UK court rejects bid to reinstate ‘terrorism’ charge against Kneecap rapper
Rapper Liam O'Hanna welcomes ruling in case he says was 'never about any threat to the public, never about terrorism'. [Continue Reading]
High Court rules Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh will not face new terror trial over Hezbollah flag display
In a significant legal outcome, the High Court in London has ruled that Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of the Irish language rap group Kneecap, will not face a new terror trial. This decision follows an appeal by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which sought to reinstate a charge against Ó hAnnaidh related to displaying a flag supporting Hezbollah during a performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. The original case against him was dismissed in September of the previous year due to procedural issues. During a gig on 21 November, Ó hAnnaidh was accused of promoting... [Continue Reading]
Kneecap rapper will not face terrorism trial after high court rejects CPS appeal
Judges uphold decision to dismiss case against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh for allegedly displaying Hezbollah flag at gigThe Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh will not face a terrorism charge over allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a gig after the high court in London upheld a decision to throw out the case.Ó hAnnaidh, 28, who performs under the name Mo Chara, had been charged with the offence for allegedly displaying the flag of the proscribed group during a performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November 2024. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
UK government loses appeal over Kneecap terror charge
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, had been accused of showing support for proscribed organisation Hezbollah following a gig in London in 2024. [Continue Reading]
Court rules no new terror trial for Kneecap's Ó hAnnaidh
Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh will not face a new terror trial after judges at the High Court in London rejected a Crown Prosecution Service appeal against the decision to throw out the case. [Continue Reading]
Payman, Thorpe and Faruqi demand Labor change parliamentary rules to counter ‘overt’ racism
Exclusive: independent and Greens senators ask president to set up inquiry and anti-racism training for politicians to prevent bigotry ‘corroding democracy’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIncreasingly ugly abuse in federal parliament has prompted a group of independents and the Greens to call for an urgent intervention from Labor to change the rules, warning that allowing racism and bigotry to “fester” is corroding democracy.Guardian Australia can reveal independents, Fatima Payman and Lidia Thorpe, and the Greens’ Mehreen Faruqi are demanding Senate president Sue Lines take the problem seriously with a new inquiry and mandatory anti-racism training... [Continue Reading]
First batch of Peter Mandelson files released after Epstein revelations
It's still just a fraction of the papers demanded by Parliament. [Continue Reading]
Documents Released on Peter Mandelson's Appointment as US Ambassador Amid Ongoing Misconduct Investigations
Today marks the release of significant documents related to Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the United States, a development underscored by ongoing investigations into his alleged misconduct. The UK government, under scrutiny following high-profile controversies, is expected to unveil a substantial number of files, although this will likely represent only a fraction of what parliament has demanded. Peter Mandelson, who previously held the role of business secretary, was arrested on 23 February on suspicions of misconduct in public office. The allegations accuse him of improperly passing sensitive information to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during his time in government. While... [Continue Reading]
Starmer warned cabinet against ‘overly deferential’ relations with devolved governments
Leak of memo comes after a third of Labour Senedd members raise alarm devolution is being rolled backUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer warned his cabinet against an “overly deferential” approach to the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish governments, according to a leaked memo.In the document from December, obtained and published on Tuesday by Plaid Cymru, Starmer said ministers should be prepared to make spending decisions “even when devolved governments may oppose this”. It came shortly after Labour Senedd members wrote to the prime minister over concerns his administration was rolling back devolution powers. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Two protesters charged on first day of Queensland’s ‘from the river to the sea’ ban
Alleged offences occurred after pro-Palestinian activists gathered outside state parliament within hours of new laws taking effectFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTwo pro-Palestinian protesters have been charged with violating contentious new Queensland hate-speech laws, with one of them allegedly saying the banned phrase “from the river to the sea”.The arrests occurred at a small protest march which started outside the state parliament building on Wednesday, just hours after the new laws, passed by parliament last week, went into effect. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Two people arrested less than a week after hate speech laws pass parliament
Police say a man has been charged and a woman is assisting them with inquiries over the use of phrases deemed antisemitic by the Queensland government. [Continue Reading]
Backbencher considering legal options over 'defamatory' bullying claims
A Northern Territory government backbencher accused of bullying has faced a bid for a parliamentary inquiry into his alleged conduct, as well as an extraordinary berating from the NT Speaker. [Continue Reading]
Nepal's New Government Pursues Balanced Diplomacy with India and China
The recently elected government of Nepal, led by Balendra Shah, is demonstrating a strategic pivot in its diplomatic approach, seeking to navigate relations with both India and China. This positioning was articulated through the campaign of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which has committed to a policy of "balanced and dynamic diplomacy." Analysts have noted this approach aims to emphasize Nepal’s sovereignty, focusing on economic cooperation and cross-border connectivity, steering away from past perceptions of being a buffer state between its two larger neighbors. The RSP's electoral manifesto outlines intentions to transform Nepal into a "vibrant bridge" for regional interactions,... [Continue Reading]
NSW government apologises for leaving foster children in home with triple killer
State government apologises after convicted murderer Regina Arthurell removed this week despite being warned of situation in DecemberFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNew South Wales police visited the home where a convicted triple killer was living with two foster children in February – nearly a month before the woman was removed from the address.The revelation comes after the state government was forced to apologise for not acting until this week, despite a report warning them of the situation in December.Additional reporting by AAP Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Hereditary peers to lose their seats in the House of Lords
Upper chamber accepts final draft of bill, which offers life peerages to some of those who would otherwise be removedHereditary peerages will be abolished before the next king’s speech after a deal was struck granting life peerages to some Conservatives and cross-benchers losing their seats.On Tuesday evening the upper chamber accepted a final draft of the House of Lords (hereditary peers) bill, marking the end of its passage through parliament and clearing the way for it to be added to the statute book. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Digital ID scheme to have limited use before next election, minister says
Darren Jones says £1.8bn project likely to cover only vehicle tax payments and right-to-work checks initiallyBritain’s £1.8bn digital ID scheme will only be available for a handful of uses by the next election, including paying vehicle tax and right-to-work checks, the minister in charge of the project has said.Darren Jones, the prime minister’s chief secretary, said on Tuesday he eventually wanted the app to be used for everything from claiming benefits to proving the right to vote, but that most of this would not happen until the next parliament. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
US Executes Most Intense Day of Strikes Against Iran Amid Escalating Military Operations
In a dramatic escalation of military operations, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the United States is currently executing the "most intense" day of strikes against Iran since the beginning of hostilities. This surge in military activity underscores the growing tension in the region, where both sides are engaged in an aggressive exchange of fire. Hegseth's assessment reflects a broader shift in the US military strategy aimed at achieving decisive victory in the ongoing conflict. As the conflict unfolds, Iran has responded with renewed missile attacks targeting Israeli cities, including key locations such as Tel Aviv. The Iranian Revolutionary... [Continue Reading]
MP tells Commons she was left with PTSD after being raped at work event
Charlotte Nichols opposes plan to cut jury trials in England and Wales and calls for creation of special courts to hear rape casesAn MP has told the House of Commons that she was raped after an event that she attended as a member of parliament, revealing that she waited 1,088 days for her case to get to court.Speaking at a debate on Tuesday to discuss changes to the law under which some jury trials would be limited, Charlotte Nichols said she was waiving her right to anonymity to speak about her own experience and opposition to the bill. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Meeting my death-row pen pal after 20 years
Rhys Williams became friends with rapist and murderer Roderick Orme after the pair began exchanging letters. [Continue Reading]
Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams condemns racist and homophobic fan comments
A star of the massively popular Canadian show Heated Rivalry has hit back against an avalanche of hateful online posts, with the hockey drama’s success stirring up a frenzy online. The show about the budding careers and secret relationship of two young male hockey stars – one Canadian, one Russian – over a series of years, has become a global phenomenon. But it has also inspired particularly intense fan engagement across social media, including homophobic and racist comments. Lead actor Hudson... [Continue Reading]
Mother behind Coco's Law urges EU to change cyber laws
An Irish woman whose daughter died after years of online abuse has urged the European Parliament to introduce stronger legal safeguards across the EU "so no other family will face this pain". [Continue Reading]
Trial begins for man accused of murdering County Mayo resident John Casserley in alleged stabbing incident
The trial of a 33-year-old man accused of murdering John Casserley, a 59-year-old resident of County Mayo, has commenced at the Central Criminal Court. Opening statements outlined the grisly circumstances of the crime, wherein Mr Casserley was reportedly stabbed 27 times in an incident described by the prosecution as "almost indescribable savagery." The alleged murder took place between October 23 and 24 in an apartment located at Tone House, Tone Street, Ballina, County Mayo. Liam O'Leary, the defendant, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Senior Counsel Dean Kelly, representing the prosecution, detailed that Mr Casserley and O'Leary... [Continue Reading]
Jess Phillips backs jury bill as she reveals she is ‘victim of courts backlog’
Exclusive: Safeguarding minister says man accused of restraining order breach will not come to court until 2028A man accused of breaching a restraining order related to Jess Phillips will not have his case heard in the crown court until 2028, the Labour minister has revealed, as MPs voted in favour of controversial plans to scrap some jury trials.During an emotive day in the House of Commons, the Labour MP for Warrington North, Charlotte Nichols, said she had been raped after an event she attended as a member of parliament but did not support the bill and felt that ministers had... [Continue Reading]
Prince William tells Princess Anne ‘I’ve had enough of hearing his name’, lipreader reveals
Its believed Williams comments may have been in reference to his uncle, or to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced paedophile. [Continue Reading]
EU moves to allow two years’ jail for families facing deportation
The vote on the return regulation on Monday in the European Parliament civil liberties committee now sets the legal stage for likely deportation facilities abroad, as the European Union cracks down on asylum and roll backs its commitment to refugees. [Continue Reading]
‘Vicious cycle’: panic buying is biggest risk to Australia’s petrol supplies as demand surges, experts say
Government and motoring groups say there is no shortage of fuel supplies but stockpiling has left country service stations running dry, as Iran war sparks oil price fearsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastRegional service stations are struggling to replenish fuel supplies left empty by panic buying that has seen demand double and even triple in areas like the Barossa and Mildura amid an escalating Middle East conflict.As a leading motoring group warned of a “vicious cycle” of motorists stockpiling petrol, Chris Bowen, the energy minister, stood up... [Continue Reading]
Contractor warned to ‘step up’ and finish Sydney’s maligned M6 motorway or face the consequences
Twin tunnels should be open but lead contractor wants out, blaming sinkholes and a ‘reverse fault’. The NSW government insists ‘there is a technical solution available’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTwo years after large sinkholes opened above the construction of a $3.1bn Sydney motorway tunnel, the consortium charged with the project’s completion has been issued a notice forcing it to continue the job or face possible legal consequences.The New South Wales roads minister, Jenny Aitchison, said contractor CGU had on Monday been issued a “notice of default”,... [Continue Reading]
Kyle Sandilands apologises to former co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and says he wants program back on air
Kiis FM radio host accuses ARN of not running ‘genuine process’ before terminating Henderson’s contract and suspending him following pair’s on-air fightFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastKyle Sandilands says he has apologised to his co-host, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, and is “devastated” that their partnership could be ending in his first public comments since their shock split.In a lengthy statement issued on Tuesday, the Kiis FM radio host said he had been told by the broadcaster’s parent company, the Australian Radio Network (ARN), that he was “not allowed... [Continue Reading]
Bundaberg residents told to evacuate immediately as Queensland braces for major flooding
The BoM has forecast flooding of the Burnett River at Bundaberg could rise to 7.5 metres by midnightFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesSign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter hereResidents of the coastal Queensland city of Bundaberg have been told to evacuate immediately amid major flooding in the wake of a tropical low.It comes after days of heavy rain across northern Australia, with parts of the Northern Territory experiencing their worst flooding in decades, and Darwin residents asked to reduce water use after the Darwin River Dam – the city’s major... [Continue Reading]
Three Australians sentenced to prison in Bali for involvement in fatal shooting of Melbourne man Zivan Radmanovic
A court in Bali, Indonesia, has sentenced three Australian citizens, Mevlut Coskun, Paea I Middlemore Tupou, and Darcy Jenson, to prison terms for their involvement in the fatal shooting of Zivan Radmanovic, a 32-year-old from Melbourne. The sentences handed down are 16 years for Coskun and 12 years each for Tupou and Jenson. The incident occurred in 2025, with prosecutors revealing that the defendants were allegedly hired by an unidentified individual to carry out the shooting. The case has drawn significant media attention, particularly due to the circumstances surrounding the events that led to the shooting. The three men were... [Continue Reading]
Kia Carnival escape one of 12 since US firm took control of Australian immigration detention, damning report finds
Staffing levels at centres ‘critical’ under Management and Training Corporation, prisons watchdog says Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAt least 12 escapes have occurred since a US private prison operator began running Australia’s immigration detention network, including by a high-risk detainee who was mistakenly placed in an unsecured Kia Carnival with a makeshift weapon, a scathing report has found.The prisons watchdog, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), on Tuesday released a damning report about the running of the onshore immigration detention centres during their transition to Management and... [Continue Reading]
Labor moves to block some temporary visa holders travelling to Australia amid Middle East war
Proposed new powers for home affairs minister are ‘truly appalling’, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre says Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor is toughening immigration laws to stop people from some countries travelling to Australia on some temporary visas and seeking to stay permanently because of the Middle East war.The assistant citizenship minister, Julian Hill, introduced urgent amendments on Tuesday, hours after home affairs minister, Tony Burke, facilitated asylum applications from members of the Iranian women’s football team. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Why China’s economic reset is a credibility test for Hong Kong
China’s annual parliamentary “two sessions” have been framed as a show of resilience in a turbulent world. That framing is not wrong but it is incomplete. Beijing’s deliberately lower 2026 economic growth target is less an admission of weakness than a signal that the growth playbook is being rewritten. For Hong Kong, this is not background noise. It is a test of whether policy alignment can be converted into institutional credibility. When Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report... [Continue Reading]
Three Australians jailed for more than a decade over Melbourne man’s shooting death in Bali
Sentences of 16 and 12 years handed down over 2025 death of 32-year-old Zivan RadmanovicFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA court on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali has sentenced three Australian citizens over the fatal shooting of a fellow Australian national, after they claimed to have been paid by a man they will not identify.Mevlut Coskun, Paea I Middlemore Tupou and Darcy Jenson were convicted of the shooting death of Zivan Radmanovic, a 32-year-old from Melbourne. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
MPs reject ban on social media for under-16s
Ban could still be introduced in future after Commons back government bid to give extra powers to secretary of stateA proposed ban on social media for under-16s has been rejected by MPs.Parliamentarians voted 307 to 173, majority 134, against the proposed change to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill, which was brought forward by Conservative peer and former minister John Nash. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Police offer $250,000 reward for information of Lake Cargelligo triple-murder accused Julian Ingram
Assistant commissioner Andrew Holland says ‘we believe he is alive and getting support’ after Lake Cargelligo killingsWarning: This article contains references to Indigenous Australians who have diedFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNew South Wales police have offered a $250,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of Julian Ingram, the suspected triple murderer accused of fatally shooting his pregnant former partner, her boyfriend and her aunt in remote Lake Cargelligo in January.Officials have searched for Ingram, also known as Julian Pierpoint, since 22 January. The 37-year-old... [Continue Reading]
Australia to send aircraft and air-to-air missiles to Gulf to ‘protect and defend’ civilians, PM says
Anthony Albanese announces surveillance aircraft, air-to-air missiles and supporting personnel will be deployed to the UAE after request from their presidentFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia will send a specialist surveillance aircraft and stocks of air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates, in what Anthony Albanese said is an effort to help protect Australians in the region under threat from Iranian attack.As the Iran war grows, the prime minister announced the assistance on Tuesday morning after talks with the UAE’s president, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, last... [Continue Reading]
Politics live: Tony Burke to give statement about Iranian footballers; EU to sign defence partnership with Australia
Follow updates live‘I’m buggered’: David Littleproud resigns as leader of National party as Matt Canavan flags tiltGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastBurke confirms Trump has called AlbaneseBurke has confirmed the US president, Donald Trump, has spoken with Anthony Albanese (who will be up to speak in Canberra shortly).I do know that the president called the prime minister and the views of the president put on this, I think, reflected what all good people have been thinking. Everybody’s been looking at this situation and saying, surely, is there something we can do?We’ve been making sure that... [Continue Reading]
ABC Shakespeare quiz: How well doest thou know his characters and quotes?
A quiz by any other word would smell as sweet, or something, so have a crack at our 10 questions on the works of William Shakespeare. [Continue Reading]
Hecklers shout ‘What did you know about Andrew?’ at King Charles and Prince William
'It's a simple question.' [Continue Reading]
Horse racing trainer guilty of hockey stick assault
Williams will be sentenced next month for the assault, which left a dog walker with a broken arm. [Continue Reading]
Alan Shearer disagrees with Liam Rosenior’s comments about ‘world-class’ Chelsea star
Premature? [Continue Reading]
After-hours work emails should mean Australians get a four-day work week, union tells government
Australian Services Union, which represents more than 135,000 workers, also calls for ‘roster justice’ rulesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor is facing growing calls to legislate a four-day work week and for workers’ annual leave entitlements to be expanded, as part of a review of Australia’s national employment standards.The Australian Services Union has told the Albanese government that five weeks’ annual leave is necessary to help employees inundated with instant communication and information updates from the workplace, and to allow workers to take proper breaks to boost... [Continue Reading]
Richest super balances to be taxed at higher rates after Greens agree to back Labor plan
Greens say support for superannuation tax changes is a ‘down payment’ on Labor pursuing genuine reform in 12 May federal budgetFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor’s plan to raise the tax rate on the largest super balances will become law after the Greens agreed to wave it through the Senate, ending a three-year political fight over concessions for wealthier retirees.The Greens’ treasury spokesperson, Nick McKim, said the decision to support the watered-down package was a green light for Labor to pursue “bold reform” in the upcoming federal... [Continue Reading]
Travelers face long waits at some US airports amid DHS shutdown
Wait times at security checkpoints in Houston and New Orleans as long as three hours due to shortage of TSA agentsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxTravelers complained of long waits Sunday – lasting hours in some cases – at security checkpoints at airports in Houston and New Orleans, which officials blamed on a government shutdown of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).The estimated wait time at the standard security checkpoint at the William P Hobby airport in Houston early Sunday evening was at one point three hours, according to the... [Continue Reading]
Proposed law does not protect children born to convicted paedophiles, Lords to hear
Amendment to victims and courts bill in England and Wales aims to remove anomaly in parental responsibilityA proposed law to restrict paedophiles’ parental rights in England and Wales is too weak because it does not protect children of theirs born after their conviction, parliament will hear this week.Under the victims and courts bill, a parent convicted of serious sexual offences against any child and who is sentenced to four or more years in prison will lose parental responsibility but they could come out of jail and have other children who would not be protected. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
THIS WEEK: MEPs vote on deportation bill, as Iran war keeps Europe on edge
MEPs prepare to vote on a controversial deportation bill while debates intensify over Europe’s security amid the Iran war. Armenia’s prime minister addresses parliament, ministers tackle labour shortages and EU finances, and tensions rise over Ukraine funding as Hungary threatens a veto ahead of next week’s EU summit. [Continue Reading]
'Dad from Kwinana' Roger Cook defends leaving electorate for West Perth
Premier Roger Cook says his decision to move with his partner to a residence close to Parliament House will help him further focus on his work. [Continue Reading]
David Walliams dropped by multiple charities amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour and harassment towards junior staff
David Walliams, the former "Britain's Got Talent" judge and bestselling children's author, is experiencing a significant professional fallout following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. Reports indicate that he has been dropped by multiple charities that previously named him as an ambassador. This decision comes after accusations of harassment towards junior female staff during his time with HarperCollins, his former publishing partner. The controversy around Walliams escalated after an investigation was conducted late last year by HarperCollins into allegations of harassment. In a statement, the publisher outlined that Walliams was "not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions."... [Continue Reading]
UK Gas Reserves Drop to Less Than Two Days' Supply Amid Rising Energy Crisis Concerns
Concerns are mounting in the UK as new data reveals the country has less than two days' worth of gas reserves, setting the stage for a potential energy crisis. According to figures released by National Gas, Britain currently holds around 6,700 GWh of gas, which amounts to approximately 1.5 days of consumption. This stark statistic contrasts sharply with the energy reserves accumulated by other European nations, where weeks of gas supply have been stockpiled. The situation has been exacerbated by dwindling supplies from the Middle East, with the UK now facing the highest wholesale gas prices in Europe. This surge... [Continue Reading]
Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party achieves significant victory in Nepal's parliamentary elections
Nepal's political landscape has seen a remarkable shift with rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) poised for a significant victory in the direct parliamentary elections, as confirmed by official results and trends from the election commission. Shah, widely known as "Balen," has led his party to a landslide victory following the election held on Thursday, which was held to select members for the 275-seat House of Representatives. Reports indicate that Shah's RSP secured a commanding majority in the direct elections, while also leading in the proportional representation category. This electoral success marks the first election in Nepal since last... [Continue Reading]
Thousands Protest in London Against Airstrikes in Iran and US-Israel Military Actions
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in London this afternoon to protest against ongoing airstrikes in Iran, calling for an end to military actions by the United States and Israel. The protest took place outside the US embassy in Nine Elms, where a significant turnout of around 5,000 participants expressed their dissent, highlighting the rising tensions in the region and their opposition to what they perceive as unjustified warfare. The protesters began their march from Millbank Tower, a prominent site near Westminster, carrying signs with messages such as “Stop Trump’s Wars,” “Stop the War on Iran,” “Stop Arming Israel,” and “No War... [Continue Reading]
Balendra Shah defeats ex-Prime Minister Sharma Oli in Nepal's general election, marking a significant political shift
In a stunning political shift, amateur rapper and former mayor of Kathmandu, Balendra Shah, has unseated ex-Prime Minister Sharma Oli in Nepal's recent general election. Shah's victory, confirmed by the Nepalese Election Commission on Saturday, marks a significant moment in the country's political landscape, as he garnered 68,348 votes, decisively defeating Oli, who received 18,734 votes in their parliamentary race. The election, which took place on Thursday, is particularly historic as it is the first since the violent youth-led protests that led to the downfall of the previous government in September. This election has been characterized by a confrontation between... [Continue Reading]
Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party poised for majority in Nepal's parliamentary elections, according to Election Commission trends
In a significant political shift, Balendra Shah, a prominent figure who transitioned from rapper to politician, appears to be on track for a decisive victory in Nepal's parliamentary elections. As of March 7, trends released by the Election Commission indicate that Shah's party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is likely to secure a majority in the 275-member House of Representatives, the lower house of Nepal's parliament. This election follows a period of political instability marked by a surge of anti-corruption protests that led to the fall of the previous government. These elections, which were held on March 5, come about... [Continue Reading]
Lord Chadlington resigns from Conservative Party and plans to retire from Parliament after conduct breach investigation
Lord Chadlington, a member of the House of Lords, has announced his resignation from the Conservative Party and his intention to retire from Parliament following a recommendation for suspension due to a breach of conduct linked to personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts. The recommendation comes after an investigation revealed that he had improperly facilitated contracts for SG Recruitment Ltd (SGRL), a subsidiary of a company he chaired, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inquiry was conducted by the House of Lords' standards commissioner, Martin Jelley, and marks a significant turn of events; Lord Chadlington had previously been cleared in two separate... [Continue Reading]
Kemi Badenoch calls for UK government to authorize RAF strikes on Iran's missile launch sites amid rising tensions
In a significant escalation of rhetoric, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged the UK government to authorise the Royal Air Force (RAF) to conduct strikes on Iran's missile launch sites. This statement comes as the UK has allowed the United States to utilize British military bases for defensive operations against Iranian attacks. However, Badenoch emphasizes that merely intercepting missiles and drones is insufficient and that a more proactive approach is necessary to mitigate the threat from Iran. Currently, RAF jets are actively engaged in intercepting missiles and drones launched by Iran, which have targeted allies in the region. Badenoch's remarks... [Continue Reading]
Inquest rules deaths of teenagers Katie Powell and Jack Williams as suicides following discovery at Dorset nature reserve
The tragic deaths of Katie Powell, 17, and Jack Williams, 18, have been ruled a result of suicide by a jury following a four-week inquest in Bournemouth. Both teenagers were discovered dead at a nature reserve in Dorset just days after their infant child was taken into foster care and the couple experienced a police arrest. Their inquest heard evidence that the relationship dynamics may have involved elements of controlling and coercive behavior but found no direct link to their suicides. This heartbreaking case sheds light on broader issues related to youth mental health, particularly in the context of family... [Continue Reading]
Investigation into Liam Farrell's death leads to exhumation for new post-mortem examination in Co Leitrim
The investigation into the death of 87-year-old Liam Farrell, who was discovered deceased outside his residence in Co Leitrim, has taken a significant turn as authorities announce the exhumation of his remains. This decision, authorized by Minister of Justice Jim O'Callaghan, aims to facilitate a new post-mortem examination, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Farrell's untimely death nearly six years ago. Liam Farrell was found with visible injuries outside his home in the village of Rooskey, Co Leitrim, on 13 January 2020, leading to the initial inquiries by law enforcement. At that time, investigators were unable to determine the cause... [Continue Reading]
Brazil's Senate ratifies free trade deal with the European Union, joining Argentina and Uruguay in a major trade bloc
Brazil’s Senate has officially ratified a pivotal free trade deal with the European Union, positioning Brazil alongside Argentina and Uruguay in what is set to become one of the world’s largest trade blocs. This agreement aims to eliminate most tariffs between the parties involved while enhancing export opportunities for both sides. The historic deal, which has faced significant opposition from various sectors, particularly European farmers, reflects decades of negotiation and collaboration. The ratification occurred recently, marking a significant step in the implementation of the Mercosur agreement. Notably, Brazil's legislative approval comes after Argentina and Uruguay have both ratified the deal,... [Continue Reading]
