Small boats deal between France and UK is on verge of collapse 30. March 2026 (20:36) Negotiations deadlocked as No 10 wants more action on beach patrols but France has concerns over safetyThe UK’s agreement with France to pay for beach patrols is on the verge of collapse amid wrangling over the number of small boat interceptions and the safety of asylum seekers in French waters.Negotiations over plans to revamp the three-year, £480m deal remain deadlocked, despite the involvement of ministers including Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary. The deal expires at midnight on Tuesday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump threatens to ‘obliterate’ Iran’s energy grid if ceasefire not reached ‘shortly’ 30. March 2026 (20:33) Oil prices on course for record monthly rise amid risk of further escalation and mixed messaging from USDonald Trump has threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power stations and fresh water plants if Tehran does not agree to peace terms “shortly”, even as he claimed diplomatic progress in ending the war that was instigated by the US and Israel.Tehran has remained defiant during the month-long conflict, describing US peace proposals as “excessive, unrealistic and irrational” and firing waves of missiles at Israel. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Barbie Dream Fest in Florida to issue refunds after fan complaints 30. March 2026 (20:13) Fans, who paid up to $450 (£340), complained of a grey convention centre backdrop and a "swag bag" that included only a plastic pouch with a Barbie hand sanitiser. (BBC News)
Zack Polanski meets unions in attempt to get them to switch party funding to Greens 30. March 2026 (19:45) Leader understood to have spoken to 10 trade unions after party claimed working class voters are turning to themZack Polanski has kicked off a charm offensive designed to convince trade unions to stop funding Labour and throw their weight behind the Green party, as he delivered the first in a series of speeches to union conferences.The Green leader has had “good conversations” with 10 trade unions, including some affiliated to Labour, according to party sources, and is due to address the University and College Union and the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, not affiliated with Labour, in the coming months. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Avi Lewis, elected to lead Canada’s New Democratic party, promises ‘NDP comeback’ 30. March 2026 (19:39) Ex-TV host pledged to centre party around equity, with higher wealth taxes, green energy and tuition-free educationSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxCanada’s embattled New Democratic party (NDP) has elected the former broadcaster and self-proclaimed socialist Avi Lewis as its new leader, as it looks to rebuild following a devastating federal election last year that saw it lose official party status.A record number of members voted in the three-day NDP leadership convention, giving Lewis a first-ballot win that underscored widespread support. Lewis pledged to convert the “tremendous momentum” of the convention into an “NDP comeback”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
