Makerfield by-election enters final campaign push amid Labour leadership stakes
Candidates in the Makerfield by-election are making their final appeals to voters as campaigning enters its last phase before Thursday's poll. The contest has taken on national significance because Labour candidate Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership if he wins the seat and returns to Westminster. Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, a plumber and local councillor, is seen as Burnham's main rival in the constituency.The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Makerfield MP Josh Simons, who stood down to make way for Burnham's attempt to win the seat. Burnham, who is Greater... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 17:02 LONDON
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Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked after US-Iran deal announcement as shipping stays cautious
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains far below normal three days after a preliminary Iran-US deal was announced, with operators and insurers still waiting for signs that the route is safe and stable. Ship-tracking data cited in the supplied material shows only seven vessels have passed through since Sunday, despite the agreement being described by both sides as reopening the waterway. The narrow passage, which links the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world's most sensitive maritime chokepoints and the latest figures suggest traffic has not yet recovered.The material says that before the war, between... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 15:59 LONDON
Bolivia signs $20m deal with US to fight drug trafficking
Bolivia says it has signed a new co-operation deal with the United States to combat drug trafficking, in a move officials describe as part of a thaw in relations between the two countries. The foreign ministry said the agreement will see Washington provide up to $20m to train and equip Bolivian forces. It was signed in La Paz and is aimed at strengthening institutions involved in public security, criminal investigations and the fight against organised crime.The ministry said the deal comes less than two weeks after President Rodrigo Paz named Ernesto Justiniano, previously described as the country's "drug czar", as... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 13:35 LONDON
Equatorial Guinea government resigns after missing targets
Equatorial Guinea's entire government has resigned after the president said it had failed to meet its objectives, in a move that highlights tensions over governance and economic performance in the oil-rich central African state. Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue said the prime minister had presented the resignation of all cabinet members after the administration reached barely 10% of its targets. A new government is expected to be appointed.Obiang Mangue, who is also the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, said the resignation reflected the principle that responsibility in public management must be accompanied by results. He said the degree... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 11:36 LONDON
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G7 in France backs more air defence and long-range support for Ukraine as sanctions tighten
G7 leaders meeting in France have agreed to step up military support for Ukraine, including more air defence systems, interceptors and long-range capabilities. The statement says the group remains committed to what it called "unwavering support" for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also says the leaders are ready to consider extending licences to help increase Ukraine's own military production.The new language adds detail to the summit's Ukraine discussions and follows earlier signs of concern about Donald Trump's position. The statement also says the G7 will increase pressure on the Russian war economy and strengthen sanctions,... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 11:01 LONDON
Oil prices fall further as hopes grow for Iran peace deal and Hormuz reopening
Oil prices extended their decline on Wednesday, with Brent crude falling to its lowest level since early March. The move came as markets continued to price in a reduced risk of supply disruption from the Iran conflict and the prospect of the Strait of Hormuz reopening. Futures for Brent crude due for delivery in August were down nearly 1% in morning trade, after falling about 5% on each of the previous two days.The international benchmark stood at $78.24 a barrel at 08:00 GMT, according to market reporting cited in the supplied material. That was the lowest level since 3 March,... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 10:01 LONDON
G7 summit in Evian turns to AI and social media security on final day
On the final day of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, leaders are set to focus on the security risks posed by artificial intelligence and social media. The discussions come as the three-day meeting draws to a close, with French President Emmanuel Macron due to host US President Donald Trump for dinner at the Palace of Versailles after the summit. Final statements are also expected on the Middle East and Ukraine, adding to an already crowded agenda.The technology session is expected to bring together senior figures from the AI sector, including Sam Altman of OpenAI, Dario Amodei of Anthropic and Arthur... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 05:01 LONDON
Venezuela signs deal with General Electric Vernova to rebuild power grid
Venezuela's interim president has signed an agreement with General Electric Vernova to help rebuild the country's electricity grid, in a move announced at the presidential palace in Caracas. Delcy Rodríguez said the deal was a step towards restoring what she described as an essential service. The agreement comes as the country continues to face frequent and prolonged power cuts.Rodríguez announced the signing at a televised event on Monday, according to the supplied report. The deal was struck under Energy Minister Rolando Alcalá, an electrical engineer appointed by Rodríguez three months ago. The report says the agreement is with the US... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Jun 2026 17:06 LONDON
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US-Iran ceasefire deal advances as Vance says Trump could resume strikes if Tehran breaks it
US Vice President JD Vance has said President Donald Trump could resume military strikes against Iran if Tehran fails to honour the newly announced deal with Washington. In an interview with Fox News, Vance also raised the possibility of a blockade being reimposed if Iran does not meet its commitments. The remarks add a sharper security warning to a deal that has already been presented as a step towards ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.Vance said the agreement was signed digitally on Sunday and that no funds had been released to Iran. He said Tehran would only... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Jun 2026 10:59 LONDON
Australia warns of potentially strongest El Niño in decades
Australia's weather bureau has warned that El Niño conditions have formed in the tropical Pacific and could intensify into one of the strongest events seen in decades. The agency said sea surface temperatures in the region have exceeded El Niño thresholds and that atmospheric indicators are now aligned with the pattern. It said forecasts point to a strong to very strong event, with around half of the models suggesting it could peak among the highest levels observed since 1950.The bureau said the developing event is linked to less rainfall in winter and spring, particularly on Australia's east coast, as well... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Jun 2026 08:35 LONDON
Trump arrives at G7 in France touting Iran deal and signalling push on Ukraine and Lebanon
President Donald Trump arrived at the Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Monday touting a preliminary deal to end the Iran war and signalling that he wants to help end hostilities in Ukraine and Lebanon. He met French President Emmanuel Macron soon after arriving, using the summit to present the agreement with Iran as a major diplomatic success. The visit comes as G7 partners weigh the immediate implications of the deal alongside wider concerns about Washington's approach to allies and global security.Trump said the Iran agreement would bring "a lot of success to the world" and argued that... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Jun 2026 22:01 LONDON
UN condemns sharp rise in drone strikes killing civilians in Sudan
The United Nations human rights chief has condemned a sharp rise in drone warfare in Sudan, saying more than 1,000 civilians were killed in drone strikes between January and May 2026. The warning was delivered in Geneva as the conflict in Sudan entered its fourth year, with the fighting continuing between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The UN said the escalation is deepening an already severe human rights crisis.Volker Turk told the UN Human Rights Council that the conflict had "expanded and escalated" and that his office had documented more than 1,000 civilian deaths from drone... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Jun 2026 15:30 LONDON
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Asian stocks surge and oil falls after US-Iran deal confirmation
Asian equity markets rose sharply on Monday after Washington and Tehran confirmed a deal to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The move came as investors reacted to the prospect of lower geopolitical risk to energy supplies and a possible easing of pressure on global inflation. Brent crude fell in response, while US stock futures also moved higher.Japan's Nikkei 225 benchmark index rose 5.5% in morning trading, while South Korea's Kospi climbed as much as 5.7%. Taiwan's Taiex gained as much as 2.7%, and Australia's ASX200 rose about 1.5%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index was up... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Jun 2026 04:00 LONDON
US and Iran ceasefire deal prospects sharpen as Gulf states review security plans
Washington and Tehran are moving towards a long-term ceasefire agreement, according to the latest reporting, with Donald Trump saying he had cancelled new strikes on Iran because a deal was imminent. A senior Iranian official, however, said a proposed memorandum of understanding with Washington was still under review, suggesting the process has not yet been completed. The developments are being watched closely across the Gulf, where states hosting US military facilities are expected to reassess their security arrangements if the war ends.The reported diplomatic push comes after Pakistan's prime minister said a final text had been reached, adding to signs... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 12 Jun 2026 20:29 LONDON
China confirms detention of US researcher Min Zin on spying suspicion
China has confirmed that it is holding an American citizen, Min Zin, on suspicion of spying and endangering national security. The Foreign Ministry said the Myanmar-focused political analyst had been subjected to criminal compulsory measures, after US media reports said he was detained in early June. The case involves a researcher linked to the Institute for Strategy and Policy Myanmar, a think tank that studies politics, resources and conflict dynamics in Myanmar.Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China had notified the US consulate general in Guangzhou of the arrest. According to the reports cited by the ministry, Min Zin disappeared... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 12 Jun 2026 11:00 LONDON
US sanctions Cuba's state oil company in latest pressure move
The United States has imposed additional sanctions on Cuba, targeting the state-owned Union Cuba-Petroleo in a fresh move against the island's energy sector. The action was announced on 11 June 2026 and was presented by Washington as part of its wider pressure campaign on Havana's communist government. It comes as Cuba continues to face fuel shortages and blackouts linked to long-running problems in its energy system.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the company serves Cuba's "repressive security apparatus" and accused Cuba's Communist leaders of diverting energy resources for their own benefit. He also said the company's assets were "unlawfully... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 11 Jun 2026 21:30 LONDON
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Iran says economy is still functioning after 100 days of US-Israel strikes and Hormuz closure
Iran is still operating after more than 100 days of US and Israeli bombing, according to the supplied material, even as the conflict has killed senior military and political figures and damaged military infrastructure across land, sea and air. The rows say Tehran has suffered a $347 billion loss and that the United Nations expects the economy to contract by 6.1% this year. They also say the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has added pressure on oil exports and global energy markets.The material says the strikes have choked off access to oil revenue, but that Iran has not been... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 11 Jun 2026 19:00 LONDON
OpenAI says China-based actors used ChatGPT in influence operation targeting US AI data centres
OpenAI has said it banned a cluster of accounts it believes were likely based in China after finding they used ChatGPT in a covert influence operation aimed at stoking opposition to AI data centres in the United States. The company said the activity was designed to exploit existing public concerns about electricity prices and to manipulate debate about American AI. It also said a separate cluster of accounts produced material about US tariffs and competition with China.In a research report released on Wednesday, OpenAI said the accounts generated social media comments and images blaming data centres for rising electricity bills... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 11 Jun 2026 05:30 LONDON
Mexico City fan festival disrupted as World Cup opening begins amid protests and tighter security
Mexico is opening the World Cup under heightened security and visible protest in Mexico City, where a teachers' union camp has blocked access to the plaza planned for the country's main fan celebrations. The disruption comes as the tournament's opening festivities begin and the host city prepares for a free fan festival and opening match events. President Claudia Sheinbaum has said it is unclear whether the fan festival can go ahead on opening night.The protests have been building for more than a week, with union activists blocking roads and toppling World Cup statues as part of an annual campaign for... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 11 Jun 2026 02:00 LONDON
