than any other age group, often with complex needs, and experts say many councils in England now have nowhere to put them. They are increasingly resorting to budget hotels, with no adult support, as a way of cutting costs and keeping teenagers off the streets. Continue reading...

Coroner condemns inhumane' imprisonment for public protection sentences that have no end date for releaseA senior coroner has condemned the inhumane" and indefensible" treatment of a man who killed himself 17 years into an indefinite prison sentence. Tom Osborne, the senior coroner for Milton Keynes, said Scott Rider had given up all hope of release before he took his own life at HMP Woodhill in June 2022.He had been serving an imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence after being convicted of grievous bodily harm in 2005. The sentence had a minimum term of 23 months but no end date. Continue reading...

Rumours of an early election, despite Labour's lead in opinion polls, being used to keep unruly Conservative MPs in checkSenior Tories believe the threat of a summer general election is being used by Downing Street to deter a rebellion against Rishi Sunak's leadership, before a perilous set of local elections this week.Westminster has been abuzz with rumours of an early election, despite the persistent double-digit lead enjoyed by Labour in the polls. While Downing St sources have played down speculation of any imminent announcement from Sunak, influential MPs believe No10 is holding open the possibility of an early election to keep rebellious colleagues in check. Continue reading...

New laws would increase maximum penalties for people who drive dangerously, evade police and cause death or grievous bodily harm

Despite talk of a Nobel peace prize, Japan's leader is facing a backlash among voters as key byelection approachesIn the past fortnight Fumio Kishida has been mentioned as a possible recipient of the Nobel peace prize and praised for a speech to congress in which he urged the US not to retreat into isolation.But since his return to Tokyo after a successful summit with Joe Biden, Japan's prime minister has been buffeted by domestic political headwinds that this weekend could spell the beginning of the end of his administration. Continue reading...

Socialist prime minister poised to decide on his future, but some say it's ploy to surviveOn Monday, Pedro Sanchez, the great and unpredictable survivor of Spanish politics, and a leader who has seen off more than his fair share of rivals, critics and adversaries, will reveal whether or not he intends to carry on as prime minister.The announcement will come five days after the socialist prime minister shocked Spain by posting a four-page cri de coeur on social media in which he said that the continuing harassment and bullying operation" being waged against him and his wife by his political and media opponents had led him to cancel his public duties for the rest of the week while he reflected on his future. Continue reading...

Statement from government contradicts stance taken by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who said Portugal should not put issue in a drawer'Portugal's government has said it refuses to initiate any process to pay reparations for atrocities committed during transatlantic slavery and the colonial era, contrary to earlier comments from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.From the 15th to the 19th century, 6 million Africans were kidnapped and forcibly transported across the Atlantic by Portuguese vessels and sold into slavery, primarily in Brazil. Continue reading...

Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin face at least two years' jail on extremism' charges, which they deny, amid continuing crackdown on dissentTwo Russian journalists have been arrested on extremism" charges and ordered by courts there to remain in custody pending investigation and trial on accusations of working for a group founded by the late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny.Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin both denied the charges for which they will be detained for a minimum of two months before any trials begin. Each faces a minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of six years for alleged participation in an extremist organisation", according to Russian courts. Continue reading...

It comes as a sixth teenager was charged with terrorism-related offences after raids across Sydney as investigations continue into church stabbing

Four buildings destroyed in blast that also damaged homes in nearby villagesAn ammunition explosion at a base in south-western Cambodia has killed 20 soldiers and wounded several others, the prime minister has said.Hun Manet said in a Facebook post that he was deeply shocked" when he received the news of Saturday afternoon's blast at the base in Kampong Speu province. The cause was not immediately clear. Continue reading...

Kate Callingham, 39, died when the light aircraft crashed north of Falls Creek in Victoria

The government's scrapping of the Now Teach scheme, which has overdelivered on targets for older workers, has sparked an outcryMinisters have been accused of making a crisis in the recruitment of teachers even worse after axing funding to a much-praised programme helping older workers start a new career in the classroom.An outcry is already beginning over the decision to axe the career change programme, with organisers complaining that there will be barely anyone left to teach our children" unless Rishi Sunak lives up to his party conference pledge to prioritise education. Continue reading...

The institution hopes to shift the dial' and encourage a more diverse range of students to applyA key obstacle in the path of poorer aspiring actors is to be removed at one of the UK's leading drama schools, the Observer can reveal. The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, one of the country's top drama schools, where Dame Judi Dench, Andrew Garfield, Riz Ahmed, Jason Isaacs, Cush Jumbo and Martin Freeman all learned their craft, is to scrap audition fees for prospective students in an effort to broaden its intake.None of us want drama schools to be the preserve of the well off. Ideally, they are places where people from all backgrounds can come together and learn from each other," said Freeman, a Central graduate and star of The Responder, Sherlock and The Office. Without my grant from Richmond council many years ago, I would never have been able to enjoy my three years at Central. That seems to have become harder and harder in recent years; who knows how many young actors are lost to us, due to lack of funds. I hope this inspires others to follow suit in trying to make attending drama school fairer for all." Continue reading...

Amount paid for businessman John Jacob Astor's watch is highest ever for Titanic memorabilia, auctioneers sayA gold pocket watch that was recovered from the body of the richest man on the Titanic has sold for a record-breaking 1.2m.The watch was sold on Saturday to a private collector in the US at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, for the highest amount ever for Titanic memorabilia, the auctioneers said. Continue reading...

Police Scotland thanks public who helped trace 29-year-old Jamie Ross who escaped from guards while at Edinburgh crematoriumA prisoner who escaped from guards while attending a family funeral in Scotland has been found, police said.Officers began a search for Jamie Ross after he absconded from custody at about lunchtime on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Emergency services corden off large area of Darwen while army bomb disposal unit removes and destroys grenadeA town centre in Lancashire was placed in lockdown on Saturday, with British army bomb disposal experts forced to remove and destroy a grenade.It is understood that a member of the public had donated items to a heritage centre in Darwen which included the grenade. Continue reading...

The deputy prime minister says Australia remains committed to Ukraine's war effort as it struggles to hold back Russian advances

Private job providers can claim public money when jobseekers find work. But they need their payslips to do so, and some resort to extreme methods to get them

As first minister Humza Yousaf fights to stay in power, sources believe fallout from defunct coalition could help Labour win seats at general electionAn increasingly bitter split between the SNP and the Greens has brought even more Scottish parliamentary seats into play for Keir Starmer, Labour figures believe, amid a desperate fight by the first minister, Humza Yousaf, to stay in power.Yousaf has already refused to rule out a Holyrood election as he faces damaging no-confidence motions this week. On Saturday he wrote to the leaders of Scotland's political parties in an attempt to find common ground" following his decision to axe a coalition with the Scottish Greens that had propped up his government. Yousaf maintained that it would be a poor choice" for the Greens to back a no-confidence motion in his minority government. Continue reading...

UK PM points to Irish deputy PM's claim that threat of being deported led people to cross border from Northern IrelandAn increase in asylum seekers heading to to Ireland proves that the Conservative party's Rwanda plan is working, Rishi Sunak has claimed.In an interview with Sky News' Trevor Phillips that will air on Sunday morning, the prime minister said the deterrent is already having an impact because people are worried about coming here". Continue reading...

Risk-filled mission to escort aid from US-built floating pier into combat zone under consideration in defence ministryBritain's defence ministry is considering sending troops into Gaza to escort trucks of aid being driven off a giant floating pier built by the US military, a UK defence source has said.The pier is due to be completed next month in the eastern Mediterranean, and then it will be pushed towards the Gaza shore. But the US president, Joe Biden, has pledged that American forces managing the project will not set foot on land there. Continue reading...

Amendments to anti-prostitution law also enable courts to sentence trans people to three years in prisonIraq's parliament has passed a bill making same-sex relations punishable by up to 15 years in prison, in a move condemned as an attack on human rights".Transgender people will also be sentenced to three years in jail under the amendments to a 1988 anti-prostitution law, which were adopted during a session attended by 170 out of 329 lawmakers on Saturday. Continue reading...

ITV's international affairs editor became unwell while presenting News at Ten on Friday and is recovering at homeRageh Omaar has thanked everyone for their kindness and good wishes" as he recovers at home on Saturday after being treated in hospital.The ITV News international affairs editor was presenting the News at Ten on Friday evening when he appeared shaky and to be having difficulty reading the news bulletins. Continue reading...

Islamist group release new video apparently showing two hostages as UN warns famine thresholds will be breached within six weeksHamas has said it is studying the latest Israeli counterproposal regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza, a day after media reports said a delegation from Egypt had arrived in Israel in an attempt to jumpstart stalled negotiations.The signs of renewed truce talks come as the UN warned that famine thresholds in Gaza will be breached within the next six weeks" unless massive food assistance arrives. Continue reading...

In the wake of a controversial viral video, Holocaust survivors joined pro-Palestine demonstration while fears of antisemitism growA woman is standing next to a group of Holocaust survivors and their descendants in Trafalgar Square, clutching her dog's lead and livestreaming her challenge to the pro-Palestine marchers on her phone. Why will none of you condemn Hamas?" she repeats several times, for the benefit of those watching online.Most of the marchers ignore her, preferring instead to show their appreciation for the group of 11 survivors who oppose Israel's actions in the war in Gaza. One man yells at her but is quickly ushered along by his friends. One young woman standing with the survivors kneels down to make friends with the dog. Continue reading...

Defence secretary says MPs must give the PM space as Tory figures appear to be vying for leadershipConservative MPs looking for a new party leader need to allow Rishi Sunak to get on with the job", Grant Shapps has said.Amid speculation that Sunak could announce an election next week in order to stave off potential challengers for the top job, the defence secretary said now was not the time or place" to try to put another Conservative leader in place. The party is on its fifth leader since 2015. Continue reading...

Joint UK-French investigation alleges group advertised small-boat crossings of Channel on social mediaFour Vietnamese nationals have been arrested in London after an investigation into alleged people smugglers advertising small-boat crossings of the Channel on Facebook.The joint UK-French investigation alleges the group shared posts aimed at the Vietnamese community and charged migrants thousands of pounds to make the crossing. Continue reading...

More rallies to be held across the country on Sunday with attorney general claiming state and federal governments need to cooperate on plan of action

Stephen Timms says DWP letting unpaid carers incur enormous accidental overpayments'Ministers have been told to immediately" fix the issues causing tens of thousands of unpaid carers to incur enormous accidental overpayments" amid growing anger over the carer's allowance scandal.Stephen Timms, the chair of an influential parliamentary committee, said he was very troubled" that scores of carers were being forced into financial distress as a result of the government's mistakes. Continue reading...

Professors at Emory University arrested as campuses follow Columbia's lead in demanding ceasefire and divestment

The Azov brigade, which leaders say has a culture of mutual respect', is tasked with repelling relentless Russian attacks as the invaders make most of artillery mismatchFifteen miles east of the garrison town of Lyman, a desperate fight has been taking place on Ukraine's eastern front for months. The once verdant Serebryansky pine forest has been reduced to burnt-out stumps, reminiscent of images from the Somme, destroyed amid Russian attacks aimed at eliminating Ukrainian foxholes.Fearful that the frontline could crack last summer, Ukraine's commanders deployed the Azov infantry brigade to the sector. Their task was and is to repel what Maslo", a 29-year-old staff sergeant with the unit's first battalion, described as constant assaults, every day, sometimes for 24 hours". Occasionally the brigade makes dangerous counterattacks on foot. Continue reading...

Tower Hamlets criticised by its own mayor for taking down murals, while Redbridge reviews artwork after complaintsCouncil authorities have moved to take down pro-Palestine murals in east London, while another is being reviewed after complaints were made by pro-Israel lawyers.The latter, which depicts four journalists standing against a backdrop of ruins and under the words Heroes of Palestine", went up last month in Redbridge, east London, as local authorities came under pressure over similar murals. Continue reading...

US activist, 69, speaks to NBC amid growing effort to prevent I Am Ruby Bridges and other works being available to school studentsIncreasingly, the US civil rights icon Ruby Bridges - the first Black child to integrate a school in Louisiana - has seen some adults seek to prevent grade-school students from accessing the books and films that chronicle her story, saying the tale makes white children feel bad about themselves.But that justification is ridiculous" because my biggest fans are kids all around the world", Bridges told NBC's Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker in an interview airing on Sunday morning's episode of the show. Continue reading...

Over 100 firefighters, 30 lifeguards and 32 police officers called to help as flames tore through restaurant at end of California pierA historic southern California pier caught fire on Thursday, burning for several hours until firefighters battling the blaze from boats were able to extinguish the flames.Flames tore through a restaurant at the end of the Oceanside Pier, the longest wooden pier on the US west coast, and heavily damaged the closed diner and a neighboring business. Continue reading...

Exclusive: New research shows extent to which schools are struggling to provide qualified teachers for every classHundreds of thousands of pupils in England and Wales are being educated on the cheap" by low-paid teaching assistants (TAs) covering lessons for teachers who are off sick or have quit, according to new research.A desperate teacher recruitment crisis, compounded by inadequate funding, means schools across the country are struggling to put a qualified teacher at the front of every class, unions say. Continue reading...

Campaign Against Antisemitism, led by Gideon Falter, cites safety fears and promises more protests to comeCampaign Against Antisemitism has cancelled its planned counter-protest against a pro-Palestinian march through central London on Saturday.The group, led by Gideon Falter, had said it wanted to use the walk together" initiative to support its view that the area around the planned pro-Palestinian march was not safe for Jewish people. Continue reading...

SNP leader says he will take party into general election, as Scottish Labour submits motion against his governmentHumza Yousaf is fighting for his political life as he faces two no confidence motions submitted against him and his government in the space of 24 hours.Yousaf insisted he would not resign as first minister and vowed to fight on, amid intense speculation about his leadership after he axed the SNP's governing agreement with the Scottish Greens on Thursday morning, provoking a furious backlash that resulted in his former partners pledging to vote with the Tories against him. Continue reading...

Former PM's first-week sales compare with 21,000 for David Cameron's memoir and 92,000 for Tony Blair bookLiz Truss's book about her 49-day stint as prime minister sold 2,228 copies in the UK during its first week on sale, after a wall-to-wall promotional media blitz.Ten Years to Save the West: Lessons from the Only Conservative in the Room, combines an account of Truss's time in office with a call to arms for the political right. Continue reading...

Politicians decry shameful' incident on domestic flight in which Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak's headdress was taken by airline staffCanada's largest airline has apologized to a prominent First Nations chief after her ceremonial headdress was removed from the plane's cabin, wrapped in a plastic bag and moved to the baggage hold.Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, national chief of the assembly of First Nations, was flying domestically on Wednesday when she said her headdress was taken by airline staff. Continue reading...