Sally Rooney books may be pulled from UK, court told
Normal People author Sally Rooney's books may have to be withdrawn from sale and none of her new works published in the UK due to "uncertainty" caused by the ban on Palestine Action, the British High Court has been told. [Continue Reading]
Dublin taxi drivers protest Uber fixed fare system
Hundreds of taxi drivers took part in a protest in Dublin City Centre, with two groups slow driving across the city towards Merrion Square. [Continue Reading]
US and Russian crew safely dock with ISS for 8-month mission
A US-Russian crew docked with the ISS after launch from Kazakhstan, beginning an eight month mission focused on research, experiments and planned spacewalks. [Continue Reading]
US midwest and north brace for storm as nearly 82m people travel for holidays
Several flights are delayed and parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan could see six to 10 inches of snowParts of the US midwest and the Great Lakes region are bracing for a strong storm this weekend, as an estimated 82 million Americans travel to gather in celebration of Thanksgiving.Some parts of the country are expecting cold, snowy conditions, and the weather has already caused some travel delays. On Thursday morning more than 800 flights were already delayed, most in the northern states. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
The chancellor’s growth mission is missing in action | Nils Pratley
Businesses grumble about lack of ambition and urgency as Rachel Reeves continues to shy away from meaningful tax reformWhere was the applause for the budget from the business world? Well, there was the banking sector, but it was reportedly under strong encouragement from the Treasury to engage in a round of corporate cheerleading after being spared higher levies. Nor should one get carried away by JP Morgan’s coordinated announcement of a new £3bn office in Canary Wharf. Yes, the commitment shows some level of long-term confidence in the UK, but large international banks do not make property decisions on the... [Continue Reading]
Partisan X posts boost political polarisation among users, research finds
Study shows small changes to tone of posts in ‘for you’ feed increase unfavourable feelings towards political opponentsSmall changes to the tone of posts fed to users of X can increase feelings of political polarisation as much in a week as would have historically taken at least three years, research has found.A groundbreaking experiment to gauge the potency of Elon Musk’s social platform to increase political division found that when posts expressing anti-democratic attitudes and partisan animosity were boosted, even barely perceptibly, in the feeds of Democrat and Republican supporters there was a large change in their unfavourable feelings towards... [Continue Reading]
Government to ditch day-one unfair dismissal policy from workers’ rights bill
Flagship Labour plan to be replaced with six-month threshold after Peter Kyle vows to not let businesses ‘lose’ under new lawA flagship policy that would have given workers the right to claim unfair dismissal after their first day on the job is to be ditched by the government in favour of a six month-threshold.In a U-turn constituting a direct breach of Labour’s manifesto, the government said it had brokered a deal between six of the country’s biggest business groups and trade union bosses to shake up its plan for the biggest upgrade in employment rights for a generation. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Wes Streeting calls BMA ‘impossible’ and says they made ‘misleading’ claims
Health secretary responds to speech given by GP committee leader accusing Labour of ‘gaslighting’ behaviourWes Streeting has accused the British Medical Association (BMA) of being “impossible” and issuing “misleading” information in an escalation of tensions with the doctors union.In an unusual move, the health secretary wrote on Thursday to England’s 50,000 GPs to convey his frustration with the BMA over recent changes that from last month made it easier for patients to contact them online between 8am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
‘Mortified’ OBR chair hopes inquiry into budget leak will report next week
Reuters news agency says it obtained document after visiting URL it predicted file would be uploaded toHow Rachel Reeves’s budget was leaked 40 minutes earlyThe chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility has said he felt mortified by the early release of its budget forecasts as the watchdog launched a rapid inquiry into how it had “inadvertently made it possible” to see the documents.Richard Hughes said he had written to the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and the chair of the Treasury select committee, Meg Hillier, to apologise. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Budget tax rises may be ‘fiscal fiction’ as pain delayed for election year, IFS warns
Labour MPs welcome scrapping of two-child benefit cap but worry about hefty future tax increases on constituentsRachel Reeves has been warned that her plans for tax rises and spending restraint in the run-up to the next general election resemble a work of “fiscal fiction” as MPs expressed concern about the impact of her budget on their constituents.A day after the chancellor’s statement, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said Reeves had chosen a high-risk strategy by backloading the squeeze to just before voters go to the polls in 2029. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Mark Carney reaches deal with Alberta for oil pipeline opposed by First Nations
Prime minister says deal ‘sets the state for an industrial transformation’, but project is likely to face wide oppositionMark Carney has agreed an energy deal with Alberta centred on plans for a new heavy oil pipeline reaching from the province’s oil sands to the Pacific coast, a politically volatile project that is expected to face stiff opposition.“It’s a great day for Alberta and a great day for Canada,” the prime minister said on Thursday as he met the Alberta premier, Danielle Smith. He said the agreement “sets the state for an industrial transformation” and involved not just a pipeline, but... [Continue Reading]
Portugal beat Austria to lift FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar
Reigning European U-17 champions Portugal beat Austria 1-0 to lift the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time. [Continue Reading]
Thanksgiving: A story of celebration and pain, in maps
It's a day to give thanks. But for millions of Indigenous Americans, it also serves as a reminder of loss. [Continue Reading]
Venezuela suspends flight rights for six foreign airlines amid US tensions
Airlines including Iberia and TAP had paused flights to Venezuela after warnings about 'heightened military activity'. [Continue Reading]
Why Is the U.S. Threatening Venezuela?
Venezuela doesn’t play a large role in the drug trade to the United States, so what is motivating the massive military buildup? Julian E. Barnes, who reports on intelligence and international security, discusses the issues with our senior writer Katrin Bennhold. [Continue Reading]
Malen hit by cup as crowd trouble halts Villa game
Aston Villa's Europa League match against Young Boys on Thursday is temporarily halted because of violence in the away end at Villa Park. [Continue Reading]
Ex-soldier caught on CCTV in police station petrol bomb attack
A former solider has admitted endangering a police officer's life in a petrol bomb attack at a police station. [Continue Reading]
Gary Cahill makes bold Chelsea vs Arsenal prediction ahead of Premier League clash
'Chelsea seem to turn up against the big teams.' [Continue Reading]
Atletico Madrid learn punishment for fans’ racist behaviour at Arsenal
It is not much of a punishment. [Continue Reading]
How long you should wait to test for each STI after unprotected sex
Some infections take a while to show up. [Continue Reading]
Two women die and boy, 9, suffers life changing injuries in car crash
An 18-year-old man was arrested at the scene [Continue Reading]
10 unmissable Time Out London deals: a Christmas meal and wine at KöD Soho, just £25
Stuck for what to do in the capital this week? We've got you sorted. [Continue Reading]
Death toll rises to 83 as blaze rips through Hong Kong tower complex
Firefighting and rescue missions continued into Thursday for a second day after a massive fire broke out in Hong Kong, gripping a complex of seven high-rise residential buildings. At least 83 people were killed and dozens more were injured in what is the worst fire to hit the territory in decades. [Continue Reading]
Suspect in Washington DC national guard shooting had ties to CIA, agency confirms
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, worked with agency-backed military units during US war in AfghanistanWashington DC national guard shooting: what we know so farThe suspected shooter of two national guard members in Washington DC on Wednesday worked with CIA-backed military units during the US war in Afghanistan, the agency has confirmed.The alleged gunman, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, came to the US in September 2021 under an Operation Allies Welcome program that gave some Afghans who had worked for the US government entry visas to the US. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Israel ‘still committing genocide’ in Gaza, Amnesty International says
The NGO’s chief says last month’s ceasefire ‘risks creating a dangerous illusion that life in Gaza is returning to normal’Amnesty International has said that Israel is “still committing genocide” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, despite the ceasefire agreed last month.The fragile, US-brokered truce between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10, after two years of war. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Europol seizes 8m fake and harmful toys in pre-Christmas crackdown
Agency warns shoppers to be vigilant online and on the high street, with counterfeit items often posing health risksMore than 8m fake and harmful toys have been seized from shops and markets across the EU in a pre-Christmas crackdown, Europol has said.Hauls of fake dolls, building bricks, toy cars, colouring sets, cuddly toys that could pose fire hazards and educational games were removed across 26 countries. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Putin says US peace plan could form basis for end to Ukraine war – as it happened
This live blog is now closed. You can read our latest reports here:Putin insists Ukraine has to surrender territory for any deal to be possibleFrance to introduce voluntary military service amid threat from RussiaMeanwhile, we are getting some new lines from Russia on what would and wouldn’t be acceptable to Moscow in a potential peace deal on Ukraine.Foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Ukrainian membership of Nato would be unacceptable, as she blamed the alliance for trying to draw Ukraine into its structure and pose a threat against Russia, Reuters reported. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Anti-abortion activist Joanna Howe claims her employer gave her immunity from complaints by pro-choice campaigners
University of Adelaide, who employs Howe as a law professor, states that it ‘considers each matter on its merits’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA prominent anti-abortion campaigner, who was banned from the South Australian parliament and accused of bullying, claims her employer has granted her immunity from complaints from anyone who is pro-choice.Anti-abortion activist Joanna Howe, who has pledged to make abortion “unthinkable”, says the University of Adelaide, which employs her as a law professor, has agreed that those with ideologically opposed viewpoints to hers will be deemed “vexatious”, and any complaints they make about... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong fire: death toll rises to 83 as rescue crews search for survivors in still-burning towers – as it happened
Fire officials say operation to extinguish inferno is nearly complete, saying they have had calls from 25 people they are yet to reachA visual guide to the fireThe death toll has risen again to 44, fire officials say.Officials said they are still having difficulties proceeding into the upper floors in some of the buildings in the residential complex as the fire continues. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela bans six international airlines as tensions with US escalate
Carriers accused of joining ‘actions of state terrorism promoted by US’ after they suspended flights to VenezuelaVenezuela has banned six international airlines, accusing them of “state terrorism” after the carriers suspended flights to the country following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).Venezuela’s civil aviation authority announced late on Wednesday that Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s Tap, Colombia’s Avianca, Chile and Brazil’s Latam, Brazil’s Gol and Turkish Airlines would have their operational permits revoked for “joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government and unilaterally suspending air commercial operations”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong fire that killed at least 75 ‘under control’ but hundreds missing
Death toll rises to 75 as rescuers rush to reach victims trapped in upper apartments of high rises. [Continue Reading]
Israeli troops kill two Palestinians in Jenin as they try to surrender
Observers condemn Israeli army's killing of two Palestinian men in northern West Bank as 'shocking crime'. [Continue Reading]
Eating What You Kill This Thanksgiving, With Hunter Steven Rinella
Michael Barbaro goes on a duck hunt with one of America’s most famous hunters: Steven Rinella. [Continue Reading]
Black Friday Deals Can Put People in Debt. Here’s How to Manage It.
The convenience of one-click purchases and “buy now, pay later” loans is making it easier for people to shop — and shop and shop — during the holidays. [Continue Reading]
Gen X-ers Have Money to Spend. Why Are Retailers Ignoring Them?
Three in four Americans ages 45 to 60 say they expect to overspend for the holidays. They’re “sort of like the glue within the consumer spectrum.” [Continue Reading]
Who are the winners and losers from Rachel Reeves' Budget?
BBC Verify has examined what we know about how the Budget is likely to financially affect different groups. [Continue Reading]
The Metro daily cartoon by Guy Venables
France will introduce a voluntary military service of 10 months beginning next summer, becoming the latest EU country to hint at war preparations in the face of a growing threat from Russia. [Continue Reading]
‘Dog eaters will prey on strays’ Fears after dog meat is banned in Jakarta
'Purchasing dog meat is like looking for drugs.' [Continue Reading]
Gardaí identified 67 trafficking victims in 2024
Sixty-seven victims of trafficking were officially identified by An Garda Síochána in 2024, but it is believed that the true number is likely to be multiples of this. [Continue Reading]
US will no longer commemorate World Aids Day, reports say
State department has told employees and grant recipients to not publicly promote or make event on 1 DecemberFor the first time since 1988, the US government will no longer commemorate World Aids Day, according to reports.The state department has directed its employees and grant recipients not to use US government funds to mark the event – which falls annually on 1 December – and not to promote the day publicly. The news was first reported by the journalist Emily Bass and confirmed in an email viewed by the New York Times. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Peter Mandelson’s lobbying firm hired by company linked to Chinese military
Global Counsel signed $3m contract with WuXi AppTec in Europe months after it was named in US national security driveGlobal Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, was brought in to advise the Chinese pharmaceutical company WuXi AppTec in Europe months after it was targeted in a US national security crackdown.WuXi AppTec signed a $3m contract with Global Counsel last year to deal with the international fallout from claims that it had links with the Chinese military and was implicated in human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Starmer says budget did not break manifesto tax pledge – as it happened
PM says: ‘We kept to our manifesto in terms of what we’ve promised. But I accept the challenge that we’ve asked everybody to contribute’Ask the Guardian your budget questionsShare your views on the new ‘mansion tax’Budget calculator: find out if you are better or worse offThe Conservative party is attacking the budget on the grounds that Rachel Reeves is putting up taxes supposedly to fund more spending on benefit claimants. Even though the rationale for this claim is questionable, the Tories were making it before the budget was announced, and Kemi Badenoch firmed it up last night, claiming it was... [Continue Reading]
Ministers face calls to explain how £6bn Send funding hole will be paid for
Bridget Phillipson has reassured MPs that Send costs will not fall on core schools funding but on government budgetMinisters are set to reduce the rising cost of funding special educational needs provision through their overhaul of the system, as they faced calls to explain how a £6bn funding hole will be paid for.The government is under pressure to clarify how it will pay for special educational needs and disabilities (Send) spending, which is rapidly increasing, after Rachel Reeves said in the budget that she will take over full responsibility for the costs from local councils from 2028. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Putin insists Ukraine has to surrender territory for any deal to be possible
Russian president says latest draft peace plan ‘can be basis for future agreements’ if Kyiv gives up unspecified areasVladimir Putin has said that the outline of a draft peace plan discussed by the US and Ukraine could serve as a basis for future negotiations to end the war – but insisted Ukraine would have to surrender territory for any deal to be possible.“In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements,” Putin said, noting that the version of the plan discussed by Washington and Kyiv in Geneva had been shared with Moscow. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Mark Carney reaches deal with Alberta for oil pipeline opposed by First Nations
Prime minister says deal ‘sets the state for an industrial transformation’, but project is likely to face wide oppositionMark Carney has agreed an energy deal with Alberta centred on plans for a new heavy oil pipeline reaching from the province’s oil sands to the Pacific coast – a politically volatile project that is expected to face stiff opposition.“It’s a great day for Alberta and a great day for Canada,” the prime minister said on Thursday as he met the beaming Alberta premier, Danielle Smith. He said the agreement “sets the state for an industrial transformation” and involved not just a... [Continue Reading]
Guinea-Bissau coup: What happened, why it matters, what happens next?
General Horta Inta-A is named the head of a one-year transitional government after President Embalo was detained. [Continue Reading]
What was behind the coup in Guinea-Bissau days after the election?
Military takeover follows others in the region in recent years. [Continue Reading]
In the US, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marches on despite wind gusts
The 99th edition of the holiday tradition included new balloons representing characters like Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man. [Continue Reading]
D.C. Shooting: What We Know About the National Guard Victims
The father of one of the West Virginia National Guard members said his daughter had a “mortal wound.” A man at the other member’s home asked for prayers for his son. [Continue Reading]
I already feel judged for having a Motability car - the Budget didn't help
Rachel Reeves has removed tax breaks on insurance and advance payments for high-end Motability cars. [Continue Reading]