52 m. ago Huge copper shortage to pose ‘systemic risk’ to global economies, warns S&P

Data group forecasts deficit of 10mn tonnes by 2040, equivalent to nearly one-third of current global demand

Events

53 m. ago EU accused of fuelling Putin’s war by importing Russian liquefied natural gas

Despite Brussels’ pledge to ban Russian LNG by 2027, shipments to European ports increased in the last yearEuropean governments have been accused of fuelling Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine as new data shows the Kremlin earned an estimated €7.2bn (£6.2bn) last year from exporting its liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the EU.Brussels has pledged to ban imports of Russian LNG – natural gas that is supercooled to make it easier to transport – by 2027 but an analysis suggests there is yet to be any letup in the vast quantities being received at European ports from Russia’s LNG complex on the Yamal peninsula in Siberia. Continue reading...

Politics

53 m. ago Europe faces a pincer attack from White House ideologues backed by Silicon Valley and its far

US tech bosses are exerting leverage on EU regulators via Trump and Vance. But Europe isn’t powerless, and it isn’t aloneThe US is advancing a new global order. Over the past eight decades Washington pursued – when it suited American interests – an order based on international law, liberalism, multilateralism and democratic values. The new one is based on autocracy and the use of force, and is underpinned by xenophobic nationalism.For the transatlantic relationship this is transformative: it means that coercive action now drives policy change. Europe’s security dependency on the US is leverage to be ruthlessly exploited. Silicon Valley tech firms’ business interests converge with those of the White House, and the US instrumentalises far-right politicians in Europe to achieve its foreign policy objectives.Armida van Rij is a senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform Continue reading...

Events

53 m. ago Darren Fletcher gesture to Benjamin Sesko spoke volumes in Manchester United vs Burnley

Man Utd drew 2-2 with Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday and here are the talking points and moments you might have missed.

Events

3 h. ago Russia could cripple Britain by cutting just 60 undersea cables carrying nearly all UK data

Vessels in Putin's 'shadow fleet' - ships operating secretly to avoid sanctions - have been blamed for sabotaging cables, oil and gas pipelines and electricity cables keeping countries connected.

Politics

3 h. ago ‘Out with the Yanks!’: Thousands protest in Colombia as anger builds over Trump’s intervention in Venezuela

President Gustavo Petro called for demonstrations after Trump said he was interested in military action in ColombiaThousands of protesters have taken to the streets of cities across Colombia to decry Donald Trump’s threats to expand his military campaign in South America into their territory, after last weekend’s deadly attack on Venezuela.In Cúcuta, a city on Colombia’s eastern border with Venezuela, several hundred demonstrators marched towards its 19th century cathedral waving the country’s yellow, blue and red flag and shouting: “Fuera los yanquis!” (“Out with the Yanks!”) Continue reading...

Politics

4 h. ago Trump demands massive increase to defense spending budget in what he calls ‘very troubled and dangerous times’

The unprecedented funding request comes as the president has pursued military action across Latin America and is threatening to take over Greenland

Events

4 h. ago US oil companies warn they will need guarantees to invest in Venezuela

Donald Trump to hold more talks with industry bosses as president flexes power over energy markets

Events

5 h. ago My ungrateful daughter cut me off after I refused to fund her second wedding. Now I'm hitting back for 'doormat mums' everywhere to help other parents against their entitled children

To this day, Laura Wellington struggles to identify the moment her relationship with her youngest daughter Imogen went catastrophically wrong.

Society

5 h. ago Calum McFarlane reveals Liam Rosenior talks with Chelsea stars before Fulham trip

New Blues head coach was at Cobham on Tuesday before watching west London derby defeat from Craven Cottage stands

Politics

5 h. ago Beyonce's mom reveals bizarre reason for granddaughter Blue Ivy's name as 'world's greatest' nepo baby turns 14

Beyoncé's mom Tina Knowles took to Instagram on Wednesday to wish her granddaughter Blue Ivy a happy 14th birthday.

Politics

5 h. ago AI personal shoppers possible within next five years – data protection watchdog

AI agents could anticipate shopping needs and make purchases for customers, according to the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Politics

6 h. ago Oil giant in talks with Trump administration to expand Venezuela operating license

These talks unfold as Washington and Caracas advance negotiations to supply up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the United States

Politics

6 h. ago Even Republicans aren’t onboard with Trump’s Greenland saber rattling

Analysis: Mike Johnson says nobody in Congress is talking about military action. Thom Tillis is calling Stephen Miller’s comments ‘amateur hour,’ Eric Garcia reports from Capitol Hill

Politics

6 h. ago Trump pulls US out of 66 international bodies, including key UN climate treaty

President’s order suspends support for UNFCCC climate framework, UN population agency and other entitiesThe Trump administration will withdraw from dozens of international organizations, including the UN’s population agency and the UN treaty that establishes international climate negotiations, as the US further retreats from global cooperation.Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order suspending US support for 66 organizations, agencies and commissions following his instructions for his administration to review participation in and funding for all international organizations, including those affiliated with the UN, according to a White House statement on social media. Continue reading...

Events

7 h. ago Arndale food court evacuated after discovery of 'suspicious dark powder substance'

Emergency services rushed to the shopping centre

Events

8 h. ago AI chatbot maker Anthropic plans to raise $10bn to reach $350bn valuation

Startup founded by former OpenAI staff is aiming to more than double its annualized revenue run rate this yearAnthropic is planning a $10bn fundraise that would value the Claude chatbot maker at $350bn, according to multiple reports published on Wednesday.The new valuation represents an increase of nearly double from about four months ago, per CNBC, which reported that the company had signed a term sheet that stipulated the $350bn figure. The round could close within weeks, although the size and terms could change. Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC and Coatue Management are planning to lead the financing, the Wall Street Journal reported. Continue reading...

Politics

8 h. ago Parents say Geico refused claim after car crash because their baby and toddler weren’t listed on insurance policy

The Michigan parents were on the hook for up to $15,000 worth of damage

Events

8 h. ago Martin Clunes pictured as Huw Edwards in new drama about disgraced BBC anchor

The Channel 5 series will recount how Edwards found himself at the centre of the sex offender scandal for possessing indecent images of children

Events

8 h. ago US suspends assistance to Somalia’s federal government, alleging it seized food aid

The State Department says it has suspended all U.S. assistance to Somalia’s federal government over allegations that Somali officials destroyed an American-funded warehouse belonging to the World Food Program and seized 76 metric tons of food aid intended for impoverished civilians

Politics