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Politics
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Burnham rough-sleeper pledge at risk from failures in housing ex-prisoners, charity warns
Analysis finds nearly one in six people leaving jail last year in England and Wales were released into homelessness Andy Burnham’s pledge to end rough sleeping is under threat from a failure to find accommodation for a growing number of newly released prisoners, a charity has warned. An analysis by the social justice charity Nacro has found that nearly one in six people leaving jail in England and Wales last year were released into homelessness, reaching the highest rate for five years. Continue reading...
MPs shouldn’t face abuse. Neither should their staff – but here’s what we deal with every day | Estelle Warhurst
Some constituents are traumatised, others violent. It’s time the House of Commons protected the people who work at the grassroots of our democracy Before most people have finished their morning coffee, an MP’s staffer might have already dealt with a suicidal caller, a victim of domestic abuse or a threat of violence. We’ve been yelled at, cried at and sometimes even physically attacked, all in the course of managing a heavy caseload of constituents’ most intractable problems. So, when I read the results of the latest survey by the wellness working group (WWG) I was not surprised to learn that half of us are experiencing clinical levels of psychological distress. Psychological distress is a range of emotional or cognitive suffering, such as anxiety or depression, that impairs a person’s ability to cope with ordinary daily life and functioning. It makes you wonder why urgent action is not in place to support these staff members, who are holding together the day-to-day functioning of democracy as well as supporting constituents throughout the UK. Estelle Warhurst is the office manager for a Labour MP and an executive committee member for the parliamentary wellness working group Continue reading...
The last lap at Lloyd Center: how America is losing its mall ice rinks
The Portland rink where Tonya Harding first skated was an affordable community institution for six decades. Its closure echoes the disappearance of mall ice across the US When the Lloyd Center shopping mall first opened its doors in 1960, it boasted a unique feature: an ice rink. In the nearly seven decades since, that ice rink – first outdoor, then enclosed by a glass ceiling that sheltered mall-goers from the elements – became a cultural epicenter for Portlanders. Children accompanying parents on errands spotted peers gliding across the ice and begged for lessons. Shoppers, taking a break from the stores, watched idly from the three levels that looked out over the ice. At Christmas, a giant tree adorned the middle of the rink, making Lloyd Center an essential part of the holiday season. Continue reading...
Does Sophie Cunningham benefit from white privilege? Of course she does | Etan Thomas
One of the player’s WNBA rivals said the Fever guard is treated differently from her Black peers. There’s plenty of evidence to back that statement up White privilege. An accusation that triggers multitudes of white people in America as if you had insulted their mother. Mention racism, and people may debate you. Mention discrimination, and people may even listen. But say the words “white privilege”, and suddenly defenses go up, outrage erupts, and people start explaining why privilege couldn’t possibly have anything to do with what everyone just witnessed with their own eyes. Which brings us to DiJonai Carrington and Sophie Cunningham. Continue reading...
Delivery drivers to be paid minimum $31.30 an hour across Australia in ‘world-leading’ decision
Fair Work Commission issues a new minimum standards order for gig workers to come into effect 17 August Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Delivery drivers in Australia will be paid a minimum rate of $31.30 an hour and insured for injuries on the job under a landmark agreement approved by the industrial umpire. The Fair Work Commission (FWC) on Tuesday issued a new minimum standards order for gig workers who perform on-demand delivery of food, drinks, or groceries, and the operators of the digital platforms who engage their services. Continue reading...
Rayner says Burnham won’t accept ‘system says no’ advice over prisoner release scheme – UK politics live
Burnham has asked the justice secretary Alex Norris to come to parliament in September with solution Good morning. Andy Burnham has been prime minister for three weeks and one day, and arguably he is performing his first U-turn. It is in relation to the prisoner early release scheme and, in particular, finding a way of ensuring that two of the killers of PC Andrew Harper are not included. Burnham has been looking at this for some time. Early last week he announced significant changes to the early release scheme that he inherited and that was due to come into force from September. Around 1,000 fewer prisoners were going to be included. But two of the three Harper killers (Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers) were not affected by the change, and remained eligible. The main perpetrator (Henry Long), who was driving the car that dragged Harper to his death, was not covered by the scheme anyway because his manslaughter sentence was longer than theirs. The prime minister is determined to ensure that there is a solution to this, and I think he’s made that really clear. And he’s tasked the justice secretary to come to parliament in September with that solution. He’s looking at alternatives like the indefinite sentences, like women prisoners and speeding up foreign nationals being deported. So there is a lot of work that’s going on. The prime minister is really clear. He will not just accept that the system says no. He understands the anger and the trauma that PC Harper’s family are going through, and other victims who are seeing this prison crisis unfold. Continue reading...
Heathrow says need for expansion ‘clear’ as it loses title of Europe’s busiest airport
West London airport reports 7.86 million passengers in July, compared with 8.15 million for Istanbul Business live – latest updates Heathrow airport has argued “the case for expansion has never been clearer” after it lost its position as Europe’s busiest airport to Istanbul. Figures published on Tuesday showed 7.86 million passengers passed through Heathrow’s four terminals in July,whereas its Turkish counterpart recorded 8.15 million passengers over the same period. Continue reading...
PM asks justice secretary to find way to exclude PC Harper’s killers from early release scheme
Andy Burnham said to be ‘determined’ to work out solution after increasing pressure from family and police Andy Burnham has told the justice secretary to find a way to exclude PC Andrew Harper’s killers from the early release scheme aimed at easing prison overcrowding. The prime minister is said to be “determined” that a solution can be found after increasing pressure from Harper’s family and police not to allow Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter, to be freed in January under the existing plans. Continue reading...
Overnight Russian strikes on Ukraine used North Korean missiles, claims Zelenskyy – Europe live
Russian attacks on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia killed at least six people and injured 20, officials said Overnight Russian attacks on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia killed at least six people and injured 20, officials said. Another six people were killed and 16 injured in attacks on Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk , Reuters reported. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Zaporizhzhia “was struck with North Korean ballistic missiles, Zircons, and guided aerial bombs.” “Every step Russia takes – increasing ballistic missile production, bringing in North Korean equipment, preparing for mobilisation – all of this shows that Moscow is preparing not for peace, but for escalation. And the world needs to respond now, not wait.” Continue reading...
Gangs using Airbnb-type rentals as drug stash houses, top Belgian official says
Flexible short-term bookings used to store and pack drugs and stash weapons and cash, says Ine Van Wymersch Airbnb-type short-term rentals are being used as stash houses by criminal gangs, as booming e-commerce aids organised crime “enormously”, Belgium’s lead official in charge of countering drugs has said. More criminal organisations are using “these Airbnb platforms etc” as a stash place for money, drugs, weapons or people, Belgium’s national drug commissioner, Ine Van Wymersch, said. Continue reading...
Amber heat health alerts to kick in across England ahead of fifth summer heatwave – latest news
The alerts come a day after it was officially declared that there are now 11 regions in the country in drought Health alerts are set to come into force across England this morning as parts of the UK brace for fifth climate crisis-driven heatwave this summer . Amber heat health alerts have been issued for all regions in England, except the north-east, which mean significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, according to the UK’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The alerts stretch from 9am on Tuesday until 9am on Friday. Continue reading...
A question for Burnham as he tours the country: how to reduce the magnetic pull of London? | Peter Hetherington
As someone who has specialised in regional policy, I know the task is huge – not least because there is no plan to ensure prosperity throughout England Andy Burnham is off on his travels this week, aiming to reconnect No 10 and the government with voters and communities across the UK. But just weeks before he set out his stall as prime minister, promising to rebalance the economy with growth in every postcode , a government agency, National Highways, underlined the pulling power of the country’s dominant city-region. It announced that a giant tunnelling machine , 16.4 metres in diameter, “the largest ever used in Europe”, was to take England’s most expensive road under the Thames. The Lower Thames Crossing (LTC), so far priced at £10bn-£11bn , is proving to be a contested 14.5-mile venture on the edge of Greater London. Objectors and local councils say it will deliver only short-term congestion relief and destroy ancient woodland and habitats. At 2.6 miles, the road tunnel will be the country’s longest , involving twin-boring for two three-lane highways connecting the M25 in Essex to the A2/M2 in Kent. The government has so far committed £3.1bn for funding the tunnel. It expects the rest from the private sector. We shall see. Peter Hetherington writes for Society Guardian on communities and regeneration Continue reading...
As conflict in the Middle East intensifies, India’s relationship with Israel deepens
An Amnesty International report reveals that the country is now a key part of Israel’s weapons supply chain. Plus, Assam floods, student anger spreads and a song to put in rotation • Don’t get This is India delivered to your inbox? Sign up here Hello, and welcome back to This Is India. For this week’s newsletter, I’m looking at India’s evolving relationship with Israel, and how it has deepened as conflict swept across the Middle East. Why is it that India has formed an even closer bond with a country that has faced mounting international isolation and backlash over a military campaign in Gaza that has left the territory in ruins and killed more than 70,000 Palestinians , – many of whom were children? Continue reading...
Australia’s prime minister refuses to apologise to Japanese counterpart over melon gaffe
Anthony Albanese facing criticism after appearing to joke on a podcast about a gift of melons from Sanae Takaichi Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has rejected calls to apologise to Japan’s prime minister over a joke he made about melons on a satirical podcast, amid a media frenzy and accusations of sexual innuendo. Government MPs have defended the prime minister as criticism mounted over last month’s remarks, branded by the Coalition opposition as “grubby”. Assistant minister Pat Gorman told media: “I don’t know why we’re still talking about this”. Continue reading...
Nvidia links with Wall Street firms for $500bn AI financing deal
Apollo, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and KKR among those working with chipmaker to fund infrastructure Nvidia has partnered with six major Wall Street financial institutions to raise more than $500bn (£370bn) capital for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The Nvidia chief executive, Jensen Huang, said on X that the company has the option to backstop up to $125bn, or 25% of the potential deals. Continue reading...
Consumer confidence at near two-year high as World Cup and UK holidaying lift summer spending
Barclays says survey shows people feel more secure in jobs and have more leeway to spend on non-essentials Business live – latest updates Consumer confidence hit its highest level in almost two years in July, according to research that indicated the closing stages of the men’s football World Cup and more people holidaying in the UK lifted summer spending. A truce in the Middle East conflict in June and the arrival of a new prime minister in No 10 also gave a lift to consumers after a long period of heightened uncertainty. Continue reading...
Coalition divided over tougher gambling laws - with MPs warning Angus Taylor against overreach
Some Liberal and National MPs warned against over-regulation in party room discussion, while others argued for more stringent rules Coalition MPs have warned the opposition leader, Angus Taylor, not to overreach in talks with Anthony Albanese on Labor’s gambling advertising crackdown , insisting rules that are too stringent would not strike the right balance on personal responsibility. The prime minister and the opposition leader continued talks on Tuesday over a deal to advance Labor’s legislation to limit online gambling advertising, with betting inducements and more restrictions on advertising hours among possible avenues for movement. Continue reading...
Tuesday briefing: To drill or not to drill – Burnham’s first big climate test
In today’s newsletter: As we enter our fifth summer heatwave, Andy Burnham’s government is looking at what the UK should do with its remaining North Sea oil and gas Good morning. What a difference a new job can make. “To have a shot at staying within 1.5C global warming, we can’t have any new oil or gasfields … It’s irresponsible and shortsighted to be funding new #fossilfuels when we need to be getting to #NetZero.” This was the 2022 message from Miatta Fahnbulleh, now the secretary of state for energy security and net zero. It’s a testament to her remarkable rise that Fahnbulleh wasn’t even an MP when she posted it four years ago. Today, she is in the cabinet, facing (or is the face of, at least) one of the most challenging, and potentially controversial questions looming for the new government: to drill or not to drill, baby? Two sites are the focus of fierce debate. Yesterday, a public consultation on whether to greenlight extraction at one of them – Jackdaw – closed. Next Monday, it’ll be the same for the other, Rosebank. Andy Burnham has been silent about the climate crisis since taking office. As we enter yet another heatwave, what his government does next will be a defining signal of intent on the issue. Colombia | More than 100 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing and severely damaging scores of buildings in major cities including Cali and Pereira. UK weather | Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought , with four more regions officially declared, and as much of Europe braces for its fifth climate crisis-driven heatwave this summer. Crime | Police are investigating whether Joshua Kerry , the man charged with the murder of the former Reform UK and Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe, had any role in an attempted burglary last year at the then London home of Nigel Farage. China | More than a million people were moved to safety across eastern China by Sunday evening as powerful Typhoon Dolphin made landfall amid fears torrential rain would cause flooding and landslides. Ukraine | Russia has banned voting against the war in September’s elections, after the supreme court upheld a suit brought by a small pro-Kremlin nationalist party, and stripped voters of their last option on the ballot: Yabloko, the country’s only remaining anti-war party. Continue reading...
Lobbying firm linked to Reformers created fake administrative assistant named ‘Jessica’, Icac hears
Consultant Jeremy Greenwood gives evidence to Independent Commission Against Corruption as it investigates allegations linked to Christian Liberal group Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A former lobbying firm which allegedly accepted illegal donations to fund factional Liberal party work created a fake administrative assistant called “Jessica”, an inquiry has heard. Consultant and lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood gave his second day of evidence to the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s (Icac) Operation Rosny on Tuesday. Continue reading...
Matilda in pieces: what one mother’s suicide reveals about the carers broken by the system
Parent-carers of disabled children are exposed to chronic levels of extreme stress and often reach crisis point before help is available – then they face a ‘fight for basic support’, experts say. This is Matilda Davis’s story Two days before she died, Matilda Davis issued a plea on Facebook. Sharing a study that found more than 40% of parent-carers had considered suicide, she called for “greater awareness, action and change” in Britain’s broken social care system. “This speaks the words I can’t,” she wrote. Matilda, known as Tilly to her family and friends, had spent years battling for support in a regime that close observers and those who rely on it often say is increasingly confusing, fragmented and difficult to navigate. Continue reading...
Hundreds in London flats left without regular running water since last year
Supply in nine blocks in Tower Hamlets affected with some residents suspecting nearby building developments They cannot even flush their toilets: life in east London blocks where taps often run dry Hundreds of residents in blocks of flats in east London have been left without regular running water for more than seven months after development in the area may have left it without an adequate supply. Taps have been running dry in nine blocks in Tower Hamlets, where residents have been forced to use bottled water while their landlord, the housing association Poplar Harca, delayed works to solve the problem. Continue reading...
Alan Jones trial: alleged victim told brother indecent assaults weren’t ‘too bad’ but involved broadcaster grabbing his penis, court hears
Former 2GB and 2UE radio host, now 85, has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast An alleged victim of Alan Jones told his older brother, after the broadcaster was arrested, that his indecent assaults weren’t “too bad” but involved Jones grabbing his penis, a Sydney court has heard. The witness on Tuesday was asked by the trial prosecutor Georgina Wright to describe what his younger brother, known as complainant J, told him during a meeting at a McDonald’s. Continue reading...
RBA interest rates: Reserve Bank holds cash rate at 4.35% as house prices continue to fall
In a widely expected decision, the Reserve Bank of Australia holds interest rate after three consecutive hikes Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Reserve Bank has held the cash rate at 4.35% in a widely expected decision despite persistent worries about elevated inflation. The announcement comes amid a steep decline in property prices in Sydney and Melbourne after three rate hikes earlier this year and major reforms to investor taxes. Continue reading...
Clover Moore unveils 4,500 sq metre Sydney plaza design after more than 40 years of planning
Lord mayor says Town Hall square will be ‘fantastic’ – but business advocate says project’s scale of demolition presents ‘unwanted disruption’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Sydneysiders have been given a first glimpse of a new public square set to “unify” the CBD, more 40 years after the project was initially conceived. The City of Sydney on Tuesday released new renders of a plaza that will be built opposite Sydney town hall after the council began finalising discussions with the owners of the last of seven buildings that need to be acquired and bulldozed for the project. Continue reading...