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Alice Litman had been waiting more than three years to receive gender-affirming healthcare when she died in May 2022Lengthy waiting lists and significant barriers that prevent transgender people accessing gender-affirming care in the UK contributed to a decline in the mental health of a young trans woman who killed herself, a coroner has concluded.Sarah Clarke, the assistant coroner for West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, on Friday delivered a narrative verdict at the end of the inquest into Alice Litman, 20, who had been waiting to receive gender-affirming healthcare for more than three years when she died in Brighton in May 2022.In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org Continue reading...

Arrested suspect was on watchlist of people known to be security risk in connection with radical IslamismA teacher has been killed and two other people critically injured in a stabbing at a school in Arras, northern France.The suspected attacker, who has been arrested, was on a watchlist of people known to be a security risk in connection with radical Islamism. Local media reported that he was a former pupil at the Gambetta-Carnot school. Continue reading...

Deal on table would give consultants another hefty rise on top of the 6% Rishi Sunak described as finalGovernment officials and doctors' leaders are holding secret talks with the aim of ending strikes by hospital consultants before the start of the NHS's winter crisis.In a remarkable move, the deal under discussion would give consultants in England a hefty further pay rise for this year in return for calling off their stoppages. That is despite Rishi Sunak's previous insistence that he would not revisit the 6% award he described as final. Continue reading...

Met initially took no action but reopened inquiry after video showed staff drinking alcohol and dancingThe Metropolitan police have recommended 24 fixed-penalty notices be imposed for breaches of Covid rules at a pandemic-era Christmas party held by the campaign team of a Conservative peer.Officers initially decided to take no action over the December 2020 gathering at the Conservative headquarters (CCHQ), despite a photograph showing the then mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey amid a crowd of apparent revellers - with some holding drinks and standing next to a buffet. Continue reading...

Rishi Sunak fails to gain electoral benefit from party conference season, poll says, as Labour receives two-point boost during its conferenceRishi Sunak has recorded a clip for broadcasters from the JEF meeting in Sweden. Echoing the line used by Grant Shapps this morning (see 9.40am), he offered more or less unequivocal support for Israel. He downplayed the concerns about the legality of the Israeli operation, while saying the UK was aligned with Washington in wanting Israel to protect civilians as far as possible.Asked if he had any sympathy for innocent Palestinians, many of whom have no affiliation to Hamas whatsoever who may lose their lives because of this", and if he had discussed their plight when he spoke to Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli PM last night, Sunak replied:We're monitoring the situation very closely. We have formally updated our travel advice. And of course humanitarian concerns, and protecting the civilians, are very important. And this is something that I spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu about late last night. It's also why we've moved Royal Navy assets into the Mediterranean over the coming week. They will be able to provide humanitarian support if required.It's important to remember why we're in this very difficult situation, and that's because Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation, committed an appalling act and barbarity and has killed over 1,000 Israelis, including women and children, in scenes that are quite frankly horrific and that we haven't seen in decades.It is unequivocally wrong, and there is no moral ambiguity about that.Of course, we should always and we are always having concerns of civilians paramount in our mind, something I've discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu myself.And I'm aligned with what the secretary of state from the United States and the president have said, that, of course, Israel should take every possible precaution to protect civilians as they exercise their rightful ability to defend themselves. Continue reading...

The premiere of the Eras Tour concert film, a surprise one day earlier than planned, got Swift's devoted fans singing along and dancing in the aislesFor weeks, theater chains in the US have discovered the depth of the public's interest in Taylor Swift: colossal, and seemingly endless. The question dogging Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, the concert film version of her commerce-shifting, career-spanning stadium show, is not if it will be record-breaking but by how much. It's already the most lucrative concert film in US presales, and dropped a money bomb into the October box office calendar; producer Jason Blum moved the premiere of The Exorcist: Believer up a week so as not to compete (#TaylorWins," he tweeted).In terms of raw economic power, Swift stays winning. The film, which the 33-year-old singer produced and financed herself for about $15m, is projected to take in as much as $125m domestically in its opening weekend, plus around $60m overseas - a much-needed bump for theaters in their post-Barbenheimer slump, as the joint actors and writers strikes pushed a number of premieres to 2024. And in bypassing streamers and studios altogether, Swift has forged a cinematic profit lane already reaping results for other artists; Beyonce's Renaissance tour film, which has a similar direct distribution deal with AMC, has already sold $7m in tickets for its 1 December release. Continue reading...

Heavy rain forecast in the south with parts of rural and northern Scotland expected to have overnight snowParts of the UK are likely to experience freezing temperatures and snow this weekend as the weather across the country cools after a spell of unseasonably warm temperatures in some areas, the Met Office has said.Temperatures in northern and rural parts of Scotland are forecast to be as low as -4C with snow overnight. In London, while the weekend could start warm - with potential highs of 20C - it is likely to get colder quickly. Continue reading...

UK prime minister calls for people's safety to be paramount' as Israel prepares for ground offensive UK politics live - latest updates

Regulator found Czech tycoon's South Humber Bank raised prices when operator was likely to pay plants to stop generating power

Shoes were stolen in 2005 from Judy Garland Museum and recovered in 2018 by the FBI, but no one was charged until this yearA man charged with the museum heist of a pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the The Wizard of Oz was expected to change his plea to guilty in court Friday, pulling back the curtain on a whodunnit mystery dating back 18 years.Terry Jon Martin, 76, was indicted in May on one count of theft of a major artwork. The shoes from the film were stolen in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in the actor's hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and recovered in 2018 by the FBI. Continue reading...

The actor was unable to attend the Stop Trump Summit in New York due to Covid, but his statement was read out warning that we must take the danger very seriously'Actor Robert De Niro has launched another broadside at Donald Trump, calling the former president and likely Republican nominee for the 2024 election evil" and a wannabe tough guy with no morals or ethics".De Niro's statement was aired on Wednesday at the Stop Trump Summit in New York City, organised by the New Republic magazine. De Niro was unable to attend the event in person due to testing positive for Covid, but his statement was read out by Miles Taylor, a former Trump administration official and author of Blowback: A Warning to Save Democracy from the Next Trump. Continue reading...

While the DUP conference may put a brave face on the crisis, public services and even the state's legitimacy are hollowing

Reed Wischhusen found guilty of possessing explosive substance and firearm with intent to endanger lifeA warehouse worker obsessed with mass killings has been convicted of plotting to carry out revenge" attacks at his old primary school, a police headquarters and his workplace.Reed Wischhusen, 32, was found guilty by a jury of having an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, possessing ammunition with intent to endanger life and possessing a prohibited firearm without a certificate. Continue reading...

UN says Israeli military has given 1.1m Gaza residents 24 hours to move amid warnings it could cause devastating humanitarian consequences'

Move comes after assassination of former PM Shinzo Abe and growing criticism of fundraising activitiesJapan's government has asked a court to strip the Unification church of its status, amid growing criticism of the group's fundraising activities after the assassination last year of the former prime minister Shinzo Abe.If the Tokyo district court accepts the request, the church - whose members are colloquially known as Moonies - will be stripped of its status as a religious corporation and lose exemptions from corporate and property taxes, as well as a tax on income from monetary offerings. Continue reading...

Police were called to the museum in the inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst shortly before midday after alleged antisemitic display

Supporter Prof Megan Davis also expresses dismay at extraordinary' attacks from critics on eve of historic vote

But man's identity will remain secret for now after lawyers in court immediately flagged they would lodge an appeal

Exclusive: Central Queensland child protection investigation unit complained after family reported alleged assault in August

Gaza death toll passes 1,500, a third of them children; Human Rights Watch says Israel used white phosphorous in Gaza City port and rural Lebanon

As Nathanel Young, 20, was buried, the streets of the divided city remained uneasily empty with both sides fearing reprisals

Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon clash in heated final debate ahead of 14 October vote as left-leaning government trails right bloc in pollsThe leaders of New Zealand's two major political parties have made a last ditch effort to sway votes in their favour on the final day of campaigning before the country's general election.The leaders clashed in their most heated debate yet - the last of the campaign, which aired on TVNZ on Thursday night. In his final message, Labour's Chris Hipkins warned the public that a vote for the opposition would bake in poverty and see action on climate change go backwards. Continue reading...

Investigation comes amid heightened tensions in the city around the ongoing conflict between Israel and HamasPolice in New York are investigating at least three incidents targeting Palestinians and Jews in the city amid heightened tensions around the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.A series of attacks and threats were reported across the city on Wednesday night. Earlier this week mayor Eric Adams said that New York police were on high alert" for potential violence inspired by the latest Middle Eastern conflict. Continue reading...

Hamas attack deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust', says Biden; Gaza's only power station runs out of fuel

There is no sign of a trend back to a yes vote, which has an estimated 41.6% support nationally - but needs to be closer to 53%

Government accused of letting down victims as full prisons mean convicted criminals will spend longer on bailVictims of crime in England and Wales are being let down by a government that has failed to provide adequate resources to the criminal justice system, women's groups have said, after it emerged that sentencing hearings of convicted criminals currently on bail - including rapists and burglars - were to be delayed because prisons are full.It has been reported that the senior presiding judge for England and Wales, Lord Justice Edis, issued the guidance on a private call with senior crown court judges. A government source told the Guardian it applied to those who had been on bail throughout the court process and had, therefore, already been assessed as lower risk. Continue reading...

IOC suspends Russian Olympic Committee; Ukraine claims to have foiled attempted incursion into Sumy; Putin visits Kyrgystan

Ministers announce 3m extra funding for charity that helps protect Jewish community sites

International Olympic Committee says inclusion of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia merits immediate suspension

Humza Yousaf says Lisa Cameron's move was the least surprising news I've had as leader of the SNP'NHS waiting lists have hit a new record high, with more people facing long waits, PA Media reports. PA says:Figures for the NHS in England show 7.75 million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of August, up from 7.68 million in July.This is the highest number since records began in August 2007 and comes despite Rishi Sunak saying cutting waiting lists is one of his priorities. Continue reading...

Footballer says becoming champions was the only way that we had left to be heard, respected and valued'The Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso has said Spain's World Cup win was part of a more human, more transcendent" battle for equality in her first public remarks since her team's triumph was overshadowed by an unsolicited kiss.The speech was made as part of an event in Mexico, where Hermoso plays for the football club Pachuca, and which featured a tribute to the world champion. The 33-year-old began by describing her emotions as she lifted the World Cup trophy alongside her teammates. Continue reading...

As National Trust draws line under criminal act, members of public suggest future uses for timberSome saw the day as a chance to say farewell. One person described the event as a full stop" to the saga. But as the criminally felled, world-famous Sycamore Gap tree was carefully removed from its home on Hadrian's Wall, people also spoke of hope, optimism and rebirth.The irony of this criminal act is that we have reset the clock on this tree now," said Andrew Poad, the National Trust's general manager of the site. In forestry terms, it has been coppiced and it will regrow." Continue reading...

John Singer Sargent picture of soldiers blinded by mustard gas, the most popular at the Imperial War Museum, is seen in new lightSince it was unveiled just months after the end of the first world war, John Singer Sargent's monumental painting Gassed has been hailed as an era-defining artwork, going on to be the most popular in the collection of the Imperial War Museum in London.Enormous in scale - it is more than 6 metres wide - the painting depicts lines of soldiers, blinded by mustard gas, picking their way through a crowded battlefield, each with a hand on the shoulder of the man in front. In later decades many viewers have admired Sargent's uncharacteristic use of a greenish-yellow colour scheme, emphasising the flat khaki of the soldiers' uniforms and perhaps even a queasy atmosphere tinged with poison gas, in which two men lean over to vomit. Continue reading...

At press conference with Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, US secretary of state says America will always be by Israel's side

Several chief executives called for names to be made public so that they, and others, could know not to hire the studentsA group of US business leaders has demanded that Harvard University release the names of students who were part of organizations that signed a letter blaming Israel for deadly attacks by Hamas that triggered a severe escalation of violence across Israel and Gaza.Several chief executives called for the names to be made public so that they, and others, could know not to hire the students once they leave Harvard. Continue reading...

Head of US foreign affairs committee says warning was given, but it is unclear at what level', supporting claims reported from Egyptian sources

Senior judge quoted by the Times says biggest concern' over guidance is those convicted of sexual assault likely to stay on bailJudges have been told to delay the sentencing of convicted criminals currently on bail - including rapists and burglars - because prisons are full, the Guardian understands.The guidance reportedly came from the senior presiding judge for England and Wales, Lord Justice Edis, on a private call with senior crown court judges. Continue reading...

Republican South Carolina congresswoman refuses to support Steve Scalise, party's choice for US House speakerA Republican opposing Steve Scalise, the party's pick for US House speaker, claimed Democrats trusted Jim Jordan, the hard-right Ohioan Scalise defeated in an internal vote on Wednesday.I think Jim Jordan is not out of the mix," Nancy Mace of South Carolina told CNN on Wednesday night. I have talked to a lot of people who still support him. I have actually talked to Democrats who trust him at his word. I don't think that's out of the realm of possibility." Continue reading...

Nato ministers to be briefed on Balticconnector closure, as Finnish officials say Russia is now treating their country as hostile'

Winner of sustainable designer prize says we're consuming and we're discarding' but fashion's demands on resources far outweigh planet's supplyKit Willow of luxury brand Kit X cautioned against Australian fashion's crazy linear model of overconsumption" after receiving the sustainable designer award at the 2023 Australian Fashion Laureate.We're consuming and we're discarding, yet the price of raw materials are going up and the demand on virgin resources is far outweighing the supply, the Earth's supply," Willow said. Continue reading...

Bruising campaigns for and against recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have exposed enduring racial dividesAustralians look set to reject a referendum proposal to recognise Indigenous people in the constitution by creating a body to advise parliament, with polls showing a clear majority for no in almost all states before Saturday's vote.To be accepted, the proposal needs to achieve a majority national vote and a majority in at least four of the six states. No referendum has succeeded in Australia without bipartisan support and this one - the country's first since 1999 - looks no different. Continue reading...

Judges rule environmental impact in Narva-Joesuu had not been fully assessed after activists brought caseEstonia's supreme court has ordered the state energy company Enefit to halt construction on a shale oil plant because of the damage it will do to the environment.Young activists took the municipality of Narva-Joesuu to court over claims the building permit it granted breached international climate agreements. The court ruled it had assessed the climate impact well enough but not the environmental impact, and revoked the permit. Continue reading...

Mike Burgess issues rare public statement asking all parties consider the implications for social cohesion'

Regulator to look into use of freelancers and agencies to produce, create and broadcast content across UKThe competition watchdog has launched an investigation into a group of broadcasters, including the BBC and ITV, over their use of freelance staff and services.The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it had reasonable grounds to suspect one or more breaches of competition law" in the use of external services and non-permanent staff to produce, create and broadcast their TV content across the UK. Continue reading...

Comments heard at a recent pro-Palestine protest in Sydney would come under the laws which aim to crack down on vilification, lawyers say

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LNP opposition says women should expect a lot better' while health minister apologises for year 11 student's experience and says hospital will improve its processesA 17-year-old alleged rape victim says she is disappointed" that it took reporting by the media for her to receive an offer of an apology from a Queensland hospital, seven weeks after the last correspondence regarding her complaint.Guardian Australia revealed on Thursday the year 11 student, Tilly*, left the hospital in tears without undergoing a full examination in August after waiting three hours due to no trained staff being available. Tilly said that when a doctor did come, she admitted to not being qualified to perform the procedure and appeared aggravated".Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...

Angelene Falk responds to Leo Hardiman's extraordinary accusations to a Senate inquiry which he claimed led to his resignation