2 h. ago China steps up its war of words after branding US and Japanese destroyers 'enemy vessels'

China has escalated its war of words by branding American and Japanese destroyers as 'enemy vessels.'

Events

4 h. ago Shoppers 'ditch' travel plugs for £14 Amazon gadget that charges everything in 150 countries

In terms of connections, you can insert a full-sized plug into the front, plus two additional USB A ports and a USB C around the side

Economics

4 h. ago Warning to UK families over visiting four countries this summer

Brits heading to holiday hotspots around Europe this summer may face organised anti-tourism protests as soon as they arrive at airports with locals fuming at rising prices

Events

7 h. ago Spring is the only season by Simon Barnes review: a paean to the season

Spring is in the air, at last. After a grinding winter of long icy spells, the sun is back, the blossom is on the trees and we can hear birdsong again.

Politics

8 h. ago Trump claims China's President Xi called HIM amid tariffs drama and makes odd comparison regarding their chat

President Donald Trump claimed that China's President Xi Jinping called him amid the countries' tariff drama - as China continued to dispute that trade talks are happening.

Politics

8 h. ago I travelled the world solo for just £19 a day – and here is how you can backpack on a super low budget

365 days, £7k, 15 countries, and a lifetime of memories. Travel writer Lydia Swinscoe reveals how she backpacked around the globe on a seriously low budget — and how you can do it too

Economics

10 h. ago New EU travel rules by October as UK tourists face long delays

The European Union has voted to roll out new travel rules that will see long delays for UK holidaymakers heading to countries including France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal

Politics

12 h. ago Hiroshige’s peerless prints, McCartney’s unseen snaps and Vancouver’s blue skies – the week in art

Van Gogh’s favourite Japanese artist is at the British Museum, Lisa Milroy’s memories of Canada are on show in London, and new thresholds are crossed by Do Ho Suh – all in your weekly dispatchHiroshige: Artist of the Open RoadIt’s not hard to see why Hiroshige was Van Gogh’s favourite Japanese printmaker – his colours have a radiant intensity almost without equal in art. • British Museum, London, from 1 May until 7 September Continue reading...

Politics

12 h. ago Manchester Flower Festival to make triumphant return as full floral trail with new theme revealed

Cherry blossoms, digital balloon flowers, and an Oasis-inspired creation are on their way to the city

Politics

13 h. ago Swiss leader says Trump administration foresees ‘privileged’ talks with 15 countries on US tariffs – US politics live

Karin Keller-Sutter, Swiss president, says Switzerland is among 15 countries with which US plans to hold negotiations to reach deals over tariffsThe Swiss president says Switzerland is among 15 countries with which the United States plans to conduct “privileged” negotiations to help reach a deal after sweeping US tariffs on dozens of countries that have shaken global markets, reports the Associated Press (AP).Karin Keller-Sutter, in an interview with broadcaster SRF published Friday, said she was “satisfied” with talks in Washington this week that included an International Monetary Fund conference and her one-on-one meeting with US treasury secretary Scott Bessent. Keller-Sutter also serves as Switzerland’s finance minister. “The United States has defined a group of 15 countries with which it wants to find a quick solution in this tariff question. Switzerland is part of this group of these 15 countries,” she told reporters separately late on Thursday in Washington, according to the ...

Politics

13 h. ago Foreign Office travel warning for two countries after 25 die in 'terror' incident

The Foreign Office has advised against all travel after the horrific incident unfolded

Events

14 h. ago Swiss leader says Trump administration foresees 'privileged' talks with 15 countries on US tariffs

The Swiss president says Switzerland is among 15 countries with which the United States plans to conduct “privileged” negotiations to help reach a deal in the wake of sweeping U.S. tariffs on dozens of countries that have shaken global markets

Politics

14 h. ago Reeves hints at priority as she says ‘trading relationship with Europe arguably more important’ than US – UK politics live

Chancellor said she understood the focus on possible deal with US, but added the EU remained ‘our nearest neighbours and trading partners’Water company bosses face up to two years in prison if they cover up illegal sewage spills under new laws coming into force, PA Media reports. PA says:The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said no prison sentences have been handed to water company executives since privatisation despite widespread illegal sewage discharges, and the tougher penalties were essential because some firms have obstructed investigations.Environment secretary Steve Reed said: “Bosses must face consequences if they commit crimes. There must be accountability. From today, there will be no more hiding places.”I’m now pretty optimistic that we are moving in a good direction.In the end, I think everybody understands that this is about our security in Europe. It requires cooperation between democracies, friends, allies, countries with the same values.The...

Politics

14 h. ago Mobico to sell US school buses ahead of tariffs driving up fleet costs

The transport group described the sale to infrastructure investor I Squared Capital as a ‘milestone’.

Economics

15 h. ago Massive blow to Trump as Japanese car giant moves manufacturing OUT of US in tariff twist

Subaru is reshuffling its supply chain in response to President Donald Trump's tariff upheavals.

Politics

15 h. ago ‘All options remain on the table’ for Ukraine support, minister says

Environment Secretary Steve Reed called for a ‘strong alliance of countries’ to help guarantee any peace deal will hold.

Politics

16 h. ago Pakistan and India exchange fire as UN calls for ‘maximum restraint’

Countries trade blows across line of control in disputed Kashmir as tensions rise after deadly shootingTroops from Pakistan and India exchanged fire overnight across the line of control in disputed Kashmir, officials have said, after the UN urged the nuclear-armed rivals to show “maximum restraint” after a deadly shooting in the region.Relations have plunged to their lowest level in years, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting “cross-border terrorism” after gunmen carried out the worst attack on civilians in contested Muslim-majority Kashmir for a quarter of a century. Continue reading...

Events

16 h. ago Expect delays as new EU travel rules come into force within months

The EU has voted to start rolling out the new scheme for everyone heading from the UK to countries including France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Portugal

Politics

18 h. ago Catholics remember Pope Francis as a friend of Africa, with some setting theology aside

Pope Francis visited a record 10 African countries throughout his pontificate, often venturing to areas ravaged by war, poverty or natural disaster

Politics

20 h. ago Japan develops drone system to catch lightning to make power in world first

Japanese researchers have successfully triggered and guided lightning using specially made and protected drones, marking a world first in weather control technology

Events