Net migration to UK falls by nearly 50% after Labour’s vow to cut numbers 21. May 2026 (11:34) Decline to 171,000 last year will encourage ministers in what is seen as a battleground issue against ReformUK politics live – latest updatesNet migration to the UK fell by nearly 50% to 171,000 last year, according to official figures released on Thursday, in what will be seen as a boost for Keir Starmer’s government.Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the difference between the number of people moving to the UK and the number of people leaving was at its lowest level since 2021. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Peace in Europe no longer default situation’, warns Czech president Petr Pavel – Europe live 21. May 2026 (11:29) European state officials are meeting in Prague to discuss the state of the transatlantic alliance at a global security conferenceJust as Pavel was speaking in Prague, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told reporters that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy was pursuing escalation of the conflict between the two countries.It’s quite a claim given (checks notes) Russia’s continued and relentless invasion of Ukraine for years.“Ukraine has demonstrated not only determination and heroism, but also unbelievable capacity to adjust, to innovate, to change.It is something that we in Europe have lost through many regulatory measures that are necessary in peacetime, but of course in conflict you have to be … flexible and achieve the results in shortest possible time. … Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pauline Hanson announces Norway-inspired gas policy as she decries 25% export tax as ‘economic vandalism’ 21. May 2026 (11:15) One Nation proposal would abolish offshore gas profits tax and acquire 30% equity in new projects in a move the Coalition says is ‘borrowed from Venezuela’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOne Nation has vowed to replace the contentious offshore gas profits tax and acquire 30% equity stakes in new ventures under an interventionist policy designed to extract “vastly greater returns” for Australian taxpayers from the resource.The proposal for the commonwealth to co-own gas projects drew a mix of criticism and cynicism from the government, industry and the Coalition, which accused One Nation of importing ideas from Venezuela. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Lyme disease cases in England rise by more than 20% in a year 21. May 2026 (11:13) Scientists developing vaccines and anti-tick treatments amid growing concern over spread of diseaseCases of Lyme disease have risen more than 20% in England in the past year, public health experts have revealed, as pharmaceutical companies work to create new vaccines and drugs to tackle the tick-borne illness.According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), published as part of its One Health vector-borne disease surveillance report, there were 1,168 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease in 2025, up from 959 in 2024 – an increase of 22%. However, the figure is similar to that recorded in 2023, when there were 1,151 confirmed cases. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Greens select nurse and ‘committed local campaigner’ as Makerfield byelection candidate 21. May 2026 (10:56) Chris Kennedy chosen amid reports Greens do not want to be blamed for splitting progressive vote and allowing Reform to winUK politics live – latest updatesThe Green party has chosen “a committed local campaigner” as its candidate in the Makerfield byelection on 18 June.Chris Kennedy, a nurse and children’s safeguarding specialist, was chosen after a hustings on Wednesday amid reports that the party was proposing to hold back from investing significant resources in the byelection. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Wes Streeting calls for equal tax on income and capital gains in Labour leadership pitch 21. May 2026 (10:45) MP says current system is unfair and his idea would result in a ‘wealth tax that works’UK politics live – latest updatesThe former health secretary Wes Streeting has set out plans for a “wealth tax that works”, by equalising tax on assets and income.Streeting said the current system – in which capital gains tax is generally much lower than income tax – was not fair and penalised work. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
EasyJet summer holiday bookings down on last year amid Iran war uncertainty 21. May 2026 (10:16) Budget airline, which took £25m hit on jet fuel in March, says passengers are waiting later to book tripsBusiness live – latest updatesThe budget airline easyJet has said its summer holiday bookings are lagging behind last year as the Iran war weights on consumer confidence and has left passengers waiting later to book trips.The carrier said it had to spend an unexpected extra £25m on jet fuel in March after the start of the US and Israel’s war on Iran. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Schools are ‘pipeline’ to joblessness for many people, says ex-Labour adviser 21. May 2026 (08:00) Ban social media and reform education to tackle scandal of young people not in work or study, says Peter HymanSchools have become a “pipeline” to worklessness for a large cohort of young people in the UK, according to an influential former Labour adviser who has called for urgent action to help a “lost generation”.Peter Hyman, a former adviser to Tony Blair and Keir Starmer, told the Guardian the government should ban social media and enact radical education reform to tackle the “national scandal” of young people who are not in education, employment or training (Neet). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Dublin gangland figure brings extremist views to Irish mainstream on campaign trail 21. May 2026 (08:00) Gerry ‘the monk’ Hutch has won fans in north Dublin byelection campaign with anti-immigrant rhetoricElaine Roe, 61, a cafe worker, has no doubt what is the most important issue in this week’s byelection for Dublin’s north inner city. “The government is wrecking our country, they’re bringing in rapists and murderers and kidnappers. It’s a shame. I might vote Hutch, he seems a normal person.’That would be Gerry “the monk” Hutch, a prominent gangland figure who is running as an independent in an election that is far from normal. The 63-year-old – who was jailed for robbery convictions in his youth – is a celebrity candidate in a contest for a parliamentary seat that has been dominated by xenophobia and immigration. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘We feel let down’: sustainable chefs in UK mourn end of Michelin green star 21. May 2026 (07:00) Guide retires award for eco-friendly practices – and says restaurants will no longer be able to advertise they have itWith rare bluefin tuna and red meat often on their menus, Michelin-starred restaurants have not always prioritised sustainability.In an effort to consider the climate crisis, in 2020 Michelin began awarding green stars to chefs who cooked eco-friendly ingredients and reduced waste. But now the body has abruptly retired the prize and said chefs will no longer be able to advertise that they have it. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
