UK Home Secretary announces 30-month temporary protection for asylum seekers granted refugee status in policy overhaul
In a significant overhaul of the United Kingdom's asylum framework, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced that all asylum seekers granted refugee status will only receive temporary protection lasting 30 months. This announcement is set to come into effect from Monday and marks one of the most substantial changes to the UK’s asylum policies in many years. The decision, which will not require parliamentary approval, is already stirring controversy within the Labour party, particularly among its left-wing members who are advocating for more progressive immigration policies. Under the new regulations, asylum seekers will have their cases reviewed every 30 months.... [Continue Reading]
U.S. and Israeli War With Iran Will Likely Send Oil Prices Soaring
How long prices remain high will depend on what the United States, Israel and Iran do next. [Continue Reading]
Three in four women unaware menopause can trigger new mental illness, poll finds
Royal College of Psychiatrists says impact on mental health often overlooked and calls for improvements in careNearly three-quarters of UK women do not know menopause can trigger a new mental illness, polling shows.This lack of understanding is so acute that the Royal College of Psychiatrists has launched its first targeted “position statement” to raise awareness about menopause and mental health. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Iranian missile strike on Beit Shemesh kills at least nine in Israel
At least nine people were killed after an Iranian missile struck a residential neighborhood in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh. [Continue Reading]
'Bittersweet victory' after burial site damaged by miner declared protected
A sacred site in the remote East Kimberley has been declared an Aboriginal heritage protected area, years after burial grounds were damaged by a local mining company. [Continue Reading]
Trump vows to continue attacks on Iran, says more US troops ‘likely’ to die
US president says attacks will continue until 'all objectives' are met, despite earlier floating diplomatic off-ramps. [Continue Reading]
Venezuela’s opposition leader Machado ‘will return to the country in the coming weeks’
Venezuelan opposition leader and winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Maria Corina Machado said on Sunday that she will return to Venezuela in the coming weeks and that elections will be held in the South American country. Machado did not set a date for her return but said one of the objectives will be to prepare “for a new and gigantic electoral victory”. In a message shared on social media, the politician called on her supporters to “strengthen the unity of Venezuelans that began with the... [Continue Reading]
Consultation on social media ban for under-16s to begin
Discussions over what measures to implement to protect children's wellbeing will last for three months. [Continue Reading]
How the Assault on Iran Unfolded
Despite warnings after an earlier wave of killings, top Iranian officials gathered in person, and Israel seized the chance to kill Iran’s supreme leader. [Continue Reading]
Hundreds of UK teenagers to pilot social media bans and restrictions
Trials to form part of three-month consultation on Keir Starmer’s plans to tackle negative effects of smartphone useHundreds of teenagers will be enlisted to trial social media bans in the coming months with overnight digital curfews and daily screen time limits also tested as part of Keir Starmer’s plan to crack down on the negative effects of smartphone use.The trials will be part of a three-month consultation launched this week that could lead to an outright ban on social media for under-16s similar to that introduced in Australia. Ministers have said they are ready to toughen laws just six months... [Continue Reading]
Azerbaijani soldiers are assisting those fleeing the conflict in Iran at the Astara border
While most are returning Azerbaijanis, 50 foreign nationals, including diplomats, have also used the corridor to evacuate. [Continue Reading]
Where Iran has retaliated across the Middle East, according to satellite images and videos
Iran intensified its strikes against countries in the Persian Gulf and Israel on Sunday, attacking at least nine countries since the start of the joint U.S.-Israeli attack. [Continue Reading]
UK mounts operation to support thousands of Britons in Middle East
Officials are understood to be working on plans to evacuate British nationals, should airspace remain closed. [Continue Reading]
UK to allow US to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iran
Within hours of the prime minister’s statement, the UK’s Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus was reportedly hit by a droneThe UK has agreed to let the US use British military bases to attack Iranian missile sites, Keir Starmer has said.The UK has so far not been involved in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, but in a recorded statement on Sunday evening, the prime minister said that Iran’s approach was becoming more reckless and putting British lives at risk, leading to the decision to allow the US to use two of its military bases. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Delta Goodrem to represent Australia at 2026 Eurovision
The Australian pop singer will perform her new single Eclipse at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna in May to a global audience of more than 160 million viewers. [Continue Reading]
'Ugly' or 'beautiful'? Set-pieces prove decisive for Arsenal again
Arsenal move five points clear in the Premier League title race but is their reliance on set-pieces an issue? [Continue Reading]
UK Activates Emergency Evacuation Plans for Citizens Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
With rising tensions in the Middle East following recent US-Israeli military actions against Iranian interests, the UK Foreign Office has activated emergency evacuation plans for British citizens in the region. Approximately 200,000 British nationals are estimated to be currently present, including holidaymakers and business travelers, many of whom have become stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to closed airspace over Dubai. The UK government's decision to prepare an evacuation strategy underscores the volatility of the situation, amplifying the urgency for British citizens in the region to register their whereabouts. Keir Starmer, the UK Labour Party leader, has called for... [Continue Reading]
Major changes to asylum system set to come into force
From Monday, asylum seekers granted refugee status in the UK will be offered only temporary protection. [Continue Reading]
Murder charge after security guard stabbed
A 50-year-old man will appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court on Monday, police say. [Continue Reading]
‘That resentment is real’: Mahmood’s Denmark visit aims to hammer home tough line on immigration
On tour of returns centre, home secretary says ‘legitimate grievances’ have to be acknowledged as part of ‘responsible’ politicsRefugee status to be temporary as Shabana Mahmood rips up rules on UK asylumThe UK home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and Danish immigration officials strode through the bleak and chilly Sjælsmark returns centre, a former military barracks used to house men and women who have no right to remain in the country. Followed by photographers, reporters and civil servants, Mahmood was told of the strict conditions in which hundreds of people live after asylum and right to remain appeals are rejected and before... [Continue Reading]
Refugee status to be temporary as Shabana Mahmood rips up rules on UK asylum
Home secretary announces 30-month protection limit, with refugees required to leave if their home countries are later judged safe‘That resentment is real’: Mahmood’s Denmark visit aims to hammer home tough line on immigrationShabana Mahmood has ripped up the government’s asylum rules so that from Monday every refugee will be told that their status is temporary and will last just 30 months.In a move that has concerned a refugee charity, the home secretary said that claimants whose countries are deemed to be safe by the UK government will from now on be expected to return. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Top China shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing on why the US industry can’t be rebuilt overnight
Li Yanqing, executive vice-president and secretary general of the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (Cansi), discusses the impact of US trade policies, global market cycles and China’s strategic pivot towards high-quality manufacturing. As a shipbuilding veteran who also serves as chairman of the ISO/TC 8 ships and marine technology committee, which oversees international standardisation for shipbuilding and marine operations, Li is a prominent voice for China’s industry on... [Continue Reading]
Supporters of ex-president Bolsonaro rally across Brazil against Lula
Thousands of supporters of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro demonstrated in cities across the South American nation on Sunday, as organisers hoped to build momentum for a right-wing victory in the coming presidential elections. Protesters draped in yellow and green – the colours of the national flag – took to the streets in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the capital Brasilia to voice their opposition to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who faces a tough re-election bid in... [Continue Reading]
Iran pessimistic about FIFA World Cup after US air strikes
Reverberations from the Middle East conflict hits global sport, with Iran's soccer chief offering a bleak outlook for the FIFA World Cup in the United States. [Continue Reading]
Iran conflict to cause ‘serious’ travel disruptions as 115,000 Australians remain in region amid cancelled flights
Government has not yet committed to repatriation flights as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways commercial operations remain suspendedFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian government says travellers should be prepared for “serious” disruptions in coming days amid the turmoil in the Middle East, saying there are limits to what the government can do to help those stranded in the region.The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said many Australians would be affected as countries shuttered their airspace amid the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran. Three major airports... [Continue Reading]
Trump's Iran gamble... What is the US president up to?
And will Trump's Republican MAGA base support his strikes on Iran? [Continue Reading]
Delroy Lindo thankful for ‘love and support’ after N-word incident at Baftas
Lindo speaks out after man with Tourette syndrome shouted slur while actor was on stage with Michael B JordanBritish-American actor Delroy Lindo expressed gratitude for “the support and love” he and Michael B Jordan have received after a man with Tourette syndrome (TS) shouted the N-word as the two men presented a Bafta award.“We appreciate all the support and love that we have been shown,” Lindo – who, like Jordan, is Black – said on stage at the annual NAACP Image awards in Los Angeles. He called it “a classic case of something that could be very negative becoming very... [Continue Reading]
'We're staying calm', say Irish people in Gulf region
Irish citizens in the Gulf region have described their experience amid ongoing bombardment. [Continue Reading]
UK will allow US to use bases to strike Iranian missile sites, PM says
The prime minister says it remains the case that the UK will "not join offensive action now". [Continue Reading]
Hawkins beats Lisowski to win first Welsh Open title
A dominant afternoon session set Barry Hawkins on the way to winning his first Welsh Open title, beating Jack Lisowski 9-5 in the final. [Continue Reading]
Huge fire at Bahrain port home to US Navy’s Fifth Fleet
Footage shows a huge fire reportedly ignited by an Iranian strike on a US naval facility at Bahrain’s Salman Port. [Continue Reading]
The horror story at Beit Shemesh where an Iranian missile evaded Israel's formidable defences
It is an image that will haunt very many people across Israel. A corner of Beit Shemesh, flattened by an Iranian missile; a synagogue destroyed; people killed while they sought refuge in a bomb shelter. [Continue Reading]
Now is the time for China to show it’s serious about opening up
As China’s leaders convene for the annual “two sessions” starting this week, the eyes of the world will be fixed on Beijing. This gathering is no ordinary policy meeting. Beyond setting the economic growth target for 2026, it will finalise the 15th five-year plan (2026–2030), a blueprint that will define the nation’s economic and social priorities for the second half of this decade. In an era of intensifying great-power competition, particularly with the United States, these decisions will shape... [Continue Reading]
Stakes Quickly Rise for U.S. in Iran War, With 3 Service Members Killed
The grim toll signaled that Iran was more prepared for war than the Trump administration anticipated, U.S. military officials said. [Continue Reading]
Olympian Philip Doyle misses out on the DWTS semi-final
Olympic rower Philip Doyle has become the seventh celebrity to be eliminated from Dancing with the Stars, missing out on a place in next week's semi-final after Orchestra Night on RTÉ One. [Continue Reading]
Thousands of Australians stranded as US and Israel military actions disrupt flights in the Middle East
Recent military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran have thrown the Middle East into turmoil, with significant repercussions felt globally. As hostilities escalate, thousands of Australians find themselves stranded in international airports across the region, as flight services have been heavily disrupted. The unannounced airstrikes, which occurred on a recent Saturday, prompted multiple country closures of their airspace, severely impacting travel routes. According to the Australian Travel Industry Association, the sudden cessation of commercial flights and subsequent cancellations have affected an estimated 115,000 Australians currently in the region. Affected areas include major international transit hubs in countries... [Continue Reading]
Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week?
After every round of Premier League matches this season, Troy Deeney gives us his team of the week. Do you agree with his choices? [Continue Reading]
Iranian drone strikes US military installation Camp Buehring in Kuwait amid escalating tensions in the Middle East
In a recent escalation of military confrontations in the Middle East, an Iranian drone reportedly struck a US military installation known as Camp Buehring in northwestern Kuwait. The incident was captured on footage, which showed the drone impacting the camp and releasing a significant explosion alongside a cloud of smoke. This strike adds to the increasing hostilities between Iran and the United States, particularly following a series of military engagements in the region. According to reports, the drone attack has confirmed heightened tensions that have been brewing for some time. The strike on Camp Buehring occurred as part of broader... [Continue Reading]
Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas at DIFF closing premiere
The 2026 Dublin International Film Festival has come to a close after 11 days of screenings, discussions and workshops, with the world premiere of John Carney's new film Power Ballad at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. [Continue Reading]
Wexford residents 'caught between rock and hard place'
Residents of a housing estate in Co Wexford said they feel they have been caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to rules for residential tenancies. [Continue Reading]
WA transport industry wants tougher truck licensing model
Western Australia's transport industry is calling on the WA government to follow South Australia's lead in reforming its heavy vehicle licensing system, amid a "surge" in the number of road trains crossing the Nullarbor this week. [Continue Reading]
Trump open to talks with Iran as conflict deepens in Middle East
US president signals willingness to engage with Tehran’s surviving leadership as strikes and retaliatory attacks intensify across regionUS-Israel war on Iran – latest updatesDonald Trump said on Sunday he was prepared to talk to what was left of the Iranian leadership in the wake of the killing of the country’s supreme leader by US-Israeli air strikes aimed at overthrowing the regime.Trump was speaking as a second day of intense bombing of Iranian cities and Tehran’s missile counter-attacks sent tremors across the region and through the global economy. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
The Nightcliff by-election is this weekend. Here is what you need to know
Residents living in Darwin's northern suburbs of Nightcliff, Rapid Creek and parts of Coconut Grove will be heading to the polls this Saturday to vote in a by-election. It comes after the former member for Nightcliff resigned in February. [Continue Reading]
Flash flooding hits Mildura after 100mm of rain in 24 hours
Heavy rainfall causes flash flooding in Mildura as the city records its wettest March day. [Continue Reading]
Would it be bigger gamble not to give Carrick Man Utd job?
With six wins and a draw from seven games in charge of Manchester United, would it prove more of a gamble not to give Michael Carrick the head coach position full-time? [Continue Reading]
Terminally ill grandmother tells productivity commissioner to 'remember my face'
The Australian government asked this woman how she felt about regional airfares. She didn't hold back. [Continue Reading]
Cognizant Classic final round updates: Lowry leads
Shane Lowry is in contention to win the PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic in Florida. Follow final round updates here. [Continue Reading]
Arkansas father rushing his sick child to hospital won’t face charges after officer rammed into his car
State trooper used Pit ramming maneuvre to stop Dillon Hess from speeding while transporting his son to hospitalAn Arkansas father speeding while transporting his sick child to the hospital will not face charges after a state police trooper used a vehicle-ramming technique known as a Pit maneuvre to stop his vehicle, authorities have said.Officials said they have ruled out charges against the father, identified as Dillon Hess, who was speeding as he rushed his son to the hospital for emergency medical treatment after he suffered an allergic reaction, as the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette first reported. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
'Missiles flying overhead': Thousands of Australians stranded at airports
Australians are left stranded overseas amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, with one woman saying she was forced to sleep on an airport floor. [Continue Reading]
Live: Wong estimates 115,000 Australians in Middle East amid conflict
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the government wants to wait and see if commercial flights to transport hubs in the Middle East restart before it considers repatriation flights for the 115,000 Australians estimated to be in the region. Follow live. [Continue Reading]
