Nato leaders surprised by Turkish president’s gift of guns after summit 09. July 2026 (18:32) Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented engraved revolvers – with bullets – to his guests in Ankara, causing security concerns What does a world leader do with a gun and six bullets? That was the conundrum Nato leaders faced after the Turkish president offered them each a revolver after the Ankara summit.Keir Starmer was the first to mention the highly unusual gift presented by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to his guests. On the flight back from Ankara, where Nato leaders had gathered for two days, the British prime minister said he and others had received a revolver engraved with their names. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Furore in Nigeria over fake federal agency set up in government HQ 09. July 2026 (18:20) President orders investigation after fictitious body given funding, triggering renewed scrutiny of alleged corruptionA fictitious federal entity that was allocated 1.3bn naira (£700,000) in Nigeria’s 2026 budget has precipitated a political storm in Africa’s largest democracy in the run-up to a general election set for January.The fake agency came to light last October when Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, wrote to the police alleging that his signature, along with official seals and reference numbers, had been forged by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who was claiming to have been appointed by the presidency to head the presidential foreign intervention promotion council (PFIPC). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Andy Burnham apologises for Labour’s stance on Gaza and says it ‘didn’t get it right’ 09. July 2026 (18:10) Exclusive: PM-in-waiting says party must ‘do better’ in approach to Middle East and he will put more pressure on IsraelAndy Burnham has apologised for Labour’s initial response to Israel’s military action in Gaza, saying the party “didn’t get it right” and needs to “do better” under his leadership signalling a significant shift in the UK’s approach to the Middle East.The prime minister-in-waiting told the Guardian he would put more pressure on the Israeli government, including through further sanctions on individuals and entities, as well as a potential ban on the trade of goods with illegal settlements. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Erika Kirk asks for all exhibits linked to husband’s killing to be made public 09. July 2026 (18:05) Widow of far-right activist Charlie Kirk asks judge for ‘transparency’ to head off conspiracy theoriesErika Kirk, the widow of the far-right activist Charlie Kirk, has asked a judge in Utah to allow the open courtroom display of every exhibit relating to her husband’s killing, saying she fears the proliferation of conspiracy theories.Kirk’s motion came on the third day of a preliminary hearing in Provo at which the district judge Tony Graf will decide if there is sufficient evidence to move ahead with a trial for Kirk’s alleged murderer, Tyler Robinson, in a shooting at Utah Valley University last September. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Prince of Wales plays crazy golf after ride on funicular 09. July 2026 (17:57) William arrived via funicular railway to greet a crowd of people who had waited in sweltering heat to see him in Hastings, East Sussex, on Thursday.(London News)
