Families condemn UK ‘impotence’ over UAE ‘social media misuse’ detentions 01. April 2026 (18:00) Ministers accused of being too fearful of offending Emirates to help Britons detained for sharing images of warMiddle East crisis live – latest updatesThe families of UK citizens held in the United Arab Emirates over allegations that they shared images of the conflict with Iran have voiced frustration at the British government’s failure to help.Several British citizens are among more than 100 foreign nationals who have been detained under draconian Emirate rules that outlaw publishing or sharing material that could “disturb public security”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Success or ‘total flop’? Report on Germany’s cannabis legalisation fails to settle debate 01. April 2026 (17:46) Policy is still divisive two years in, with SPD hailing it while CDU minister claims it is risk to young people’s healthGermany is divided over how the legalisation of cannabis two years ago is going, with critics and proponents at odds over its impact on consumption, youth welfare and organised crime.On 1 April 2024 the previous centre-left-led government made Germany the first big EU country to legally allow personal recreational use of cannabis for over-18s. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Italian coastguard recovers 19 bodies from boat in sea near Lampedusa 01. April 2026 (17:29) Fifty-eight other people found alive during rescue involving inflatable craft in early hours of WednesdayThe bodies of 19 people have been recovered from an inflatable boat south of the island of Lampedusa by the Italian coastguard, a spokesperson told AFP.Fifty-eight other people, including five children, were found alive during the rescue in the early hours of Wednesday and transported to Lampedusa by the coastguard, according to Roberto D’Arrigo. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Britain to host 35 countries for strait of Hormuz talks, says Starmer 01. April 2026 (17:18) US understood not to be invited directly to talks that will explore ways of reopening critical waterwayMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe UK will convene 35 countries – excluding the US – to explore ways to reopen the strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping route for oil and gas that has been blocked by Iran.Keir Starmer, the prime minister, said the next phase of discussions in the joint British and French efforts to secure the waterway would be held on Thursday, with Yvette Cooper, the foreign secretary, alongside international leaders. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
