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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...

Ex-PM has selected more than a dozen of his closest allies to head to the Lords. Here are some of the key figuresBoris Johnson has nominated his fiercest cheerleaders for peerages, with two of his former aides set to become the youngest life peers in history.The former prime minister has selected more than a dozen of his closest allies to head to the Lords, as part of a resignations list longer than David Cameron’s and Theresa May’s combined. Here are some of the key figures. Continue reading...

Some Tory MPs are not buying excuse PM is waiting for inquiries into minister to conclude before taking decisionRishi Sunak’s appointment of Suella Braverman as home secretary showed he is not afraid to make controversial appointments to placate politically useful colleagues.Now the heat is on Gavin Williamson, the prime minister is fighting on two fronts. Continue reading...

Lawyer for manufacturer of combustible cladding also tells public inquiry it was ‘unjust’ to claim Arconic had misled the marketArconic, the company that made combustible cladding that spread the Grenfell Tower fire, has said more heat was released by the burning contents of victims’ flats, in a combative and unapologetic closing statement to the public inquiry.In a final speech that sought to deflect responsibility for the 72 deaths, the company also said that if others involved in the 2014-16 refurbishment had properly read a safety certificate for its plastic-filled panels which said they were combustible very likely no one would have died and alleged his client had faced “an agenda throughout to subject them to condemnation”. Continue reading...

Pre-inquest hearing finds child did access TikTok but there was nothing to back mother’s fear that he took part in a choking challengeArchie Battersbee accessed TikTok on the day he suffered a catastrophic brain injury but no evidence has been found that he was taking part in the online “blackout challenge”, a coroner’s court has heard.Archie, whose parents fought a lengthy but ultimately unsuccessful legal battle to prevent his life support being switched off, sustained the injury on 7 April at his home in Southend, Essex, when a ligature was found over his head. Continue reading...

Denys Shmyhal says no reason to evacuate any city not near frontlines; Kyiv refuses to negotiate until Russian troops have left its territory. This live blog is now closed

Woman is one of six who accuse Manchester City player of sexual offences at his Cheshire mansionThe Manchester City star Benjamin Mendy admitted asking a fellow footballer if he could have sex with his partner after the other man was finished with her, a court has heard.Mendy said the other player, Diacko Fofana, agreed, but that as soon as the woman told him no, he stopped trying to sleep with her. Continue reading...

Nicole expected to strengthen and make landfall on Thursday as state of emergency is declared in 34 countiesA rare late-season hurricane is expected to hit Florida, after the Sunshine state dealt with the impact of Hurricane Ian a month ago.Tropical Storm Nicole is expected to make landfall in eastern Florida this week. As the storm continues to strengthen, it is expected to make landfall as a category 1 hurricane on Thursday morning, reported CNN citing the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Continue reading...

Four MPs nominated by Boris Johnson will delay taking up seats in upper chamber to avoid triggering byelections

More than 70,000 lecturers and other staff expected to join action, University and College Union saysThe University and College Union has said its planned UK national strike will take place on 24, 25 and 30 November, with staff at 150 universities across the country taking industrial action over pay, working conditions and pensions.UCU said about 2.5 million students would be affected, but “disruption can be avoided if employers act fast and make improved offers. If they don’t, strike action will escalate in the new year alongside a marking and assessment boycott.” Continue reading...

Son of Bill Owen, who played his on-screen father Compo, his other TV credits include The Bill and Upstairs DownstairsThe Last of the Summer Wine actor Tom Owen has died aged 73.Owen played the nomadic Tom Simmonite in the popular and long-running BBC sitcom for 10 years from 2000. His appearance on the show continued a family tradition after his father, Bill Owen, portrayed his on-screen father, Compo Simmonite. Continue reading...

Sister says they need ‘proof of life’ amid concern for activist’s wellbeing and worries UK government not doing enoughThe family of jailed British-Egyptian hunger-striker Alaa Abd el-Fattah have voiced fears that Egyptian officials may be torturing him behind closed doors through force-feeding.On the sidelines of the Cop27 climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egyptian president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, reportedly told French president, Emmanuel Macron, that he was “committed” to ensuring the democracy activist’s health “is preserved,” and that “the next few weeks and months will bring results”. Continue reading...

Bureaucracy blamed for draft papers summoning Russian sailor who was aboard lost missile cruiserA recruitment office in St Petersburg has issued a draft notice to a missing Russian sailor who was aboard the flagship Moskva missile cruiser, which sank in the Black Sea in April.According to a report by the local news website Fontanka, the parents of the sailor, named Mikhail, who was a cook on the Moskva cruiser, received his call-up notice last month. The papers ordered their son to report to the drafting station or face possible prosecution. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Australian data security experts described the July 2020 move as ‘dubious’ and ‘outrageous’

Doubt cast on official version of events after deadly crush at border fence in which at least 23 diedThe Spanish government is facing growing calls to explain how at least 23 people died during a mass storming of the border fence between Morocco and Spain’s north African enclave of Melilla almost five months ago.MPs who visited the border on a fact-finding trip have appeared to corroborate reports – first aired in a BBC Africa Eye investigation broadcast last week – that dead bodies were dragged out of a Spanish-controlled area by Moroccan police. Continue reading...

Discounters Aldi and Lidl benefit as figures reveal annual cost of grocery shop has soared by £682British shoppers are making a big switch to budget ranges and discount chains as supermarket inflation reached a record high of nearly 15% last month, driving up the average annual bill by £682 a year.Just over a quarter of all households say they are struggling financially, double the proportion a year ago, as the cost of groceries soared 14.7% in October compared with a year ago. That is the highest level since Kantar, which produces the data, began tracking price changes in 2008. Continue reading...

Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or winning satire is up for four awards, while Penélope Cruz and Paul Mescal feature in acting categoriesTriangle of Sadness, the Palme d’Or winning satire of the super rich, is among the leaders of the European film award (EFA) nominations, it has been announced.Directed by Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness is up for four gongs, including best European film, best European actor for Zlatko Burić, and best European director for Östlund. Two other films have received four nominations: Close, Belgian director Lukas Dhont’s study of a relationship between two teenage boys, and Holy Spider, a drama about an Iranian serial killer from Border director Ali Abbasi. Continue reading...

Discovery follows admission that previous list of 2,400 pieces of EU legislation was ‘not comprehensive’

Alex Belfield could have been given longer prison term but legal technicality makes it too late to changeThe judge who sentenced Jeremy Vine’s stalker to five and a half years in prison made a mistake and could have given Alex Belfield a higher sentence, one of the UK government’s most senior legal advisers has said.Yet a legal technicality means the court of appeal will not consider whether Belfield’s sentence should be increased, the Guardian has learned. Belfield is appealing for a lower jail term, prompting calls for a reform in the law to give victims more time to appeal under the “unduly lenient scheme” (ULS). Continue reading...

Reclassifying modern slavery as immigration issue and rhetoric of ‘abusing the system’ are among concerns levelled at governmentThe UK has been accused of “rolling back” moves to tackle modern slavery before a UN review of its human rights record on Thursday.Anti-Slavery International said that at the time of the last universal periodic review (UPR) in 2017, the UK had recently passed the Modern Slavery Act and was seen by some as an exemplar, but five years later, with the next review imminent, it has regressed. Continue reading...

Housebuilder says cancellation rate has risen sharply because of interest rates and economic uncertaintySales and prices of new-build houses have fallen and cancellation rates have risen in recent weeks at Persimmon, in further evidence the property market is entering a downturn.The company, one of Britain’s biggest housebuilders, said demand had waned and uncertainty had risen in the past six weeks, as rising mortgage costs and a looming recession weighed on people’s minds. Continue reading...

Key ally of Rishi Sunak says alleged comments by Cabinet Office minister would be ‘utterly unacceptable’Gavin Williamson is under renewed pressure over his behaviour towards colleagues, as a key ally of the prime minister said no one was “unsackable” and it was “utterly unacceptable” if the Cabinet Office minister had told a former senior civil servant to “jump out of the window” and “slit your throat”.The Guardian reported on Monday that Williamson, who was brought back to the cabinet by Rishi Sunak last month, allegedly told a senior civil servant to “slit your throat” in what they claimed was a bullying campaign while he was defence secretary. Continue reading...

Ramon Abbas, described by FBI as one of world’s most prolific money launderers, sentenced to 11 yearsA social media influencer who called himself Ray Hushpuppi and flaunted a lavish lifestyle fuelled by his efforts to launder millions of stolen dollars has been sentenced in Los Angeles to more than 11 years in federal prison.Ramon Abbas, 40, also was ordered by a federal judge to pay $1.7m in restitution to two fraud victims, according to a statement from the US Department of Justice. Continue reading...

‘War-driven price shocks’ signal possible need for government intervention to address energy costs, Treasury secretary says

Regulator alleges ‘5,200 Olympic swimming pools’ worth of water was illegally pumped from the river over four years

The actors will bring a revival of Sam Steiner’s 2015 play Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons to London, Manchester and Brighton, directed by Josie RourkeJenna Coleman and Aidan Turner are to star together in a play that imagines a world where people are restricted to a daily limit of 140 words each.Sam Steiner’s 2015 drama Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons will be revived by Josie Rourke at the Harold Pinter theatre in London in January before playing at Manchester Opera House and Theatre Royal Brighton.Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons is at the Harold Pinter theatre, London, from 18 January to 18 March. It then runs at Manchester Opera House (21-25 March) and Theatre Royal Brighton (28 March-1 April). Continue reading...