Why Labour is going Danish on immigration – podcast 17. November 2025 (04:00) Danish journalist Nilas Heinskou and Syrian refugee Agob Yacoub discuss Denmark’s harsh immigration and asylum policies – reportedly the inspiration for changes to be announced by the UK government this weekThe home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is expected to announce a radical overhaul of the UK’s asylum and immigration system, modelled in part on what Denmark has done over the past decade.Since 2019 Denmark’s centre-left government has been trying something new: its normal social democratic manifesto, alongside a series of harsh policies around immigration and asylum – even bulldozing estates deemed to contain too many residents of “non-western” origin. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Dugald Saunders steps down as NSW Nationals leader with speculation the Liberals’ Mark Speakman could follow 17. November 2025 (02:33) Saunders says ‘it is the right time for me to take a step back and focus on my family and myself’, week after state Nationals dump net zero commitmentFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe New South Wales Nationals leader, Dugald Saunders, has stepped down from the role ahead of a party room meeting, citing family reasons.It comes as the state Coalition faces similar turmoil to its federal counterpart over climate policy. The NSW Nationals voted last week to abandon a net zero emissions target by 2050. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Schools close in New Zealand after play sand recalled over asbestos fears 17. November 2025 (02:11) Six coloured sand products recalled in New Zealand after testing in Australia found asbestos in similar itemsMultiple schools have temporarily closed in New Zealand and hundreds of education facilities are seeking advice from officials after asbestos was detected in several brands of widely used coloured play sand.Last week, the ministry for business, innovation and employment confirmed a voluntary recall was under way for two brands of coloured sand sold in New Zealand, after testing in Australia found asbestos in similar products. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Far-right candidate José Antonio Kast favourite to become Chile’s next president after first round vote 17. November 2025 (02:01) The ultraconservative lawyer is in pole position going into the second round election, after running a campaign with a distinctly Trumpian feelThe ultraconservative lawyer, José Antonio Kast, is in pole position to become Chile’s next leader after advancing to the second round of the South American country’s presidential election where he will face the Communist party candidate Jeannette Jara.With more than 70% of votes counted, Kast had secured about 24% of the vote in Sunday’s first round vote, having campaigned on hard-line promises to crack down on crime and immigration, while making a Donald Trump-style pledge to “put Chileans first”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
More than 70 ACT public schools closed over health fears from asbestos-contaminated children’s play sand 17. November 2025 (01:38) Education directorate closed schools for assessment and cleaning despite assessing health risk as ‘low’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMore than 70 public schools in the ACT were closed on Monday as fears grew over children’s play sand products that may contain asbestos.The territory’s education directorate decided to shut their doors after it found “widespread” use of coloured play sand products sold at Kmart and Target, which were recalled on the weekend. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
The oil pipeline feud testing Canada's global ambitions 17. November 2025 (01:31) The rift between two provinces at odds over a proposed pipeline is straining Canada's unity as it seeks to become an energy superpower.(BBC News)
