Unease in ‘newly independent’ Piddington as world media and Danny Tommo descend 19. September 2026 (13:00) As villagers take stock following symbolic vote, some fear far-right weaponisation of asylum dispute and influx of ‘masked people like in Dover’The first significant event in the newly independent principality of Piddington was a decision to select the newt as the national animal, reflecting optimism that the amphibian’s endangered status might help block plans to open a centre for 1,250 asylum seekers on neighbouring land.The choice was announced on Thursday morning, the day after Piddington announced that villagers had voted overwhelmingly to leave the UK. Parish councillors were also thinking about asking local children to design a flag and considering whether the new principality’s national sport should be cricket or football. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Jim Ratcliffe: UK is ‘on the slide’ from days when it had world’s ‘greatest empire’ 19. September 2026 (12:48) Co-owner of Manchester United says Britain is in decline because of high taxes and immigrationThe co-owner of Manchester United Sir Jim Ratcliffe has described the UK as being a country “on the slide” from the days when it had “the greatest empire in the world”.Ratcliffe, who founded petrochemicals giant Ineos, and has resided in Monaco, which has a relaxed tax regime, since 2020, said Britain is in decline because of high taxes and immigration. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Hundreds evacuated after fire breaks out at seaside hotel in Kent 19. September 2026 (12:44) About 280 people taken to safety from the Grand Burstin in Folkestone after blaze thought to have started in basementHundreds of people have been evacuated from a hotel in Folkestone after a large fire broke out overnight.Emergency services were called just after 1am on Saturday to the Grand Burstin hotel in Folkestone, where a fire is believed to have started in the basement, Kent fire and rescue service said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump ally Stephen Miller leads sweeping push to accelerate removal of migrant children 19. September 2026 (12:00) Exclusive: key White House loyalist orchestrating multi-agency effort condemned by critics as cruel and racistStephen Miller is leading an unprecedented and intense White House drive across a host of government departments to accelerate the removal of undocumented immigrant children from the US, using tactics that critics say are cruel and racist and, in some cases, flout federal law, the Guardian has learned.As deputy chief of staff at the White House, focused on immigration policy, Miller is seen as the mastermind and enforcer behind Donald Trump’s hardline anti-immigration agenda. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Parents in England and Wales could be fined or jailed for child’s crimes, minister says 19. September 2026 (11:14) Jake Richards says changes would be part of ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach to try to turn around young offendersParents whose children commit crimes could lose their benefits, face fines and even be jailed, a minister has said.Jake Richards said the youth justice system “should hold parents to account in a proportionate way for ensuring that they play their role in keeping communities safe”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Reform UK activists squabble over Farage’s plan for £72m donations 19. September 2026 (10:00) Crypto billionaires’ £72m will be used to hire campaign managers and professional staff in target constituenciesFor Nigel Farage, the £72m lavished last week on his party by the crypto billionaire donors Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne finally places Reform UK on a level playing field with its political rivals.The donations are the largest received by a UK political party since declarations became required in 2001 and led to warnings Farage was aiming to “buy” his way to power, with a row still raging over whether they are legal. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Before-and-after images show effects of rain in drought-hit England and Wales 19. September 2026 (09:00) Much of the UK is still officially in drought after its hottest summer on record, but grasslands are slowly recovering their colourThe landscapes of southern England and Wales are slowly regaining their colour after this summer’s extreme heat.The UK’s hottest summer on record left the south of the country dried out and brown, making the impact of the drought particularly visual. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Lib Dems have ‘moral responsibility’ to block Reform, says Ed Davey as party gears up for snap election 19. September 2026 (09:00) Exclusive: Lib Dem leader bullish ahead of party conference despite static poll ratings and MPs’ frustrationsThe Liberal Democrats have begun work on a new manifesto in case of a possible snap election, as Ed Davey said he understood the frustrations of some of his MPs who fear that the party’s message is currently at risk of being lost.But Davey also urged his party not to panic at static polling numbers, arguing that with tactical voting and fragmented political loyalties, he fully expects the party to do even better at the next election than in 2024, when it won 72 seats, the highest total for a century. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Harrods seeks to recover abuse compensation costs from Mohamed Al Fayed’s estate 19. September 2026 (08:23) Exclusive: Survivors say luxury store’s attempt to recoup money is at odds with its public acceptance of responsibilityHarrods is seeking to recover the cost of the compensation paid to hundreds of women allegedly sexually abused by Mohamed Al Fayed from his estate, the Guardian understands.The luxury department store is seeking full indemnity from the late billionaire’s estate for any settlements it is required to pay, according to evidence seen by the Guardian. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Cost of housing’ crunch looms for low-income families, warns Resolution Foundation 19. September 2026 (07:00) Thinktank calls on chancellor to end housing allowance freeze with typical two-bedroom household facing £158 week shortfall amid rent risesMore than 1.1 million low-income families in rented homes face a “cost of housing” crunch without action from John Healey in next month’s budget, the Resolution Foundation thinktank has warned.Local housing allowance (LHA) has been frozen in cash terms since autumn 2024. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
