4 h. ago Britain needs 'hard military edge' to prepare for war after 'going in wrong direction'

British defence has to move fast and prepare for war as the UK's enemies 'have the edge' on us because we do not know what they are planning - the question is what to spend the money on

Events

13 h. ago North Korea must build strong, modern army to prepare for war – Kim Jong

Kim says the ‘present international situation’ demands such a move

Events

17 h. ago Stark research reveals how little Scots are saving and the gap is widening

“What is particularly worrying is that Scotland is moving in the wrong direction with even fewer having a savings safety net” – Mubin Haq, Abrdn Financial Fairness Trust

Politics

23 h. ago Keir Starmer warns Britain is entering an 'era of hard power' over foreign aid

EXCLUSIVE: The Prime Minister announced the Government will meet its manifesto pledge to raise the military budget to 2.5 per cent of GDP two years early.

Events

32 h. ago Israel ‘wants to extend first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal’ as talks stall

Israel ready to resume fighting if there is no progress in crucial talks this week, reports sayIsrael is seeking to extend the first stage of the ceasefire agreement in the war with Hamas in Gaza and is prepared to resume fighting if there is no progress in crucial talks this week, according to reports.Israel’s Kan Radio, along with Ma’ariv, a daily newspaper, reported on Tuesday that informal talks were under way aimed at extending the first 42-day stage of the ceasefire, which expires on Saturday. Official internationally mediated negotiations on how to implement the second stage – which would involve a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territory – were supposed to begin weeks ago, but have been repeatedly postponed as the fragile truce has lurched from crisis to crisis. Continue reading...

Politics

46 h. ago Nigel Farage viewed favourably by more people than other leaders – poll

The proportion of people saying the UK was heading in the wrong direction has remained high.

Politics

57 h. ago Netanyahu ‘preparing atmosphere’ to return to war with Gaza, says Hamas official – Middle East crisis live

Hamas official Basem Naim says Benjamin Netanyahu ‘intentionally sabotaging’ peace deal According to a report from Hebrew media outlet Ynet, Israel has told international mediators that it will release more than 600 Palestinian prisoners who were initially scheduled for release on Saturday if Hamas returns four bodies today without any ceremony. The Guardian has not confirmed this report.Israel suspended the handover of 620 Palestinians it was due to free from its prisons on Saturday, putting the ceasefire agreement in jeopardy after Benjamin Netanyahu criticised what he called “disgraceful ceremonies that dishonour our hostages and the cynical use of hostages for propaganda”.We have fulfilled all our obligations according to the deal.Unfortunately, all the time Netanyahu and his government have been trying to undermine and sabotage the deal.They have committed a lot of violations – killed more than 100 Palestinians, prevented most of the basic needs of the Palestinians to enter the...

Events

3 d. ago Tories suggest benefits should be slashed for those with 'anxiety' in order to boost defence spending

Ex-defence minister James Cartlidge, now shadow defence secretary, said there was a need for Britain to become 'more resilient' and invest greater sums in 'hard power'.

Politics

4 d. ago NATO prepares for WW3 with new jet pipeline in case Russia war breaks out after Trump's rant

Under the plans, a fuel line would be connected from Germany to Poland and the Czech Republic in order to supply troops should an emergency arise in NATO's eastern border states

Politics

4 d. ago Keir Starmer shrugs off Trump as he prepares to give new aid to Ukraine and sanction Russian oligarchs amid US President's war of words with Volodymyr Zelensky

Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce a new package of support for Ukraine days after Donald Trump branded the Ukrainian president a 'dictator'.

Politics

5 d. ago Russia 'is preparing to declare VICTORY in its war with Ukraine within days' following public falling out between Trump and Zelensky and US pressure to do a deal

According to Kyiv 's military intelligence agency, Putin is expected to frame the announcement as not only a triumph over Ukraine but also over NATO.

Events

7 d. ago Britain 'ready to send Typhoon fighter jets to police Ukraine's skies' if Russia agrees to end its brutal invasion in peace deal

Sir Keir Starmer is prepared to send UK troops to the war-torn country as part of efforts to enforce a possible ceasefire.

Events

8 d. ago Jog on! Prankster leaves exhausted trail runners bewildered after posing as a race marshal near finishing line and sending them off in wrong direction

Runners saw their 10k challenge descend into chaos after someone moved the route signs around the 9k mark.

Politics

8 d. ago US and Russia prepare to hold talks on ending war in Ukraine

Donald Trump’s concessions to Vladimir Putin have alarmed European and Ukrainian officials

Events

9 d. ago The Guardian view on the US, China and the rest: Trump is opening doors for Xi | Editorial

The US president’s bullying of allies and partners is short-termist and will boost Beijing’s power, not Washington’sDonald Trump’s return to the White House is so far proving more nightmarish for US allies and friends than adversaries. China certainly doesn’t relish a trade war with the US, but it was better prepared than others for Mr Trump’s tariffs, and both sides appear to be leaving room for a potential deal. And, though China’s leader, Xi Jinping, is poised for worse to come, the second Trump term is bringing Beijing opportunities as well as problems.International respect for the US plummeted under his last administration. As the US president turns the screws on long-term partners, China is looking to take advantage. Colombia quickly caved to Mr Trump on the matter of migrant returns, but China’s ambassador has been celebrating the “best moment” in relations between Bogotá and Beijing. Under pressure from the Trump administration, Panama announced that it w...

Politics