Chinese dissident says he was berated by ‘pro-regime’ interpreter for UK police 30. May 2026 (11:00) Hong Qi, who orchestrated protest against Communist government, claims interpreter on 101 call launched political tiradeA Chinese dissident who orchestrated an anti-government protest in China after fleeing to the UK has claimed that a “pro-regime” interpreter used by a British police force berated him when he sought help.Hong Qi, who made headlines last year after using a mobile phone while in the UK to remotely project anti-regime slogans on to a building in his home city, Chongqing, contacted police after discovering that his bank accounts had been frozen. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ministers urge City of London to act over swimmers in Hampstead Heath wildlife ponds 30. May 2026 (11:00) Exclusive: Local authority asked what steps it is taking after hordes of splashing revellers seen disturbing nesting birdsMinisters have written to the City of London demanding it stop people from swimming in a protected pond on Hampstead Heath, after disturbing scenes of cygnets and eggs being disrupted went viral on social media.Swans and their 12-day-old cygnets were disturbed by hordes of splashing revellers in the north London park on Monday as temperatures reached a record 35C in the capital. In one video, a swan was seen poking an unhatched egg with its beak after it fell into the water during the chaos. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘That’s why we work in finance – so one day we can afford air-con’: Britain’s unequal heatwave 30. May 2026 (11:00) While some found this week’s heat a breeze, many in poorer areas face health risks in furnace-like homesTravelling from his air-conditioned flat to the air-conditioned Elizabeth line to his air-conditioned office, 27-year-old banker Aykhan found this week’s heatwave a breeze.Smiling while grabbing lunch in the shopping centre under the gleaming One Canada Square skyscraper in Canary Wharf, he said he’d been sleeping very well over the last few days. “It’s a new flat, the air-con is great, my bedroom is cool.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Colombia prepares to go to polls in election shadowed by resurgence of political violence 30. May 2026 (11:00) Sunday’s presidential vote is contest between left and right – and between contradictory proposals for dealing with the decades-long armed conflictMateo Pérez Rueda was one internship away from completing a degree in political science. The 24-year-old also worked as a bicycle delivery rider and sold fruit salads and juice to finance his passion: the Colombian independent digital magazine El Confidente.On 4 May he travelled to Briceño, in the western province of Antioquia, to report on the long-running conflict between the army, paramilitaries and dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Moana Pasifika sign off from Super Rugby with a win and emotionally charged hymn 30. May 2026 (10:31) Undermanned side upsets finals-bound ACT Brumbies 21-19Players come together to mark victory and club’s expected demiseAn undermanned Moana Pasifika have capped off their potential final match with a stirring victory, upsetting the finals-bound ACT Brumbies 21-19.But there were mixed feelings as players celebrated a rare win before coming together with staff to mark the occasion of the club’s farewell game and expected demise with an emotionally charged hymn. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
On-street EV charging in UK is postcode lottery as drivers face council objections 30. May 2026 (09:00) Despite government pledges, more than 20 authorities will not allow gullies, citing safety, legal and parking concernsThe energy secretary, Ed Miliband, has said charger gullies to connect electric cars parked on streets will help cut costs for drivers, yet millions of UK households may be unable to use the simple technology because their local councils will still not allow charging cables to cross the pavement.Despite government promises to “slash red tape” and make it easier to put in gullies, more than 20 local authorities appear to be holding out against them. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Manchester cafe owner says police tried to recruit him to spy on Palestine Action 30. May 2026 (09:00) Exclusive: Shams Sadiq says officers offered financial inducements and to turn a ‘blind eye’ to certain offencesA cafe owner claims police offered him financial benefits and to turn a “blind eye” to certain low-level offences if he informed on Palestine Action.Shams (his nickname) Sadiq, who owns two Manchester cafes, said the inducements were offered when he went to collect electronic devices that police had confiscated during his arrest last year in connection with alleged offences relating to the banned direct action group. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Eighteen people killed in Afghanistan truck crash, including 10 children 30. May 2026 (08:51) Truck was carrying Afghan families returning Pakistan when it overturned, official saysA truck overturned in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing 18 people on board including 10 children, a provincial official told Agence France-Presse.Deadly traffic crashes are common in Afghanistan, due in part to poor roads after decades of conflict, dangerous driving and a lack of regulation. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Resident group’s objections to bar and restaurant licences ‘destroying Soho’s reputation’ 30. May 2026 (08:00) Soho Society, funded by Westminster council, is ferociously opposing all new proposals, venue owners sayA society of residents funded by the council could “destroy Soho’s reputation on the international stage” as London’s entertainment district by ferociously objecting to all new bar and restaurant licences, operators in the area have said.The Soho Society, a group of residents established in 1972 aimed at “preserving the character of Soho”, voted in its AGM on Thursday for a new licensing mandate, meaning it will challenge all new applications for bars and restaurants in the area, including renewals of existing licences. It will also object to any venue that wishes to open beyond “core hours”, which Westminster council decrees end at 11pm. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Gluten-free basics ‘now a luxury’ as price of a small branded loaf nears £4 30. May 2026 (08:00) People with coeliac disease say inflation and shrinking ranges are making food staples unaffordableGluten-free versions of everyday staples such as bread and biscuits are becoming a luxury, with shoppers complaining that a “decent” small loaf now costs nearly £4.Consumers have always paid a premium for these specialist foods, making any price increases a source of concern, particularly for people who follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
