88 minutes ago ECB urges cricket’s leaders to take action over ‘gender apartheid’ in Afghanistan

England face Afghanistan in Champions TrophyICC called on to ‘intervene and show global leadership’The England and Wales Cricket Board has called on cricket’s governing body to show leadership by taking coordinated action to stop “the gender apartheid facing the 14 million women in Afghanistan”.In a letter to the International Cricket Council on Friday, the ECB’s chief executive, Richard Gould, also urged it “to find a solution that provides hope that the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan can be restored”. Continue reading...

Politics

6 hours ago Tonight's rugby news as new Wales international signing to make debut and England star denies cheating

The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond

Society

3 hours ago Leaked memo reveals LA Mayor Karen Bass demanded her fire department cut an extra $49 million just ONE WEEK before wildfires broke out

A leaked memo sent to Los Angeles fire departments revealed Mayor Karen Bass demanded an extra $49M in budget cuts on top of the $17.6million already cut a week before fires.

Economics

4 hours ago St Helens pull off 'huge coup' by securing rising Super League star George Delaney

Young England hopeful, 20, has signed a new four-year deal with Paul Wellens' side, staving off interest from here and the NRL

Sport

1 hour ago Kardashian family forced to evacuate homes as LA fires threaten Calabasas

The Kardashian-Jenner family evacuated their homes in the Hidden Hills and Calabasas area of California as devastating wild fires continue to tear the state apart

Events

7 hours ago Giant sculpture inspired by the sun to go on display at National Trust properties

Luke Jerram’s latest work, entitled Helios, includes the sound of the sun captured by Nasa.

Culture

8 hours ago Some Greater Manchester hospital patients are 'waiting 24 hours for a bed' as staff make worrying claim

About 20 NHS trusts in England have declared critical incidents this week

Science

32 hours ago Manchester Airport suspends flights to clear 'significant snow' as England shivers in

Manchester Airport stopped all flights again this morning due to heavy snow with departures and arrivals thrown into chaos as teams cleared the runways with Met Office warnings still in place.

Transport

2 hours ago RFU to hold special general meeting after Six Nations over Bill Sweeney future

The SGM will take place in March or April after a U-turn from the RFU.

Politics

8 hours ago Woman's genius tip for heating up food if you have a power cut this winter

Instead of panicking next time your lights go out, be prepared with a genius tip that could make all the difference - people in hurricanes and power cuts say it really works

Society

9 hours ago Chelsea suffer setback after drawing up clever plan to land Marc Guehi transfer

Chelsea are interested in re-signing Marc Guehi three-and-a-half years after the England international left Stamford Bridge to join Crystal Palace, where he's excelled

Sport

5 hours ago Selling Sunset cast left in tears as LA fires continue to tear apart homes

Selling Sunsets stars Chrishell Stause, Mary Bonnet, Jason and Brett Oppenheim, and Nicole Young shared how they'd been affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles

Events

30 hours ago Scientists prize neutrality – that doesn’t cut it any more. In 2025, they must fully back the climate movement | Bill McGuire and Roger Hallam

With 2024 set to go down as the hottest year on record, we know that what is coming is truly horrifyingThe past 12 months have seen our world enter new territory. Last year will go down as the first time that the global average temperature exceeded 1.5C above preindustrial times over a calendar year. We could crash permanently through the 1.5C guardrail within the next five years, and shatter the 2C limit as soon as 2034. This will almost certainly result in the tipping points for collapse of the Greenland and west Antarctic ice sheets being crossed, committing us to the drowning of coastal towns and cities.In years to come, we will look back at this time and ask the same question that future generations will ask: why didn’t we stop this catastrophe?Bill McGuire is professor emeritus of geophysical and climate hazards at UCL and author of Hothouse Earth: an Inhabitant’s GuideRoger Hallam is co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil Continue reading...

Science

34 hours ago Major airport suspends flights to clear 'significant snow' as England shivers in

Manchester Airport stopped all flights again this morning due to heavy snow with departures and arrivals thrown into chaos as teams cleared the runways with Met Office warnings still in place.

Transport

3 hours ago James Anderson, 43, makes decision on cricket retirement after brutal England axe

James Anderson retired from international cricket last year and despite having not played a domestic match for nearly a year, the record-breaking bowler will not see his club career go in the same direction

Politics

15 hours ago Novak Djokovic’s claim he ate ‘poisoned’ food in 2022 Melbourne hotel detention ‘possible but very unlikely’, experts say

Doubt cast on tennis former world number one’s comments in GQ interview as debate reopens about handling of visa sagaGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastExperts have cast doubt on Novak Djokovic’s claim that he was “poisoned” by the food he ate in hotel immigration detention during his Australian Open visa saga, suggesting it is possible but unlikely.Interviews with the former world number one ahead of the 2025 Australian Open have reopened public debate about the chain of events in 2022, with Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios saying his home country had “treated [Djokovic] like shit” by cancelling his visa in 2022.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Society

5 hours ago New mortgage rate blow to Britons as Labour's economy is hammered again: Rachel Reeves defies jibes she has 'lost the plot' to head for China

The yield on 10-year gilts rose further to 4.85 per cent this morning, while for 30-year the level was up to 5.41 per cent. And the problems gathered pace at lunchtime.

Economics

20 hours ago The future of English rugby HENRY POLLOCK on emulating Luke Littler, marathons in the desert and the eight Under

NIK SIMON: In the rugby world, England's Under 20 World Cup winners are demonstrating their own prowess at senior level. Pollock is one of the shining lights, invited down to Twickenham this week.

Sport

8 hours ago ‘The worst way of dying’: scientists urge coordinated effort to stop whales getting tangled

Experts recorded 45 entanglements off Australia’s east coast in 2024 – but believe that’s ‘the tip of the iceberg’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAt least 45 whales were entangled by fishing ropes and line on the east coast in 2024, and experts are calling for better management of fishing gear in Australia to prevent marine suffering.Dr Olaf Meynecke, a marine scientist at Griffith University, said the issue of preventing whale entanglements was “largely ignored in Australia”.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

34 hours ago Patients in chairs ‘day and night’ and physio gym turned into ward, say doctors

The Royal College of Physicians has published accounts from doctors on the front line talking about the crisis in NHS hospitals.

Science

35 hours ago Major airport axes ALL flights to clear 'significant levels of snow' as England shivers in

Manchester Airport stopped all flights again shortly after 9am this morning due to heavy snow with departures and arrivals thrown into chaos as teams worked to clear the runways.

Transport

4 hours ago Rangers sword of Damocles hangs over Philippe Clement despite challenging conditions and Celtic

Stewart has his work cut out amid all manner of issues

Politics

22 hours ago Tan Hill Inn housekeeper misses grandchild's birth as staff and punters still snowed in

One woman stuck inside the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire since snow cut it off from the outside world has missed the birth of her grandchild - and another missed their daughter's 18th birthday

Society

11 hours ago Kyle Walker's wife Annie Kilner 'is considering scrapping her £27million divorce bid and had moved him back into the family home

The England and Manchester City star, 34, was kicked out of the family home after secretly fathering a second child with his ex Lauryn Goodman, 33.

Economics

32 hours ago Marcus Rashford transfer latest as Arsenal icon gives Man United dream January scenario

The latest Manchester United transfer news amid ongoing January window speculation over wantaway England star Marcus Rashford.

Sport

8 hours ago Grooming gangs commit nearly two child sex abuse offences every day, police figures reveal

The data, which comes from all 43 police forces in England and Wales, records 717 ' grooming gang ' cases in 2023 and a further 572 in the first nine months of last year.

Events

4 hours ago Gruesome truth behind the man dubbed 'eunuch maker' who cut off penises including his own

The infamous self-professed "Eunuch Maker" story is being shared in a docu-series as Marcel Theroux investigates the gruesome procedures Marius Gustavson carried out in his London bedroom

Politics

24 hours ago LIVE: Manchester city centre properties left without electricity after power cut

Electricity North West are investigating the power cut in the Deansgate area

Society

13 hours ago Culture Secretary says England cricket match against Afghanistan SHOULD go ahead as a boycott over Taliban's 'medieval' treatment of women would be 'counterproductive'

Lisa Nandy argued that a boycott of the Champions Trophy one-day game in Pakistan next month would be 'counterproductive'.

Economics

10 hours ago Sophia Kelemen inquest after car park crash postponed due to power cut

Two inquests were first delayed and then postponed due to a technical issue affecting Pembrokeshire County Hall

Events

5 hours ago Everton's Sean Dyche statement was disrespectful and brutal reality could await new owners

Everton's new Friedkin owners have made the decision to cut Sean Dyche adrift with David Moyes looking the favourite for a Goodison Park return but more difficulty is in store

Politics

26 hours ago St Helens' Morgan Knowles opens up on future plans and explains club feeling 'different'

England international, 28, is starting his testimonial year with the Super League giants and hasn't ruled out spending his entire career at the club

Society

16 hours ago Stock market today: Asian shares slide further as rate cut, tariff worries hit market sentiment

Shares have fallen for a second day in Asia after U.S. markets were closed to observe a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter

Economics

10 hours ago Moment blundering arsonist rips off pants after setting himself on fire on Christmas Day

The footage shows two men pouring a flammable liquid over the front of a burger business in Melbourne, Australia, early on Christmas morning - with one coming a cropper

Events

5 hours ago Biden administration imposes toughest sanctions on Russian oil and gas

Measures targeting Russian energy sector attempt to leverage peace deal for Ukraine in Trump administrationThe Biden administration on Friday imposed its broadest package of sanctions yet targeting Russia’s oil and gas revenues in an attempt to give Kyiv and the incoming administration of Donald Trump leverage to reach a deal for peace in Ukraine. The move is meant to cut Russia‘s oil revenues for the war that started in February 2022, and has killed or wounded tens of thousands and reduced cities to rubble.National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the timing of the was chosen because “oil markets are in a fundamentally better place” and the US economy is better positioned to absorb any market disruption. Continue reading...

Politics

38 hours ago Family wins £2.5m Omaze home in raffle then suddenly sells up for tear

Chris Milnes from Pudsey, West Yorkshire, landed the £2.5m home in Dorset last year in the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, which he entered without telling his family, but is now selling up and cashing in the money

Society

21 hours ago Kyle Walker's wife Annie Kilner 'is considering scrapping her £27million divorce bid as footballer eyes up £400K per week move'

The England and Manchester City star, 34, was kicked out of the family home after secretly fathering a second child with his ex Lauryn Goodman, 33.

Economics

11 hours ago Marcus Rashford branded 'bang average' in scathing attack on Man Utd star

Marcus Rashford has been exiled by Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim and is up for sale, with ex-England star Chris Waddle describing the striker as "bang average" in a scathing attack

Events

5 hours ago Elon Musk's British family tree revealed: The world's richest man has a long line of British relatives... no wonder he's so obsessed with us!

EXCLUSIVE: The world's richest man has a handful of cousins living mainly in the north of England while another branch of the family settled in rural Gloucestershire.

Politics

38 hours ago Coleen Rooney reveals her family had to flee Liverpool when husband Wayne's move to Man United from boyhood club Everton sparked attacks on their house and cars

After shining on the international stage for England at Euro 2004, United came calling and Wayne opted to leave his boyhood club to join the Red Devils.

Society

22 hours ago More than two million train tickets to be discounted during sale next week

Cheaper Advance and Off-Peak tickets will be available to buy in the rail sale between January 14 and 20.

Economics

12 hours ago The Traitors' Tyler reveals 'secret' strategy he used on BBC show before shock exit

The latest episode of the cut-throat BBC reality competition saw Faithful Tyler banished from the castle as his close friends turned against him

Events

6 hours ago England face Six Nations blow as flanker Sam Underhill needs ankle surgery

Underhill’s club Bath said there is no set timeframe on his recovery from the operation.

Politics

22 hours ago Greggs and Greene King among firms backing drive to get offenders into work

Leaders from major employers will be among those to sit on new employment councils in regions across England and Wales.

Economics

12 hours ago Tax rise warning after Pound's fall and borrowing costs soar as Rachel Reeves criticised for China trip

Sir John Gieve, former Deputy Governor at the Bank of England, said the Chancellor may have to hike taxes or impose some ‘very severe reductions and squeezes’ on public services

Events

7 hours ago The best spa hotels in the Cotswolds for thermal waters and rejuvenating treatments

From soaking in outdoor heated pools to relaxing state-of-the-art treatements, find your much-needed getaway at these spa hotels in the Cotswolds countryside

Politics

22 hours ago Coronation Street bosses 'face revolt from stars who say they're worked like dogs and fear being axed to cut costs'

All is not well in Weatherfield as some of the show's mid-ranking actors and younger stars are said to be worried they'll be axed in a bid to save money.

Economics

13 hours ago Eurostar trains should stop in Kent as UK seeks to repair Brexit damage, says Keir Starmer

Eurostar is also being urged to cut ticket prices as the cost of using the HS1 high speed line is reduced

Events

7 hours ago Backpacker in Australia gobsmacked when she discovers what thief stole from her

Gabby Morgan, who is currently travelling in Australia, was left fuming after she woke up to find out what someone has stole from her while she was on her travels

Politics

33 hours ago New online calculator can help people save £128 on streaming subscription services this year

The UK Subscription Savings Calculator can help cut costs of all entertainment, food and fitness services.

Economics

14 hours ago Today's rugby news as England 'win' battle for rising Welsh talent and tragic star laid to rest

The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world

Events

8 hours ago 66 days to cut down sugar: ‘I find myself enjoying the sweetness of my lip balm’

How long does it take to change a habit? It varies, but one paper suggests it takes an average of 66 days. We ask writers to change one thing in their lives within that timeframe and tell us if it worksRead more in the 66 days to change seriesMore summer essentialsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNot even a year ago, I would have called myself crazy for giving up sugar, even for 66 days. But the truth is I eat way too much of it and it can’t be good for me.I’ve eaten cake for breakfast on more than one occasion and can easily finish a packet of biscuits in a day. I have a soft spot for baked goods, kindled by the many bakeries and cafes in my neighbourhood. If I go to bed without eating something sweet I feel as though something’s missing. Continue reading...

Politics

34 hours ago Nationwide making huge change to bank accounts affecting millions within weeks

The building society will be cutting the interest rates offered on almost 90 savings accounts from February 1 due to the Bank of England's base rate cut back in November last year

Economics

16 hours ago Australia asked to pay compensation for violating rights of asylum seekers in Nauru camps

UN watchdog finds refugees and asylum seekers suffered deterioration of physical and mental health in offshore detention camps

Events

9 hours ago London council becomes first in England to provide universal school uniform payments to families

Parents spend an average of £422 a year on secondary school uniforms and £287 on primary uniforms

Politics

35 hours ago London mayor’s Friday train fare price cut made ‘no noticeable difference’

London mayor’s Friday train fare price cut made ‘no noticeable difference’  The Independent

Economics

20 hours ago What to do if you’re lost in the Australian bush – and other amazing stories of survival

When heading into a remote location be prepared and let people know your route, experts say. If you end up lost, first seek shelter and waterFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThis week Hadi Nazari was found alive after being lost in the remote Kosciuszko national park for almost two weeks.Nazari survived in some of Australia’s most unforgiving terrain by drinking creek water, foraging for berries and – fortuitously – finding two muesli bars in a remote hut. Continue reading...

Events

10 hours ago ‘I ranked all 272 of London’s tube stops – these are the best and worst’

Tom ranks tube stations under the handle @vaguely.mundane

Politics

36 hours ago Rachel Reeves scrambles to calm markets as Pound falls and borrowing costs rise again

Sterling tumbled to its lowest level against the US dollar for over a year this morning as investors heaped more risk premium on UK gilts - the way the state finances its activities.

Economics

20 hours ago Court annuls marriage after Melbourne bride thought wedding was ‘sham’ to boost groom’s Instagram

Judge finds woman ‘believed she was acting in a social media event’ rather than official ceremonyFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA Melbourne couple’s marriage has been annulled after the bride told a court she had thought their wedding was nothing more than a social media stunt to boost his Instagram following.In an October family court judgment published on Thursday, a judge annulled the December 2023 marriage after finding the bride “believed she was acting in a social media event”, rather than in a legally binding wedding ceremony.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

10 hours ago Raducanu turns down insect bite treatment over doping fears in Australia

Raducanu snubs spray after Swiatek and Sinner sagas‘I’m going to tough it out because I don’t want to risk it’Emma Raducanu says the chance of ingesting a contaminated substance is a notable concern on the minds of tennis players at a time when Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek continue to navigate the fallout of two of the most high profile anti-doping cases in the history of the sport.Speaking at her pre-tournament press conference at the Australian Open before her first round match against the 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova on Monday, Raducanu said players must “manage the controllables” as well as they can. She had suffered a significant insect bite the previous day but declined the antiseptic spray she was provided because she did not want to risk taking a banned substance. Continue reading...

Politics

36 hours ago What rising government debt costs mean for you: Mortgages, employment and the economy

High government borrowing costs come amid fears that inflation is creeping up again, which could lead the Bank of England to keep rates on hold

Economics

21 hours ago Australia violated rights of asylum seekers on Nauru, UN watchdog rules

United Nations human rights committee says decision should serve as warning to other nations considering outsourcing asylum processingFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia violated the rights of asylum seekers arbitrarily detained on the island of Nauru, a UN watchdog has ruled, in a warning to other countries intent on outsourcing asylum processing.The UN human rights committee published decisions in two cases involving 25 refugees and asylum seekers who endured years of arbitrary detention in the island nation.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

11 hours ago Business expert explains why Jiffy's radical proposal to cut Welsh regions makes sense

Jonathan Davies' forthright views on what needs to happen in Welsh rugby have certainly sparked debate. Here, a business expert gives his views

Politics

36 hours ago Record level of spending on major repairs by private social housing providers

The Regulator of Social Housing has published a report into the state of finances in the sector.

Economics

24 hours ago LIVE: Manchester city centre plunged into darkness as thousands hit by power cut

Electricity North West are investigating the power cut in the Deansgate area

Events

11 hours ago Kate Cross hoping 2023 successes can embolden England ahead of the Ashes

The action starts this weekend.

Politics

37 hours ago Chancellor Rachel Reeves may need to cut spending after jump in borrowing costs

The cost of borrowing for the UK government surged to its highest level for almost 17 years on Wednesday amid a sell-off in the bond market and concerns over the threat of stagflation

Economics

28 hours ago Q&A: Franz Ferdinand discuss their new album, the resurgence of 2000s indie and Charli XCX

The Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand sent a jolt across the music world two decades ago

Events

11 hours ago Claudia Winkleman says style is influenced by Anita Dobson and Demis Roussos

She will host The Graham Norton Show in February, while Norton is in Australia.

Politics

44 hours ago Coronation Street bosses 'bans stars from appearing in Rovers Return as show desperately tries to cut costs' after five stars quit in a month

Soaring TV production costs and a collapose in advertising revenue are said to have put the future of the ITV soap in jeopardy.

Economics

29 hours ago Letby attacks could have been spotted earlier if ‘dots joined up’ – Jeremy Hunt

The former health secretary apologised to the victims’ families at the Thirlwall Inquiry into Lucy Letby’s crimes.

Events

11 hours ago Amazon users get 'best night's sleep' with winter duvet cut to 'lowest price'

The online firm has reduced the Silentnight Just Like Down 13.5 Tog Duvet to its "lowest price in 30 days."

Politics

29 hours ago No10 warns teachers not to 'put children's learning at risk' with a strike as education union ballots members over above

The National Education Union (NEU) will launch an indicative ballot of its members from March 1 until April 11 over a 2.8 per cent offer for teachers in England.

Events

12 hours ago UK sees coldest night of winter as temperatures expected to fall further

Overnight temperatures fell as low as minus 14C in Altanharra, northern Scotland, according to the Met Office.

Politics

29 hours ago Five fresh weather warnings issued as huge snowfall grounds planes, blocks railways lines and sparks huge motorway delays

The Met Office has issued five fresh weather warnings for the next 48 hours as huge snowfall grounds planes, blocks railways lines and sparks huge motorway delays.

Events