Rob Schneider calls on US to restore military draft 30. March 2026 (12:04) The actor and comedian, posting on X, said that ‘unlike in today’s universities’ the military would teach young people ‘how truly great their country is’The actor and comedian Rob Schneider has urged the US to “restore the military draft for our nation’s young people” amid the ongoing war with Iran.Posting on X, Schneider, 62, who has not served in the military, wrote: Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labour launches local elections campaign with focus on cost of living – UK politics live 30. March 2026 (11:53) UK PM to chair meeting in Downing Street on how government responds to economic consequences of Iran war later on MondayKeir Starmer is speaking now.He thanks Sarah, and say he has the cabinet with him in the room. There is a lot of energy there, he claims.People look at their screens and they’re worried when they see explosions, infrastructure blown up, the rhetoric that goes with it, worried about whether this is going to escalate even further.And therefore it’s really important that I reiterate where I stand and where this government stands, because this is not our war and we are not going to be dragged into it. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sexual assault survivor calls failure of Travelodge boss to meet MPs ‘shocking’ 30. March 2026 (11:51) Woman assaulted after man was given key card to her room criticises CEO Jo Boydell over cancelled meetingA woman who was sexually assaulted by a man who was handed a key card to her room at a Travelodge has said she was shocked to learn the hotel chain’s boss cancelled a meeting with a group of MPs seeking to discuss concerns about the case.More than 20 MPs had demanded the meeting this month to discuss the matter – including details of the chain’s security processes and procedures that led to it offering the victim an “insulting” £30 refund after the incident. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Mounjaro maker wants NHS drug price rises in return for more investment in UK 30. March 2026 (11:34) US firm Eli Lilly, which is also pushing for end to rebate scheme, optimistic about talks with ministersThe US pharmaceutical group behind the Mounjaro weight-loss drug has said it will unpause its UK investments if ministers agree to regularly increase NHS drug prices and end a rebate scheme.Patrik Jonsson, the president of Eli Lilly’s international business, said the company was in talks with UK ministers and that he was optimistic about reaching an agreement this summer for Britain to pay more for its medicines. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Weather tracker: Thunderstorms drench UAE and Saudi Arabia 30. March 2026 (11:31) Abnormally strong jet stream triggers deluge in Middle East, while north Africa braces for 60-80mph gustsAn unusual weather pattern unleashed severe thunderstorms across parts of the Middle East last week, battering countries including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The Arabian peninsula – typically dominated by arid desert climates – received up to 150mm of rain in just a few days.The deluge was caused by an abnormally strong jet stream, which helped form a deep area of low pressure to develop north of Saudi Arabia. This, in turn, drew moist tropical air from the Indian Ocean and triggered intense storms. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Murder trial opens over alleged masonic lodge crime network in Paris 30. March 2026 (10:36) Twenty-two defendants, including intelligence agents and police, accused of committing crimes on behalf of Freemason mafiaTwenty-two people are to stand trial in France from Monday on charges of murder and other serious crimes centred on a masonic lodge accused of running hit squads.Seven defendants – including former intelligence agents, soldiers and businessmen – face possible life sentences. Prosecutors allege the group carried out murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy on behalf of a mafia network inside the Athanor lodge in the Paris suburb of Puteaux. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Brent crude hits $116 a barrel after Trump says he wants to ‘take the oil in Iran’ 30. March 2026 (10:23) Stock markets in Asia drop sharply, with investors nervous over escalation of Middle East conflictBusiness live – latest newsThe price of oil has risen sharply to $116 a barrel after Donald Trump said he wanted to “take the oil in Iran”, sending Asian stock markets tumbling.Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, rose by 2% in early trading on Monday, after Trump said that he could seize the Iranian export hub of Kharg Island. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Easter bank holiday expected to be UK’s busiest on roads in four years 30. March 2026 (10:00) Drivers planning nearly 21m leisure journeys from Thursday to Monday despite soaring fuel prices, say expertsThe four-day bank holiday weekend is expected to be the busiest Easter on the roads in four years, despite a surge in fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.Drivers are planning nearly 21m leisure journeys between Thursday and Easter Monday, according to a study by the RAC and the traffic analytics specialists Inrix. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Fears of increased small boat Channel crossings as UK-French deal nears end 30. March 2026 (10:00) New agreement delayed amid home secretary Shabana Mahmood’s demands for more interceptions of dinghiesA renewed deal between the UK and France to stop small boat Channel crossings has not yet been signed, with a day to go before the current one expires, raising questions about whether people smugglers will be able to act unimpeded from later this week.Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron announced the previous £468m deal on 10 March 2023, weeks before it came into force. The UK pays two-thirds of the cost of policing France’s northern border and the current agreement expires on Tuesday. Discussions on it began last July at the 37th UK-France summit and British officials travelled to Paris last week for another round of talks. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Victoria police called to give evidence into Indigenous man’s death in custody seek protection from self-incrimination 30. March 2026 (09:56) Request comes at the start of a two-week inquest into the death of Noongar man Jeffrey Winmar in MelbourneGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastEleven police officers called to give evidence into the death of an Aboriginal man in custody have sought certificates to protect themselves from self-incrimination.The request from the Victoria police chief commissioner came at the start of a two-week inquest into the death of Noongar man Jeffrey Winmar. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
