50 minutes ago British mother of Egyptian political prisoner to press Lammy to take action

Laila Soueif is to meet the foreign secretary, who in opposition called for the release of Alaa Abd el-FattahThe British-born mother of an Egyptian political prisoner who has been on hunger strike for 58 days is preparing to meet the foreign secretary, David Lammy, to urge him to secure her son’s release.Laila Soueif’s son Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a British and Egyptian dual citizen who wrote eloquently about the Arab spring and its aftermath, was jailed for five years for “spreading false news”. He was due to be released in September, but has not been freed. Continue reading...

Events

50 minutes ago Steve McQueen photography exhibition offers fresh take on history of protest in Britain

Director showcases images of the suffragettes, Kinder Scout trespasses and anti-fascist protests in LondonAfter retelling the story of the Blitz from a new angle, Steve McQueen’s next project is an alternative photographic history of protest and campaigning in Britain, spanning a century from the suffragettes to the Iraq war protests.Resistance will open at Margate’s Turner Contemporary in February 2025, which the gallery’s director said would show how “photography has really acted as a kind of catalyst for change” in the UK. Continue reading...

Politics

50 minutes ago Scotland's oldest canal shuts from Kelpies to Falkirk Wheel until 2026 for major work

Biggest upgrade since waterway re-opened at turn of century

Politics

51 minutes ago TGI Fridays and Pizza Hut could go: The future of the classic chain restaurant no longer seems bottomless

Chain restaurants were once the cornerstones of British dining, loved for their affordability and reliability. But rising costs, changing tastes and the pressures of a shifting dining landscape are pushing them to the brink. Can they adapt, asks Hannah Twiggs, or are they destined to become relics of a bygone era?

Politics

1 hour ago Squeezed Londoners will cut back on Christmas spending so they can take a big trip abroad

A survey has found that 72% were prepared to forgo pre-Christmas spending to make the sums work for next year’s big break.

Politics

1 hour ago 10 years of the long read: Seven stowaways and a hijacked oil tanker: the strange case of the Nave Andromeda (2022) – podcast

As the Long Read turns 10 we are raiding the archives to bring you a favourite piece from each year since 2014, with new introductions from the authors.This week from 2022: In October 2020 an emergency call was received from a ship in British waters. After a full-scale commando raid, seven Nigerians were taken off in handcuffs – but no one was ever charged. What really happened on board? By Samira Shackle Continue reading...

Events

1 hour ago LIV Golf stars handed majors lifeline after being left in world rankings limbo

LIV Golf stars have been given the chance to play their way into next season's Open Championship, with three spots in the major on offer at this week's Australian Open

Politics

1 hour ago Egypt tourist boat latest: More survivors rescued as search intensifies for remaining passengers

Two Britons are still unaccounted for after a tourist yacht sank in the Red Sea

Events

2 hours ago Scots mum cleared of witch monument murder faked having baby to scam elderly men

Angela Newlands conned pensioners in romance scams and lied about a fake baby for cash.

Events

2 hours ago New study reveals surprise verdict on how to get the best night's sleep

British researchers have found that those without regular bed and wake-up times are far more likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes, despite getting the recommended amount of shut-eye.

Politics