IMF upgrades UK growth forecast as fears over impact of Iran war diminish 08. July 2026 (15:00) July update projects GDP growth of 1% this year, making UK the third fastest-growing economy in the G7The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its growth forecast for the UK, while leaving those for other G7 countries weaker or unchanged, amid hopes the economic impact of the Iran war may be less severe than feared.In a July update of its World Economic Outlook, which was finalised before the latest outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, the Washington-based organisation projected UK gross domestic product to grow by 1% this year – up 0.2 percentage points from its April forecast. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Marine Le Pen launches France presidential campaign after ban reduced 08. July 2026 (14:57) Far-right leader plans to take part in 2027 race despite appeal court upholding her conviction for embezzlementThe French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has launched her presidential campaign after a decision by a court of appeal shortened her ban on running for office, allowing her to take part in the 2027 vote.Le Pen said voters would decide her future. “I’m a citizen like anyone else, who is using their rights,” she said on Wednesday, attempting to brush aside legal woes that her political opponents said would plague her campaign for next spring’s presidential election. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Democrats accuse Graham Platner of trying to put ‘thumb on the scale’ of process to replace him 08. July 2026 (14:45) Maine’s embattled US Senate nominee has faced calls to withdraw after a sexual assault allegation he deniesSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailGraham Platner, the embattled Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, has been accused of trying to influence the process of picking his replacement amid a chorus of calls for him to withdraw from the race.Platner has publicly said he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” after an allegation of sexual assault, which he denied, was published on Monday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Succession fight under way after Bernie Sanders calls for Graham Platner to drop out of Maine Senate race – live 08. July 2026 (14:36) Vermont senator, who was a staunch ally of the Democratic candidate, called for Platner step down from race amid sexual assault allegationsHow could Democrats replace Graham Platner?Sign up for the Breaking News US emailJoseph Geevarghese, the executive director of Our Revolution – the progressive organization founded by Bernie Sanders – told the Guardian in an interview that the latest allegation against Graham Platner is “deeply disappointing for all of the grassroots supporters” who placed “a lot of faith” in the Democratic nominee.When it comes to whether the vetting process for Platner was sufficient Geevarghese said it was up to leaders to be “fully transparent” in an age when it’s “very difficult to keep things dark”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Police hunting man after wife and two daughters found dead in Bedfordshire 08. July 2026 (14:33) Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, believed to have left UK before bodies of partner and children were discoveredPolice are hunting for a man after the deaths of his wife and two daughters in Bedfordshire.Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead in a detached house in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
