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With Russia still in control of a large swathe of occupied territory, Ukraine may encounter unexpected resistance as it tries to push southRussia’s sheepish yet televised announcement that it will abandon Kherson city and points west of the Dnipro represents, on the face of it, a remarkable victory for Ukraine and a sophisticated military strategy. If the withdrawal does indeed lead to the swift recapture of the city, the Ukrainians will have done so with relatively little loss of life and without what could have been costly urban warfare.

NHS braces for prolonged period of industrial action by health workers over the winter and into next yearNurses have voted to stage strikes across the UK for the first time in their history in pursuit of a better pay deal, in a move that will seriously disrupt NHS care.The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) announced on Wednesday that nurses at many, but not all, hospitals and other places of NHS care would take industrial action before Christmas and could continue striking until next May. Continue reading...

Judicial review begins over definition of ‘woman’ in 2018 law to improve gender balance on public boardsThe Scottish government is facing a judicial review over plans to include transgender women in legislation aimed at improving gender balance on public boards.Aidan O’Neill KC, for the campaign group For Women Scotland, said the court of session’s ruling would have significant implications for the protection of single-sex spaces across the UK, as well as proposals to simplify how transgender people can alter their birth certificate currently being debated by the Scottish parliament. Continue reading...

Loss of only regional capital captured by Moscow since invasion began will come as significant blow to Vladimir Putin

Colleagues come to defence of pair subjected to ‘coordinated attack’ over meeting last monthHungary’s leading judges have launched a defence of two colleagues who say they have faced a “full-scale smear campaign” by state-supporting media after the pair met the US ambassador.The US embassy in Budapest has also spoken out against a “coordinated media attack” on the judges that it said was “an effort to instil fear” in anyone wishing to engage with the US government. Continue reading...

Home secretary believe police definition of ‘serious disruption’ is too narrow; Keir Starmer tells PM Williamson was ‘pathetic bully’This live blog is now closedAs promised, here is more on the death of Sir David Butler, the father of modern election science.Here is our story about his death. Continue reading...

Most senior Chinese Communist party official jailed over Tiananmen pro-democracy movement became one of party’s most vociferous criticsBao Tong, the most senior Chinese Communist party official jailed over the Tiananmen pro-democracy movement, has died, four days after his 90th birthday.

Lewis Moody says men like him who have difficulty controlling their bladder or bowel face indignity in public bathroomsThe World Cup-winning England rugby player Lewis Moody has issued a taboo-breaking demand for sanitary disposal bins to become compulsory in male public bathrooms to cater for men with incontinence.Moody, 44, is one of about 10% of men who have had problems controlling their bladder or bowel, many of whom regularly wear absorbent pads. But unlike women who can normally access special bins for period and incontinence pads, men often have nowhere to dispose of them, worsening an already uncomfortable experience. Continue reading...

The singer, who was a main part of the Tropicália movement, had recently canceled an appearance at a music festival after surgeryGal Costa, the influential Brazilian singer who was one of the principal figures in the Tropicália movement of the 1960s, died on Wednesday, her public relations agency confirmed. She was 77.No cause of death was immediately provided. The singer, who lived in São Paulo, had recently canceled a concert at a local music festival on advice from her doctor, after surgery in September to remove a nodule from her right nasal cavity. She had been expected to return to the stage in São Paulo in December, according to tour dates listed on her website. Continue reading...

Mood on frontline buoyant in face of increasingly ‘panicking’ Russian forces

Swiss-born prince wants control of club named after his ancestors after managers arrested in extortion probeThe grandson of Italy’s last king is seeking to take the throne of a historic Naples football club that was named in honour of the royals, in an effort to “keep it away” from the mafia.Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia wants to buy Savoia, a club established in 1908 in Torre Annunziata, Naples, making it one of the oldest clubs in southern Italy. Continue reading...

At PMQs, Labour leader compares prime minister to a weak boss hiding behind bullies

Regulator says vulnerable households put on prepayment meters can be left without power for days and even weeksOfgem has told energy suppliers in Britain to clean up their act after it received alarming reports of cash-strapped households being left without power for days or even weeks after being pushed on to a prepayment meter.A recent analysis by the price comparison website Uswitch showed the number of people on a prepayment meter was rising for the first time since 2019 with thousands of Britons being switched every month as they struggle to pay higher energy bills. Continue reading...

In teaser for Wednesday’s show, former health secretary squeals as insects and thick liquid fall on him from aboveA preview of I’m a Celebrity shows Matt Hancock crawling through dark tunnels, showered with bugs and wading through sludge.ITV shared the teaser ahead of Wednesday night’s show, which showed the former health secretary squealing as insects and thick liquid are poured on him from above. Continue reading...

Makers of Bollywood film say it is based on real information and events but have not provided any evidencePolice in Kerala are investigating a controversial Bollywood film that portrays the southern Indian state as a hub of Islamic terrorism and forced conversion.The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen, has come under criticism for its fictional depiction of tens of thousands of women from Kerala who it claims were converted to Islam and became terrorists for Islamic State in Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria. Continue reading...

Concerns about conflicts and more young people becoming politicised thought to be behind increasing use of peace symbolBristol’s lord mayor will lay a wreath of red and white poppies during the city’s Remembrance Day ceremony on Sunday in the latest sign of the peace symbol’s increasing mainstream acceptance.White poppy orders from schools are considerably higher this year, say campaigners, who cite increasing concern about global conflict after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and factors including the link to the climate crisis from a new recyclable white and green poppy. Continue reading...

Appointment before next general election could trigger byelection in Stretford and Urmston

Broadcaster’s shares fall, with investors worried that cost of living crisis will crash UK advertisingShares in ITV fell steeply after the broadcaster forecast a lukewarm revenue boost from airing the World Cup, heightening investor fears that the cost of living crisis will crash the UK advertising market.The UK’s largest commercial broadcaster said that total ad revenues, including TV, digital and sponsorship, fell 2% in the nine months to the end of September. In its last financial report the broadcaster said it expected income to be “broadly flat” for the period. Continue reading...

Marks & Spencer says clothing, food and international sales fared well but ‘cost of doing business’ is affecting performanceMarks & Spencer has said it faces a “gathering storm”, with next year likely to be more challenging than this after reporting a near 24% fall in profits.The clothing, food and homewares retailer said sales rose 8.8% to £5.6bn in the six months to 1 October but underlying pre-tax profits sank 23.7% to £205.5m as its Ocado online grocery joint venture fell into the red, it pulled out of Russia and held off passing on cost rises to customers. Continue reading...

King and queen consort had been on walkabout at Micklegate Bar in YorkA man has been detained by police after appearing to throw eggs at King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, during a walkabout at Micklegate Bar in York.More details soon … Continue reading...

Actor presented his statuette to the president in Kyiv, telling him: ‘When you win, bring it back to Malibu’Sean Penn has given an Oscar statuette to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a meeting in Kyiv.In a video posted on Zelenskiy’s Instagram account, Penn, who has been one of the most high profile supporters of Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion, takes the Oscar statuette out of a bag and places it on a table in front of Zelenskiy, saying: “I feel terrible. This is for you. It’s just a symbolic silly thing, but if I know this is here with you then I’ll feel better and stronger for the fight.” Continue reading...

Arts Council to scrap annual £12.8m grant if ENO does not comply with government levelling up agendaThe main arts funding body in England has insisted English National Opera, one of the country’s cultural flagships, move outside London in order to qualify for future grants, despite the ENO saying there was no “audience need” to relocate.Arts Council England’s decision to slash to zero its £12.8m annual grant to ENO has caused a major row, with the opera house’s chief executive saying it was an “absolute travesty”. Continue reading...

Comedian says response to news he is to embark on first live tour for 12 years has been ‘proper overwhelming’The comedian Peter Kay has announced he will perform his new standup show in year-long monthly residency at London’s 02 arena.Speaking in a rare radio appearance, Kay thanked fans for their response to Sunday’s announcement of his first live tour for 12 years. “It’s been proper overwhelming,” he told BBC Radio’s 2 Zoe Ball Breakfast Show. Continue reading...

Minister’s resignation puts PM under further pressure over decision to reappoint him to cabinet

Officials defend cost, saying it will ensure parts have resale value once government decides whether to dump the fleet entirely

Online furniture retailer’s brand, domain names and intellectual property bought by NextThe online furniture retailer Made.com has collapsed into administration after weeks of speculation, putting about 500 jobs at risk and leaving customers disappointed.The company’s brand, domain names and intellectual property were immediately bought by the fashion and homeware retailer Next. Continue reading...

NSW police facts sheet filed with Downing Centre local court alleges woman feared for her life during alleged attack in Rose Bay home

Samantha Ratnam rules out deal with the Liberals, will direct preferences to ‘progressive’ candidates

Survey shows more than 60% of UK parents will be spending less this year on gifts for children, as charity begins #JustOneBook drive to give disadvantaged youngsters book parcelsMore than 60% of parents in the UK will be spending less this year on Christmas presents for their children, a survey by BookTrust has found, as it launches its Christmas appeal to provide young people with books.The survey found that 59% of parents who celebrate Christmas have cut back on spending ahead of the festive season so they can afford to buy gifts for their children, but 62% still say they’ll be spending less than they usually do. Continue reading...

It is the second conviction for Peter Gerard Scully who was already serving a life sentence for the rape and trafficking of girlsAn Australian man has been sentenced to 129 years in a Philippine jail as part of a child sexual abuse case involving victims as young as 18 months, a prosecutor has said.“I hope this sends a very strong message to all abusers, all human traffickers, that crime really does not pay,” Merlynn Barola-Uy, a regional prosecutor in the southern city of Cagayan de Oro, said on Wednesday. Continue reading...

Victory of Trump-backed bestselling author retains the seat for the Republicans in increasingly red state

Serena Wilson says she lacked the ‘courage’ to speak up after being made aware of legal advice

Officers will be able stop and search people on public transport and in all ‘safe night precincts’ in two-year trial

AML says Netflix must ‘correct the record’ and add disclaimer to address ‘falsehoods’ about the royal family

Deputy PM plays down suggestions of a loophole in the law, saying former military have ‘enduring obligation’ to maintain secrets

Toy Retailers Association selects likely ‘must-haves’ for British market with eye on strained budgetsAn interactive guinea pig which has babies and a “booty shaking” disco giraffe are predicted to be among the bestselling toys this Christmas as retailers battle for custom with toy ranges tailored to suit “every budget”.With the cost of living crisis looming large, the DreamToys list drawn up by the Toy Retailers Association (TRA), features a selection of cheaper toys this year, with eight of the top 12 under £35. The cheapest item on the list is an £8 Squishmallow, a cuddly toy expected to be a popular stocking filler.Barbie Cutie reveal doll £33Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse £80Goo Jit Zu figurine £11GiGi the Giraffe £28Mama Surprise £65Magic Mixies Mixlings Magic Castle £30Paw Patrol Big Truck Pups vehicle £18Pokémon Elite Trainer set £42.50Rainbow High fashion doll £32Sink N’ Sand game £20Original 7.5in Squishmallows £8Lego Star Wars Hoth AT-ST £45 Continue reading...

Former deputy chief whip Anne Milton tells Channel 4 Williamson used ‘leverage’ and threats against MPsSima Kotecha, Newsnight’s UK editor, has spoken to Tory MPs who are not surprised about the allegations about Sir Gavin Williamson being a bully.Ian Murray, the shadow Scottish secretary, has said that if Alistair Jack, the Scottish secretary, was confident about defending his record at an election, he would not be getting ready to accept a peerage. Referring to today’s Times story (see 10.55am), Murray said:We cannot comment on speculation about peerages. Alister Jack is absolutely committed to representing his constituents and working with the prime minister to continue to deliver for people in Scotland. Continue reading...

Founders of the group say members ‘don’t feel so alone’ as unaccountable landlords and the rental crisis put pressure on tenantsThey call it “Don’t Rent Me” – a social media group established during the pandemic as a safe space for unloading “horror” rental stories, and swapping advice to tackle dodgy agents and landlords.In just shy of two-and-a-half years, it has amassed 41,000 members.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...

Former health secretary calls jungle survival on I’m A Celebrity ‘a good metaphor for the world I work in’Matt Hancock has said “people will see me warts and all” and gain a perspective on the “human side of the guy behind the podium” ahead of his first full appearance on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! on Wednesday.A video clip of the former health secretary telling viewers what to expect was broadcast during Tuesday evening’s episode of the ITV reality show. Continue reading...

Chair of commission looking at future of Welsh language fears anglicisation could put it out of community useThe “anglicisation” of Welsh speaking villages and towns caused by newcomers snapping up homes after Covid, together with the economic stress of Brexit and the cost of living crisis, is pushing the Welsh language to a “tipping point”, the head of a new commission established to address the situation has warned.Simon Brooks, chair of the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities, said that unless action were taken there was a danger that Welsh as a community language could soon be lost in some of its traditional heartlands. Continue reading...

Resignation letter concedes claims about his conduct had become a ‘distraction’ but Williamson vows to clear his name

Minister’s resignation will ramp up concern among Tory MPs over leader’s political judgment and appointmentsRishi Sunak knew his premiership would be bound for a rocky start, but the embarrassing defenestration of one of his close cabinet allies after just two weeks threatens to reopen bitter divisions in the Conservative party.Despite initial attempts to resist sacking Gavin Williamson after a slew of bullying allegations, the prime minister was forced on Tuesday to accept his resignation – not because of any admission of wrongdoing, but because it was becoming a “distraction”. Continue reading...

Exclusive: MPs investigating Boris Johnson’s lockdown rule-breaking have been waiting more than three months for some evidenceThe next phase of a high-stakes inquiry into whether Boris Johnson misled parliament over Partygate faces being delayed as a result of government failures to provide crucial evidence to MPs, sources have told the Guardian.Despite a range of documents – including the former prime minister’s diaries, event email invites, No 10 entry logs, briefing papers and WhatsApp messages – being requested more than three months ago, some have not been handed over yet. Continue reading...

In response to workers’ claims of high emissions and waste, Amazon says it complied with all laws and ‘either met or exceeded industry standards’Picture three scenes: in a sheltered clearing, a stand of trees stretches skyward, trunks pale against the dark soil, leaves dappling the ground like golden dollar coins. In another, a maelstrom of white flakes is carried in eddies by the wind. In a third, sheer cliffs are slick with snow, icicles hanging like shards of glass.Scenes like these have formed the visual signature for onscreen adaptations of the Lord of the Rings, including Amazon’s latest, monster-budget offering, The Rings of Power. That association has helped form the bedrock of a decade of New Zealand tourism campaigns, showcasing the country’s pristine environments to the world. Continue reading...

Home secretary urged to investigate after detainees’ protests over their treatment during power outage• UK politics live – latest news updatesDetention charities have called on Suella Braverman to launch an urgent independent investigation into the disturbances at a Heathrow immigration removal centre over the weekend following a power cut.In a letter sent to Braverman, the home secretary, and to senior Home Office officials on Tuesday, the charities Bail For Immigration Detainees and Medical Justice said the investigation should be launched without delay to find out exactly what had happened and to ascertain the conditions the detainees encountered when deprived of electricity, heating, running water and toilet facilities after the power cut. Continue reading...

Some of the worst moments of the Conservative politician who has been sacked from cabinet after allegations over his conductGavin Williamson has resigned as a minister after a string of allegations, including that he told a senior civil servant to “slit your throat”.It is not the first time he has lost a government job, however. Since taking up his first ministerial role in 2017, Williamson has been dogged by scandals and controversies. Here is a reminder of his worst moments: Continue reading...

Former defence and education secretary had been brought back to government last month by Rishi Sunak

Nusrat Ghani accuses Unison representative of fearmongering after MPs hear laws could ‘disappear overnight’The government has clashed with trade unions over claims that 20 days of statutory holiday and eight bank holidays, along with a “tapestry” of workers’ rights, are at risk under post-Brexit plans to remove EU laws from the UK’s statute books.Shantha David, head of legal services at Unison, told a parliamentary committee examining the retained EU law (revocation and reform) bill that these rights “would no longer survive” if automatically removed via the “sunset clause” that will sweep away EU laws unless they are actively saved by a minister on 31 December 2023. Continue reading...

European Commission wears ‘velvet gloves’ when dealing with spyware used on citizens, says chief of inquiry on hacking software, including PegasusThe senior MEP leading an inquiry into spyware has accused the EU commission of ignoring the “grave threat to democracy” posed by the use of the technology, and national governments of failing to co-operate with her investigation.The Dutch liberal MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld said there was illegal use of spyware in Poland, Hungary, Greece and Spain and suspicions about Cyprus, while other EU member states made it easy for the “shady” industry to operate. Continue reading...