Parents in England and Wales could be fined or jailed for child’s crimes, minister says 19. September 2026 (11:14) Jake Richards says changes would be part of ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach to try to turn around young offendersParents whose children commit crimes could lose their benefits, face fines and even be jailed, a minister has said.Jake Richards said the youth justice system “should hold parents to account in a proportionate way for ensuring that they play their role in keeping communities safe”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Reform UK activists squabble over Farage’s plan for £72m donations 19. September 2026 (10:00) Crypto billionaires’ £72m will be used to hire campaign managers and professional staff in target constituenciesFor Nigel Farage, the £72m lavished last week on his party by the crypto billionaire donors Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne finally places Reform UK on a level playing field with its political rivals.The donations are the largest received by a UK political party since declarations became required in 2001 and led to warnings Farage was aiming to “buy” his way to power, with a row still raging over whether they are legal. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Before-and-after images show effects of rain in drought-hit England and Wales 19. September 2026 (09:00) Much of the UK is still officially in drought after its hottest summer on record, but grasslands are slowly recovering their colourThe landscapes of southern England and Wales are slowly regaining their colour after this summer’s extreme heat.The UK’s hottest summer on record left the south of the country dried out and brown, making the impact of the drought particularly visual. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Lib Dems have ‘moral responsibility’ to block Reform, says Ed Davey as party gears up for snap election 19. September 2026 (09:00) Exclusive: Lib Dem leader bullish ahead of party conference despite static poll ratings and MPs’ frustrationsThe Liberal Democrats have begun work on a new manifesto in case of a possible snap election, as Ed Davey said he understood the frustrations of some of his MPs who fear that the party’s message is currently at risk of being lost.But Davey also urged his party not to panic at static polling numbers, arguing that with tactical voting and fragmented political loyalties, he fully expects the party to do even better at the next election than in 2024, when it won 72 seats, the highest total for a century. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Harrods seeks to recover abuse compensation costs from Mohamed Al Fayed’s estate 19. September 2026 (08:23) Exclusive: Survivors say luxury store’s attempt to recoup money is at odds with its public acceptance of responsibilityHarrods is seeking to recover the cost of the compensation paid to hundreds of women allegedly sexually abused by Mohamed Al Fayed from his estate, the Guardian understands.The luxury department store is seeking full indemnity from the late billionaire’s estate for any settlements it is required to pay, according to evidence seen by the Guardian. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
