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Culture secretary plays down reports BBC critics were offered top jobs Oliver Dowden declines to confirm reports PM has offered Charles Moore and Paul Dacre BBC and Ofcom rolesHardline BBC critics reportedly offered top media rolesThe culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, has declined to confirm a report that two close allies of Boris Johnson could be parachuted in to head the BBC and Ofcom, but argued that the BBC needed to expand its scope beyond “narrow, metropolitan areas” of the UK.Dowden said it was too early to comment on the possibility of former Telegraph editor Charles Moore being made BBC chairman, and the ex-editor of the Daily Mail, Paul Dacre, becoming head of Ofcom, the media regulator. Continue reading... Go to Source

Russian GP: Hamilton hit by penalty as he bids to match Schumacher – live! Lap-by-lap updates from Sochi, race starts 12.10pm BSTThe Recap: sign up for the best of our sport coverageGet in touch! Email Luke or tweet @LukeMcLaughlin 12.58pm BST Lap 24/53: The current top three - Bottas, Verstappen and Leclerc - have all yet to pit.World champion Hamilton is catching Daniil Kvyat (AlphaTauri) gradually. He is 8.2” behind. 12.54pm BST Lap 21/53: Hamilton up to fifth!The FIA have confirmed that Hamilton was punished for two separate violations of the rules regarding practice starts. Continue reading... Go to Source

Swiss voters reject EU immigration curbs, exit polls suggest Broadcaster says projection based on partial results shows motion was defeated 63%-37%Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a rightwing party’s attempt to scrap a pact allowing the free movement of people from the European Union, according to a projection of results by the broadcaster SRF on Sunday.The Swiss People’s party (SVP) had called a referendum on the EU agreement – a vote that was considered an important test of attitudes towards foreigners who make up a quarter of the population. Continue reading... Go to Source

Boris Johnson faces revolt over forcing through Covid measures Amendment calling for votes on new restrictions is winning cross-party supportCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageBoris Johnson is facing a massive parliamentary revolt over the way he is imposing Covid-19 restrictions on the British people without first consulting MPs – amid new signs that confidence in his leadership is collapsing in the Conservative party and across the country.An extraordinary cross-party backlash against Johnson’s “rule by diktat” from Downing Street was taking shape on Saturday – ahead of a key vote on Wednesday – as a new poll by Opinium for the Observer showed Labour has overtaken the Tories for the first time since Keir Starmer became leader in April. Continue reading... G...

Hardline BBC critics reportedly offered top media roles Former Daily Mail editor could head Ofcom, while ex-Daily Telegraph editor considers BBC chairman jobBoris Johnson is reported to have offered jobs at the head of two of Britain’s most important media organisations to two outspoken critics of the BBC.Paul Dacre, former editor of the Daily Mail, has been asked to run the national broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, while Lord Moore, the former editor of the Daily Telegraph and biographer of Margaret Thatcher, is believed to be considering accepting the role of chairman of the BBC. Continue reading... Go to Source

Trump names Amy Coney Barrett for supreme court, stoking liberal backlash Indiana conservative would replace Ruth Bader GinsburgSpotlight falls on secretive Catholic group People of PraiseUS politics – live coverageDonald Trump’s pick for America’s highest court, Amy Coney Barrett, is an “ideological fanatic” who threatens abortion rights, healthcare and the environment, activists warned on Saturday, before Trump unveiled his third supreme court nominee in the White House Rose Garden. Related: 'Not special any more': how the Senate has failed the American people Continue reading... Go to Source

More firearms finding way on to UK streets, Police Federation warns Concerns frontline officers face increasing threats to welfare with ‘devastating consequences’More firearms are finding their way on to Britain’s streets with devastating consequences, the head of the body representing rank-and-file police officers has warned.John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation, which speaks for more than 120,000 officers in England and Wales, spoke out amid growing concerns about the welfare of frontline officers. He said the death of Sgt Matiu Ratana at Croydon custody centre in south London was a “poignant reminder of how dangerous the job is”. Continue reading... Go to Source

Frontline workers to be recognised in Queen's birthday honours Recipients’ ‘dedication and compassion’ amid pandemic praised by PMCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageHundreds of frontline and community heroes who played a key role in the coronavirus pandemic response will be recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours next month, Boris Johnson has said.The prime minister praised the “dedication, courage and compassion” shown by the recipients, whose contributions to national life will be honoured, alongside people recognised for a broad range of achievements, on 10 October. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus: police break up anti-lockdown protest in London Ten arrests and four police officers injured following clashes in Trafalgar Square Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coveragePolice have broken up a protest in central London after thousands of people defied their advice and demonstrated against lockdowns, mass vaccinations, mandatory wearing of face masks and other coronavirus restrictions.The protest, organised by campaign groups including Save Our Rights UK, was called to mark six months since the passage of the Coronavirus Act, which gave the government wide-ranging powers to enact restrictions intended to curb the spread of the virus. Continue reading... Go to Source

Sage expert warns of 100 UK coronavirus deaths a day within four weeks ‘We need to make sure that transmission comes down now,’ says Prof Graham MedleyCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe UK’s daily coronavirus death toll will rise from 34 to 100 a day in three to four weeks’ time, an expert on the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) has warned.Infectious disease modelling expert Prof Graham Medley said there is little that can be done now to prevent daily deaths climbing to 100 – but “we need to make sure transmission comes down now” to prevent the figure increasing further. Continue reading... Go to Source

Suspect in Croydon police shooting had hands cuffed behind his back Investigators trying to establish how gunman was able to kill Sgt Matt Ratana inside police stationCroydon police shooting: officer named as Matt RatanaThe suspect who shot a police sergeant dead inside a custody suite had his hands cuffed behind his back when he opened fire, the police watchdog has said.The long-serving officer, who was said to be close to retirement, was named as Matiu Ratana. The 54-year-old, known as Matt, was killed after the gunman opened fire at Croydon custody centre in south London in the early hours of Friday. Continue reading... Go to Source

Halt in-person university teaching until test and trace fixed, union urges Exclusive: UCU general secretary Jo Grady speaks out after rapid rise in Covid cases on campusesCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageFace-to-face teaching at universities should be halted until the government fixes test-and-trace failures and curbs the spread of Covid-19, the union representing academics and staff has said.The warning from Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), comes as institutions increasingly take matters into their own hands by switching to majority online-only teaching. Continue reading... Go to Source

Britain has offensive cyberwar capability, top general admits Gen Sir Patrick Sanders says Boris Johnson has told him to ensure UK is major cyber powerBritain’s most senior cyber general has said the UK possesses the capacity to “degrade, disrupt and destroy” its enemies’ critical infrastructure in a future cyber conflict, in a rare acknowledgement of the military’s offensive hacking capability.Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, who heads the UK’s strategic command, said that he been told by Boris Johnson to ensure Britain is a “leading, full-spectrum cyber power” able both to defend against – and carry out – hacking attacks. Continue reading... Go to Source

Sadiq Khan urges PM to ban household visits in London to tackle Covid Exclusive: Mayor says he is angry that 43% fall in testing might mask capital’s problemCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageHousehold visits must soon be banned for London’s 9 million residents, Sadiq Khan has urged the prime minister, warning that a 43% fall in testing in the capital risks masking the severity of the virus’s spread.The mayor of London spoke to the Guardian as the government announced the city had been placed on the “watchlist” of areas at risk from tougher restrictions. “It’s obviously bad news that London is an area of concern. But the good news is that finally the government will pull their finger out and give us additional support,” Khan said. Continue reading... Go to So...

Brexit: Brussels punctures optimism that deal is in sight EU sources fear Boris Johnson hasn’t yet got backing for compromises on state aid to businessBrussels has sought to puncture an outbreak of optimism over an imminent Brexit deal, amid fears Boris Johnson has not secured the backing of key advisers and his party for the compromises needed in the final stretch of negotiations.With the UK government yet to offer a way forward on the most contentious issues, and trust in Downing Street at a low ebb, senior EU officials treated with scepticism reports that the UK could see a way to secure a deal. Continue reading... Go to Source

Police officer shot dead in Croydon to be added to roll of honour National Police Memorial roll has recorded more than 1,600 officers who have died in line of dutyThe police officer who died after being shot in Croydon will be added to the National Police Memorial roll of honour in London.The roll records more than 1,600 officers who have died in the line of duty. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK coronavirus live: new restrictions for Cardiff, Swansea and Llanelli; London placed on Covid-19 watchlist Measures to come into force in three areas in Wales this weekend; no extra measures to be taken in London yet; new restrictions for Leeds likely from Saturday‘Stark warning to us all’: UK reports record daily number of casesUniversities ‘should be two-thirds empty to avoid Covid spikes’‘It’s depressing’: curfew criticised as last orders arrive early in SohoRishi Sunak warns jobs plan will not stem rising unemploymentGlobal coronavirus updates – live 12.55pm BST Cardiff and Swansea will be subject to local lockdowns from Sunday evening, the Welsh government has announced.From 6pm on Sunday residents will not be able to travel in or out without reasonable excuse. Nor will they be a...

Two injured in knife attack near Charlie Hebdo's former offices in Paris Suspect arrested after attack near former home of satirical newspaper in French capital Two people are in a serious condition after a knife attack near the former offices of satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris and a suspect has been arrested, police have said.Paris police headquarters said the victims’ lives were not in danger, and that no one else was wounded. Only one attacker was involved, police said, rather than two as first thought. Continue reading... Go to Source

Dominic Cummings' data law shake-up a danger to trade, says EU Exclusive: proposed rewriting of data protection rules said to put vital cooperation in doubtA radical “pro-tech” plan championed by Dominic Cummings to rewrite Britain’s data protection laws is endangering future cooperation with the EU worth billions to the British economy, Brussels has warned.The government’s newly published national data strategy, promising a “transformation” long sought by Boris Johnson’s chief adviser and the former Vote Leave director, has sparked concern at a sensitive time with the continued flow of data between the UK and EU member states in question. Continue reading... Go to Source

Boohoo knew of Leicester factory failings, says report Review finds allegations about low pay and poor conditions were ‘substantially true’A damning report found that Boohoo knew of “endemic” problems across Leicester garment factories in its supply chain, where workers faced serious health and safety violations, including life-threatening fire risks, and were paid less than the minimum wage.The independent review, which was commissioned by Boohoo but conducted by Alison Levitt QC, found that allegations about low pay and poor conditions were “substantially true” and that Boohoo’s monitoring of its supply chain was “inadequate” because of “weak corporate governance”. Continue reading... Go to Source

Officer shot dead in south London police station Sergeant shot by man detained in custody centre, police say, and suspect is in hospitalA police officer died after being shot by a man who was being detained inside a police station in south London, Scotland Yard has said.The sergeant was shot dead overnight by the man who had been brought into the Croydon custody centre, police said, and the gunman then shot himself at about 2.15am. Continue reading... Go to Source

Rishi Sunak warns jobs plan will not stem UK's rising unemployment Chancellor says Britain faces winter of business failures and job losses due to Covid impactKey points from Rishi Sunak’s winter economy plan – at a glanceWhat is Rishi Sunak’s job support scheme and how will it work?Analysis: Sunak tries to stop job losses hitting postwar recordRishi Sunak has warned that Britain faces a winter of rising unemployment as he said a new multibillion-pound spending package to boost an economy battered by Covid-19 would not be enough to prevent business failures and job losses over the coming months.The chancellor said his winter jobs plan – a combination of wage top-ups, cash flow support for companies and an extended VAT cut for the hardest-hit sectors – was needed after tougher curbs to t...

Covid scheme: UK government to cover 22% of worker pay for six months Rishi Sunak outlines plans that will take over from furlough programmeKey points from Rishi Sunak’s winter economy plan – at a glanceWhat is Rishi Sunak’s job support scheme and how will it work?Analysis: Sunak tries to stop job losses hitting postwar recordThe government will cover almost a quarter of pay for workers in “viable” jobs for the next six months, the chancellor said as he outlined plans that will take over from the furlough scheme when it finishes at the end of October.Unveiling a support package designed to help fend off mass unemployment in the wake of the new restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus, Rishi Sunak said he knew curbs on everyday freedoms were challenging and that the time had come ...

'Stark warning to us all': UK reports record daily number of Covid cases Figure of 6,634 comes as Public Health England says rates are rising across all age groupsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageA record number of new coronavirus cases have been recorded, with a senior Public Health England official saying the increase in infections should be a “stark warning to us all”.The UK recorded 6,634 cases of Covid-19 on Thursday, the highest reported figure during the course of the pandemic, up from the highs of May. There were 40 deaths in all settings, bringing the total to 41,902. Continue reading... Go to Source

Top Republicans dismiss Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer Mitch McConnell insists ‘there will be an orderly transition’ while Trump ally Lindsey Graham says ‘I assure you it will be peaceful’Leading Republicans have sought to quell fears that Donald Trump could stoke violence in an attempt to cling to power if he loses the US presidential election – though they stopped short of rebuking Trump directly.The president sparked fresh anger and disbelief on Thursday after he refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power. “Well, we’re going to have to see what happens,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday evening, before renewing a baseless complaint about mail-in ballots. Continue reading... Go to Source

Students wrongly accused of cheating in visa test take fight to Downing Street International students who lost right to live and study in UK fight to clear namesInternational students who lost their right to live and study in the UK after being wrongly accused of cheating in an English language test sent a letter to Downing Street on Thursday, as part of an ongoing campaign to clear their names.The 200 students are some of about 34,000 accused by the Home Office of cheating in the English language tests they needed to pass in order to secure their visas. More than 1,000 students have been removed from the UK as a result of the accusation, and many were arrested and detained by immigration enforcement officers, but large numbers say they were wrongly accused. Continue reading... Go to...

Alexei Navalny's Moscow flat seized as he recovered from poisoning Bank accounts also frozen as part of lawsuit filed by catering firm, his spokeswoman saysAlexei Navalny’s bank accounts were frozen and his Moscow apartment seized as part of a lawsuit while the Russian opposition politician was recovering from a suspected poisoning in a Berlin hospital, his spokeswoman has said.His assets were seized on 27 August in connection with a lawsuit filed by the Moscow Schoolchild catering company, Kira Yarmysh said in a video posted on Twitter on Thursday. The politician and his allies have been involved in a long-running dispute with the company. Continue reading... Go to Source

UK coronavirus live: government to support wages and help firms employ people on shorter hours Chancellor announces ‘job support scheme’ to subsidise wages of people in work; VAT cut extended for hospitality and tourism sector until end of MarchGovernment to cover 22% of worker pay for six monthsKey points from Rishi Sunak’s winter economy plan – at a glanceAlmost 10,000 a day contracting Covid in UK, Hancock saysUsers report issues as Covid-19 app launches Global coronavirus live: latest updates 12.50pm BST Related: Key points from Rishi Sunak's winter economy plan – at a glance 12.49pm BST This is from Sky’s Tom Boadle, quoting from the Treasury briefing on the new job support scheme. The grant per worker will be capped at £697.92 per month, it says.The Job Support Scheme will be ca...

'Close to 100% accuracy': Helsinki airport uses sniffer dogs to detect Covid Researchers running Helsinki pilot scheme say dogs can identify virus in secondsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageFour Covid-19 sniffer dogs have begun work at Helsinki airport in a state-funded pilot scheme that Finnish researchers hope will provide a cheap, fast and effective alternative method of testing people for the virus.A dog is capable of detecting the presence of the coronavirus within 10 seconds and the entire process takes less than a minute to complete, according to Anna Hielm-Björkman of the University of Helsinki, who is overseeing the trial. Continue reading... Go to Source

Users report issues as Covid-19 app launches in England and Wales Problems on Android and iPhone leave some unable to use the software at all Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe launch of the NHS Covid-19 app in England and Wales has exposed problems with the programme, some of which were known about in advance, and some of which will come as a surprise to both the government and users.Although there were hundreds of thousands of downloads of the app in the first few hours on iPhones from the App Store and Android from the Google Play Store, simply accessing it caused a problem for many. Continue reading... Go to Source