‘Of course he abused pupils’: ex-Dulwich teacher speaks out about Farage racism claims 28. December 2025 (07:00) Exclusive: Chloë Deakin tells how she wrote to Dulwich college master to argue against Farage’s nomination as prefectIt was 1981 and Nigel Farage was turning 17. He was already a figure of some controversy, as would become a lifelong habit, among the younger pupils and staff at Dulwich college in south-east London.“I remember it was either in a particular English lesson or a particular form period that his name came up,” said Chloë Deakin, then a young English teacher, of a discussion with a class of 11- and 12-year-olds. “There was something about bullying, and he was being referred to, quite specifically, as a bully. And I thought: ‘Who is this boy?’” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australian cruise ship investigated after leaving passenger behind runs aground off PNG with 120 people on board 28. December 2025 (06:31) Coral Adventurer says passengers and crew are safe while team tries to refloat ship and inspects the hullGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn Australian cruise ship being investigated after allegedly leaving behind a passenger who died alone has run aground off the coast of Papua New Guinea with more than 120 people aboard.The Coral Adventurer ran aground early on Saturday morning, about 30km from PNG’s second-largest city, Lae. The vessel’s operator, Coral Expeditions, said no one was hurt in the incident. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Minns government ‘actively’ considering if Jewish security group should be armed after Bondi attack 28. December 2025 (06:05) NSW premier also announces police will carry long-arm rifles at major New Year’s Eve event in SydneyGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastChris Minns has said his government is “actively” considering whether a Jewish security group should be armed in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, as he confirms police will carry long-arm rifles for the first time at Sydney’s major New Year’s Eve event.The New South Wales premier said he was considering the extraordinary step of arming the Community Security Group (CSG) after fielding questions about reports police had failed to heed a warning from the group about the event posing a high security risk, and the need for a greater police presence. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Central African Republic goes to polls as president seeks third term 28. December 2025 (06:00) Opposition hopes to tap into frustrations of people living in country where conflict remains a daily realityCentral African Republic goes to the polls on Sunday with the president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, seeking a third term.As many as 2.3 million registered voters will cast ballots for what observers are calling a quadruple election: votes for the presidency and parliament as well as local and municipal offices. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Queensland braces for days of heavy rain as BoM issues flood warnings for parts of state 28. December 2025 (03:03) Livestock at risk as some areas expected to receive up to 500mm in the coming week, according to the Bureau of MeteorologyGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLarge parts of north Queensland are set to be battered by days of heavy rain, with some areas expected to receive up to 500mm in the coming week, according to the weather bureau.The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall in the gulf region, and is expected to issue another for the coastal region around Townsville later today.Sign up: AU Breaking News email Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Man charged with displaying Nazi hate symbol after showing off tattoos at NSW beach 28. December 2025 (01:36) Man spotted at beach in Newcastle on Wednesday with tattoos linked to white supremacist ideologyGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA man who allegedly displayed Nazi hate symbols by showing off his tattoos at a popular beach in New South Wales has been charged.Ben Parsons was at Bar beach in Newcastle on 24 December with his children, when he noticed a man with tattoos linked to white supremacist ideology, including symbols associated with the Nazi SS. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Myanmar is going to the polls. But it’s not the people who hold the power – it’s China 28. December 2025 (01:01) As the military pushes ahead with a widely condemned election, Beijing’s priorities are proving decisiveMyanmar’s first election since the 2021 coup: everything you need to knowMyanmar’s military has managed to regain momentum in its battle against a determined patchwork of opposition groups, retaking some territory, and pushing ahead with a widely condemned election that begins on Sunday.It is a turnaround for the military, which had appeared so beleaguered that some dared to question if it could collapse. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Man arrested after woman found dead at Sydney home and another man critically injured from stab wounds 27. December 2025 (23:45) Police called to Quakers Hill on Sunday morning after reports of disturbance A man has been arrested after a woman was found dead inside a home in Sydney’s north-west, and another man was found with stab wounds.Police said emergency services were called to the home in Quakers Hill just before 5am on Sunday, responding to reports of a disturbance. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Bayeux tapestry to be insured for £800m for British Museum exhibition 27. December 2025 (22:05) The 70-metre-long cloth about the Norman invasion has not been seen in England since it was created in 11th centuryThe Bayeux tapestry will be insured for an estimated £800m when it returns to the UK in 2026 for the first time in more than 900 years.The Treasury will insure the 70-metre embroidered cloth, which depicts the 1066 Norman invasion and Battle of Hastings, for damage or loss during its transfer from France and while it is on display at the British Museum from September. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Equal pay settlements for female council workers pass £1bn 27. December 2025 (21:30) GMB union says 30,000 claims settled with six local councils for average of £30,000 and expects 10,000 more in 2026Equal pay settlements for female workers at local councils have passed the £1bn mark, with thousands more expected next year.Legal claims have been brought against local councils on behalf of people in female-dominated roles, such as cleaners or carers, who for years have been denied the conditions and benefits given to employees in traditionally male-dominated jobs. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
