Holiday Inn turned away homeless men despite rooms being paid for 08. January 2026 (11:56) Charity worker describes incident at Manchester hotel as disgusting and ‘complete discrimination on appearance’Two homeless men were turned away from a Holiday Inn in sub-zero temperatures despite their booking already being paid for, a charity has said.The hotel in Manchester city centre refused to accommodate the men and staff members apparently told them: “I know that you’re from the street and the hotel doesn’t allow it.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Tesco aiming for bumper 2026 after best Christmas market share in decade 08. January 2026 (11:48) Chain reports strong sales but shares drop 5% after analysts say third quarter performance was behind expectationsBusiness live – latest updatesTesco has said it aims to grab an even bigger slice of the grocery market this year after winning its best share in more than a decade over Christmas with strong sales of fresh food and its Finest own-label range.The supermarket, which has an almost 29% market share, according to Worldpanel by Numerator, said it had taken the most share from Asda, the UK’s third-largest supermarket chain that has been struggling to turn around falling sales. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
German president criticises US foreign policy for leading to ‘breakdown of values’ underpinning world order – Europe live 08. January 2026 (11:30) Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly criticised the US foreign policy under Donald TrumpGerman president Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly criticised the US foreign policy under Donald Trump, warning that “there is the breakdown of values by our most important partner, the USA, which helped build this world order” in the first place.In last night’s speech at a Körber Foundation event marking his 70th birthday, Steinmeier said the US behaviour represented a second historic rupture of the world order after Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Tech titans divided over whether to pay billionaire tax or flee California 08. January 2026 (11:00) State residents worth more than $1bn could face one-off, 5% tax to help fund education, food assistance and healthcareA battle is brewing in California over a plan to tax billionaires – with tech titans divided over whether they should pay up, or flee the state.Under a tax proposal that could be put to voters this November, any California resident worth more than $1bn would have to pay a one-off, 5% tax on their assets to help cover education, food assistance and healthcare programs in the state. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK competition watchdog to investigate Kingsmill owner’s planned takeover of Hovis 08. January 2026 (10:25) CMA’s move comes as Associated British Foods, which also owns Primark, issues profit warningBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK competition watchdog has ramped up its investigation into a £75m takeover deal that will result in the owner of Kingsmill snapping up its sliced bread rival Hovis.Associated British Foods (ABF), which also owns the Primark clothing chain, confirmed plans to buy Hovis from private equity owners Endless in August, combining the UK’s second- and third-largest bread brands. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Tunbridge Wells residents without water again as supplier blames cold weather 08. January 2026 (10:16) South East Water says 6,500 households have no water due to burst mains, a month after drinking water outageResidents of Tunbridge Wells have been left without water again, just a month after a major outage.South East Water said 6,500 households have no water at all, while thousands more have “intermittent supplies”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Was Albanese’s royal commission refusal cynical or considered? Either way, his backdown has come too late 08. January 2026 (10:01) The prime minister says he takes the time to ‘choose the right path’ – but it was right there in front of him the whole timeTen days ago, Anthony Albanese fiercely argued against a royal commission into antisemitism. On Thursday, from that very same lectern, he declared such an inquiry was vital to “heal” and unite a wounded nation after its worst-ever terror attack.Which invites the obvious question: What prompted such a screeching reversal? Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mandelson accuses European leaders of ‘histrionic’ reaction to Trump’s Greenland stance 08. January 2026 (09:56) Article by former British ambassador to US is likely to be seen as criticism of Keir StarmerPeter Mandelson has accused European leaders including Keir Starmer of a “histrionic” reaction to Donald Trump’s plan to take over Greenland, arguing that without “hard power and hard cash” they will continue to slide into unimportance in the “age of Trump”.In his first political comments since being sacked as Britain’s ambassador to Washington last year, Lord Mandelson said Trump had achieved “more in a day than orthodox diplomacy was able to achieve in the past decade” when he captured the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Albanese announces royal commission after Bondi attack as he defends not calling inquiry earlier 08. January 2026 (08:40) Prime minister confirms commission on antisemitism and social cohesion after initially resisting demands for a broad national inquiryFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe prime minister has confirmed his government will call a federal royal commission after the Bondi terror attack, with Anthony Albanese backflipping on an earlier stance against a wide-ranging commonwealth inquiry.Albanese announced on Thursday the federal royal commission will examine four key areas, including the prevalence of antisemitism, how law enforcement will respond to antisemitism, the circumstances surrounding the alleged Bondi attack and strengthening social cohesion. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Guardian readers raise more than £850,000 as charity appeal enters final days 08. January 2026 (08:00) The Hope appeal aims to reach milestone of £1m for grassroots organisations tackling extremism and hatredDonate to the Guardian charity appeal 2025 hereThe Guardian’s Hope appeal has so far raised more than £850,000 thanks to generous readers’ continuing support for our five inspirational charity partners, whose work aims to tackle division, racism and hatred.The 2025 Guardian appeal is raising funds for five charities: Citizens UK, the Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust and Who is Your Neighbour?. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
