‘He’s no Winston Churchill’: why Starmer can shrug off Trump’s insults over Iran 04. March 2026 (19:41) The prime minister’s cautious stance about helping the US against the Tehran regime mirrors that of the electorateMiddle East crisis: live updatesIt was perhaps the most attention-grabbing moment of prime minister’s questions. Responding to yet another Conservative salvo about his approach to Iran and how it might affect ties with America, Keir Starmer was direct.“American planes are operating out of British bases – that is the special relationship in action,” he said. “Sharing intelligence every day to keep our people safe – that is the special relationship in action. Hanging on to President Trump’s latest words is not the special relationship in action.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Saharan dust plume to transform UK sunrises and sunsets this week 04. March 2026 (19:36) Fine sand from Sahara will travel thousands of miles and when mixed with rain can leave harmless coating on carsA vast plume of Saharan dust is expected to light up the skies over much of the UK this week.The fine sand lifted from the deserts of north Africa will travel thousands of miles on warm southerly air currents and is expected to coat cars and other outdoor surfaces, forecasters said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Energy bills could rise by £160 after Iran conflict pushes gas prices higher 04. March 2026 (18:46) Household costs could reach £1,800 a year from July as UK market hits three-year highMiddle East crisis – live updatesHousehold energy bills could climb by £160 a year from this summer after the war in Iran pushed the UK’s gas market to a three-year high.A typical combined household gas and electricity bill could reach £1,800 a year in Great Britain under the government’s quarterly price cap from July, according to analysis by Cornwall Insight, an energy consultancy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
European Commission proposes ‘Buy EU’ plan to compete against China 04. March 2026 (18:18) Plan, which aims to preserve jobs in clean tech and low-carbon sectors, could include UK if there is reciprocal market accessThe European Commission has proposed a “Buy EU” plan to boost domestic low-carbon industries and help the continent compete against China.The commission published a draft regulation – called the Industrial Accelerator Act – on Wednesday, setting demands for EU-made and low-carbon content on bodies spending public money. The rules mark a big shift in economic thinking from Brussels, long a bastion of open markets. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Analysis finds urban areas in England where no one lives within 15 minute walk of nature 04. March 2026 (17:52) Access minister says government is working to solve ‘postcode lottery’ of access to green or blue spacesThere are urban areas of England where no one lives within a 15 minute walk of nature, new government data shows, as ministers scramble to meet their access to nature targets.While the new data shows 80% of people live within walking distance of green or blue spaces such as a river, park or woodland, it also reveals a disparity between rural areas and poorer urban areas. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Berlin film festival head to keep job after Gaza free speech row 04. March 2026 (17:50) The German government convened a crisis meeting after several prize winners at this year’s event condemned Israel’s actions against PalestiniansThe American head of the Berlin film festival, Tricia Tuttle, will keep her job after a free speech row over Gaza, but the event will have to consider a new code of conduct to “fight antisemitism”, the German culture ministry has said.Tuttle’s position came under threat after an awards gala at the end of the 76th edition last month in which several prize winners condemned Israel’s actions against Palestinians from the stage. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
House opens inquiry into Texas lawmaker over alleged affair with aide 04. March 2026 (17:38) Tony Gonzales allegedly had affair with Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died after setting herself on fireUS politics live – latest updatesSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe House ethics committee said on Wednesday that it has opened an investigation of Tony Gonzales, a Republican representative from Texas, over allegations that include having an affair with an aide.The top Republican and Democratic members on the committee said in a joint statement that an investigative panel would look into whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee in his office and whether he discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Gavin Newsom likens Israel to ‘an apartheid state’ and decries war on Iran 04. March 2026 (17:30) California governor was asked if US should rethink military partnership with Israel while promoting his memoir in LASign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxGavin Newsom, the Democratic California governor, likened Israel to “an apartheid state” on Tuesday in comments sharply critical of the country’s joint war with the US against Iran.Newsom, seen as a frontrunner for his party’s presidential nomination in 2028, made the comment during an appearance in Los Angeles to promote his book, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery. He was asked if the US should rethink its military partnership with Israel. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Union tries to seize control of works council at Tesla’s German factory 04. March 2026 (17:18) Lawsuits and slander claims fly in IG Metall’s battle with Elon Musk over employment rights and conditionsBusiness live – latest updatesEurope’s largest trade union is trying to gain control of the works council at Elon Musk’s Tesla gigafactory near Berlin, in an industrial relations showdown marked by lawsuits and mutual accusations of slander.The works council, an elected body of employees that negotiates everything from working hours to pay deals with a company’s management, is considered an entrenched aspect of the German corporate world, particularly in the car industry. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
South West Water admits criminal offence over Devon parasite outbreak 04. March 2026 (17:12) Firm admits supplying water unfit for human consumption after nearly 150 people fell ill A major utility company has admitted supplying water unfit for human consumption after a parasite outbreak in Devon made almost 150 people sick.South West Water (SWW) pleaded guilty to the criminal offence relating to the cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Brixham, Devon, which affected 2,500 homes. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
