3 h. ago Corruption allegations intensify around Spain’s government as MP resigns

Spanish Socialist Workers’ MP resigns after judge finds ‘firm evidence’ of possible involvement in kickbacksThe swirl of corruption allegations surrounding the centre-left government of Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has intensified dramatically after a senior member of his Spanish Socialist Workers’ party (PSOE) resigned hours after a judge found “firm evidence” of his possible involvement in taking kickbacks on public construction contracts.Sánchez – who became prime minister in 2018 after using a motion of no confidence to turf the corruption-mired conservative People’s party (PP) from office – is already contending with a series of graft probes relating to his wife, his brother, his former transport minister, and one of that minister’s aides. All deny any wrongdoing. A former PSOE member was also recently implicated in an alleged smear campaign against the Guardia Civil police unit investigating the corruption allegations. Continue reading...

Politics

6 h. ago European journalists targeted with Paragon Solutions spyware, say researchers

Citizen Lab says it found ‘digital fingerprints’ of military-grade spyware that Italy has admitted using against activistsThe hacking mystery roiling the Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s rightwing government is deepening after researchers said they had found new evidence that two more journalists were targeted using the same military-grade spyware that Italy has admitted to using against activists.A parliamentary committee overseeing intelligence confirmed earlier this month that Italy had used mercenary spyware made by Israel-based Paragon Solutions against two Italian activists. Continue reading...

Events

6 h. ago We will do everything we can to save Alexander Dennis jobs, vows Swinney

It came as the bus manufacturer proposes to consolidate its UK operations in North Yorkshire and close its Falkirk factory.

Politics

7 h. ago ‘People see government as the enemy’: Bangladesh’s interim leader on the legacy of a toxic system

A year after a student-led revolt unseated Sheikh Hasina, Muhammad Yunus is fighting to convince both sides of politics to agree to reformA year on from the political uprising that swept the prime minister of Bangladesh into exile, people still see government as the enemy, according to the country’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus.Rooting out corruption at every level, from village to government, is the only way for people to believe in a “new Bangladesh”, he says. Continue reading...

Politics

9 h. ago UK Government ‘committed’ to Acorn carbon capture project in Scotland – minister

Kirsty McNeill said the inclusion of development funding for the scheme in the spending review shows the Government’s support for it.

Politics

25 h. ago Government can hit NHS waiting times targets despite scepticism, says Reeves

The NHS has received a 3% increase in real terms per year in the Government spending review.

Events

27 h. ago Spend every penny of increased cash on affordable housing, charity urges

The Chancellor announced an increase of £39 billion for housing in the next decade.

Economics

30 h. ago Starmer says he could ‘go on all morning’ about Labour’s success

Sir Keir Starmer has said he could “go on all morning” about Labour’s achievements in government - in his Prime Minister’s Questions speech, which started at 12 noon.

Politics

30 h. ago PM picked ‘wrong Chancellor and wrong priorities’, claims Badenoch

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir Starmer of appearing at the despatch box ‘all puffed up and self-righteous’.

Politics

30 h. ago Netanyahu's government faces possible collapse as the opposition seeks to dissolve it

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces a major test on Wednesday after the opposition submitted a bill to dissolve the government

Politics

38 h. ago How to save the Amazon part two: the magic and mystery – podcast

As a companion to the Guardian’s Missing in the Amazon, Jon Watts, global environment editor, goes in search of answers to the question Dom Phillips was investigating when he was murdered: how can we save the Amazon?In episode two, Jon meets the people trying to make sure the rainforest is worth more standing than cut down – from a government minister attempting to establish Brazil’s ‘bioeconomy’ to a startup founder creating superfood supplements and a scientist organising night-time tours hunting for bioluminescent fungi. Jon explores new ways of finding value in the forest and asks whether they will be enough to secure its future survivalListen to Missing in the AmazonSupport the Guardian: theguardian.com/sciencepod Continue reading...

Politics

42 h. ago Israel's fury over British sanctions on ministers: Pair accused of inciting violence against Palestinians hit back against government bars

Security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich will be subject to a travel ban and asset freeze. Foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar said it was 'outrageous'.

Politics

44 h. ago Starmer and Reynolds meet US commerce secretary in push to implement trade deal

The Business Secretary took the opportunity to meet Howard Lutnick to push for progress on the US-UK trade deal announced last month.

Economics

47 h. ago MPs call for UK to recognise Palestine after Government sanctions ministers

Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs all call for the UK to recognise Palestine at UN conference in New York next week

Politics

49 h. ago The Guardian view on Labour’s nuclear bet: big promises, but bigger questions remain unanswered | Editorial

A bold state investment signals nuclear revival, but unresolved issues around cost, waste and safety demand urgent ministerial clarityThe government’s decision to invest £14.2bn in nuclear energy, on top of existing funds, marks a return to significant state funding of nuclear power after Hinkley Point C, financed by the private sector, was dogged by delays and cost overruns. It is also a decisive shift in energy policy. Ministers have high hopes of a nuclear energy renaissance. Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, described the prospect of a new reactor in Suffolk, Sizewell C, combined with new money for modular reactor development and fusion research, as a “golden age”. This was a striking choice of words from the greenest voice in the cabinet.The Climate Change Committee’s latest advice to the government took a more restrained view of nuclear, which drew industry ire. Mr Miliband’s commitment to renewable energy is not in doubt. The government has made good...

Events

49 h. ago UK Government ‘betraying Wales’ over rail funding, Plaid leader says

Rhun ap Iorwerth called for the First Minister of Wales to condemn the UK government’s Welsh rail funding.

Politics

51 h. ago Ballymena violence highlights need for more PSNI funding – Robinson

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited homes in Clonavon Terrace which were targeted on Monday night.

Events

51 h. ago Labour to end 200 years of injustice by ripping up 'shameful' rough sleeping law

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the Government is 'drawing a line under nearly two centuries of injustice' by abolishing the Vagrancy Act, which has been on the statute books since 1824

Society

52 h. ago Welsh FM accused of doing ‘nothing’ to protect pensioners from winter fuel cut

Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, called for Eluned Morgan to apologise to the pensioners affected by the change last winter.

Politics

52 h. ago SNP minister demands higher immigration to Scotland as she urges PM to help Holyrood tackle country's ageing population

Equalities minister Kaukab Stewart reiterated the Scottish Government's call for PM Sir Keir Starmer to ditch a 'one-size fits all approach' to immigration to the UK.

Politics