The Vatican has issued a major update regarding Pope Francis' health has been issued after the Catholic leader suffered a respiratory crisis and spent more than a week in hospital

Events

An argument about Rishi Sunak’s identity reveals how ideas of ethnicity and race have become conflated‘They think they’re English because they’re born here. That means if a dog’s born in a stable it’s a horse.” That was a staple of the comedian Bernard Manning’s routine back in the 1970s. Enoch Powell had, a decade earlier, expressed the same sentiment in more refined language: “The West Indian or Asian does not, by being born in England, become an Englishman. In law he becomes a United Kingdom citizen by birth; in fact he is a West Indian or an Asian still.”Few today would laugh along with Manning or take seriously the claim that only white people can be English. Britain has transformed over the past half-century and most English people now embrace Ian Wright and Idris Elba as being as English as David Beckham or Joanna Lumley. Continue reading...

Politics

The star of Baywatch and The Last Showgirl answers questions from Observer readers and famous fans including Stella McCartney, Liam Neeson, Ruby Wax and Naomi KleinPamela Anderson, makeup-free and beautiful in a floral Westwood suit, is making a fuss of my dog. My dog likes her. I’m not a particular believer in the idea that animals are great character judges but, in this case, me and the dog are aligned. I like Anderson too. She combines openness with a kind of vulnerability, and you warm to her immediately.Settled on a sofa in a small dressing room off a photography studio, she asks for a coffee and promptly spills it everywhere. “I strive for imperfection,” she jokes. “I strive for it, and I just hit it every time.” Cortado mopped, she takes a breath, before talking excitedly of a new phase in her eventful life. “A door opened, and I walked through,” she says. “It’s hard to believe.” Continue reading...

Politics

They are beloved by A-listers and surging in popularity. But claims that NAD+ infusions are a fix for addiction are unproven, risky – and possibly illegal, an Observer investigation revealsIt is billed as a “miracle” treatment that can reverse ageing and regenerate brain cells. And getting hooked up to IV drips containing NAD+ has surged in popularity, with record Google searches and celebrity fans such as Kendall Jenner and Joe Rogan.Now NAD+ is being touted in the UK as a treatment for substance ­misuse. Infusions of NAD+, which is derived from vitamin B3, are being sold across the country as a ­“clinically proven” and “effective” way to quit drinking or get off drugs. Continue reading...

Science

A plus-size influencer has shared that she believes big industry events such as London Fashion Week should have more diversity, as people need to 'see themselves' when they're growing up

Politics

Pope Francis, who has been in hospital for more than a week, rested 'peacefully overnight' although the Vatican update on Sunday morning did not confirm if he was sitting up or eating breakfast as previous days' had done

Events

Pontiff had fallen into critical condition, receiving high flows of oxygen and blood transfusions in hospital as he battles complex lung infection Pope Francis had a “restful night” in hospital, the Vatican said on Sunday morning, after announcing on Saturday that he was in critical condition following a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis linked to pneumonia and a complex lung infection.The 88-year-old pope received “high flows” of oxygen to help him breathe, it was announced on Saturday. He also received blood transfusions after tests showed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting, the Vatican said in a late update. Continue reading...

Events

Erling Haaland stayed on the bench for Manchester City's Champions League exit in midweek and the striker faces a race against time to be fit to start at home to Liverpool

Politics

The prospects of peace and the return of Russian gas looks likely to serve the interests of Donald TrumpThe Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago has reverberated through the global energy industry; unravelling Europe’s decades-long reliance on gas imported via pipelines from Russia, and triggering a global squeeze on gas markets that unleashed a cost of living crisis still felt today.The prospect of a peace deal has many wondering whether the energy industry could be upended once again; this time giving way to a market serving the interests of the US president hoping to broker the deal. Continue reading...

Politics

Kolo Toure left Manchester City in 2013 after falling out of favour under Roberto Mancini and opted to remain in the Premier League by joining Liverpool on a free transfer

Politics

The Mirror has heard story after story of tragedy this week on a visit to Zaporizhzhia, a war-torn region partly occupied by Russia – but people here are standing strong.

Politics

It was not a good week for self-identifying ‘progressive’ male politicians

Events

Faithlessness doesn’t only have to take the form of infidelity. It can be the slow erosion of trust and careThe question My wife and I live in different countries and see each other once a year. The last time we saw each other we argued all the time and slept in separate beds. I’ll be going to see her soon and I’m worried she’s seeing someone else, although I have no proof. She will expect sex from me, and I think I should protect myself by wearing a condom. How should I broach the condom suggestion without upsetting her, especially if she is actually being totally faithful?Philippa’s answer It seems that your marriage is not in great shape. Rather than worrying about condoms, I think you need to think and talk about your relationship together. It sounds like you’ll need time to adjust and get to know each other again, and gradually find a place that feels natural and comfortable for both of you. Continue reading...

Politics

A pleasing Norfolk pub serving ham, egg and chips and lots of gin

Events

Reds looking to respond against bruised Man City

Politics

Taylor Sheridan’s sprawling ‘Yellowstone’ prequel returns with a darker, more brutal second season. Tom Murray speaks to Helen Mirren, who plays the Dutton family’s fierce matriarch, and her co-star about the trials that lie ahead for Montana’s most sought-after ranch

Events

Paddy Power is offering new customers the chance to back either Man City or Liverpool at enhanced odds of 80/1 or 60/1 respectively when the two teams face off in the Premier League this Sunday

Politics

New Betfair customers can back both teams to score when Liverpool take on Man City in the Premier League this weekend and enjoy odds of 50/1 if the North West giants both find the back of the net

Politics

Mason Hancock reckons Airdrie have come a long way since their poor early-season form run

Politics

When the news of the October 7 attacks broke, I could never have imagined the devastating consequences of that Hamas attack and the subsequent war, and the horror that continues to unfold in the region.

Events