Key Netanyahu aide Ron Dermer quits as Israel’s strategic affairs minister 12. November 2025 (14:05) Departure of figure who led talks that culminated in Gaza ceasefire follows weeks of speculation in Israeli mediaIsrael’s strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, a key aide of Benjamin Netanyahu, has announced his resignation after weeks of media speculation.One of the most influential members of the country’s rightwing government, Dermer led months of intense negotiations before the US-led Gaza ceasefire deal that came into effect last month. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Republican disquiet over hemp ban threatens passage of bill to end shutdown 12. November 2025 (14:00) Kentucky trio oppose provision restricting hemp-derived products, with House to vote on Wednesday on funding billA last-minute provision in the federal spending bill heavily restricting hemp-derived products such as CBD and THC drinks could lead some Republicans to vote against the spending bill which, if passed, could end the government shutdown as early as Wednesday.Kentucky is one of the largest producers of hemp in the country, and Republicans in the state have shown strong support for the hemp industry. Jonathan Miller, an advocate for the hemp industry and former Kentucky state treasurer, said that “Kentucky is really ground zero for the rebirth of hemp” – a niche industry until the 2018 farm bill allowed a much wider variety of legal products. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Keir Starmer says any No 10 briefings against ministers ‘unacceptable’ 12. November 2025 (13:48) Starmer defends Wes Streeting at PMQs but dodges question on his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeneyUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has condemned as “completely unacceptable” any briefings against cabinet ministers from inside Downing Street as he tried desperately to close a rift at the top of government.Questioned by Kemi Badenoch at prime minister’s questions, Starmer defended Wes Streeting, the health secretary, who was the apparent target of a pre-emptive No 10 push against a feared imminent leadership challenge against the prime minister. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
ONS to cut reports on health and crime to improve quality of core data 12. November 2025 (13:40) UK’s statistics agency announces ‘recovery’ plan after concerns raised over reliability of its dataThe UK’s statistics agency has announced plans to scrap some of its publications on health, crime and the regions of Britain as part of its “recovery” plan to boost the reliability of its core data.Under pressure over the quality of its data, the Office for National Statistics said it would reduce the number of reports it produces each year by about 10% in 2026 to help it prioritise resources. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
