42 h. ago This is modern Britain – where a princess pleading for children’s rights seems almost radical | Gaby Hinsliff

It is uncomfortable to watch royals appealing to the nation’s best instincts while an elected government feels compelled to chase our worstEvery child has the right to feel safe, loved and as if they belong.Put like that, there is nothing remotely radical about what the Princess of Wales used her first public speech since recovering from cancer to say: that families need consistently nurturing environments to flourish; that the world could actually use a bit more tenderness; that we are all responsible for the culture in which future generations grow up; and that (as she told an audience of blue-chip employers) caring for others is work deserving of respect. It’s the reasons why those motherhood-and-apple-pie values don’t always prevail in real life, rather than the values themselves, that are generally too contentious for the carefully apolitical royals. Yet what were once safe, bland nothings are increasingly no longer so – and not just because of the awkward shadow now cast over ...

Politics

4 d. ago Pension changes row threatens Germany’s coalition government

Youth wing of conservatives say younger people will be left carrying can for older generation A row over pension changes is threatening the future of the German coalition government, with a youth wing of the conservatives of the chancellor, Friedrich Merz, gaining support for an attempt to block legislation which they argue will leave younger Germans carrying the can for the older generation.An 18-strong group of young MPs, the Junge Union, has been accused of holding Merz’s coalition government to ransom over its demands to revise proposed pension changes, which would guarantee pension increases for the next six years. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago Tony Popovic nears World Cup deadline with negatives piling up for the Socceroos

A callow Australia side confirmed in defeat by Venezuela that the head coach needs his big hitters back before facing Colombia in New York A day before Australian football looked to its past, Tony Popovic sent out a side to face Venezuela focused on its future. Nineteen years and 364 days ago, the Golden Generation defender had been part of the side that defeated Uruguay in a shootout to end 32 years of heartbreak and send the Socceroos back to the promised land. Two decades on, here he was in the dugout of Shell Energy Stadium, tinkering and experimenting before a sixth-straight World Cup for Australia.Popovic had named an XI with three debutants – the most in 12 years – and a player in Nestory Irankunda that hadn’t been born when John Alosi scored that famous penalty. Continue reading...

Events

9 d. ago Lies, damned lies and AI: the newest way to influence elections may be here to stay

The use of AI-generated campaign videos – labeled or unlabeled – are likely to permeate future US electionsThe New York City mayoral election may be remembered for the remarkable win of a young democratic socialist, but it was also marked by something that is likely to permeate future elections: the use of AI-generated campaign videos.Andrew Cuomo, who lost to Zohran Mamdani in last week’s election, took particular interest in sharing deepfake videos of his opponent, including one that saw the former governor accused of racism, in what is a developing area of electioneering. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Obituary: Sir Gerald Gordon, judge and academic who wrote definitive Scottish criminal law book

Small in physical stature, and humble in character, anyone outside the legal profession who met Gerald Gordon would have no inkling of his intellectual breadth and distinguished professional achievements.

Events

1 week ago SARAH VINE: Unless the BBC puts its house in order, future generations will never know how it feels to have a trusted broadcaster at the heart of our national life

Serious as this situation at the BBC is, there is also an unmistakable element of farce to it. If you've ever watched the brilliant W1A, starring Hugh Bonneville, you will know exactly what I mean.

Politics

1 week ago ‘We were effectively props’: young stars of game development feel let down by the ‘gaming Oscars’

Announced in 2020 by the Game Awards as an inclusive programme for the industry’s next generation, the Future Class initiative has now been discontinued. Inductees describe clashes with organisers and a lack of support from the beginningVideo games have long struggled with diversification and inclusivity, so it was no surprise when the Game Awards host and producer Geoff Keighley announced the Future Class programme in 2020. Its purpose was to highlight a cohort of individuals working in video games as the “bright, bold and inclusive future” of the industry.Considering the widespread reach of the annual Keighley-led show, which saw an estimated 154m livestreams last year, Future Class felt like a genuine effort. Inductees were invited to attend the illustrious December ceremony, billed as “gaming’s Oscars”, featured on the official Game Awards website, and promised networking opportunities and career advancement advice. However, the programme reportedly struggled from the start. Ove...

Politics

1 week ago Borough Market vs The TikTokers: Is this hospitality’s Frankenstein moment?

After a food vlogger was kicked out of Borough Market for filming a crumble review on his phone, Hannah Twiggs asks whether restaurants and markets have finally had enough of the social-media generation they helped build – and what that means for the future of foodies

Politics

1 week ago British Asian families urged to share stories of ‘greatest generation’ who fought for Britain

Half of UK public unaware of contribution made by 2.5m British Asian members of armed forces who served in second world warBritish Asian families are being urged to record the experiences of relatives who fought for Britain for “future generations” as data reveals half the British public don’t know that Indian members of the armed forces served in the second world war.The My Family Legacy project, backed by the Royal British Legion, is building an online archive of Asian veterans’ experiences to raise awareness of the shared histories and sacrifices of Britain’s diverse communities. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Voices: ‘The goalposts keep moving’: Readers debate why saving for a pension feels impossible

Our community has shared experiences of rising pension ages, reduced workplace benefits, and financial pressures that make saving and planning for the future increasingly difficult, especially for younger generations

Economics

3 w. ago World leaders, remember that future generations will judge you. At Cop30, you can define how | Gordon Brown

Keir Starmer is taking the lead on tackling the climate crisis. With the US backing away, now is the moment when other nations must step upWith the once-familiar pillars of the old world order crumbling and the US stepping away from action on climate crisis, it falls to others to assume global environmental leadership. Those leaders who understand the urgency should seize the opportunity afforded by Brazil hosting Cop30 this month to build a coalition of committed countries determined to turn back the climate deniers.Many now see China – the most successful manufacturer of solar, wind, battery and electric vehicle technologies – as the global low-carbon powerhouse. But its national emission goals, recently submitted to the UN, are underwhelming and it is unclear whether China is willing to take up the mantle of climate leadership. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago Marcel Desailly exclusive interview: Chelsea are the future as young generation 'will surely deliver'

Former Blues captain believes this season is too early for a Premier League title challenge

Politics