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Terror offenders should be jailed indefinitely if necessary, says Gove After Streatham attack, experts warn against applying emergency law to current prisonersMichael Gove has said some terrorism offenders should be jailed indefinitely “if necessary” as the government was warned that it faces legal challenges to emergency legislation proposed in the wake of the Streatham attack.The senior cabinet minister said “Islamist extremist terrorists” were in a different category to other offenders and must not be released until the Parole Board had deemed them safe to be on the UK’s streets. Continue reading... Go to Source

Cambridge sociologist’s visa fight ‘sends shockwaves’ through universities Academics say case of Dr Asiya Islam, turned down after 10 years in UK, gives the lie to assurances Britain is open to expertsThe UK is “open to global talent”, the government declared last week, with a new visa designed to woo the best overseas researchers. But angry academics say their protests about the Home Office’s “shocking” refusal to grant residency to Dr Asiya Islam, an “unequivocally superb” Indian sociologist at Cambridge University, have fallen on deaf ears.Senior academics warn that unless the government reins in its aggressive application of immigration rules, talented international researchers will not want to come to the UK. Continue reading... Go to So...

Coronavirus live updates: first Hong Kong death reported as China cases pass 20,000 – latest news Thirty-nine year old man in Hong Kong believed to have had underlying condition. Death is only second outside mainland China – latest updatesChina’s leadership admits ‘shortcomings’ in coronavirus responseCoronavirus: British evacuee falls ill during flight from ChinaHow to protect yourself Hundreds of Canadians await evacuation flight from Wuhan 5.41am GMTThe Chinese women’s football team have been forced to train in hotel corridors ahead of their Olympic qualifying opener in Sydney on Friday. The team has been in isolation at a Brisbane CBD hotel since their arrival in Australia last week due to strict protocols in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Rela...

No terrorism offenders to be released without review, says minister Emergency legislation will retrospectively toughen terms of sentences being served by 220 terrorist offendersStreatham attack latest - live updatesThe government is to introduce emergency legislation to retrospectively toughen the terms of the prison sentences currently being served by 220 terrorist offenders to prevent their automatic release, the justice secretary has announced.In a move likely to face legal challenge, Robert Buckland said that all terrorist prisoners, including those currently in prison, will not be released before their full sentence has been served without an expert risk assessment from the Parole Board. Continue reading... Go to Source

Political journalists boycott No 10 briefing after reporter ban Journalists in Downing Street walk out after Johnson aide tries to exclude some reportersFollow the latest political news - livePolitical journalists have boycotted a briefing at No 10 Downing Street after one of Boris Johnson’s aides banned selected reporters from attending.The walkout took place after a confrontation inside No 10 in which Lee Cain, Johnson’s most senior communications adviser, tried to exclude reporters from the Mirror, i, HuffPost, PoliticsHome, Independent and others. Continue reading... Go to Source

Pound falls as Boris Johnson takes tough line on EU trade deal Post-Brexit stance by Brussels is threat of tariffs on UK goods unless rules are complied withThe pound fell on Monday after Boris Johnson warned that Britain would not accept alignment with EU rules in any Brexit trade deal, while Brussels threatened to put tariffs on UK goods unless he complies.Sterling sold off sharply after the prime minister and the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier outlined tough opening positions for post-Brexit trade talks, dipping by more than two cents against the dollar and about a cent against the euro. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus: death toll passes Sars virus as dozens more die in Wuhan Wuhan hospitals need more staff and supplies as residents describe increasingly desperate conditionsDozens more people have died in the city at the centre of China’s coronavirus outbreak, where hospitals are severely undersupplied and understaffed and residents have described increasingly desperate conditions.Chinese state media reported 57 new deaths on Monday, all but one in Wuhan, the capital of the central province of Hubei which has been under lockdown for almost two weeks as authorities try to contain the outbreak. Continue reading... Go to Source

Second monarch butterfly sanctuary worker found dead in Mexico Body of part-time tour guide Raúl Hernández found days after that of reserve manager Homero Gómez González in MichoacánA second worker at Mexico’s famed monarch butterfly sanctuary has been found murdered, sparking concerns that the defenders of one of Mexico’s most emblematic species are being slain with impunity.The body of Raúl Hernández Romero, a part-time tour guide, was found on Saturday, showing injuries possibly inflicted by a sharp object, according to prosecutors in the western state of Michoacán. Continue reading... Go to Source

Streatham attack: rehabilitation of Islamist terrorists 'rarely works', Johnson claims – live news Prime minister says government to announce plans for ‘fundamental changes’ to system for dealing with convicted terroristsSudesh Amman freed from jail and on police watchlistQuestions for investigators over surveillance of attackerShare your stories 11.53am GMTThe mother of the Streatham attacker Sudesh Amman has told Sky News he was a “nice, polite boy” and that she spoke to him just hours before the attack. Haleema Faraz Khan said she had visited her son at a bail hostel on Thursday and he called her hours before the attack. 11.48am GMTThe prime minister paid tribute to the “speedy and brave” response by the police, but said:The question that everybo...

Brexit: Boris Johnson says UK should not be obliged to accept EU rules to secure trade deal – live news The day’s political developments, including Johnson’s speech on EU trade talks, and Barnier publishing EU’s draft negotiating guidelinesUK will refuse close alignment with EU rules, PM to say 11.57am GMT 11.49am GMTJohnson says de-radicalising people is a very difficult thing to do.That’s is why he no longer believes in automatic early release, he says.That’s why I’ve come to the end of my patience with the idea of automatic early release. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus: dozens more die in Chinese city at centre of outbreak Wuhan hospitals need more staff and supplies as death toll passes that of Sars virusCoronavirus – latest updatesDozens more people have died in the city at the centre of China’s coronavirus outbreak, where hospitals are severely undersupplied and understaffed and residents have described increasingly desperate conditions.Chinese state media reported 57 new deaths on Monday, all but one in Wuhan, the capital of the central province of Hubei which has been under lockdown for almost two weeks as authorities try to contain the outbreak. Continue reading... Go to Source

Joaquin Phoenix's attack on Baftas for 'systemic racism' applauded Actor’s speech addressing issues of diversity and reputation meets with ‘uncomfortable silence’ – and much praiseJoaquin Phoenix’s powerful broadside against the body that awarded him the best actor prize on Sunday night has met with a chorus of praise across the film industry.In his speech, Phoenix said he felt conflicted by his victory “because so many of my fellow actors who are deserving don’t have that same privilege”. Continue reading... Go to Source

Nissan 'could pull out of EU and expand in UK after hard Brexit' Carmaker considering focusing on UK market if there are tariffs on exports, according to reportNissan has reportedly drawn up contingency plans to pull out of manufacturing in mainland Europe in the event of a hard Brexit in favour of ramping up its production in the UK.If a trade deal is struck between the UK and the EU that leads to tariffs on car exports, the Japanese carmaker would focus on selling more cars in Britain, the Financial Times reported, citing two people involved in the discussions. Continue reading... Go to Source

Streatham attacker freed from jail days ago after terror conviction Sudesh Amman, who was shot dead by police, was under police surveillance following release Streatham attack: latest updatesFirst witness accountsThe man shot dead by police after he stabbed two people in London on Sunday left prison only days ago and had previously been noted by police as having a “fascination with dying in the name of terrorism”, it has emerged.Sudesh Amman, whose attack on Streatham High Road left one person initially in a life-threatening condition, was under active police surveillance at the time of the attack. He had been freed after serving half of his sentence of more than three years for the possession and distribution of extremist material. Continue reading... Go to Source

Streatham: man shot dead by police after stabbings in south London – latest updates Police say two people injured after man shot dead in terrorism-related incident on Streatham High Road, south LondonFull story: Man shot dead by police in south London terror incidentWhat we know so farHave you been affected? 5.47pm GMTJonathan Bartley, who was the Green party candidate in Streatham, lives a stone’s throw from the scene of today’s attack. He told Sky News:There is a sense of bewilderment. There is sense of shock. My partner had just gone out to get some food for lunch ... a late lunch. 5.34pm GMTNardos Mulugeta, 52, a mechanical engineer who lives in Streatham, said he heard gunshots before seeing one victim lying in the street. Speaking to PA Media he said:“I heard ...

Tusk: EU would be enthusiastic if Scotland applied to rejoin Former European council president’s remarks will boost SNP’s campaign for second independence referendumDonald Tusk, the former president of the European council, has said there would be widespread enthusiasm in the EU if Scotland applied to rejoin after independence.In remarks that will boost Nicola Sturgeon’s campaign for a second referendum, Tusk told the BBC he had great sympathy with the desire of many Scots to rejoin the EU after Brexit. Continue reading... Go to Source

Fury in China as footage appears to show officials taking doctors' face masks Local and central government officials face growing wave of anger over handling of coronavirus outbreakFootage of government officials in Wuhan appearing to take face masks intended for health workers battling the highly infectious coronavirus has fuelled a growing wave of anger over how Chinese authorities have handled the outbreak.Images of medical staff making protective equipment out of rubbish bags, sleeping in hospitals, and crying in frustration and exhaustion have dominated Chinese social media over the last two weeks, inspiring an outpouring of sympathy and donations of supplies. Continue reading... Go to Source

‘Give me a chance’: Emily Thornberry in last-ditch appeal to Labour members Shadow foreign secretary appeals for votes to avoid being knocked out of leadership raceEmily Thornberry has made an urgent plea for nominations as she faces the possibility of being knocked out of the race to become Labour’s next leader.The shadow foreign secretary made a lengthy appeal to party members on Sunday, arguing that she “raises the game” of the other candidates and asking twice for members to “give me a chance” and “get on and nominate me”. Continue reading... Go to Source

Law Society 'extremely upset' at fire damage to historic London offices Blaze broke out at six-storey building in Holborn while dinner was taking placeThe head of the Law Society said the organisation had been left “extremely upset” after a fire broke out at its offices in central London.Paul Tennant thanked the London Fire Brigade for its efforts in battling the blaze that damaged the building on Chancery Lane on Saturday night. Continue reading... Go to Source

Coronavirus: 11 more UK nationals to be flown back from China Foreign secretary’s comments come as Philippines reports first death outside ChinaThe UK foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, has confirmed 11 British nationals will be flown back from the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday on a French-chartered plane after they missed a UK evacuation flight on Friday.Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, Raab said the government was doing everything in its power to help Britons who wished to leave but that the process posed serious challenges. Continue reading... Go to Source

Starmer shifts left in attempt to crowd Long-Bailey out of Labour contest Frontrunner pledges to follow Corbyn tax plans as leadership hopefuls clash over candidate selection and Brexit Related: Labour’s survival requires more than just discarding the Corbyn ideology Keir Starmer will today promise to endorse Labour’s commitment to increase tax on the highest-paid, as part of his pledge not to ditch Jeremy Corbyn’s legacy should he become the party’s next leader. Continue reading... Go to Source

Brexit: Dominic Raab accused of 'sabre-rattling' over EU talks Criticism follows minister’s claim that following EU rules after 2021 ‘just ain’t happening’Dominic Raab has been accused of engaging in diplomatic “sabre-rattling” after rejecting legislative alignment with Brussels and dismissing claims by Michel Barnier that the Brexit agreement makes customs checks in the Irish Sea “indispensable” .The UK foreign secretary said following EU rules after 2021 “just ain’t happening” and said it was “wrong” for the EU’s senior negotiator to claim that goods entering Northern Ireland and Great Britain would be subject to extra paperwork once Britain leaves the post-Brexit transition period. Continue reading....

Australian Open men's singles final: Novak Djokovic v Dominic Thiem – live! Live updates from Melbourne ParkSalisbury and Ram celebrate Australian Open doubles gloryServes, sunsets and koalas – Australian Open 2020’s best photosFeel free to email Tumaini or tweet @TumCarayol 11.43am GMTFourth set: Novak Djokovic 6-4 4-6 2-6 3-2* Dominic Thiem: Djokovic keeps himself ahead with perhaps his best hold since the second set. He served much better and sealed it off with a dainty cat-and-mouse point in which he brought Thiem forward and then finished the point at the net. Perhaps most importantly, he seems to have figured out how he should hit his second serve now, forcing a return error with a very solid 145kmh second serve at 30-0. 11.39am GMTFourth set: Novak Djokovic 6-4 4-6 ...

Gender reassignment treatments for young people to get expert review NHS England announcement follows legal challenge to prescribing of puberty-delaying drugsThe use of hormone treatments for young people who want to undergo gender reassignment is to be examined by experts, it has emerged.The announcement by NHS England comes just weeks after the start of a landmark legal challenge to the prescribing of drugs to delay puberty. The case has been brought against the Tavistock and Portman NHS foundation trust, which runs the UK’s only gender-identity development service (GIDS). Continue reading... Go to Source

Brexit day one: Johnson goes for broke with hardline trade deal Prime minister pledges to make no concessions to EU as he salutes ‘a turning point in the life of our nation’No sooner had the union jacks been lowered in Brussels and Strasbourg, after 47 years of tortured British membership, than Boris Johnson was preparing to launch the UK into yet another uncompromising battle with the remaining 27 nations of the European Union.The morning after he had finally achieved his goal of removing the UK from the European club, Downing Street released photographs of the prime minister triumphantly striking a gong on the stroke of 11pm (midnight Brussels time) as this country took its leave. The text from a short speech he made as the clock struck 11 was also released. Continue rea...

Party, or hide under the covers? How we spent Britain’s last night in the EU Remainers and Brexiters tell the Observer how they marked the final hours of 31 JanuaryAsh SarkarContributing editor, Novara Media Continue reading... Go to Source

Brexit trade talks: EU to back Spain over Gibraltar claims Territory’s economy at risk unless UK reaches agreement with Madrid over ownershipFollow the latest news - liveThe EU will back Spain over its territorial claims to Gibraltar in the next phase of Brexit negotiations by giving Madrid the power to exclude the British overseas territory from any trade deal struck with Brussels.The Observer has learned that the Spanish government has insisted on reference to the Rock in the EU’s opening negotiating position, which will be published in draft form on Monday. Continue reading... Go to Source

Brexit: Britain wakes up to uncertain future after UK leaves EU – live news Follow the latest developments the morning after Britain’s EU exitCiao: 27 Europeans say goodbyeThe UK is not at ease with itself‘It feels surreal’: Britons board last Eurostar as EU citizens 11.48am GMTIn other – non-Brexit-related – news, one of two people in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus has just been confirmed to be a University of York student. The university is continuing to operate as normal, a university spokesman said. Related: Coronavirus: officials seek people with contact to UK cases as some airlines stop China flights – live news 11.25am GMTThe word “thick” is trending at No 1 on Twitter on the UK’s first morning outside of the ...

Brexit, the most pointless, masochistic ambition in our country's history, is done The magic dust of populism has blinded reason, and damage and diminishment lie aheadBrexit: Britain wakes up to uncertain future after UK leaves EU – live news It’s done. A triumph of dogged negotiation by May then, briefly, Johnson, has fulfilled the most pointless, masochistic ambition ever dreamed of in the history of these islands. The rest of the world, presidents Putin and Trump excepted, have watched on in astonishment and dismay. A majority voted in December for parties which supported a second referendum. But those parties failed lamentably to make common cause. We must pack up our tents, perhaps to the sound of church bells, and hope to begin the 15-year trudge, back towards some ...

The mixed emotions of Brexit day show the UK is not yet at ease with itself | Jonathan Freedland As some take to the streets to celebrate leaving the EU, others mourn the loss of an old friendHow does a nation say goodbye to its neighbours? With a lump in its throat and a poignant song of farewell – or with cheers and a raised middle finger of defiant good riddance? The answer that Britain gave at 11pm on Friday 31 January 2020 was: both. The UK broke from the European Union on a late winter’s night with both jubilation and regret, as divided on the day of leaving as it had been in deciding to leave. For some Britons, this was Independence Day. For others, it was a national bereavement.In Westminster, Nigel Farage exulted with his fellow Brexiters in Parliament Square, del...