Division in UK probably worse now than in run-up to Brexit, says Kim Leadbeater 16. June 2026 (07:00) Labour MP warns of voices fanning hatred on eve of 10th anniversary of the murder of her sister, the MP Jo CoxPolitical hatred and division in the UK is probably worse now than during the Brexit referendum, when Jo Cox was murdered, says Kim Leadbeater, Cox’s sister who is now also a Labour MP.Speaking to the Guardian’s Today in Focus podcast Leadbeater, who was elected to the same Yorkshire seat held by Cox in a 2021 byelection, said everyone in public life had a responsibility to try and ease tensions. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
EV prices in UK and EU not likely to dive due to Chinese rivalry, says Xpeng boss 16. June 2026 (07:00) Brian Gu says he sees Chinese car firms competing on quality rather than launching price war as at homeMotorists in the UK and EU should not expect a sharp drop in the cost of electric vehicles despite increased competition among Chinese manufacturers, one of the country’s biggest electric carmakers has said.Brian Gu, the vice-chair of the manufacturer Xpeng, said that Chinese carmakers could compete on quality to win customers in the EU and UK, rather than unleashing a brutal price war as they have in China. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Vance says details of US-Iran agreement still to be worked out amid scepticism from Republicans 16. June 2026 (06:52) Senate Republicans say there are many unanswered questions about the deal and question inclusion of funds for Iran The US vice-president, JD Vance, has said a number of issues still need to be figured out with Iran, as many Republicans expressed scepticism of the agreement reached this week by Donald Trump, and pressed the White House to release more information about it.The memorandum of understanding (MOU) announced Sunday to end the war in Iran, set for a ceremonial signing on Friday in Geneva, is centred around reopening the strait of Hormuz and lifting the United States’ naval blockade in the region, along with financial incentives for Iran if it meets certain benchmarks. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Iranian-Americans protest against Iran team at World Cup 16. June 2026 (06:25) The BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil was outside the Iran v New Zealand opening round match as protesters called for an end to Tehran’s clerical regime.(BBC News)
Sweden votes to back laws reinforcing its immigration crackdown 16. June 2026 (06:00) So-called ‘good behaviour’ legislation fiercely criticised by opposition politicians and rights groupsSweden’s parliament has voted to escalate the country’s crackdown on immigrant rights, backing laws that allow authorities to revoke residency permits based on a vague criteria of bad behaviour and obliging most public sector workers to report anyone suspected of being undocumented.The new legislation comes ahead of parliamentary elections in September, pitting the centre-right government, which currently depends on the support of the far-right Sweden Democrats to govern, against a far right that has said its intent is to create one of Europe’s most hostile environments for non-Europeans. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Iran ‘agreed to never have a nuclear weapon’, says Trump – as it happened 16. June 2026 (05:45) This blog is now closed – see our full report on the US-Iran agreement and an analysis of what it meansThe agreement between the United States and Iran should allow for the “immediate reopening” of the Strait of Hormuz, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday.“The priority now is its swift and full implementation by all parties,” von der Leyen said about the announced deal. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Starbucks Korea to temporarily shut all stores for history lesson after bungled coffee promotion 16. June 2026 (05:07) The closures, so employees can watch a recorded lecture, will cost the company an estimated 2.1bn won ($1.4m) in salesStarbucks Korea will simultaneously close all its stores for a mandatory history lesson, after a disastrous promotion that evoked memories of a pro-democracy massacre sparked public and political backlash.More than 2,000 stores will temporarily close at 3pm on 22 June, the company said, so staff can watch recorded lectures on modern Korean history and engage in “social sensitivity” training. The half-day closures will cost Starbucks an estimated 2.1bn won ($1.4m) in lost sales, according to data firm IGAWorks. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
