‘We’re not remotely prepared’: Labour MPs fear party has gone soft on climate crisis 21. August 2026 (16:19) Polls suggest growing scepticism around net zero, with politicians uncertain how to proceedUK politics live – latest updatesBritain has experienced a summer of record-breaking wildfires, deadly heat and drought, with almost 2,900 heat-associated deaths recorded in England during May and June alone. Homes have been destroyed by fires in the West Midlands, and deadly wildfires have swept across Europe.Despite the ever more visible impacts of the climate crisis, there is widespread concern that there has been no big political push at the centre of British politics or a renewed case for net zero. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Meghan as the next Bond? Five roles that almost certainly don’t lie behind UK return 21. August 2026 (16:18) Reports say Duke and Duchess of Sussex may have returned to Britain due to ‘top secret’ acting role for Meghan – we try to guess what it might be?In 2022, two years after she and Prince Harry bolted to California in an unhappy exit from the royal family, the Duchess of Sussex was asked if she could foresee ever returning to acting. “No, I’m done,” she told Variety magazine. “I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not.”Well guess what – she’s back! At least according to news reports that claim the couple’s otherwise wholly unexpected return to the UK can be explained by one key factor – a new acting role for Meghan. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
First ever Fat Marmot Week to kick off in effort to raise money for research 21. August 2026 (16:17) Researchers hope contest – similar to Fat Bear Week – starting Monday will be latest wildlife watching crazeMonday sees the start of what researchers hope will be the latest wildlife watching craze – Fat Marmot Week.Last winter was tough for marmots living high in the Colorado mountains, where researchers say two-thirds of one population died while hibernating because of insufficient snow cover. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US navy carrier set to honor Black war hero may reportedly be renamed after Trump 21. August 2026 (15:34) Sources say US navy is working to rename carrier originally planned to honor second world war sailor Doris MillerThe Trump administration is facing criticism over reports that a US navy aircraft carrier set to honor a Black war hero may, instead, be named after Donald Trump.The US navy had previously announced that the carrier under construction would be called the USS Doris Miller, in tribute to a sailor celebrated for his heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor in the second world war. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Gun stash discovered in German forest believed to be linked to Russia, say reports 21. August 2026 (15:09) Authorities believe handguns found in forest near Berlin were to be used to carry out assassinations for Russian intelligenceGerman security authorities discovered handguns stashed in a forest near Berlin last year that they believe were to be used to carry out assassinations on behalf of Russian intelligence, Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on Friday.The Russian embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Prince Harry and others ordered to pay interim £9.5m to Daily Mail publisher 21. August 2026 (15:06) Judge orders payment within seven days towards legal costs in failed case over alleged unlawful information gatheringThe Duke of Sussex and six other high-profile claimants must make a £9.54m interim payment by 4pm on 28 August towards the Daily Mail publisher’s legal costs after losing their high court case over allegations of unlawful information gathering, a judge has ruled.Associated Newspapers Ltd strongly denied the claims made by Prince Harry and co-claimants including Doreen Lawrence and Elton John. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Palestine Action ‘Barclays five’ will not be sentenced as terrorists 21. August 2026 (14:42) Activists who targeted bank in Burnley were found guilty in June of causing damage exceeding £200,000Five Palestine Action activists who vandalised a Barclays branch in Burnley will not be sentenced as terrorists, a judge has ruled.Dubbed the Barclays five, Brendon O’Hagan, 28; Amanda Kelly, 31; Hmeera Atiqnisar, 31; Mohammed Malik, 28; and Alma Yaniv, 70, were all found guilty in June of causing damage exceeding £200,000, after breaking windows and throwing red paint at a branch of Barclays Bank in Lancashire in August 2024. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Home Office could be blocked from deporting trafficking victims to Albania 21. August 2026 (14:25) Many males are returned even if they have been trafficked but Home Office must now consider new legal guidanceUK politics live – latest updatesThe Home Office could be blocked from deporting many young male trafficking victims to Albania after a major court ruling.Thousands of Albanian males have been identified as potential trafficking victims in the UK in recent years. Many are sent back to their country even if they are potential or confirmed victims of trafficking, as the Home Office contends they will be safe there. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Jamie and Jools Oliver pay themselves £1.7m dividend as profits almost halve 21. August 2026 (14:02) Pre-tax earnings slump at chef’s food and media group after one-off costs including for a new cookery schoolJamie and Jools Oliver have paid themselves a £1.7m dividend – more than 40% down on last year – after profits at their cookery and media empire almost halved.Sales at Jamie Oliver Holdings remained broadly steady at £28.4m in 2025, £160,000 less than in the previous year, as a strong performance at the group’s own restaurants, franchise business, cookery schools and TV productions offset a decline in royalties, licensing and endorsements. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Rise in migrant deaths as 19 bodies found along Arizona border last month 21. August 2026 (14:00) Pima county figures show highest number of monthly migrant deaths in two years as critics condemn US policyAccording to newly released data from the medical examiner’s office in Pima county, Arizona, the remains of 19 migrants, including children, were recovered along the Arizona-Mexico border last month.The figure accounts for the highest number of monthly deaths in that area since 2024 and brings the number of total remains found to 73 this year, 14 more than the same time period last year. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
