Mahmood says she is considering ‘big’ increase in amount paid to refused asylum seekers to get them to leave – UK politics live pred 12 urami in 17 minutami Home secretary says scheme could increase the £3,000 cap currently in place that is given to those who agree to leave voluntarily Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has said that she is considering a “big” increase in the amount the government pays to people refused asylum to encourage them to leave the country voluntarily.The Home Office already gives people relatively small sums in these circumstances, as it did with Hadush Kebatu, the Epping sex offender recently returned to Ethiopia. He got £500 to help persuade him not to legally challenge his removal.I’ve already asked my officials to pilot a small programme where we offer more than what we currently do for a period just to see how that changes behaviour.I haven’t alighted on the full sums involved yet, but I am willing to consider a big increase on what we currently pay. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Jailhouse shock: Brazil coup monger Bolsonaro finally faces life behind bars pred 12 urami in 23 minutami The former president’s far-right supporters have discovered a new interest in prison conditions as incarceration loomsHe fought the law and the law won.Two months after receiving a 27-year sentence for trying to “annihilate” Brazil’s democratic institutions, former president Jair Bolsonaro finally looks jail-bound. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ukraine’s PM hosts US army secretary after American and Russian officials draft plan to end war – Europe live pred 12 urami in 34 minutami The draft plan, reportedly developed by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev, would force draconian measures on UkraineUkrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko has met with US army secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, saying the pair had a chance “to assess the situation on the ground and to witness first-hand the consequences of Russian aggression.”“While Russia continues killing innocent civilians, destroying homes, and targeting critical infrastructure, the strategy of pressure on Russia is proving effective. It is crucial to further strengthen energy and financial sanctions against the aggressor state,” she said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Coalition to help Labor rush through new nature laws if environmental protections dropped pred 13 urami in 53 minutami Sussan Ley’s offer allows a clear path to pass laws to rewrite Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in final sitting weekGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Coalition has offered to help Labor rush through new nature laws if it agrees to gut environment protection, challenging Labor to side with business interests over green groups to implement the long-awaited changes.Environmental lawyers are urging the government against further weakening already flawed laws at the “behest of industry”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Edinburgh TV Festival could leave Edinburgh pred 13 urami in 53 minutami Organisers look at other UK venues amid concerns over costs and industry’s lack of working-class voicesFor almost 50 years, the great and the good of British broadcasting have descended on Edinburgh each summer to discuss the trials and tribulations of the TV world. David Attenborough, Tina Fey, Emily Maitlis and Rupert Murdoch are among those to have previously given speeches at the city’s TV festival.Yet amid concerns about the industry’s lack of working-class voices and the high cost of a hotel room in the city, the event’s organisers are thinking the unthinkable: the Edinburgh TV festival could be leaving Edinburgh. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ford UK boss warns Rachel Reeves against higher taxes on electric vehicles pred 14 urami in 3 minutami Lisa Brankin says new levies could discourage switch to EVs amid reports chancellor mulling pay-per-mile chargeBusiness live – latest updatesThe boss of Ford UK has warned Rachel Reeves against increasing taxes on electric vehicles in next week’s budget, saying it could discourage drivers from making the switch away from petrol and diesel cars.Lisa Brankin, the managing director of Ford UK, said it was “certainly not the right time” to introduce new levies on EVs, amid reports that the chancellor could implement a new pay-per-mile charge on electric vehicles (EVs) from 2028. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Secret translation of Nauruan president’s interview on NZYQ deal with Australia to stay suppressed for decade pred 14 urami in 51 minutami Penny Wong says translation notes were ‘taken hastily’ by official who was not accredited translator and were ‘for internal purposes only’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA top secret translation of the Nauruan president’s public commentary on the NZYQ deal will remain suppressed for a decade after the Albanese government considered its release “inappropriate”.Nauru declined to endorse an informal translation by Australia’s high commission of the 10-minute public interview uploaded to Facebook in February, nor did it provide its own translation, newly released documents reveal. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK weather: ‘blizzard conditions’ likely in north-east England pred 15 urami in 17 minutami Snow hits UK coasts and worst-affected regions could face travel disruption and power cuts, says Met OfficeBlizzard conditions are possible in parts of north-east England where an amber warning for snow has come into force, the Met Office has said.Sleet and snow showers continued to hit UK coasts overnight into Thursday, with the worst-affected areas facing disruption to travel and potential power cuts, the forecaster said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mark Speakman stands down as leader of NSW Liberals with Kellie Sloane expected to replace him pred 15 urami in 25 minutami Opposition leader says ‘brand damage’ from the federal Liberals had colleagues looking for generational change and endorses Sloane as replacementFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe New South Wales Liberals are expected to choose former journalist and first-term MP Kellie Sloane on Friday to replace Mark Speakman as the state’s opposition leader, after Speakman bowed to pressure on Thursday night and resigned.Speakman, who began the day defending his leadership in a round of media interviews, stepped down at 5pm saying he had been visited by Sloane who had said she wanted to be leader. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labor urged not to ‘go soft’ on gambling ads after reports the government may resist a total ban pred 15 urami in 42 minutami Crossbenchers and gambling harm advocates criticise suggestion the long-delayed recommendation may not happen due to under-16s social media banFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastCrossbench politicians and gambling harm advocates have urged the Albanese government to follow through on the late MP Peta Murphy’s long-delayed recommendation to ban wagering ads, amid media reports Labor may baulk at putting major restrictions on television and online promotions.The Australian Financial Review reported on Thursday the government may not pursue a total ban on online gambling ads, partly due to the under-16s social media ban helping stop children seeing digital advertisements. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
