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NSW premier says the ambulance commissioner arranged an ambulance on his behalf but it was categorised as low-priority

Chinese capital saw more deaths than births in 2022 as high cost of living and education as well as legacy of one-child policy take their tollBeijing’s population has declined for the first time in almost two decades, new population figures have revealed.In 2022 there were more deaths than births in the Chinese capital, home to more than 21 million people, resulting in a natural population growth of minus 0.05 per 1,000 people. It is the first time the population has gone backwards since 2003. Continue reading...

Motion from Animal Justice Party MP succeeds as regulator welcomes ‘opportunity to update and enhance our existing systems’

Conservationist criticises ACF for working to strike a deal on safeguard mechanism and undermining the Greens’ position

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people severely overrepresented among the 122,400 people recorded as homeless

Independent Jacqui Scruby accuses Liberals of attempting to ‘deceive’ voters after signs that say ‘you can just vote one’ appear in contested seat

Federal health minister says his predecessor was unable to enact stronger border controls because he was ‘rolled’ by his party room

Love Better campaign includes a video that encourages teenagers to delete their exes on social media“OK, I’m doing it. I’m officially deleting my ex from all my socials,” a young woman says, looking determinedly into her phone screen. She leans closer and whispers: “I’m moving on.”The footage appears in a New Zealand government video which affirms the universal truth that “break-ups suck”, as part of an unusual new campaign to support young people through their experience of being dumped and suggest healthy ways to process their feelings. Continue reading...

Burnout, poor work/life balance and ‘unsustainable’ pressures are causing many NHS family practitioners to consider retirementGPs in the UK have some of the highest stress levels and lowest job satisfaction among family doctors, a 10-country survey has found.British GPs suffer from high levels of burnout, have a worse work/life balance and spend less time with patients during appointments than their peers in many other places. Continue reading...

Refugee Council figures reveal potential human and economic cost of government’s illegal migration billNearly 200,000 people, including more than 40,000 children, could be locked up or forced into destitution if the government’s controversial illegal migration bill becomes law, according to new analysis by the Refugee Council.The charity has used government data and the numbers of asylum seekers the Home Office said it hopes to deport from the UK, to project how many people are likely to either be forcibly removed or left in limbo in the first three years of the new legislation if it becomes law, at a cost to the taxpayer of around £9bn. Home Office officials say they do not recognise these figures. Continue reading...

Apps in Australia gathered information about finances and housing which could be sold to advertisers, research by UNSW and Choice found

Falling life expectancy and fears of voter unhappiness thought to be behind rethink about increase to 68 late next decadeMinisters have reportedly delayed plans to bring forward a rise in the state pension age amid falling life expectancy in the UK.The state pension age, which is currently 66, was due to rise to 68 after 2044 but reports earlier this year suggested ministers had planned to bring the increase forward to between 2037 and 2039. Continue reading...

Rainbow rights group says peaceful protesters were set upon outside a Catholic church in Belfield

The voting machine company is suing the news channel over its disingenuous coverage of various outlandish election claimsLawyers for Fox News and the voting equipment company Dominion faced off in a Delaware courtroom on Tuesday in the latest phase of Dominion’s closely watched $1.6bn defamation suit against the media company for spreading election lies.Both sides offered dueling narratives of Fox’s liability for spreading false information. The network presented outlandish claims about Dominion while knowing it was false, lawyers for Dominion said. Fox’s lawyers, by contrast, said that the network was merely airing newsworthy claims by the former president that any reasonable viewer would have understood to be allegations. The judge overseeing the case unexpectedly extended the hearing to Wednesday to give both sides more time to make their case. Continue reading...

Mayor turns on display made up of 30,000 sustainable lights on eve of Muslim month of fastingSadiq Khan has switched on the London’s first ever celebratory Ramadan lights, in Piccadilly Circus.It is the first time a European city has seen such a grand display for the festival, with the installation featuring 30,000 sustainable lights. Continue reading...

Aircraft will take off and land vertically, and carry a single passenger between transport hubs, says capital’s airports operatorAthletes are getting in shape for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, and so is the world’s first electric air taxi network.“We are going to make it happen,” Solène Le Bris of Paris airports operator Groupe ADP told an industry audience at Amsterdam Drone Week. “We are trying to launch the first e-VTOL [vertical takeoff and landing] pre-commercial service in the world: that’s our ambition.” Continue reading...

Metropolitan police commissioner says ‘institutional’ label is confusing and political as fallout from Casey report continuesSadiq Khan has publicly clashed with the commissioner of the Metropolitan police, saying he disagrees with Sir Mark Rowley’s refusal to describe his force as institutionally misogynistic, racist and homophobic.The mayor of London, one of two people who appointed Rowley, spoke as the fallout from Louise Casey’s bombshell report into Scotland Yard continued. Continue reading...

Timing is controversial given actions of Israel’s far-right government towards settlements and judiciaryThe UK and Israel have signed a long-term agreement strengthening ties in the fields of defence, security and technology following plans announced last year to put relations between the two countries on an elevated footing.The timing of Tuesday’s agreement is controversial since it will be seen as a mark of approval for Israel’s far-right government, which has put settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank at the top of its agenda and faces a massive backlash over plans to neuter the role of the judiciary. Continue reading...

Former prime minister says he believes evidence shows he did not recklessly mislead parliament over PartygateBoris Johnson claims there is no document showing that he was given “any warning or advice” than any No 10 event may have broken Covid rules. He says:It is clear from that investigation that there is no evidence at all that supports an allegation that I intentionally or recklessly misled the house. The only exception is the assertions of the discredited Dominic Cummings, which are not supported by any documentation.There is not a single document that indicates that I received any warning or advice that any event broke or may have broken the rules or guidance. In fact, the evidence before the committee demonstrates that those working at No 10 at the time shared my honest belief that the rules and guidance were being followed.I accept that the House of Commons was misled by my statements that the rules and guidance had been followed completely at No 10. But when the statements were made, they were made in good faith and on the basis of what I honestly knew and believed at the time. Continue reading...

Human rights campaigners condemn bill introducing capital and life imprisonment sentencesMPs in Uganda have passed a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which would make homosexual acts punishable by death, attracting strong condemnation from rights campaigners.Nearly all of the 389 legislators voted late on Tuesday for the hardline anti-homosexuality bill, which introduces capital and life imprisonment sentences for gay sex and “recruitment, promotion and funding” of same-sex “activities”. Continue reading...

Former PM to argue he did not intend to mislead MPs, at hearing that could lead to suspension from parliament

Verdict by hardline Tory MPs follows decision by DUP to also oppose Windsor framework

Damning report may bolster Mark Rowley’s declared mission of reform but he needs to take ‘cops on the ground’ with himParadoxically, now the full scale of the dysfunction at the Metropolitan police, exposed by Louise Casey’s report, is known to the public, the force’s commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, could start to get a bit more of what he wants.Rowley has asked for time to start turning the force around, and as the dust settles it was clear that the two people he needs to fear the most because they can sack him – the home secretary and London mayor – will give him that. Continue reading...

Russian leader reacts to comments by UK defence minister that Britain will supply armour-piercing rounds to Kyiv

Former PM’s defence dossier released ahead of parliamentary committee hearing on Wednesday

Defence industry minister Pat Conroy admits ‘scope’ for extra costs and that local shipbuilder ASC may not win contract for British designed boats

Only 15% of local councils collect data on proportion of parents who are able to access sufficient childcareThe government’s claims that there are enough childcare places in England are “meaningless” as councils collect little to no information on whether provision meets local demand, experts have said.Local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area under section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006. Continue reading...

Exhibition evoking childhood experiences brings together installations by nine artistsNine leading contemporary artists have come together to create an interactive exhibition in Barcelona for kids – and anyone in touch with their inner child.“Before the pandemic we had the idea of mounting an exhibition of contemporary art for people of all ages, something that children could relate to but also so that older people could relive the experience of being a child and participate as if they were children,” said Martina Millà, who jointly curated the show at the Fundació Joan Miró with Patrick Ronse, the artistic director of the Be-Part contemporary art platform in Belgium. Continue reading...

Evidence given to federal court reveals extensive delay in the review process, including 42 freedom of information cases languishing for five years

Wiradjuri designer to hold standalone runway for her label Ngali as the industry continues to feel shockwaves from pandemic

Move poses political risk for US president, who has a difficult relationship with his Chinese counterpart Xi JinpingA bill requiring the release of intelligence materials on potential links between the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan has been signed into law by US president Joe Biden.“We need to get to the bottom of Covid-19’s origins … including potential links to the Wuhan Institute of Virology,” Biden said in a statement. “In implementing this legislation, my administration will declassify and share as much of that information as possible. Continue reading...

Bulk of people polled say major policy announcements from Labor and Coalition will not sway their vote in lead-up to election

Western Sydney University says its partnership with the Ministry of Ayush will ‘advance the scientific base of Ayurveda’Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastWestern Sydney University is partnering with an Indian health ministry that has promoted the use of pseudoscientific and potentially harmful treatments to Covid-19.Ayurveda has been used in India for centuries as a natural alternative to western medicine. But its efficacy has been widely debunked and it can be dangerous in some instances. Continue reading...

Initial call for protest came after family of headteacher Ruth Perry said she took her own life after news of lowest ratingA Berkshire headteacher who issued a plea on social media for support for her plan to prevent Ofsted inspectors visiting her school has withdrawn her request, asking people not to come to the school, in the interests of children and staff.Flora Cooper, the executive headteacher at the John Rankin federation of nursery, infant and junior schools in Newbury, wrote on Twitter earlier on Monday that Ofsted inspectors were due to visit on Tuesday morning.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, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 988 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org Continue reading...

Report of more than 300 pages identifies institutional homophobia, misogyny and racism in force and unwillingness to deal with failures

Author of landmark report says Met can ‘no longer presume that it has the permission of the people of London to police them’

Analysis: Metropolitan police again found to be institutionally racist, sexist and homophobic – and in need of radical reform

The students who had their visas revoked will present a petition to Downing Street on TuesdayA group of international students and campaigners are calling on the prime minister to end their years of living in limbo after accusations of cheating in English language tests.The students had their visas revoked almost 10 years ago after a BBC Panorama documentary reported allegations of cheating at two of the UK’s language testing centres for international students.A simple, free mechanism for students to apply for a decision or reconsideration of their case.The immigration record of every student cleared of cheating to be wiped clean.Facilitate students’ return to study, or support those on work or entrepreneur visas to find new jobs or restart their businesses – by removing barriers created by the cheating allegations. Continue reading...

Of that number, 72,875 have had their claims refused but are yet to be deported according to government figures

Royal commission also criticises federal disability watchdog for its handling of complaints centred on provider Afford

Ethiopian, Eritrean and rebel forces committed offences during two-year conflict, Antony Blinken has saidThe United States has concluded that Ethiopian and Eritrean troops as well as rebels committed war crimes during the brutal two-year conflict, secretary of state Antony Blinken has said after visiting Addis Ababa.Blinken, who had sounded upbeat in Ethiopia about the prospects for peace after a breakthrough 2 November accord, made a forceful call for accountability on his return to Washington. Continue reading...

The actor was found collapsed outside King’s Cross station in London on Thursday afternoonPaul Grant, an actor who appeared in the Star Wars and Harry Potter films, has died aged 56 after being found collapsed outside a train station.Grant was found outside King’s Cross station in north London on Thursday afternoon. Continue reading...

Chinese leader expected to position himself as peacemaker as Vladimir Putin welcomes his ‘good old friend’

Former prime minister has submitted dossier defending his behaviour before televised grilling on WednesdayDowning Street has rejected a claim that government announcements are being held back this week because of all the media attention that the Boris Johnson privileges hearing will get. Asked about the claim (see 11.36am), the PM’s spokesperson said:There is a large number of announcements being made this week, whether that’s on support for low-income households on energy, and obviously the vote on the Stormont brake on Wednesday so it is a significant week for government.It’s wrong to suggest government business changes as a result of this committee hearing. Continue reading...

Privileges committee not expected to release report on whether former PM misled parliament until April at the earliestMPs investigating Boris Johnson over his Partygate denials are not expected to release their final report on whether he misled parliament until next month at the earliest, the Guardian has been told.After the former prime minister submitted what was termed a “bombshell” 50-page dossier laying out his defence on Monday afternoon, sources suggested a verdict by the privileges committee would come after Easter. Continue reading...

Antony Blinken says China proposals could be ‘stalling tactic’ to help Russian troops in Ukraine as Xi Jinping meets Vladimir Putin in Moscow. This live blog is closed

Trade unions have led strikes against proposed rise in pension age, which is now likely to become lawThe French government has survived two votes of no confidence but Emmanuel Macron continues to face protests and strikes over his decision to use executive powers to push through an unpopular rise in the pension age.Although the prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, avoided having to instantly resign, the president remains under pressure to break his silence and shore up the government amid growing anger in the streets. Opposition politicians in parliament accused him of arrogance, denying democracy and failing to learn from the gilets jaunes (yellow vests) anti-government protest movement four years ago. Continue reading...

Labour accuse government of failing taxpayers and troops with £5.5bn programme that is already six years lateA troubled £5.5bn programme which is already six years late in building the British army’s new Ajax fighting vehicle won’t be delivered until the end of the decade.Labour accused the government of failing British taxpayers and troops after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that payments towards vehicles will resume after ministers concluded the programme is “turning a corner”. Continue reading...

Positive framing of otherwise grim report a counterblast to those who dismiss hopes of limiting global heating to 1.5CAvoiding the worst ravages of climate breakdown is still possible, and there are “multiple, feasible and effective options” for doing so, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said.Hoesung Lee, chair of the body, which is made up of the world’s leading climate scientists, made clear that – despite the widespread damage already being caused by extreme weather, and the looming threat of potentially catastrophic changes – the future was still humanity’s to shape. Continue reading...

Series of actions planned this spring as union members call for more pay since firms are ‘raking it’Oil and gas workers have voted in favour of a series of large-scale North Sea strikes amid bumper profits for fossil fuel firms.About 1,400 workers across five rig-servicing companies plan to strike between late March and early June as part of a dispute over jobs, pay and conditions – potentially shutting down platforms in the region. Continue reading...