The Guardian
3 minutes ago
Middle East crisis live: Trump says he wants to ‘take the oil’ in Iran and could seize Kharg Island ‘easily’
US president tells Financial Times his ‘preference would be to take the oil’ but that ‘some stupid people back in the US say: “why are you doing that?”’Full report: Iran accuses US of plotting ground assault while publicly seeking talksAnalysis: what the Houthis’ entry into the Iran war means for the conflict and the wider regionDonald Trump is weighing a military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds (454kg) of uranium from Iran, the Wall Street Journal is reporting, citing unnamed US officials.The mission would likely put American forces inside the country for days or longer, the report says.But the president remains generally open to the idea, according to the officials, because it could help accomplish his central goal of preventing Iran from ever making a nuclear weapon.The combined effect of both waterways being shut to commercial traffic from countries that neither the Iranians nor Houthis favour would be devastating.Napoleon Bonaparte’s remark that “the policy of a state lies in its geography” has never seemed more apt. Continue reading...
The Guardian
5 minutes ago
Starmer to say Iran war means Labour’s values needed more than ever at local elections campaign launch – UK politics live
UK PM to chair meeting in Downing Street on how government responds to economic consequences of Iran war later on MondayGood morning. Keir Starmer will today chair a meeting in Downing Street on how the government responds to the economic consequences of the Iran war, which has the potential to upend much of what the government is trying to do to improve living standards. And so he is probably not too happy about the fact that this morning he has to attend an event in the West Midlands launching Labour’s English local elections campaign.It is a relatively low-key launch. “The Westminster press pack wasn’t invited for a full Q&A,” Politico reports. Starmer will be back in London later for his Iran war meeting.We’re going to fight to earn every vote. Fight for our values. And fight for the country we are building together, a Britain built for all.Because, in the context of everything that is happening in the world. Those values – that fairness we stand for – it’s never been more important.We will protect our forces, our people, our allies in the region. But I made the decision that it is not in our national interest to commit British forces to a war, without a clear legal basis and a clear plan – and I stand by that.It’s a question of judgement. Do not forget that the Tories and Reform would have rushed us into this. With no thought of the consequences, including for the cost of living. Utterly reckless. Continue reading...
The Guardian
7 minutes ago
Dezi Freeman shot dead by police after seven-month manhunt
Victoria police commissioner Mike Bush said the shooting was ‘justified’ and brought closure to the families of two police officers allegedly killed by Freeman in Porepunkah in AugustLive updates: Australian fugitive Dezi Freeman shot dead by Victoria policeWho is Dezi Freeman?Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFugitive Dezi Freeman, the man allegedly responsible for the shooting deaths of two officers at Porepunkah, has been killed after a seven-month manhunt in rural Victoria.The Victoria police chief commissioner, Mike Bush, confirmed a man was fatally shot by police shortly after 8.30am on Monday, after an hours-long standoff in which he failed to surrender peacefully at a property at Thologolong, in the state’s north-east. Continue reading...
The Guardian
17 minutes ago
Brent crude rises after Trump says he wants to ‘take the oil’ in Iran; Starmer to gather business leaders to discuss emergency measures – business live
Asian stocks fall and Brent rises to over $115 a barrel; Trump says US could seize Iran’s export hub on Kharg IslandBritish fashion retailer Debenhams has raised its 2027 profit forecast after beating forecasts for last year, as its turnaround strategy is paying off.The shares rose more than 6% on the news. The well-known brand made a comeback last March after the online retailer Boohoo rebranded as Debenhams. It embarked on measures to cut costs and debt amid fierce competition from low-cost fast fashion rivals such as Shein and the resale app Vinted.Our multi-year turnaround strategy continues at pace. Our pivot to the stock-lite, capital-lite, highly profitable marketplace is working.The cost base has been reset, the warehouse consolidation completed, the tech re-platform delivered, the stock base rightsized, most of the onerous costs exited and the brand management teams strengthened. This is significant progress, ahead of our plan, but there is still more to be delivered and we now focus on growth.This is the third upgrade this year and FY26 EBITDA has now been upgraded 51% since the same time last year.Net debt is not overly stretching and is predicted to fall organically before we even see the sale of non-core assets. Continue reading...
The Guardian
20 minutes ago
Easter bank holiday expected to be UK’s busiest on roads in four years
Drivers planning nearly 21m leisure journeys from Thursday to Monday despite soaring fuel prices, say expertsThe four-day bank holiday weekend is expected to be the busiest Easter on the roads in four years, despite a surge in fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.Drivers are planning nearly 21m leisure journeys between Thursday and Easter Monday, according to a study by the RAC and the traffic analytics specialists Inrix. Continue reading...
The Guardian
27 minutes ago
Fears of increased small boat Channel crossings as UK-French deal nears end
New agreement delayed amid home secretary Shabana Mahmood’s demands for more interceptions of dinghiesA renewed deal between the UK and France to stop small boat Channel crossings has not yet been signed, with a day to go before the current one expires, raising questions about whether people smugglers will be able to act unimpeded from later this week.Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron announced the previous £468m deal on 10 March 2023, weeks before it came into force. The UK pays two-thirds of the cost of policing France’s northern border and the current agreement expires on Tuesday. Discussions on it began last July at the 37th UK-France summit and British officials travelled to Paris last week for another round of talks. Continue reading...
The Guardian
27 minutes ago
Victoria police called to give evidence into Indigenous man’s death in custody seek protection from self-incrimination
Request comes at the start of a two-week inquest into the death of Noongar man Jeffrey Winmar in MelbourneGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastEleven police officers called to give evidence into the death of an Aboriginal man in custody have sought certificates to protect themselves from self-incrimination.The request from the Victoria police chief commissioner came at the start of a two-week inquest into the death of Noongar man Jeffrey Winmar. Continue reading...
The Guardian
30 minutes ago
Victorian Liberals to hold another preselection after candidate who defeated Moira Deeming withdraws
Dinesh Gourisetty ‘not welcome’ in party after revelations he provided court reference for a friend convicted of sexually assaulting a childFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Victorian Liberals will hold another preselection convention to elect a candidate for a top spot on the party’s upper house ticket, after it was revealed the man who replaced Moira Deeming wrote a court character reference for a friend who was convicted of grooming a 15-year-old girl.Dinesh Gourisetty, who defeated Deeming on Sunday in a preselection vote for the party’s candidates for the western metropolitan region at the upcoming November election, has told the executive he did not want to step down after the revelations. Continue reading...
The Guardian
49 minutes ago
Glasgow arts hub tenants condemn ‘unsustainable’ rent rises by landlord
City Property, which manages buildings for council, accused of ‘coercive and unfair’ increases and issuing eviction noticesTenants at one of Glasgow’s leading cultural hubs are battling what they describe as “unsustainable” rent increases, with critics describing the landlord responsible as a “rogue agency” imposing similar rises on vulnerable organisations across the city.With tenants expected to sign new leases or receive notices to quit last week, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the offices of City Property last Friday. The demonstration reflects growing concern about the conduct and accountability of the arm’s-length organisation that manages hundreds of buildings on behalf of Glasgow city council. Continue reading...
The Guardian
1 hour ago
Fugitive emerged from building holding weapon before being shot dead, commissioner says – as it happened
This blog is now closedDezi Freeman shot dead by police after seven-month manhuntSeven months ago, Dezi Freeman vanished in the mountain fog. Now he’s been shot dead – but many questions remainWho is Dezi Freeman: what to know about the Australian fugitiveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe chief commissioner is asked about the fact that the most recent update from police regarding Dezi Freeman indicated that they believed Freeman was dead. He is asked if that was a genuine belief or a tactic.Bush responds:It’s a very good question because, you know, we have to follow every avenue of inquiry and there was a lot to suggest that Freeman had taken his own life. But I can tell you standing here that our investigators – that’s why they’re professionals – keep their mind open to every possible outcome and follow every possible lead. Continue reading...
The Guardian
1 hour ago
How Tropical Cyclone Narelle turned the sky red in Western Australia
Dry ground, iron-rich earth and strong winds combined to create an eerie dust storm that was filmed in DenhamGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe skies of Shark Bay in Western Australia turned an eerie blood red before Tropical Cyclone Narelle made landfall, a phenomenon an expert said was caused by an iron-infused dust storm.Narelle crossed into WA on Friday, hitting the state roughly 900km north of Perth in the food bowl region. Continue reading...
The Guardian
1 hour ago
‘Assault on justice’: how far-right attacks are threatening rule of law in Europe
Judicial independence is under threat as populist politicians target judges and authoritarian governments attempt constitutional reformsRevealed: Five EU governments found to ‘consistently’ dismantle rule of lawIn March last year, a Paris court found Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzlement and barred her from running in next year’s presidential race in France. The far-right figurehead took to the airwaves to slam a “political decision” and “denial of democracy”.Le Pen, who has appealed, said she had been subjected to a “tyranny of judges” and a “political assassination”. The “system” had dropped “a nuclear bomb” on her. The presiding judge was then threatened by others on social media and her home address shared. Continue reading...
The Guardian
2 hours ago
UK savers told to act now before Easter Sunday cash Isa deadline
Interest rates as high as 4.45% and a steep cut in next year’s allowance fuel forecast of last-minute rushCost of living: how to prepare for the ‘awful April’ shower of bill increasesSavers who want to make the most of this year’s cash Isa allowance are being urged not to leave it to the last minute, as the deadline for applications falls on the Easter weekend.The Isa wrapper allows people to save or invest money and benefit from the returns free of tax. Each tax year, people can pay in up to £20,000, which can then be moved around in subsequent years without the tax benefits being lost. Continue reading...
The Guardian
2 hours ago
Pessimism takes root in UK as shoppers struggle to afford essentials
Millions are dipping into savings or borrowing to get by as the Iran war drives up prices, survey showsThe Iran war has led to a surge in pessimism in the UK as half of households are already struggling to afford everyday essentials.The escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has driven the price of oil, gas, crop fertiliser and other raw materials sharply higher, threatens to cause another cost of living shock. Continue reading...
The Guardian
2 hours ago
Cost of living: how to prepare for the ‘awful April’ shower of bill increases
From council tax to water, broadband to stamps, costs climb again from next month …. and that’s before any knock-on effects from Iran warUK savers told to act now before Easter Sunday cash Isa deadlineNext month, UK households face a bill surge in which the annual cost of essentials, including council tax and water, increase by more than £200 – and that is before the full impact of price jumps caused by the Iran war hit your pocket.The “awful April” increases are particularly unwelcome as the financial turmoil caused by the Middle East conflict has pushed up mortgage rates, fuel prices and energy bills for rural households. Continue reading...
The Guardian
2 hours ago
Thieves steal Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse paintings worth millions from Italian museum
Four masked men entered Magnani Rocca Foundation villa, near Parma in northern Italy, and made off with artworksThieves stole paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse from a museum in Italy a week ago, police have said.Four masked men entered the villa of the Magnani Rocca Foundation, near Parma in northern Italy, and made off with the artworks on the night of 22 March, a police spokesperson said, confirming a report on the Rai television network. Continue reading...
The Guardian
2 hours ago
Kim Novak says Sydney Sweeney is ‘totally wrong to play me’ in biopic
The 93-year-old says Sweeney ‘looks sexy all the time’ and she ‘never approved’ Scandalous, drama about her romance with Sammy Davis JrKim Novak has voiced her disapproval of the casting of Sydney Sweeney as herself in an upcoming biopic, saying she is “totally wrong to play me”.Speaking to the Times, the 93-year-old actor said she would have “never approved” the biopic Scandalous, about her relationship with the musician Sammy Davis Jr. Continue reading...
The Guardian
2 hours ago
Five EU governments found to ‘consistently’ dismantle rule of law
Exclusive: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy and Slovakia actively pursue regressive policies, watchdog finds‘Assault on justice’: how far-right attacks are threatening rule of law in EuropeGovernments in five EU member states are “consistently and intentionally” eroding the rule of law, Europe’s leading civil liberties group has warned, while democratic standards are deteriorating in six more, including historically strong democracies.Drawing on evidence from more than 40 NGOs in 22 countries, the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) described the governments of Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy and Slovakia as “dismantlers” that were actively weakening the rule of law. Continue reading...
The Guardian
3 hours ago
Urgent action needed to prevent surge in digital violence in Africa, experts say
A huge rise in internet users under the age of 30 has fuelled an increase in online violence against women and girls with devastating real-life effects, activists sayActivists and lawyers in Africa are calling for urgent action to protect women, girls and boys as digital violence surges across the continent.A massive rise in internet users, coupled with huge numbers of people aged under 30, has fuelled an increase in gendered online violence across the continent, according to experts, by giving perpetrators new tools to control and silence women and girls, and influence boys. Continue reading...
The Guardian
4 hours ago
Will Trump bring peace, or more bombs? Shady speculators seem to bet right every time | Nesrine Malik
The president may not be benefiting directly from betting markets, but he has encouraged a culture that treats politics like a casino floorOdd things are happening in the markets. Last Monday, 15 minutes before Donald Trump posted an announcement that “productive talks” with Iran had taken place, oil traders placed half a billion dollars’ worth of bets on the future price of oil. Trump’s statement triggered a drop in crude oil prices, and it seems as if some people knew that the announcement was coming, and so a profitable wager was made. Do not be envious; some people are just born lucky.We do not know if the transactions were made with prior knowledge of political developments, but it’s a hell of a coincidence. It all appears “abnormal for sure”, an oil analyst told the BBC.Nesrine Malik is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...
The Guardian
4 hours ago
Big retailers say UK jobs at risk from guaranteed hours reforms
More than half of roles could be hit and young shop workers in particular could lose out, trade body warnsMore than half of retail jobs could be affected by reform to guaranteed working hours, making it harder for shops to employ people – particularly young workers – in part-time roles, the industry’s lobby group has warned.From April, the Employment Rights Act will introduce new protections for workers on sick pay, sexual harassment, parental leave and trade union recognition. Continue reading...
The Guardian
4 hours ago
Israel expands invasion of southern Lebanon – as it happened
This live blog has now closed. Our coverage of the US-Israel war on Iran and the wider crisis in the Middle East continues hereIran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has condemned Israel’s killing of three journalists in Lebanon on Saturday.On his Telegram, Araghchi said the killings amounted to “targeted assassination” and “flagrant violation of international law”. He said they were a way of silencing “the voices of those who tell the truth”. Continue reading...
The Guardian
5 hours ago
UK’s big, risky AI bet – podcast
Reporter Aisha Down explores the UK’s ‘phantom investments’ in AI, and the risk the government has taken in betting so heavily on the technology if it all goes bustFor years now, the UK has bet big on AI. As Keir Starmer put it last year, he wanted to ‘unleash AI’ to boost growth across the country.Yet what has become of the billions promised in AI investment? Reporter Aisha Down charts the murky world of building projects behind schedule, vague spending commitments, and even vast sums being thrown at chips at risk of being out of date. Continue reading...
The Guardian
6 hours ago
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