UK government approves Chinese ‘mega embassy’ in London 20. January 2026 (14:17) Critics expected to mount legal challenge to plans for vast complex at Royal Mint Court amid security concernsThe UK government has approved the construction of a vast new Chinese embassy complex in east London, despite concerns about security and its impact on political exiles in the capital.The decision by the communities secretary, Steve Reed, brings to an end, for now at least, the saga that has been running since 2018 over the site at Royal Mint Court near Tower Bridge. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Educational background key indicator of immigration views in UK, study finds 20. January 2026 (14:10) Research comparing UK and US finds people with fewer qualifications more likely to support rightwing movementsRightwing movements are struggling to gain support among graduates as education emerges as the most important dividing line in British attitudes towards politics, diversity and immigration, research has found.A study from the independent National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) found people with qualifications below A-level were more than twice as likely to support rightwing parties compared with those with qualifications above. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
King Harold coins from 1066 and Roman artefacts top UK’s 2024 treasure finds 20. January 2026 (14:09) British Museum hails record-breaking year for archaeological discoveries – thanks largely to metal detectoristsA hoard of pennies linked to Harold II and most likely buried on the eve of battle in 1066, a rare Roman vehicle fitting, and a group of early medieval objects are among the archaeological finds and treasure discovered in Britain in 2024.It was a record-breaking year for archaeological and treasure finds in Britain, with the highest number recorded in a single year – thanks in large part to metal detectorists. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
More than 100 vehicles involved in Michigan crash as snowstorm moves across US 20. January 2026 (13:52) Driver said he could barely see the cars in front of him and heard ‘bangs and booms’ behind him More than 100 vehicles smashed into each other or slid off the interstate in Michigan on Monday as snow fueled by the Great Lakes blanketed the state.The massive pileup prompted the Michigan state police to close both directions of Interstate 196 just south-west of Grand Rapids on Monday morning while officials worked to remove all the vehicles, including more than 30 semitrailer trucks. The state police said there were numerous injuries, but no deaths had been reported. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump tariffs over Greenland are an error, says Ursula von der Leyen 20. January 2026 (13:33) European Commission president also appears to call US president’s trustworthiness into questionEurope live – latest updatesBusiness live – latest updatesThe European Commission president has called Donald Trump’s planned new tariffs an error and questioned how far he can be trusted, as the US president said there was “no going back” on his goal to control Greenland.Ursula von der Leyen said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday that Trump’s threat to impose a 10% tariff on imports from eight European countries that oppose a US takeover of the Arctic island was “a mistake, especially between longstanding allies”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Huge amounts of extra land needed for RFK Jr’s meat-heavy diet guidelines 20. January 2026 (13:30) Even 25% increase in meat and dairy consumption would require 100m more acres of agricultural land, analysis saysThe Trump administration’s new dietary guidelines urging Americans to eat far more meat and dairy products will, if followed, come at a major cost to the planet via huge swathes of habitat razed for farmland and millions of tons of extra planet-heating emissions.A new inverted food pyramid recently released by Donald Trump’s health department emphasizes pictures of steak, poultry, ground beef and whole milk, alongside fruits and vegetables, as the most important foods to eat. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
GSK to buy food allergy drug maker RAPT in $2.2bn deal 20. January 2026 (13:20) US-based biotech firm is developing treatment for allergies to nuts, milk and eggs in children and adultsBusiness live – latest updatesGSK, the UK’s second-biggest drugmaker, has unveiled a $2.2bn (£1.6bn) deal to acquire a Californian biotech company which is developing a drug to protect against severe food allergies, including allergies to nuts, milk and eggs.It is the first large deal announced by GSK’s new chief executive, Luke Miels, who joined the London-based company in 2017 as chief commercial officer and took the reins from Emma Walmsley at the start of the year. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Colombian ex-paramilitary leader jailed for crimes against Indigenous groups 20. January 2026 (13:12) Salvatore Mancuso given 40-year sentence, which could be reduced after truth and reparation activitiesA Colombian court has sentenced a former paramilitary leader to 40 years in prison for crimes committed against Indigenous communities in the province of La Guajira, including homicides, forced disappearances and the displacement of people from 2002 to 2006.The special tribunal that hears cases from the country’s armed conflict said in its ruling that Salvatore Mancuso was responsible for 117 crimes committed by fighters under his command in La Guajira. However, it added that Mancuso’s time in prison could be reduced to eight years, if he collaborated with truth and reparation activities that benefited victims of his former paramilitary group. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Dame Marie Bashir, former NSW governor and distinguished psychiatrist, dies age 95 20. January 2026 (12:48) The first female governor of New South Wales, Dame Marie was widely respected and will be honoured with a state funeral Dame Marie Bashir, the first female governor of New South Wales, has died. She was 95.The NSW premier, Chris Minns, confirmed her death on Tuesday on behalf of her family, writing in a statement that he was saddened to share the news of her passing. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Kim Jong-un fires vice-premier and likens him to ‘a goat yoked to an ox cart’ 20. January 2026 (12:46) North Korean leader reportedly blames Yang Sung-ho for ‘confusion’ at factory project as major congress loomsThe North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, has dismissed a vice-premier over troubles in a factory modernisation project, in an apparent move to tighten discipline among officials and push them to deliver greater results before a major political conference.The upcoming ruling Workers’ party congress, the first of its kind in five years, is one of North Korea’s biggest propaganda spectacles and is intended to review past projects, establish new political and economic priorities and reshuffle officials. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
