RSS Feeds

Outgoing prime minister opens third reading debate on the Hillsborough law bill

In response to a question from Alec Shelbrooke (Con), Campbell said he was “totally unaware” not just of the wording of the Tory opposition day motion planned for tomorrow (see 1.04pm), but of the topic that it was going to cover. In a bid to convince MPs that this was not a lie, he said that he was standing at the despatch box and that MPs knew the importance of a minister “telling the absolute truth when they stand here”.

In the Commons, Alan Campbell, the leader of the house, has just announced there will be a change in parliamentary business tomorrow. Wednesday was set aside for an opposition day debate – a debate on a motion tabled by the Tories. Instead, there will be a general debate on the situation in Iran. There will also be a vote on the regulations banning support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The government has a majority of more than 150 and it could not trust its MPs to vote the right way on that motion [delaying the recess], and it could not bear the idea of a new prime minister facing any scrutiny before September.

A prime minister, let me remind us all, who has been chosen by a coronation not a contest, with no known platform, almost no known policies, and no idea of his priorities or indeed his cabinet team.

Reform’s Treasury spokesperson says talks on party leader’s protection only happening ‘as a result’ of Ann Widdecombe’s death

• UK politics live – latest updates

Robert Jenrick has criticised the government for not offering Nigel Farage a security meeting earlier, saying it has only happened “as a result” of the death of Ann Widdecombe.

The Reform UK Treasury spokesperson claimed ministers had chosen not to give Farage the security “that he needed”, and had only agreed to arrange a meeting with the chair of the royal and VIP executive committee (Ravec), the body responsible for the security of high-profile figures, “as a result of Ann Widdecombe’s appalling murder”.

Kyiv’s decision to honour second world war fighters who killed about 100,000 Poles has revived simmering tensions

In the aftermath of Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Polish-Ukrainian solidarity emerged as one of the most heartwarming subplots of the Kremlin’s brutal war. Millions of Poles, remembering their country’s own tragic history with Russia, mobilised to help Ukrainian refugees with food, shelter and support as they crossed the border in huge numbers to flee the conflict.

Four years later, that outpouring of generosity and solidarity is a distant memory, as the two countries find themselves locked in a bitter dispute over history that has led to angry rhetoric, mutual mud-slinging and a threat from Poland to block Ukraine’s EU accession until it gets its historical house in order.

Kyiv’s decision to honour second world war fighters who killed about 100,000 Poles has revived simmering tensions

In the aftermath of Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, Polish-Ukrainian solidarity emerged as one of the most heartwarming subplots of the Kremlin’s brutal war. Millions of Poles, remembering their country’s own tragic history with Russia, mobilised to help Ukrainian refugees with food, shelter and support as they crossed the border in huge numbers to flee the conflict.

Four years later, that outpouring of generosity and solidarity is a distant memory, as the two countries find themselves locked in a bitter dispute over history that has led to angry rhetoric, mutual mud-slinging and a threat from Poland to block Ukraine’s EU accession until it gets its historical house in order.

We're at the final stretch of the World Cup. It feels like just yesterday, international fans were arriving in the U.S. and marveling at Buc-ee's and unlimited free soda.

(Image credit: Justin Setterfield)

Skipping between London, Shanghai and Hong Kong, this tale of family migration, politics and food has plenty of flavour and fire

Amber Fan, the 22-year-old protagonist of Kit Fan’s heartfelt and elegiac second novel, is ready to say goodbye. Goodbye to her parents, who are booked on the midnight flight from London to Hong Kong, there to enjoy their sunset years having sold the family restaurant in London’s Chinatown. And goodbye to the old Chinatown that they and their generation of hard-working Hong Kong émigrés represent, the Chinatown of peking duck, red lanterns, rude waiters and sticky tables. She loves them both, in their way, but she has her own plans for the future.

The story begins in late 2001, not long after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, as Amber prepares to open her own restaurant – an east meets west “fine fusion restaurant” called Luna. It is, she notes, “the worst possible time to open a restaurant”. Global markets are in meltdown and the old Cantonese-style joints of Chinatown, often established by those who, like Amber’s parents, fled Hong Kong for Britain in the wake of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, are closing down and selling up, usually to cash-rich mainland Chinese investors. Everyone agrees that it is the end of an era.

Renny Harlin’s disaster movie brings aquatic mayhem along with suspense and schadenfreude as aircraft passengers battle to survive hungry sharks

If done right, a disaster movie can scratch a cinematic itch like nothing else, serving up sentimentality, suspense and schadenfreude in tidy parcels of action. Deep Water, in which an American plane full of minor movie stars crashes in shark-infested waters, knows exactly what it’s doing even as it nods towards a number of predecessors.

For starters, the poster pays homage to, or steals from, Jaws with its images of tiny swimmers up top and a big toothy shark heading up from the depths below. Later on, an older woman is jokingly likened to Shelley Winters, a the Oscar-winning actor remembered for swimming for her life in the disaster classic The Poseidon Adventure. Best of all, the film brazenly eggs viewers on to wish and pray that the schlubby, obnoxious and constantly cigarette-seeking US guy (Angus Sampson, a hoot) will get to become shark chum before the credits roll.

The Spain winger says three-year-old Keyne ‘means everything to me’ – and fans have taken him to their hearts

He’s become a social media staple; captured on camera blowing kisses, joyfully cheering on his team and careening through the stands of stadiums. Standing at just a few feet tall, the tiny toddler has become the unexpected breakout star of Spain’s World Cup run.

“This time around, the biggest sensation of the competition isn’t an athlete, the goals, or even the trophy itself,” was how Hola! – Spain’s version of Hello! magazine – summed it up. “It’s Keyne, Lamine Yamal’s three-year-old brother, who’s taking the tournament by storm with his hilarious moments.”

‘No unruly behaviour will be tolerated’ after the match, according to France’s interior minister

Here is the first big moment of the day as the Garde républicaine plays the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise”.

Macron is not singing, but Lecornu behind him – very much is.

‘No unruly behaviour will be tolerated’ after the match, according to France’s interior minister

Here is the first big moment of the day as the Garde républicaine plays the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise”.

Macron is not singing, but Lecornu behind him – very much is.

Filipino sensation has been embraced by her nation yet star power outweighs her career achievements … so far

In the opening week at Wimbledon queues snaked around the grounds as fans lined up for the chance to catch one of the second-round matches. Afterwards, they thronged the exit of No 3 Court so densely that the eventual winner was preceded by two men in suits and panama hats struggling to clear a path. You’d be forgiven for thinking that, if you peered through the mass of bodies, you might catch a glimpse of a former grand slam champion or leading British player such as Katie Boulter. But the figure that emerged, signing notebooks, balls and whatever fans waved blindly in her direction was the 21‑year‑old Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala.

Eala’s Wimbledon run was one to note. Already the highest‑ranked Filipino player of all time, after winning on No 3 Court she went on to upset the defending champion, Iga Swiatek, in straight sets on Centre Court to achieve her deepest grand slam run before bowing out against Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round. She has been billed as the star turn of September’s WTA 500 Singapore Open and features on the poster for this month’s Mubadala Citi DC Open. Her company on the publicity material? The four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams and the current world No 10, Elina Svitolina, among a host of equally decorated players.

Palaeontologists warn before auction at Sotheby’s in New York that super-rich collectors are harming research

With its dagger-like teeth, bone-crushing bite and behemothic size, the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex ruled western North America during the late Cretaceous period. Now its fossilised remains are about to dominate the auction house, with a price tag to terrify punters.

On Tuesday, one of the largest and most complete T rex skeletons discovered to date is to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York with an estimated sale price of $20m-$30m (£15m-£22.4m).

Extreme exposure should be avoided, but we’ve gone too far the other way – enjoyed safely, the sun can have enormous health benefits

High summer has returned to the UK, and with it, the usual warnings about the dangers of sunlight and reminders to seek shade and cover up. After years of such advice, most members of the public naturally assume that the science connecting sun exposure to poor health is well established, so people are often shocked to learn that the opposite is true: those who spend more time in the sun tend to be healthier. A lot healthier.

I know because I began researching the subject nine years ago after stumbling upon some studies – and I’ve stayed on the case ever since, now summarising everything we know in my new book, In Defense of Sunlight. It contains good news for many people: we don’t have to fear the sun nearly as much as we thought. In fact, most of us could benefit from a bit more exposure.

Rowan Jacobsen is a former Knight Science Journalism Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a media fellow at the Nova Institute for Health in Baltimore. His book In Defense of Sunlight: The Surprising Science of Sun Exposure is published this month

After forming an almost paternal relationship with Lionel Messi and providing a rare sense of stability, Argentina’s unheralded saviour is on the verge of World Cup history

On Lionel Messi’s ill-fated international debut in Budapest in 2005, when he was (very harshly) sent off 45 seconds after coming off the bench for swinging an arm at the Hungary defender Vilmos Vanczak, he received only two passes. Both came from Lionel Scaloni. It may not be much, but those two passes were the first contact in a relationship that may culminate in Argentina becoming only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup.

Messi has spoken of Scaloni as one of the first members of the squad to truly welcome him. After he had scored against Serbia and Montenegro in the World Cup group stage in 2006, when at the age of 18 years and 357 days he became the youngest player to play for Argentina at the tournament, the first player to come up to Messi in the tunnel, grabbing him from behind in a congratulatory hug, was Scaloni. The former West Ham full-back is only nine years Messi’s senior but there has been an almost paternal aspect to their relationship ever since.

• Zaïre-Emery confident Les Bleus will deliver in Dallas

• Deschamps to bring Tchouaméni into lineup if fit

The France midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery says his team want to exact revenge on Spain and banish painful memories of their exit in the Euro 2024 semi-final.

France and Spain meet again on Tuesday in search of a place in the World Cup final, an even more glittering prize than the one Luis de la Fuente’s team grabbed two years ago. Back then Spain were worthy winners in Munich but a revitalised France have turned their fortunes around, blazing a trail to the last four with some scintillating attacking football.

⚽️ Latest news before first of the semi-finals in Dallas
⚽️ Player guide | Golden Boot | Football Daily | Email us

Atlanta police are increasing staffing and resources for Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina.

The department says additional officers will be deployed around the stadium and across the city’s entertainment and high-traffic areas, with large crowds expected before and after the match:

As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture. Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”

Ofwat says repeated errors led to ‘real disruption and hardship for residents and businesses across many years’

• Business live – latest updates

South East Water will pay £30.5m after a series of supply interruptions, customer failings and for breaching its licence, the regulator Ofwat has said.

The watchdog said the redress package concluded three investigations into the supplier and included a previously proposed £22m fine for water supply failures between 2020 and 2023 affecting more than 286,000 people.

Vote will allow Israelis to pass judgment on Benjamin Netanyahu and his handling of conflicts in Gaza and Iran

• Middle East crisis live – latest updates

Israel will hold national elections on 27 October, giving its citizens their first chance to pass judgment on the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his coalition since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023.

The Knesset, Israel’s parliament, will be dissolved on Friday. With just a few days left in session, the most far-right government in Israel’s history is now rushing to pass several controversial laws in an attempt to bolster its position before polling day.

More than 70 people were injured, with 24 of them still in critical condition, according to a statement by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

(Image credit: Sakchai Lalit)

Landlord of deconsecrated building sends notice of breach to Divine Playhouse, claiming it ‘insulted and mocked’ beliefs of Christian Australians

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

A deconsecrated Sydney church newly transformed into an arts venue hosting LGBTQ+ events has been ordered to stop “engaging in offensive trade” by its landlord after religious groups protested against its opening night.

Divine Playhouse opened last Wednesday with the intention of being a safe and inclusive space for artists to work and connect with audiences, its organiser said.

A Mexican student’s post-exams night out becomes a heady voyage of self-discovery in this slight but joyful coming-of-age drama

This queer coming-of-age drama from Mexico feels a little familiar, with its story of 18-year-old Eduardo, a small-town boy finding himself in the big city. And yet nothing about it feels forced or fake – it is upfront about pleasure and desire, Eduardo’s teenage horniness and his intense need to be in the gay world. There are terrific performances from its young cast too.

Alejandro Quintana plays Eduardo, a studious kid who arrives in Mexico’s second largest city, Guadalajara, in a sensible button-up shirt to sit a university entrance exam. His phone pings constantly with messages and calls from his mum, whose harsh tone suggests a tension, possibly around his sexuality. After the exam Eduardo meets student Mario, a Caravaggio-esque beauty who invites him back to his house. But when they arrive – surprise! – Mario’s family have thrown him a birthday party. Which only briefly interrupts the hookup, since Mario is totally accepted at home.

As the rights of nature are increasingly being recognised, the Scottish Association for Marine Science is the latest organisation to make the ocean a trustee

In a boardroom in an office building in Oban, a picturesque town on the west coast of Scotland, trustees attending meetings have long been able to see the breaking waves of the Atlantic through the windows. But since last month, the ocean has also been present in the room, with an unusual new initiative ensuring that it now has a say on decisions shaping the future of the 140-year-old Scottish Association for Marine Science (Sams).

Sams was set up during the Scottish Enlightenment, a time of growing interest in oceanography when nature was seen as something to be dominated and exploited.

Would walking buddies convince reluctant children that hiking can be fun? A group trip with an Enid Blyton vibe proved a hit with the whole family

“I’m not going to wake her up,” I hiss at my 12-year-old son who’s standing half naked in a dark corridor of a Victorian house. “Please, Mum. She said we could come at any time! I don’t want to get Lyme disease,” he begs.

This is not the kind of drama I was expecting when I signed up to a family walking holiday in Exmoor. A few meltdowns about an extra mile or a blister perhaps, but not a night mission to one of the guides to request a tick removal.

The novelist issues a inspiring call for artists to exercise their autonomy in a world of gatekeepers

In 1988, the late Ghanaian writer and filmmaker Kwesi Owusu edited Storms of the Heart: An Anthology of Black Arts & Culture, a collection of writings and images by Black artists in Britain, including Ben Okri on Shakespeare, Shobana Jeyasingh on Indian dance theatre, Jacob Ross on decolonising language, an interview with Ntozake Shange, and early pieces from the artist Sonia Boyce. Its intention was to document the advances made in Black diasporic arts in postwar Britain, to give voice to the creative and political concerns of practitioners, and importantly, to push back against the routine ghettoisation and marginalisation of their work. As a young writer aware of such realities, it was a huge inspiration for me.

Courttia Newland’s essay collection The Art of Opposition is entirely his own work, but it has a similar impact, mainly because of its provision of a space for Black or “othered” creatives to feel supported and understood in their endeavours, and as a counter to the pressures of the mainstream. Newland, a novelist, screenwriter and playwright, is no stranger to these pressures himself, his work is sometimes subject to the dismissiveness of an industry that expects writers to serve commercial imperatives. In these erudite, fierce and clear-minded essays, he draws on his substantial experience and cultural knowledge to emphasise “the greater goal of saying what we mean”.

Snappy performance, long battery life, great keyboard and excellent new haptic touchpad make the best of Windows 11

Microsoft’s Surface laptop for consumers is back, faster and with longer battery life and a hefty price increase because of the high cost of memory and chips.

The Surface Laptop 8 is a straight replacement for the seventh edition from 2024, which was the first of Microsoft’s new generation of ARM-based, Qualcomm-powered PCs designed to better rival Apple’s MacBook Air and other thin and light machines.

From scientific tricks to stop turtle traffickers to stranded seals and displaced workers, these images all scooped prizes at this year’s Earth Photo awards

Nordone was 13 when brother became her legal guardian – and was a key presence as he rose in the Republican ranks

When Lindsey Graham was in college, his parents died, just over a year apart. But he worried most about his sister, who, at 13, was suddenly an orphan. Graham became her legal guardian – and later adopted her so she could receive his benefits through his service as an air force lawyer.

On Monday, Henry McMaster, South Carolina’s Republican governor, announced that the late senator’s younger sister, Darline Graham Nordone, would fill the Senate seat he held until his sudden death on Saturday night, aged 71.

Exclusive: Analysis of nearly 2,500 articles finds almost three-quarters made no reference to global heating

Most of the UK media stories about the record-breaking heatwave that struck in June failed to mention the climate crisis, analysis has found.

Nearly 2,500 articles about the extreme heat – when temperatures topped 37C, a record for the time of year – appeared in the UK’s nine main national daily media publications. But nearly three-quarters of them – about 72% – left out any mention of global heating or the climate, according to the analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU).

When is it OK to go shirtless? What time can you start drinking on holiday? And can you ask a stranger to apply your sunscreen? Experts explain the behaviour that’s hot this summer – and what’s really, really not

Summer means a loosening of rules and norms. Eating with your fingers is suddenly encouraged, near-nakedness is everywhere and a 6am airport pint is unremarkable. It’s a hot, sticky recipe for social chaos and – if you share my view on showing off ungroomed feet – possibly the end times of human civilisation. Here, then, is everything you need to know about summer etiquette.