4 h. ago How the US rightwing is taking over news media and choking press freedom

Takeover of broadcast companies by Donald Trump’s allies is harbinger of media capitulation to authoritarian leaningsThe US right has appeared to increase its influence on mainstream media in America in recent weeks, especially in television news which has been a major target of the Donald Trump administration.CBS News – once home to legends of US journalism like Walter Cronkite and Edward R Murrow – installed a Trump ally as its ombudsman, weeks after the family of Larry Ellison, one of the world’s richest men, and a friend of the US president, sealed control over Paramount, the owner of CBS. Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Mandelson was ‘worth the risk’ as US ambassador, business secretary says

Peter Kyle says ‘singular talents’ of Mandelson were balanced against warnings over links with Jeffrey EpsteinPeter Mandelson had “singular talents” which meant his appointment as US ambassador had been “worth the risks” despite warnings in the vetting process over his links with Jeffrey Epstein, the business secretary has said.The dismissal of Mandelson as ambassador after new revelations about his close contact with the financier after he was convicted of child sex offences has caused fury in the Labour party about the slowness of Number 10’s response, as well as a major headache ahead of the US president Donald Trump’s arrival this week for a state visit. Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Mandelson seen as ‘worth the risk’ as US ambassador, minister says

Peter Kyle says ‘singular talents’ of Mandelson were balanced against warnings over links with Jeffrey EpsteinPeter Mandelson had “singular talents” which meant his appointment as US ambassador had been seen as “worth the risks” despite warnings in the vetting process over his links with Jeffrey Epstein, the business secretary has said.The dismissal of Mandelson as ambassador after new revelations about his close contact with the financier after he was convicted of child sex offences has caused fury in the Labour party about the slowness of Number 10’s response, as well as a major headache ahead of the US president Donald Trump’s arrival this week for a state visit. Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Peter Mandelson seen as ‘worth the risk’ as US ambassador, minister says

Peter Kyle says ‘singular talents’ of Mandelson were balanced against warnings over links with Jeffrey EpsteinPeter Mandelson had “singular talents” that meant his appointment as US ambassador had been seen as “worth the risks” despite warnings in the vetting process over his links with Jeffrey Epstein, the business secretary has said.The dismissal of Mandelson as ambassador following new revelations about his close contact with Epstein after the financier was convicted of child sex offences has caused fury in the Labour party about the slowness of No 10’s response, as well as a major headache before the US president Donald Trump’s arrival this week for a state visit. Continue reading...

Politics

18 h. ago Donald Trump makes major threat to Russia as WW3 fears escalate

The US President said he is ready to impose "major sanctions" on Moscow if countries across NATO stopped buying Russian oil

Politics

2 d. ago Kate Middleton set for major role in Donald Trump's unique state visit to the UK

Donald Trump will be the first US president to be invited on a state visit to the UK, with the three-day trip set to be a major break from tradition and see a huge role for the Princess of Wales

Politics

3 d. ago King Charles suffers major blow ahead of historic Donald Trump state visit

A new survey has recorded the lowest level of support for the monarchy in 40 years, with calls for complete abolishing of the Firm starting to rise

Politics

3 d. ago Russia is brazenly provoking the west. Putin must be left in no doubt of the consequences | Paul Taylor

Germany and Italy may have legitimate fears of escalation but this was no accident – it was a violation of Nato territoryBy sending a barrage of drones into Polish airspace, Russia is testing Nato’s military response and Europe’s political resolve to stand behind Ukraine with arms and security guarantees in the event of escalation.The timing can hardly have been a coincidence. Less than a week ago, a 26-nation “coalition of the willing” led by France and the UK announced an agreement on a “reassurance force”, intended to help guarantee Ukraine’s security after any ceasefire in Russia’s relentless war of aggression. Vladimir Putin has stepped up the nightly bombardment of Ukraine in defiance of Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a peace deal, and rejected any presence of European forces on the ground.Paul Taylor is a senior visiting fellow at the European Policy CentreDo you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words ...

Politics

4 d. ago Poland blasts 'act of aggression' after shooting down Putin's drones amid fears he is testing West's defences in largest escalation yet

Observers have indicated that with this, Putin may be laying the groundwork for a future invasion of Poland or other NATO nations.

Events

4 d. ago US supreme court to decide on legality of Trump’s sweeping global tariffs

A lower court earlier ruled president exceeded his authority when enacting tariffs under law meant for emergenciesThe US supreme court agreed on Tuesday to decide the legality of Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, setting up a major test of one of the Republican president’s boldest assertions of executive power that has been central to his economic and trade agenda.The justices took up the justice department’s appeal of a lower court’s ruling that Trump overstepped his authority in imposing most of his tariffs under a federal law meant for emergencies. The court swiftly acted after the administration last week asked it to review the case, which involves trillions of dollars in customs duties over the next decade. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago The ‘bizarre’ referral of the US housing finance agency chief to oust Lisa Cook

Former officials and experts say Bill Pulte’s request for inquiry into Fed governor’s alleged fraud is ‘unusual’The head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency embraced a highly unusual process to accuse Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, of committing mortgage fraud, former officials and experts have said. One former high-ranking official called the director’s involvement in a criminal referral “bizarre”.William Pulte, a businessman and major GOP donor whom Donald Trump appointed to head the powerful housing agency earlier this year, has accused Cook of committing mortgage fraud by misrepresenting her homes as a primary residence, potentially securing more favorable mortgage rates. The justice department formally opened a criminal investigation into whether Cook committed fraud and has issued subpoenas related to the transaction. Cook’s lawyers have called the discrepancies a “clerical error” and she has denied any wrongdoing. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Putin grins with Kim and Xi Jinping as 'axis of evil' meet up at military parade

Evil pals Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un were pictured as guests of honour at Xi Jinping's major military parade in China - which Donald Trump blasted as "conspiring against the US"

Events

1 week ago Donald Trump's hands raise fresh health concern during major announcement

Donald Trump's hands have sparked new health concerns as the American President addressed the public from the White House about a major announcement regarding Space Command HQ

Politics

1 week ago CNN cuts programming for Donald Trump 'breaking news' before major announcement

American broadcaster CNN was halted for breaking news on Donald Trump's census plans ahead of his special announcement from the White House today.

Politics

3 w. ago Ageing nuclear power plant is 'ticking time bomb' that 'could go off any moment'

The nuclear power plant first opened its doors in 1976 and has previously been forced to shut down. The plant is now operational once again, with fears escalating over a looming catastrophe.

Events

4 w. ago Vladimir Putin 'agrees to major Ukraine security guarantees' during Donald Trump talks

Russian President reportedly backs US-EU deal offering Ukraine “game-changing” security guarantees as Zelensky, Trump & EU leaders prep for crunch peace talks.

Politics

last month Refugee charity boss who accused Robert Jenrick of 'xenophobia' in BBC row says top Tory should work with him to 'de

Dr Krish Kandiah, founder of the Sanctuary Foundation, said he had offered an 'olive branch' to the shadow justice secretary following a row earlier this week.

Economics