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Two farmers killed near border with Ukraine by what Poland has claimed were Russian-made weapons

Player says he is ‘now happy with who I am’ in social media video as his team and NBL share messages of supportIsaac Humphries, a Melbourne United player, has been lauded for his courage after publicly coming out and becoming the only openly gay male professional basketball player currently playing in a top tier league, anywhere in the world.In a social media video shot in the locker room in front of his teammates and through a statement released by his club on Wednesday morning, the 24-year-old centre announced he is gay, saying he had been through “extremely dark times” on his journey but is “now happy with who I am”. Continue reading...

Prime minister says UK should not sacrifice quality for speed as he seeks to improve terms at G20 talksRishi Sunak has hinted he will slow down progress on the India trade deal to improve its terms, saying the UK should not “sacrifice quality for speed”.The comments, which preceded talks with the UK prime minister’s Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, at the G20 on Wednesday, suggested a marked change of approach from Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, who prioritised speed and hard deadlines, having pledged a “deal for Diwali” that did not materialise. Continue reading...

Canadian prime minister met China’s president at G20 summit in Bali amid tensions over aggressive interventions by BeijingJustin Trudeau has raised “serious concerns” over suspected domestic interference by China in his first talks with President Xi Jinping in more than three years, amid growing frustration over increasingly aggressive interventions by Beijing.Trudeau discussed his concerns about Chinese “interference activities” in Canada on the sidelines of a Group of 20 meeting on the Indonesian island of Bali, a government source told AFP. Continue reading...

In the UK’s only dedicated awards for LGBTQ+ literature, Adam Smith’s history of poppers and children’s book Nen and the Lonely Fisherman were also honouredSpoken word poet Joelle Taylor has won the Polari book prize for her collection which “defends our right to walk without fear, wear what we choose, be who we uniquely are”.C+nto & Othered Poems, which explores the UK’s underground lesbian culture, was named the winner of the £2,000 prize, which is the top award in the UK’s only dedicated awards for LGBTQ+ literature. It is the second major award for the book, which won the TS Eliot prize earlier this year. Continue reading...

Two men now in custody on suspicion of two counts of murder and one of attempted murder after incident in Houghton RegisA second man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering two men and the attempted murder of a third after a triple stabbing in Bedfordshire on Sunday.Bedfordshire police said a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder and one of attempted murder on Tuesday. It came after police arrested another man, who remains in custody, on suspicion of the same offences on Monday. Continue reading...

Human rights council makes more than 300 recommendations, with many coming from less well-off countries

Awaab Ishak died in 2020, eight days after his second birthday, following ‘chronic exposure’ in RochdaleA coroner has said the death of an “engaging, lively, endearing” two-year-old from prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s flat should be a “defining moment” for the UK’s housing sector.Awaab Ishak died in 2020, eight days after his second birthday, as a direct result of black mould in the flat he lived in. Continue reading...

Rising carbon dioxide and the slump in the pound have been frequently graphed. Now we’ve turned the data and graphs into audio

University and College Union expresses concern at what it says appear to be intimidatory tacticsThe University and College Union has condemned University College London’s use of agency workers to cover gaps left by security guards striking for better pay.The UCU, which represents academics and support staff, has written to UCL’s provost and president, Dr Michael Spence, expressing concern at what it says appear to be intimidatory and strike-breaking tactics. Continue reading...

Nnamdi Kanu was unlawfully detained and tortured in Kenya before being taken to Nigeria, high court toldThree British foreign secretaries have failed to call for the release of a British national being held in Nigeria after falling victim to a “brazen and violent” act of extraordinary rendition, the high court has heard.Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob), a prominent separatist movement proscribed in Nigeria, was abducted, unlawfully detained and tortured in Kenya in June last year before being flown blindfolded on a private plane to Nigeria, the court was told on Monday. Continue reading...

PM says he is not aware of any formal complaints about deputy but does not deny there have been informal allegations

Chain apologises and settles racial discrimination claim brought by group ejected from venue in LondonThe pub chain Greene King has paid thousands of pounds in compensation and apologised after admitting that 12 people were removed from one of its venues for being Irish Travellers.The pubgoers were planning to watch the “Gypsy King” Tyson Fury’s WBC world heavyweight bout against Dillian Whyte in a north-east London pub in April. But the six members of the party who arrived first were told to leave, and the others not to bother turning up, because they would not be served. Continue reading...

Freeing of prisoners hailed as acts of benevolence by Assad regime still leave estimated 136,000 people in jailPrisoner amnesties decreed by the Syrian leader, Bashar al-Assad, during the country’s 10-year war have freed less than 6% of detainees, with an estimated 136,000 people remaining in state prisons, a report has revealed.The amnesties, which were hailed as acts of benevolence by officials and Assad, have put barely a dent in the huge numbers still held in the regime’s infamous prison systems, some for years after their sentences had expired. Continue reading...

Banner saying ‘Covid bereaved say get out of here!’ flown on behalf of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice

Inquest is shown body cam footage of Neal Saunders being held down by five officersA man who died after being restrained by several police officers had repeatedly said “I can’t even breathe” during the incident, body cam footage played at an inquest into his death has shown.Neal Saunders, 39, died on 3 September 2020 after he was restrained by Thames Valley police officers at his father’s home in Langley in Berkshire. Continue reading...

Some say the former head of the Christian Democrats may have ‘mellowed’ over time – but the 88-year-old says he hasn’t changed his views

Authorities shoot 18-year-old dead after knife and car attack in territory occupied by IsraelA Palestinian man killed two Israeli people and wounded four others in an attack at a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday before he was shot and killed by Israeli security personnel, Israeli paramedics and Palestinian officials said.The Magen David Adom paramedic service said the two were killed in the settlement of Ariel. The four wounded were taken to hospital in a serious condition. Continue reading...

PM rejects former cabinet colleague’s view that politicians can use series to connect with the public

Company’s 18 million UK mobile customers face 14% rise in mid-contract increases next springVodafone has warned of price rises for UK customers and job cuts as the telecoms company launched a €1bn-plus (£879m) cost cutting plan to cope with soaring energy bills and inflation.It said consumers would have to accept higher bills as it could not cover all its cost increases through a new multi-year cuts plan. It also lowered annual profit guidance in light of a €300m year on year rise in energy costs across the business. Continue reading...

Australian prime minister raised trade and human rights concerns at ‘very constructive’ meeting as Chinese president said improving ties was important for regionAnthony Albanese has told the Chinese president Australia will continue to assert its values and principles, but he’s made it clear his government wants to steady the fractured relationship with Beijing and move forward constructively.Significant steps towards stabilising the relationship after years of open hostility and diplomatic rancour came on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Bali, with the first face-to-face meeting between Albanese and Xi Jinping. Continue reading...

Defence minister calls investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh’s killing by Israeli army ‘interference in internal affairs’Israel has said it will not cooperate with an FBI investigation into the killing of the Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by the Israeli army.Israel’s defence minister, Benny Gantz, denounced the inquiry as “interference in Israel’s internal affairs” and said he “made it clear to the American representatives that we stand behind the IDF [Israel defence forces] soldiers, that we will not cooperate with any external investigation”. Continue reading...

Increase in sexual activity among older people and popularity of chemsex are driving trend, say researchersThe growing number of sexually transmitted infections among over-65s, the rise of “chemsex” and popularity of dating apps are driving record demand for sexual health advice, a report has revealed.Specialist advisers provided just over 4m appointments last year in England to people suffering from an STI such as syphilis or needing help with their contraception. Continue reading...

Government using six-year-old data while crime goes largely unchallenged, says National Audit OfficeThe Home Office has an incomplete and out-of-date grasp of the cost of fraud in the UK and a poor understanding of who commits the crime, a public spending watchdog has found.The National Audit Office (NAO) said the current estimate of the cost of fraud to individuals being used by the government is based on data and prices from six years ago. Continue reading...

Cold front brings more rain with low-level flood emergency warnings in place for several rivers in Tasmania’s south

A quarter of financial counsellors surveyed said at least half the women seeking help had been coerced into acquiring BNPL debts

US president says he told Xi Jinping that Beijing had an ‘obligation’ to tell Kim Jong-un to avoid a seventh testJoe Biden has said he told Xi Jinping that China has an obligation to try to talk North Korea out of conducting a seventh nuclear test, although the US president said it was unclear whether Beijing had the ability to do so.Biden met Xi for more than three hours on Monday, ahead of the G20 summit in Bali, their first face-to-face meeting since Biden took power. At a press conference after the meeting, Biden said he told Xi “that I thought they had an obligation to attempt to make it clear” to North Korea that it should not go ahead with a test. Continue reading...

Justice Reform Initiative report argues state’s “revolving door” prison model is driving soaring incarcerations and costs

Exclusive: Michelle Rowland says her department will review ways to secure the broadcaster’s financial future

Workplace relations minister ‘devastated’ at breakdown in lengthy pay negotiations, but says industrial relations bill offers a solution

Public is tired of being told what to do, says presenter who finds modern need to avoid offending people ‘exhausting’It was a hit makeover reality show that ran for seven series, but What Not to Wear would not get commissioned today because people no longer enjoy being told what to do, the TV fashion guru Susannah Constantine has said.The BBC programme brought Constantine and her co-host, Trinny Woodall, to national prominence when it aired in 2001, introducing audiences to the pair’s straight-talking style advice and trademark boob-grabbing. Continue reading...

Doctors and nurses fear they will be unable to cope with flu, Covid and cost of living crisis, bosses sayDoctors and nurses are “absolutely frightened and petrified” about how bad this winter will be for the NHS in England, hospital bosses have revealed.Staff fear services will not be able to cope with a combination of flu, resurgent Covid, winter and the cost of living crisis damaging people’s health, and also the wave of looming strikes over pay. Continue reading...

Justice minister approves extradition of woman arrested on suspicion of the murder of two children whose bodies were found in suitcases in AucklandA woman arrested in connection with the death of two children who were found dead in suitcases in Auckland will be extradited from South Korea within 30 days.South Korean justice minister Han Dong-hoon issued the order on Monday for the extradition of the woman to New Zealand, the ministry said in a statement. Continue reading...

PM, also under pressure to raise benefits and public sector pay with inflation, claims ‘compassion’ will be at heart of autumn statementRishi Sunak has given his strongest hint the government will protect the triple lock on pensions, saying pensioners “will always be at the forefront of my mind”.The rule, which applies to UK state pensions, means pensions must rise each year in line with the highest of three possible figures: inflation, average earnings, or 2.5%. Continue reading...

Organisation says event will start powerful conversations about stopping violence against women, but critics unconvinced

One of the original line-up of the BBC’s car show, Baker had been suffering from motor neurone diseaseSue Baker, one of the original presenters of BBC’s Top Gear and the Observer’s former motoring editor, has died aged 67. Baker, who joined the original format of the TV series in 1980, died on Monday morning after suffering with motor neurone disease (MND).She appeared on more than 100 episodes of the car programme until 1991. She then left to continue her work as a motoring journalist. Continue reading...

Exclusive: fresh claims that Simon McDonald relayed staff complaints to Raab when he was foreign secretaryDominic Raab was warned about his behaviour towards officials during his time as foreign secretary by the department’s top civil servant, who then informally reported his concerns to the Cabinet Office’s propriety and ethics team.The Guardian understands that Simon McDonald, the then permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, spoke to Raab on several occasions during his tenure about how he treated staff in his private office and during meetings. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Steve Barclay not tasked with manifesto commitment, raising fears that shortage of doctors in England will continueRishi Sunak has fuelled concerns that the government will miss its target of recruiting 6,000 more GPs in England, which was promised in the 2019 Conservative manifesto.The prime minister omitted the pledge from his appointment letter to the health secretary, Steve Barclay, laying out expectations for what should be delivered by March 2024. Continue reading...

Critics claim latest effort to reduce Channel crossings is ‘throwing good money after bad’Conservative MPs have joined unions and refugee groups in condemning a £63m deal signed by Suella Braverman with her French counterpart to reduce the number of people attempting to cross the Channel in small boats.Natalie Elphicke, the member for Dover, and Tim Loughton, a senior home affairs select committee member, questioned whether the bilateral agreement will do enough to address a surge of new arrivals after it failed to establish joint patrols or guarantee that people smugglers are detained. Continue reading...

Former minister George Eustice tells Commons senior civil servant in charge of negotiations should be replacedThe UK’s flagship post-Brexit trade deal with Australia is “not actually a very good deal”, former environment secretary George Eustice has said.In highly critical comments, Eustice called for the resignation of Crawford Falconer, the interim permanent secretary for the Department for International Trade, telling the Commons Falconer “resented” people who understood technical trade issues better than him. Continue reading...

Bill Burns says US is not ‘discussing settlement of war’ in Ukraine as Zelenskiy visits KhersonThe CIA director, Bill Burns, met his Russian counterpart in Ankara on Monday in a rare high-level meeting, but the US insists it is not engaged in secret peace talks with Moscow without Ukrainian officials being present.The meeting in the Turkish capital with the head of Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, followed speculation that some senior US figures would like Ukraine to enter negotiations with the Kremlin to end the war. Continue reading...

UK foreign secretary says it is his job to ensure UK visitors stay safe as he defends attending the tournamentJames Cleverly has told LGBTQ+ football fans travelling to Qatar for the World Cup to “respect the law” of the host country, as the foreign secretary defended attending the tournament himself.While Cleverly said he understood why some people were uncomfortable with Qatar holding the event, which begins on 20 November, he said it was “my job to make sure those people who do visit stay safe”. Continue reading...

Kremlin-linked private military group posted video on Telegram of apparent execution in Russia of Yevgeny Nuzhin

US and Chinese presidents agree nuclear war ‘should never be fought’, White House says; Zelenskiy accuses Russia of more than 400 war crimes. This live blog is now closed

Footage released by fire and rescue service shows how blaze took hold at property in BordonAn exploding electric scooter battery caused a house fire in Hampshire on Sunday, which led to a man being treated by paramedics.Crews from Hampshire fire and rescue service (HRFS) were called to Bordon, a small town in the east of the county, just after 7pm. They found a blaze caused by the battery pack, which was on charge when it blew up. Continue reading...

The Grammy-winning singer ‘s manager has detailed the diagnosis of the condition, also known as Lou Gehrig’s diseaseA representative for Roberta Flack announced on Monday that the Grammy-winning musician has ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and can no longer sing.The progressive disease “has made it impossible to sing and not easy to speak”, Flack’s manager, Suzanne Koga, said in a release. “But it will take a lot more than ALS to silence this icon.” Continue reading...

Natalie Elphicke says small boats deal ‘short of what’s needed’ as PM says reduction in numbers crossing Channel will not happen overnightJames Cleverly, the foreign secretary, was criticised last month for saying that gay football fans visiting Qatar for the Word Cup should “be respectful”, and make allowance for the country’s intolerance of homosexuality.In an interview on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Cleverly defended his comments, saying that the Foreign Office always advises people to obey local laws when they are travelling. He told the programme:My focus is to make sure that British visitors, particularly LGBTQ+ visitors to Qatar going to enjoy the World Cup, are safe and that they enjoy their tournament. So my advice was purely about ensuring that they have a safe and secure time at the World Cup.We always say that you have to respect the laws of your host nation. That is a universal element of British travel advice.I’ve spoken at length with the Qatari authorities on this and it’s worth bearing in mind that men and women don’t typically hold hands in Qatar, and other conservative Muslim countries like Qatar, so my strong advice is to look at the UK government’s travel advice.This deal is just the same as previous deals - spending money and resources on intercepting and obstructing people crossing the Channel, while doing nothing to address their need for safe access to an asylum system.The inevitable result will be more dangerous journeys and more profits led by ruthless smuggling gangs and other serious criminals exploiting the refusal of the UK and French government to take and share responsibility. Continue reading...

Student-run Nightline says growing numbers are seeking help for anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughtsThe pandemic is still taking its toll on UK university students’ mental health, experts are warning, as figures show that growing numbers are seeking help from peer-run helplines for anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.Nightline, which is staffed by anonymous student volunteers, said it had recorded a 51.4% increase in calls in 2020-21, and that this has grown since, with early data suggesting numbers for 2021-22 were 30% higher, and up a further 23% since the new academic year began. Continue reading...