‘We’re trapped’: developer’s unpaid debt leaves London flat owners unable to sell 02. April 2026 (08:00) Hackney leaseholders feel council made the problem worse by leaving £850,000 debt uncollected for eight yearsLeaseholders in east London have said they are “trapped in unsellable homes” because of an £850,000 debt owed by the building’s developer to Hackney council, who have let it go unpaid for eight years.The 17 leaseholders, who live in a block of flats in Upper Clapton, have appealed to the council for help but their pleas, including requests for a meeting, have been ignored. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Overwhelmed’ Prevent at risk of missing threats as referrals rise, UK counter-terror chief says 02. April 2026 (08:00) Exclusive: Laurence Taylor says separate scheme needed to report concerns over young people’s non-ideological interest in extreme violenceThe scheme meant to identify people before they become terrorists is being “overwhelmed” by a large surge in referrals, Britain’s head of counterterrorism has said.Assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor told the Guardian that more than 10,000 people would be referred to Prevent this year, up more than a third from two years ago. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘People need hope’: Greens court voters in battle for north-east council seats 02. April 2026 (07:00) Former Labour mayor Jamie Driscoll aims to win central Newcastle ward after defecting to the Green party“Thank you very much to all you would-be penguins huddling together for warmth,” said Jamie Driscoll to the dozen supporters braving bitingly cold, blustery weather to begin knocking on doors and delivering leaflets.The former Labour North of Tyne mayor is one of the Green party’s highest-profile recruits. Standing for Newcastle city council in the central Monument ward, he was giving a pep talk to a group that would probably have been even bigger, were some not in London for a demonstration against the far right. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Fuel prices to fall another 5.7 cents a litre after states and Canberra strike GST deal 02. April 2026 (06:55) Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese announces GST revenue on fuel sales to be used to reduce fuel costs by a combined 32 cents a litreFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTrack Australia’s fuel prices, service station outages and shipments in chartsA deal with the states to return GST revenue on fuel sales will knock another 5.7 cents off the price of petrol for three months, bringing the total reduction to 32 cents a litre after this week’s halving of the fuel excise.The government said the 26.3 cent reduction in the fuel tax and the GST deal would cut the cost of filling a 65-litre vehicle by nearly $23. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Calm weather forecast for most of Australia over Easter weekend while Bom watches for possible cyclone 02. April 2026 (06:54) The Bureau of Meteorology says a blend of fine days and showers expected for most capital cities over the coming daysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMany Australians can expect mild temperatures and a chance of showers over the Easter weekend, while meteorologists predict a cyclone will form in the Coral Sea on Sunday.The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a blend of fine days and showers for most capital cities over the coming days. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Weak and pathetic’: why is the EU not using its leverage to stop Israel? 02. April 2026 (06:00) Deep divisions on Israel mean the union has failed to act over Lebanon, Gaza, or settler violence in the West BankThe human costs of Israel’s attacks on Lebanon were plain to see when the Irish MEP Barry Andrews visited Beirut last month. He met people who had fled Israeli airstrikes and complied with evacuation orders in southern Lebanon.At makeshift shelters – converted schools – conditions were even worse than during Israel’s last incursion in 2024, he was told. “There are dirty mattresses, dirty blankets, [people] are getting infections, they are getting rashes,” he said recalling a picture of misery compounded by swingeing aid budget cuts. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
