Calls

• Hertog van Sussex zegt dat legitieme zorgen over de situatie in het Midden-Oosten niet mogen leiden tot vijandigheid jegens de Joodse gemeenschap in het VK • Prins Harry heeft het toenemende antisemitisme in Groot-Brittannië omschreven als "diep zorgwekkend", waarbij hij stelde dat mensen hoewel gerechtigd zijn om woede te voelen over gebeurtenissen in het Midden-Oosten, er geen rechtvaardiging kan zijn voor vijandigheid jegens individuen of geloofsgemeenschappen. • De Hertog van Sussex leek een indirecte kritiek te uiten op de Israëlische regering, terwijl hij benadrukte dat legitiem protest nooit moet omslaan in haat.

• De stap van Brian Kemp maakt Georgia de nieuwste zuidelijke staat die overgaat tot het opnieuw maken van kaarten na de ontmanteling van de Voting Rights Act. • De Republikeinse gouverneur van Georgia heeft een speciale sessie voor volgende maand bijeengeroepen om de kiesdistricten te hertekenen; hij is hiermee de laatste zuidelijke staat die een nieuw proces van kaart maken start na de beslissing van het Amerikaanse Hooggerechtshof over de Voting Rights Act. • Brian Kemp kondigde woensdag de speciale sessie aan, die op 17 juni zal beginnen. Het zal zich richten op het "uitvaardigen, herzienen, intrekken of wijzigen" van de districtslijnen voor de wetgevende macht van de staat en het congresdistrict, in het licht van de uitspraak van het Hooggerechtshof in Louisiana v Callais. Lees verder...

• Een vastberaden zittend New Yorks lid kampt met lage peilingen en een verdeelde achterban, maar weigert toe te geven aan een andere centristische uitdager tegenover de progressieve Zohran Mamdani in de komende race. • De kandidaat houdt vast aan zijn standpunt ondanks interne partijdruk, waarbij hij wijst op sterke kiezersloyaliteit in belangrijke districten. • De beslissing zou de gematigde steun kunnen versplinteren, wat de kansen van Mamdani vergroot en wijst op bredere interne strijd binnen de Democratische partij.

• Sportwagenfabrikant verlengt levensduur van op benzine rijdende Emira, geproduceerd in Norfolk, om te blijven voorzien in de Amerikaanse markt • Business live – laatste updates • De topman van de luxueuze sportwagenfabrikant Lotus heeft opgeroepen tot overheidssteun voor zijn Britse fabriek, terwijl het bedrijf in Chinees bezit benadrukte dat het zijn Britse roots niet zal opgeven.

• Gouverneur van Californië Gavin Newsom vraagt staatswetgevers om ambitieuze klimaat- en energiewetgeving aan te nemen, met nog één week voordat zij terugkeren naar Sacramento voor de formele sessies. • Het pakket van de gouverneur bevat naar verluidt bepalingen voor het versnellen van de adoptie van hernieuwbare energie, het aanpakken van de veerkracht van het elektriciteitsnet en het nakomen van de klimaatverplichtingen van de staat. • Newsom staat onder aanzienlijke druk om klimaatleiderschap te tonen nu Californië te maken krijgt met energie-uitdagingen die verband houden met verstoringen op de oliemarkt door conflicten.

• Palestijnse activist wacht op een andere juridische beslissing in een aparte procedure in een steeds beperktere poging om in de VS te blijven. • Een advocaat van Mahmoud Khalil, de eerste niet-onderdaan activist die werd gearresteerd tijdens het crackdown van de Trump-administratie op pro-Palestijnse meningsuiting, noemde de immigratieprocedures van zijn cliënt "voorbestemd en een complete sham" nadat bleek dat de zaak prioriteit had gekregen om versneld te worden behandeld. • "Deze onthullingen maken duidelijk dat deze zaak vanaf dag één is gecontroleerd door hogere functionarissen in de regering," aldus Marc Van Der Hout, een advocaat van het juridische team van Khalil, in een verklaring. "De immigratierechter is zorgvuldig geselecteerd en de beslissing van de Board of Immigration Appeals was vooraf bepaald. We zullen blijven vechten voor Mahmoud in elke rechtbank die we kunnen."

• Casting director dringt er bij Keir Starmer op aan om in te grijpen in de zaak van Paata Burchuladze (71), die tot zeven jaar gevangenis is veroordeeld nadat hij zong bij anti-regime demonstraties

De opmerkingen van de president volgden op verklaringen van Benjamin Netanyahu dat de oorlog 'niet voorbij is'. Daarnaast reizen Amerikaanse passagiers van het door het hantavirus getroffen cruiseschip naar Nebraska.

• Invloedrijke IPPR stelt voor om huren te plafonneren op basis van wat het laagst is: de consumentenprijsinflatie of de loongroei. • Een van de thinktanks die het dichtst bij de Labour-regering staat, dringt er bij ministers op aan om huurcontroles in de particuliere sector in Engeland in te voeren, terwijl de kanselier onderzoekt hoe de stijgende kosten van levensonderhoud, veroorzaakt door de oorlog in Iran, kunnen worden verlicht. • Het Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) heeft een rapport gepubliceerd waarin wordt gepleit voor een ‘dubbel slot’ op de huur, waarbij huurverhogingen worden gekoppeld aan ofwel de lonen of de inflatie, afhankelijk van welke van de twee het laagst is.

• Democratisch kamerlid Ted Lieu omschreef de beslissing van het Hooggerechtshof van Virginia om een staatsreferendum over de herindeling van congreskieskringen te vernietigen als niet alleen fout, maar schandelijk. • De uitspraak verwierp een door kiezers goedgekeurde kaart die de Republikeinen met één zetel zou hebben bevoordeeld bij de tussentijdse verkiezingen, waardoor de huidige voorsprong van de Democraten (6-5) behouden blijft. • De Democraten gaan in beroep bij het Amerikaanse Hooggerechtshof terwijl ze verdere juridische stappen voorbereiden, waaronder een verzoek om de invoering van nieuwe kaarten uit te stellen.

Greens leader celebrates his party’s first ever elected mayor, and winning three councils outrightElection 2026 live: latest news updatesFull results from England, Scotland and WalesZack Polanski has declared Britain’s two-party politics “dead and buried” as his Green party won its first ever mayoral election and gained councillors across England, including winning three councils outright.As Labour losses piled up across the country and the Conservatives endured another disappointing set of results, Polanski sought to present his party as emerging from the results as the most viable option for opponents of Reform. Continue reading...

Star Wars actor later deleted post and apologized, saying president should live ‘long enough to be held accountable’US politics live – latest updatesThe White House has branded Star Wars actor Mark Hamill “a sick individual” after an AI-generated image showing Donald Trump in a shallow grave, with the words “If Only” as an overlay was posted to one of star’s social media accounts.Hamill, who played the lead character of Luke Skywalker in six movies of the iconic science fiction franchise and is a longtime critic of the US president, apologized and removed the post from his Bluesky account on Thursday. Continue reading...

• Jannik Sinner urged Grand Slam tournaments to show greater respect to players during an escalating prize money row. • Novak Djokovic backed player power in the standoff with tennis's four major events. • The dispute highlights growing tensions over equitable compensation at top-tier tournaments.

• In Beijing on May 6, 2026, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian official Abbas Araghchi, labeling US-led military actions against Iran as 'illegitimate' and a violation of international law. • China urged an immediate and complete ceasefire, direct US-Iran engagement, and warned the region stands at a critical turning point amid escalating tensions. • Araghchi welcomed China's support, calling it a 'sincere friend,' while signaling openness to diplomacy contingent on a 'fair and comprehensive' agreement.

Jonathan Pollard, who served 30 years for selling US military secrets, advocates ‘forcible removal’ of PalestiniansJonathan Pollard, a former US navy intelligence analyst jailed for 30 years for spying for Israel, has said he will stand for election to the Knesset this year on a platform of ethnic cleansing.Speaking to Channel 13 television, Pollard said: “I personally prefer the forcible removal of all current residents of Gaza, and the annexation of Gaza and its repopulation by us.” Continue reading...

Inquiry set up by rightwing politician recommends merging major channels and slashing TV entertainment budgets by 75%French politicians on the left and centre have criticised a parliament inquiry report that recommends sweeping cuts to public broadcasting, with a row over culture wars building before next year’s presidential election.State broadcasting is a key topic in the run-up to April’s vote, with the far right, which is leading in the polls, highly critical of public TV and radio and vowing to privatise it. Continue reading...

The prime minister said the attack in Golders Green is ‘part of a pattern of rising antisemitism’ in the countryGood morning. Keir Starmer has declared antisemitism “a crisis for all of us”. This morning he is hosting an event in Downing Street intended to get leaders across all areas of public life to address the problem and, according to the briefing from No 10, he will say:Last week’s terrorist attack in Golders Green was utterly appalling. But it was not an isolated incident. It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them.These disgusting attacks are being made against British Jews. But, make no mistake, this crisis – it is a crisis for all of us. It is a test of our values. Values that are not guaranteed, but are earned. Every single day, through our actions.Jewish communities across England will receive a further £1m of government funding to tackle antisemitism and strengthen community cohesion in those places facing the greatest risk.An immediate £500,000 will also be allocated to Barnet council, reflecting recent serious antisemitic incidents in the borough and the large number of Jewish residents there. Continue reading...

• New Zealand-based a2 Milk Company voluntarily recalled a2 Platinum Premium USA label infant formula 0-12 months with batch numbers 2210269454, 2210324609, and 2210321712, sold on Amazon and at Meijer stores. • The recall was initiated after testing detected cereulide, a heat-stable toxin from Bacillus cereus, following New Zealand regulatory guidance, with no confirmed illnesses reported by the FDA. • A total of 16,428 tins were affected, imported during the 2022 Operation Fly Formula to address U.S. shortages; the product was discontinued prior to the recall.

• Harmanpreet Kaur described playing a Test at Lord's as a 'dream for every cricketer' ahead of India's England tour. • Summer series includes Test match, exciting Indian fans with historic prospect. • Kaur's comments reflect anticipation for women's cricket's growth.

Spy tech firm says it’s just ‘a software company’ amid pressure for a ban on new contracts with government agenciesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastJust weeks after it implied some cultures are inferior to others in a manifesto described by one UK MP as the “ramblings of a supervillain”, the US spy tech company Palantir says it is just “a software company” amid calls for Australian government agencies to ban any new contracts with the controversial company.In Australia, state and federal contracts with Palantir have reached nearly $80m, and federal investment in the company is reportedly more than $160m. Continue reading...

The prime minister also accused anyone marching alongside Hamas supporters of ‘venerating the murder of Jews’Golders Green attack – latest updatesKeir Starmer has called on people to “open their eyes to Jewish pain” in the wake of the Golders Green terror attack, and accused anyone marching alongside supporters of Hamas of “venerating the murder of Jews”.The prime minister made his strongest ever remarks on antisemitism after visiting the area of the attacks for a meeting with emergency workers and community leaders. Continue reading...

Electoral Commission is investigating claims money given to MP came from US businessman now convicted of wire fraudUK politics live – latest updatesLabour has called on Robert Jenrick to give up almost £40,000 donated to his campaign to be Conservative leader in 2024 following allegations that the sum came from an impermissible foreign donor now convicted of fraud.The party called for Jenrick to make a donation to charity after the Guardian revealed the Electoral Commission has been investigating claims that £37,500 out of £100,000 given to his campaign by a UK company Spott Fitness ultimately came from a company run by a US-based businessman, Gary Klopfenstein. Continue reading...

Winston Marshall, former member of Mumford & Sons, says those crossing are ‘economic migrants’ not refugeesThe son of the Spectator owner, Paul Marshall, has said Britain should construct a mine-laden “floating wall” as a radical measure to stop Channel crossings.Winston Marshall, a former member of the band Mumford & Sons who is now establishing himself as a rightwing online influencer, said that while the idea “might sound ridiculous”, it should be explored because previous attempts to stop the crossings had failed. Continue reading...

Interim report contains 14 recommendations, after inquiry examined agencies’ actions before the attack in which 15 people were killedFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSydney’s Jewish community told police of a “high” threat of an attack at December’s Chanukah by the Sea festival at Bondi beach, but NSW police appeared not to have completed a comprehensive risk assessment for the event, an interim royal commission report has found.The interim report of the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, established in the wake of December’s terror attack, found no gap in current laws that could have prevented the shooting. But it did call for greater better coordination of policing at Jewish festivals and events. Continue reading...

Human rights commissioner says alleged jailing highlights the ‘growing risks of transnational repression’ in AustraliaGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s human rights commissioner has said the Chinese student who was allegedly jailed for six years by Chinese authorities for joining protests in Sydney underscores the “very real and growing risks of transnational repression affecting people in Australia – including international students”.Commissioner Lorraine Finlay told Guardian Australia that while she couldn’t comment on the circumstances of individual cases, “no one should fear punishment abroad for exercising their lawful rights to free expression and peaceful protest here”. Continue reading...

Fed officials cite elevated inflation, slow job growth and uncertainty in Middle East as reasons for holding ratesSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged after its latest board meeting, defying once again Donald Trump’s call for a cut as the central bank prepares for a leadership shake-up next month.On Wednesday, Fed officials continued to cite elevated inflation, slow job growth and uncertainty in the Middle East as reasons why rates were left untouched. Continue reading...

Soaring oil prices and the blockade are preventing food, fuel and medicine being delivered to millions of people in desperate need, say NGOsThe volatility of global oil prices caused by the US and Israel’s war on Iran is taking a toll on the most vulnerable people, by slowing or blocking food and medical aid from reaching them.Now aid organisations are calling for a “humanitarian corridor” to be opened through the strait of Hormuz amid rocketing transportation costs. Continue reading...

Vote goes PM’s way but he faces anger from his own MPs who accuse him of creating perception of ‘cover-up’UK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer saw off an opposition bid to refer him to a standards committee over Peter Mandelson’s appointment after Downing Street deployed its full weight to force Labour MPs to shore up the prime minister.However, the Labour leader bore the brunt of anger from some of his own backbenchers who accused him of creating a situation where they would be perceieved as being complicit in “a cover-up.” Continue reading...