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Beirut blast timeline: what we know, and what we don't What happened in the months and years leading up to the explosion at the Lebanese capital’s port?Beirut is still counting the cost in lives and property from a massive explosion at its port on Tuesday that sent a shockwave blasting across the city. Anger is growing in Lebanon at what appears to be an industrial accident that authorities foresaw and warned about for years before. The Lebanese government is currently investigating, but many in the country and internationally are calling for an independent probe.Exactly what happened at the port in the early evening of 4 August is still unclear, but several facts have come to light in the days since the blast. The trail begins nearly seven years ago, with a rickety ship leaving t...

Boris Johnson defends refusal to suspend Tory MP accused of rape Charities and unions call on Commons authorities to bar unnamed former minister from parliamentBoris Johnson has defended the Conservative party’s refusal to suspend the Tory MP accused of rape.The unnamed former minister was arrested at the weekend after a former parliamentary aide accused him of rape. Continue reading... Go to Source

Caroline Flack took her own life amid fears of prosecution, inquest rules Coroner says TV presenter had ‘fluctuating’ mental health exacerbated by the stress of fameCaroline Flack took her own life after learning she would be prosecuted for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend, following a long struggle with “fluctuating mental health” that was exacerbated by the stress of fame, a coroner has found.After a two-day hearing, during which the Metropolitan police came under pressure to explain the decision to charge the TV presenter with assault, after the Crown Prosecution Service initially wanted to issue her with a caution, coroner Mary Hassell said: “I find the reason for her taking her life was she now knew she was being prosecuted for certainty, and she kne...

Beirut explosion: death toll rises to 137 as army takes control of site Volunteers help clean up damaged streets as officials begin blame game over ammonium nitrate storageWhat we know so farBeirut explosion: anger at officials grows after missed warningsThe death toll from a massive blast at Beirut’s port has risen again to 137, as the Lebanese army took control of the site on the first day of a two-week state of emergency.The new casualty figures on Thursday morning include at least 5,000 injured and a health ministry spokesman said dozens were still missing. “This toll is not final,” he said. Continue reading... Go to Source

Facebook removes Trump post over false Covid-19 claim for first time Video in which Trump wrongly said kids were ‘almost immune’ from illness also prompted Twitter to ban president’s re-election campaign accountFacebook has removed a post from Donald Trump’s page for spreading false information about the coronavirus, a first for the social media company that has been harshly criticized for repeatedly allowing the president to break its content rules.The post included video of Trump falsely asserting that children were “almost immune from Covid-19” during an appearance on Fox News. There is evidence to suggest that children who contract Covid-19 generally experience milder symptoms than adults do. However, they are not immune, and some children have be...

UK coronavirus live: test and trace scheme fails to reach thousands of contacts of people testing positive Latest figures show just 72% of close contacts reached; Aberdeen outbreak cases increase by 25; 50m masks for NHS workers deemed unusablePreston faces fresh coronavirus lockdown, health official saysBelgium set to be added to England’s coronavirus quarantine listUK economy recovering faster than feared, says Bank of EnglandCoronavirus UK map: deaths and confirmed casesGlobal coronavirus updates - live 12.41pm BST Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon says 79 Covid cases have now been associated with a cluster of infections in Aberdeen, an increase of 25 on yesterday. The outbreak there has led to some lockdown measures being reimposed in the city. Sturgeon said a fu...

Robert Jenrick says concerns over planning overhaul are 'nonsense' Housing secretary dismisses warnings that shake-up could create a ‘generation of slums’Warnings that proposals for the biggest shake-up of planning in decades could pave the way for “the next generation of slums” have been described by the housing secretary, Robert Jenrick, as “nonsense”.A long-awaited planning white paper was published on Wednesday envisaging land across England being divided into three categories: for growth, renewal or protection. Concerns have been raised that democratic oversight could be diluted and affordable housing cut back. Continue reading... Go to Source

Beachgoers warned to stay safe as UK braces for potential heatwave Temperatures could reach 37C during string of ‘incredibly warm’ days, says Met Office The RNLI has urged families heading to the beach this week to be aware of potential dangers as the UK braces for a potential heatwave.The Met Office said the warmer weather, starting on Thursday, could reach a blistering 37C (98.6F) in some areas and is expected to last until Sunday. Continue reading... Go to Source

Anger in Beirut after missed warnings over 'floating bomb' Released paper trail reveals ignored warnings over stash that has killed at least 135 peopleVisual guide: how explosion caused devastationTell us: have you been affected by the explosion in Beirut?Anger and dismay has been building in Beirut as officials admitted that a massive port explosion that killed at least 135 people, injured thousands and left many more homeless was foreseeable and had been the subject of repeated warnings.With Lebanon’s capital still smouldering, an emerging paper trail linked the blast to a mammoth stash of ammonium nitrate that was once described as a “floating bomb” and housed at the port since 2014. As recently as six months ago, officials inspecting the consignment warned that if ...

Beirut's ground zero: a rip through the heart of an already dying city ‘Do you really think Hiroshima could have been worse than this?’ asked one man on an agonising Lebanese dayVisual guide: how explosion caused devastationTell us: have you been affected by the explosion in Beirut?The twisted and mangled heap of steel that used to be Beirut’s port stretched to both horizons; to the left, battered skyscrapers seemed hunched in defeat and an empty highway strewn with wrecked cars led through a heat haze the other way.A traffic barrier was covered in the bloody handprints of those who had somehow survived the cataclysmic blast and had staggered into the apocalyptic aftermath. Continue reading... Go to Source

Beirut families search for loved ones feared trapped under rubble Social media lit up with images of fathers, daughters, sons and mothers missing since blast rocked Lebanon cityBeirut explosion: latest updatesFull report: Lebanon in mourningWhat we know so farThey carried his photo across Beirut all night, from one hospital to the next, asking if anyone resembling Ghassan Hasrouty was among the injured or dead. At each one, they found nothing.“That was our night,” said Ghassan’s son Elie. “Trying to find a match and spread the word.” Continue reading... Go to Source

England's planning reforms will create 'generation of slums' RIBA and housing experts warn of erosion of building laws with fast-track proposalsHow planning shakeup will affect UK housingJack Airey: the aide who helped build red tape bonfireThe biggest shake-up of planning for decades has caused fury that moves to fast-track the construction of “beautiful” homes across England will “dilute” democratic oversight, choke off affordable housing and lead to the creation of “slum” dwellings.Under the proposals, unveiled on Thursday, planning applications based on pre-approved “design codes” would get an automatic green light – eliminating a whole stage of local oversight within designated zones. Continue reading... Go to Source

Emergency lockdown in Aberdeen could extend to other towns Nicola Sturgeon announces closure of pubs and restaurants as officials link 32 pubs and golf courses to outbreakLive: local lockdown imposed in AberdeenCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageNicola Sturgeon has warned that an emergency lockdown in Aberdeen could extend to other towns in the region after health officials linked 32 pubs and golf courses to the outbreak in the city.The first minister said all pubs and restaurants in the city had to close from 5pm on Wednesday, as she barred people from visiting other households indoors and urged residents to avoid non-essential journeys greater than five miles. Continue reading... Go to Source

Beirut explosion: over half the city damaged in blast that killed at least 100 and wounded 4,000 – live updates Lebanon PM Hassan Diab appeals for international assistance as search continues for missing in devastated cityFull report: Lebanon in mourning‘We’re cursed’: shock and despair as explosion devastates cityCrisis upon crisis: blast rocks a Lebanon already on its kneesAmmonium nitrate: what is the chemical blamed for blast?Tell us: how have you been affected by the explosion in Beirut? 12.42pm BST This video, which we have not verified, is being shared on Twitter. It is said to be of a protester attacking today the car of the former Lebanese prime minister, Saad Hariri.Hariri resigned last year following mass protests demanding an end to rampant corruption and m...

Aerial footage captures scale of destruction from Beirut explosion – video Aerial video captures the devastating impact of the explosion that left dozens dead and thousands injured in the Lebanese capital. The full scale of the blast is yet to be felt as rescue efforts continued the morning after the explosion flattened much of the city's portBeirut explosion: at least 100 dead and 4,000 wounded, says Lebanon health ministry – live updates Continue reading... Go to Source

Lebanon in mourning after deadly Beirut blasts Hospitals struggle to cope with thousands of wounded after huge blast ripped through the capital’s portBeirut explosion: latest updatesWhat we know so far‘We’re cursed’: shock and despair in Beirut as explosion devastates cityLebanon, a nation for decades crippled by chaos and conflict, is in mourning after a massive explosion ripped through Beirut’s port on Tuesday killing more than 70 people and injuring 4,000.The full scale of the calamity was laid bare when the capital woke on Wednesday with rescue teams searching through the debris of ruined neighbourhoods for the missing, and hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. Continue reading... Go to Source

Crisis upon crisis: blast rocks a Lebanon already on its knees Deadly explosion at Beirut’s port comes amid coronavirus pandemic and economic meltdownBeirut explosion: latest updatesFull report: Huge blast rocks Lebanese capital‘We’re cursed’: shock and despair in Beirut as explosion devastates cityLebanon has been crippled by a number of long-running, seemingly intractable crises for decades. The country endured a devastating 15-year civil war and has often been caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts.But the deadly explosion that ripped through the Beirut port on Tuesday – which comes amid the coronavirus pandemic and an economic meltdown – may be the calamity that brings a beleaguered nation to its knees. Continue reading... Go to Source

Beirut explosion: dead and wounded among 'hundreds of casualties', says Lebanon Red Cross – live updates Scale and cause of blast still being assessed amid reports hospitals too damaged to treat patientsFull report: huge explosion in BeirutBeirut explosion – in pictures 6.52pm BST Here is some quick analysis from my colleague, Peter Beaumont.Amid highly conflicting and vague initial explanations over the cause of the Beirut explosion, a few things stand out. Most of the video footage that has been posted on social media, appears to begin with the aftermath of the first of the two explosions. 6.46pm BST Israeli officials have denied involvement in the Beirut port explosion.“Israel has nothing to do with the incident,” the official said on condition of anonymity, accordi...

Trump refuses to praise late civil rights leader John Lewis President unhappy that Lewis did not attend his inaugurationTrump questions value of Civil Rights Act: ‘How’s it worked out?’Donald Trump refused to praise the late John Lewis, the Georgia congressman and original Freedom Rider, during his latest one-on-one interview, and also questioned the value of the pivotal Civil Rights Act of the 1960s, which Lewis fought and almost died for. Related: Coronavirus US: Biden tells Trump 'step up and do your job' over Covid-19 death toll – live Continue reading... Go to Source

Starmer says PM has one month to fix coronavirus test-and-trace system Exclusive: Labour leader says Boris Johnson must make ‘hard decisions’ to halt second waveKeir Starmer: The government must up its game to prepare for a second wave of Covid-19Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMinisters have one month to fix the broken test-and-trace system and halt a devastating second wave of coronavirus or Britain will face a “long and bleak winter”, Keir Starmer says today.The Labour leader warned there is “precious little evidence” of serious preparation for a resurgence in Covid-19 cases. Continue reading... Go to Source

Witness claims to have seen Prince Andrew at club with Virginia Giuffre Woman has come forward claiming she recalls seeing duke at Mayfair nightclub with GiuffreThe FBI has been passed information from a witness claiming to have seen the Duke of York at a nightclub with a woman who alleges the pair had sex when she was a teenager.The US lawyer Lisa Bloom, who is representing the victims of the royal’s former friend and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, said Shukri Walker recalled seeing Prince Andrew at Tramp nightclub in Mayfair and had come forward to support Virginia Giuffre’s version of events. Continue reading... Go to Source

Tate removes reference to 'amusing' restaurant after racist images in mural draw anger Exclusive: gallery removes reference to venue as ‘most amusing room in Europe’ as call grow for artwork’s removalTate Britain has removed a reference to its restaurant as “the most amusing room in Europe” after complaints about racist depictions in a 1920s mural.The Rex Whistler restaurant is covered floor to ceiling in a specially commissioned mural by the eponymous British artist titled The Expedition in Pursuit of Rare Meats, which depicts the enslavement of a black child and the distress of his mother. It also shows the boy running behind a horse and cart which he is attached to by a chain around his neck. Continue reading... Go to Source

Local authority sets up test-and-trace system to plug gaps in English scheme Teams of Covid hunters in Blackburn with Darwen aim to offset national failingsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe local authority with the highest infection rate in England has launched its own contact-tracing system to plug holes in the £10bn national scheme described by Boris Johnson as “world-beating”.Blackburn with Darwen council, in Lancashire, set up its own virus-hunting team after the national system failed to reach hundreds of its most vulnerable residents. Continue reading... Go to Source

Donald Trump on the ropes in interview over US Covid-19 death toll President again says he is doing ‘incredible job’ fighting pandemic and casts doubt on Jeffrey Epstein’s cause of deathCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageDonald Trump visibly floundered in an interview when pressed on a range of issues, including the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the US, his claims that mail-in voting is fraudulent, and his inaction over the “Russian bounty” scandal.The US president also repeatedly cast doubt on the cause of death of Jeffrey Epstein, and said of Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite who has pleaded not guilty to allegedly participating in the sex-trafficking of girls by Epstein, that he wished her well. Continue ...

Number of UK citizens emigrating to EU has risen by 30% since Brexit vote Exclusive: crisis has led to 500% increase in Britons taking up citizenship in an EU stateThe number of British nationals emigrating to other EU countries has risen by 30% since the Brexit referendum, with half making their decision to leave in the first three months after the vote, research has found.Analysis of data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Eurostat shows that migration from Britain to EU states averaged 56,832 people a year in 2008-15, growing to 73,642 a year in 2016-18. Continue reading... Go to Source

Tuesday briefing: Britons flee Brexit by the thousands Record numbers emigrating to regain EU citizenship rights … tarnished ex-king to leave Spain … and the future of Extinction RebellionGood morning, Warren Murray bringing you the headlines this Tuesday morning. Continue reading... Go to Source

TikTok: China hits out at US 'smash and grab' as tech row deepens Foreign affairs spokesman accuses US of hypocrisy and editorial in state-run newspaper decries choice between submission at ‘mortal combat’The US has offered China the “choice of submission or mortal combat in the tech realm”, state media in Beijing have said, as the two rival powers manoeuvred on the thorny issue of splitting up TikTok.The popular video-sharing app has joined Huawei to become a technology flashpoint, with Chinese officials and media rushing to defend it following Donald Trump’s threat of a US ban. Continue reading... Go to Source

Marcus Rashford scores cover of British Vogue's September issue The footballer is recognised for his activism in the magazine among 40 ‘faces of hope’Marcus Rashford’s inspirational, policy-changing campaign against child poverty has garnered him accolades aplenty. Now it has also propelled the footballer on to the front cover of British Vogue’s September issue.The Manchester United striker, who forced a government U-turn on the granting of free food vouchers for the poorest families over the summer, headlines a special edition dedicated to activism. Continue reading... Go to Source

Russians 'hacked Liam Fox's emails' to obtain dossier on US-UK trade talks Hackers reportedly accessed account last year and obtained dossier cited by Jeremy Corbyn during election campaignClassified documents relating to US-UK trade talks are believed to have been hacked by Russians from an email account belonging to the former minister Liam Fox, it has emerged.A report from Reuters said Russian hackers accessed Fox’s account several times between July and October last year and obtained a dossier that ultimately ended up in the hands of Jeremy Corbyn during the election campaign. The then Labour leader said the 451-page dossier showed the NHS “was on the table” in trade talks with the US. Continue reading... Go to Source

Manchester Covid outbreak 'a warning to complacent white middle class' Exclusive: health chief says declaration of major incident shows spread not just in BAME groupsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe declaration of a major incident in Greater Manchester should jolt a “complacent white middle class” into realising that Covid-19 is not just spreading in ethnic minority households, one of the region’s health chiefs has said.Eleanor Roaf, the director of public health in Trafford, said 80% of its infections in the last week were in the white community, and she urged the region’s 2.8 million residents to concentrate “much harder on what we can do to stop the wider spread”. Continue reading... Go to Source