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)
From ovations in Venice to death threats in Israel: the extreme responses to NAZA documentary 19. September 2026 (07:00) As Gaza documentary wins cinematic acclaim, its directors face vitriol in Israel amid a febrile election campaignFirst there was a moment of stunned silence. Then, in the Sala Grande, the main screening hall of the Venice film festival within the Palazzo del Cinema, the audience stood almost as one and turned to applaud the film-makers for 25 minutes.The film the audience had watched for 80 harrowing minutes was the Gaza documentary NAZA, which has been produced by the Guardian. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
