9 h. ago Teenage vaping in Australia has ‘turned a corner’ after ban, study says

Australia health minister credits vape ban for reduced rates of consumption among children

Politics

25 h. ago UK should consider political donations cryptocurrency ban, says minister

Pat McFadden reacts over concerns foreign powers could use untraceable money to affect British democracyElection officials should consider banning political donations made in cryptocurrency, a minister has said, amid concerns that foreign powers are using untraceable money to influence British politics.Pat McFadden, the Cabinet Office minister and close ally of the prime minister, Keir Starmer, told MPs on Monday he thought there was a case for preventing crypto donations given how hard it is to trace their source. Continue reading...

Politics

25 h. ago UK should consider banning cryptocurrency political donations, minister says

Pat McFadden reacts over concerns foreign powers could use untraceable money to affect British democracyElection officials should consider banning political donations made in cryptocurrency, a minister has said, amid concerns that foreign powers are using untraceable money to influence British politics.Pat McFadden, the Cabinet Office minister and close ally of the prime minister, Keir Starmer, told MPs on Monday he thought there was a case for preventing crypto donations given how hard it was to trace their source. Continue reading...

Politics

25 h. ago Slovakia blocks EU move to impose new sanctions package on Russia – Europe live

EU foreign policy chief says ‘ball is in Slovakia’s court’ after leader Robert Fico blocked ‘imbecile’ proposal to ban Russian gas imports from 2028 French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot told reporters that he hoped the new language from the US and more sanctions from the EU will force Russian president Vladimir Putin “to face the facts: he has gone too far and he is now at an impasse.”He said he was hoping for more alignment between the US and the EU on sanctions, as he met with American senators last week in Rome to discuss their proposed bipartisan bill on Russia.“So we have some progress. We have some positive developments. It’s true that we have trucks that are able to enter, but we don’t know exactly how many. And what is clear is that the agreement is not fully implemented. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago Lead in ammunition to be restricted to reduce toxic pollution

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said the measures will ban shots containing more than 1% lead and bullets with lead content of more than 3%.

Events

7 d. ago Sport minister rejects calls to consult on alcohol ban in football stands

Stephanie Peacock said moves to reverse the ban, which has been in place since 1985, do not fall within the scope of the Football Governance Bill.

Politics

8 d. ago Supermarkets ‘in limbo’ over Government action on deforestation in supply chains

Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Lidl are among those calling on ministers to enact promised due diligence laws that effectively ban forest-risk commodities.

Politics

9 d. ago SNP Government accused of 'dereliction of duty' over nuclear power snub

EXCLUSIVE: The GMB union is urging SNP ministers to reconsider a ban on new nuclear power plants to help create thousands of well-paid jobs in Scotland.

Politics

1 week ago Major driving law change could see common manoeuvre banned in UK

Proposals to ban pavement parking are currently being reviewed, with a transport minister recently confirming she was in favour of a nationwide ban

Events

3 w. ago UK commitment to landmine ban ‘unwavering’ says minister as allies exit

The Government highlights the role played by the Ottawa Convention in protecting civilians against the indiscriminate weapons.

Politics

3 w. ago UK to ban choking and suffocation porn in new violence against women and girls strategy

The UK government will ban choking in porn, as Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson says 'there is absolutely no place for violent, misogynistic and harmful content online'

Events

3 w. ago Labour government reveals talks with SNP ministers over 'trans

Ministers at Holyrood and Westminster have held talks over plans to ban conversion therapy.

Politics

3 w. ago Dozens of MEPs to attend Budapest Pride in defiance of Viktor Orbán

As many as 70 said to be planning to show solidarity at LGBTQ+ march after Hungary’s PM tried to ban itDozens of MEPs are expected to attend the Pride march in Budapest later this month, in defiance of the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, who has tried to ban the event.In a debate in the European parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs from liberal, left and green groups pledged to be in Budapest on 28 June for the parade to show solidarity with gay Hungarians. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago Justice Sotomayor dissents US supreme court decision that ‘authorizes untold harm to transgender children’ – live

Justice Sonia Sotomayor says decision ‘does irrevocable damage to the Equal Protection Clause’ and ‘invites legislatures to engage in discrimination’US supreme court upholds ban on youth gender-affirming careRussian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov warned on Wednesday that direct US military assistance to Israel could radically destabilise the situation in the Middle East, where an air war between Israel and Iran has raged for six days.In separate comments, the head of Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, was quoted as saying that the situation between Israel and Iran was now critical. Continue reading...

Society

4 w. ago Giving children phones is the same as giving them cigarettes

Renewing her call for ministers to ban phones in schools, she said they were just as inappropriate for pupils as tobacco.

Politics