The Guardian

Allies hope aide’s departure can quell anger over Mandelson scandal but others say it leaves PM dangerously exposedProfile: Labour election guru undone by poor judgment‘Only honourable course’: resignation statement in fullKeir Starmer is fighting to reassert control over his party after accepting the resignation of his closest adviser, Morgan McSweeney, amid anger over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.After days of pressure over the scandal, his departing chief of staff said on Sunday he took “full responsibility” for his advice to send Mandelson to Washington despite his ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, which McSweeney conceded had undermined trust

Top House Democrat says president’s suggestion for Republicans to ‘take over’ elections really means ‘steal it’ Democrats will stop Donald Trump from trying to steal this year’s midterm elections, Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the US House of Representatives said on Sunday.Jeffries comments come amid widespread concern after Trump said Republicans should “take over the voting”. The US constitution gives states the power to set election rules and says Congress can pass laws to set requirements for federal elections. The constitution gives the president no authority over how elections are run. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/08/democrats-trump-nationalizing-midterms-hakeem-jeffries Author :

Experts say the term ‘addiction’ is be overused and, for social media use, could be difficult to proveForthcoming legal proceedings against Meta and YouTube are frequently referred to as the “social media addiction trials”, but whether these platforms are truly addictive is still the subject of scientific debate.The lawsuits were brought against Meta, YouTube (Google), Snap Inc and TikTok by plaintiffs alleging these platforms severely damaged their mental health when they were children. Snap and TikTok settled the first case to go to trial, brought by a woman known as KGM, now about 20. The remaining defendants, Meta and YouTube,

Relatives shut out of €200m fortune have reportedly received letters from executor saying will could be overturnedThe late German-born Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld was famously precise, exacting and known to hold a grudge, but his final wishes concerning the beneficiaries of his vast fortune could now be overturned beyond the grave in a looming court battle.Seven years after Lagerfeld’s death from cancer, an unnamed plaintiff has come forward to challenge the haute couture titan’s last will and testament. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2026/feb/08/mystery-plaintiff-challenges-karl-lagerfeld-will-pampered-cat-choupette Author : Deborah Cole in Berlin Publish date : 2026-02-08 12:45:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs

Foreign Office says it will review payoff given to Mandelson after he was sackedMeanwhile, the chief of the Fire Brigades Union, Steve Wright, has called for Keir Starmer to go over the Mandelson scandal.Wright told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme:I think everybody’s thinking it, and people are just not saying it at the moment.And unfortunately we’re seeing MPs being wheeled out again today to sweep up the mess behind the prime minister at the moment.McFadden said Starmer made a “mistake” but acted in “good faith” when appointing Mandelson as US ambassador last year.McFadden said there was no mention

Jeff Bezos’s axing of more than 300 jobs at the storied newspaper has renewed fears about the resilience of America’s democracy to withstand Trump’s attacksThe email landed in Lizzie Johnson’s in-tray in Ukraine just before 4pm local time. It came at a tough time for the reporter: Russia had been repeatedly striking the country’s power grid, and just days before she had been forced to work out of her car without heat, power or running water, writing in pencil because pen ink freezes too readily.“Difficult news,” was the subject line. The body text said: “Your position is eliminated as part

Wind gusts up to 170km/h could develop as cyclone forecast to make landfall between Exmouth and Onslow on Sunday nightFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSevere Tropical Cyclone Mitchell is expected to maintain its category 3 intensity as it barrels along the Pilbara coast before making landfall.Located west of Karratha, the cyclone was about 30km offshore with 120km/h winds near the centre and gusts up to 165km/h on Sunday morning, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest track map. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/08/tropical-cyclone-mitchell-pilbara-coast-western-australia-weather-emergency-warnings-rain-flooding-strong-wind-gusts Author : Petra

State transport minister says ebikes modified to exceed 25km/h speed limit will be confiscated by police and ‘end up as a twisted wreck’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe NSW government has announced a “crackdown” on illegally modified ebikes, with police to be given powers to seize and destroy any that exceed the legal speed limit.The transport minister, John Graham, announced on Sunday that new seizure laws will be developed to allow police to seize any ebike that does not cut power assistance at 25km/h, with non-compliant bikes

Resolution Foundation finds one in three carers from poorer families unable to work because of responsibilitiesA growing “unsung army” of 1 million people with full-time caring responsibilities needs better support, according to a report that found one in three unpaid carers from poorer backgrounds were unable to work because of their duties.The trend is the result of an ageing society and rising ill-health and disability concentrated in the poorest half of the country’s working-age families, the Resolution Foundation’s research found. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/08/full-time-unpaid-carers-support-resolution-foundation-report Author : Nadeem Badshah Publish date : 2026-02-08 00:01:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs

Former culture minister Jack Lang resigns from Arab World Institute in Paris and is also subject of tax investigationJack Lang, a former French culture minister, has resigned as head of Paris’s prestigious Arab World Institute after revelations of his past contacts with the disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the launch of a financial investigation by French prosecutors.Lang, 86, resigned on Saturday night before he was due to attend an urgent meeting called by the French foreign ministry to discuss his links to Epstein. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/07/veteran-french-politician-quits-as-head-of-prestigious-institute-after-epstein-links-revealed Author : Angelique Chrisafis in Paris Publish date

Wilma Spence’s father was an Anzac buried in a part of the Gaza War Cemetery bulldozed by the IDFGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast“Fighting for those who love him, our darling daddy died,” the inscription reads.Just saying the words threatens to overwhelm Wilma Spence. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/07/anzac-graves-gaza-war-cemetery-bulldozed-by-israel Author : Christopher Knaus and Ben Doherty Publish date : 2026-02-07 19:00:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Whistleblower says that Tulsi Gabbard blocked agency from sharing report and delivered it to White House chief of staffLast spring, the National Security Agency (NSA) detected evidence of an unusual phone call between an individual associated with foreign intelligence and a person close to Donald Trump, according to a whistleblower’s attorney briefed on the existence of the call.The highly sensitive communique, which has roiled Washington over the past week, was brought to the attention of the director of national intelligence (DNI), Tulsi Gabbard – but rather than allowing NSA officials to distribute the information further, she took a paper copy

Exclusive: Disclosures show figures cited by council leader rested on unfunded ideas listed briefly in budget papersReform UK’s flagship council has been accused of telling a “blatant lie” after its claim of nearly £40m in savings on net zero was found to be based on hypothetical projects for which there was no documentation.Kent county council, which has a £2.5bn annual budget, is one of 10 where Nigel Farage’s party has outright control and is seen as a test case for whether the insurgent party can govern competently. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/07/reform-run-kent-council-accused-of-fabricating-40m-net-zero-savings Author : Peter Walker Senior political correspondent

Gordon Brown says he believes current prime minister is a man of ‘integrity’ who was ‘misled and betrayed’ by Peter MandelsonThe Metropolitan police has provided an update on the searches of two properties linked to Mandelson.In a statement this morning, the deputy assistant commissioner Hayley Sewart said the investigation into a 72-year-old man over alleged misconduct in public office would “take some time” after officers finished searching the properties in London and Wiltshire. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/feb/07/keir-starmer-labour-leader-peter-mandelson-latest-news-uk-politics-updates-epstein Author : Taz Ali Publish date : 2026-02-07 11:38:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Boy, 15, also charged with possession of bladed article on education premises, after incident at school on ThursdayA pupil who allegedly assaulted a teacher at a school in Milford Haven has been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article on education premises.Dyfed-Powys police said the 15-year-old boy had been remanded in custody and was scheduled to appear at Swansea magistrates court on Saturday. The senior investigating officer, DCI Matthew Briggs, said: “We are continuing to support the victim whilst they recover from this traumatic event. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/07/milford-haven-school-pupil-charged-with-gbh-after-teacher-assaulted Author : PA Media

Reporters say relatives in Iran have been questioned and persecuted in an effort to curb coverage of unrestExiled Iranian journalists working for the BBC have been warned their movements are being closely monitored by the state, as they said their families in Iran were being interrogated and persecuted for their reporting.Journalists said family members had been threatened with arrest and the seizure of their assets unless their loved ones stopped reporting on Iranian unrest. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/07/bbc-persian-journalists-say-iran-monitoring-them-targeting-families Author : Michael Savage Media editor Publish date : 2026-02-07 06:00:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Donald Trump says another meeting set for next week while warning of ‘very steep’ consequences if Tehran doesn’t make a dealIndirect talks between Iran and the US on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme ended on Friday with a broad agreement to maintain a diplomatic path, possibly with further talks in the coming days, according to statements from Iran and the Omani hosts.The relieved Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the eight hours of meetings as a “good start” conducted in a good atmosphere. He added that the continuance of talks depended on consultations in Washington and Tehran, but said

Vice-president given hostile reception by some in MilanUS broadcast cuts out crowd’s show of dissentThe US vice-president, JD Vance, was greeted by a chorus of boos during when he appeared at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan on Friday, although American viewers watching NBC’s coverage would have been unaware of the reception.As speedskater Erin Jackson led Team USA into the San Siro stadium she was greeted by cheers. But when the TV cameras cut to Vance and his wife, Usha, there were boos, jeers and a smattering of applause from the crowd. The reaction was shown on

Multiple outlets cite a senior Trump official as saying, ‘a White House staffer erroneously made the post’Trump shares video with racist imagery of ObamasTop Democrats in Congress have condemned Donald Trump for sharing a racist video of Barack and Michelle Obama that depicts them as apes.Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, called the president a “vile, unhinged and malignant bottom feeder”. He noted that the Obamas were “brilliant, compassionate and patriotic Americans” who “represent the best of this country”. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/feb/06/trump-barack-obama-michelle-truth-social-epstein-latest-news-updates Author : Robert Mackey (now); Shrai Popat, Lucy Campbell and Vivian Ho (earlier) Publish date

Project, following disgraced cyclist, reportedly sparked bidding war, with Conclave’s Edward Berger set to directOscar-nominated actor Austin Butler is scheduled to take on the role of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong in a buzzy new biopic.According to Deadline, the package has caused a “frenzied” bidding war in Hollywood with Conclave director Edward Berger at the helm and King Richard’s Zach Baylin set to write the script. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/feb/06/austin-butler-lance-armstrong-movie Author : Benjamin Lee Publish date : 2026-02-06 20:39:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Two coins celebrating Queen Elizabeth II criticised for failing to resemble late monarchTwo Australian coins commemorating Queen Elizabeth II have been criticised for failing to resemble the late monarch.The $5 (£2.56) and 50c (26p) silver coins, created by Royal Australian Mint to commemorate the centenary of the queen’s birth, were released in an online ballot that closed on Wednesday. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/06/australian-coins-celebrating-queen-elizabeth-ii-criticised-poor-likeness Author : Rachel Hall Publish date : 2026-02-06 18:01:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Noel Gallagher and Harry Styles lead way, and sales of jeans in general rise faster than wider fashion marketThe UK was one of Levi’s fastest growing markets last year as British trend leaders from Harry Styles to Noel Gallagher and Grime Gran, were spotted in the brand’s kit.Lucia Marcuzzo, the managing director of the European operations at the US company famous for its denim jeans, said the revival of 1990s trends had boosted sales of its classic 501s. New trends such as baggy jeans and cinch styles, which can be adjusted around the waist, had also helped, as denim has

Deputy director of Russia’s military intelligence agency shot several times in the stairwell of his apartmentA top Russian military official who plays a major role in the country’s intelligence services has been taken to hospital after being shot in Moscow, state media has reported.Lt Gen Vladimir Alekseyev was shot several times on the stairwell of his apartment on Friday by an unknown gunman in the north-west of the city and remains in critical condition, according to early reports. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/06/russia-military-general-vladimir-alekseyev Author : Pjotr Sauer Publish date : 2026-02-06 12:55:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the

Data show 29 hybrid and 98 diesel cars also sold, while the figure for battery electric vehicles was more than 2,000Just seven petrol cars were sold in Norway last month, data shows.The country, which is the frontrunner in terms of the uptake of electric vehicles frontrunner, shifted a record low number of new fossil-fuel cars in January, information from the Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council (OFV) reveals. Continue reading... Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/06/only-seven-petrol-powered-cars-sold-in-norway-in-january Author : Ajit Niranjan Publish date : 2026-02-06 10:20:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Iran and the US are set to hold high-stakes negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme, but a dispute over the agenda suggests progress will be hard wonAnalysis: Iran is betting Trump does not have a plan for regime changeUS and Iran talks brought back from the brink after White House relents on move to OmanIran’s Mehr news agency has reported some comments from the pre-talks meeting between Aragchi and Albusaidi, in which the Iranian foreign minister warned against excessive demands by the US.“Araghchi emphasised full readiness to defend the country’s sovereignty and national security against any excessive demands or acts of