Revealed: VW, Ford and Tesla batteries linked to destructive deforestation of indigenous lands 16. October 2026 (09:00) Mines in supply chains of western carmakers linked to widespread deforestation of primary rainforest in nickel-rich lands inhabited by Tolaki people in IndonesiaVolkswagen, Ford and Tesla are among the electric carmakers whose batteries may contain nickel mined in indigenous woodlands plagued by deforestation, an analysis has found, highlighting the struggle to make vehicles that are free from environmental destruction.Corporate disclosures and trade flows from the last two years show mines in the battery supply chains of automotive giants are linked to the loss of trees in Sulawesi, a wildlife hotspot in Indonesia that houses the world’s largest nickel deposits. The metal is widely used in cathodes in car batteries because it boosts energy density and increases range. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK could quickly re-enter EU with ‘Switzerland plus’ deal, senior MEP says 16. October 2026 (09:00) Bernd Lange, who was involved in Brexit talks, says deal could be negotiated within months of any decision to deepen tiesThe UK could re-enter the EU in a “Switzerland plus” package that could be negotiated within months of any decision to deepen ties with the bloc, the head of a European parliament committee has said.Bernd Lange, who was heavily involved in Brexit negotiations, said: “I would love to see the UK back.” He said the EU missed the UK in decision-making because of its strong history of promoting open markets and democracy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK law could deny Fayed accusers recognition as victims of human trafficking 16. October 2026 (09:00) ‘Unfair’ immigration and asylum bill could fail to support sexual violence survivors, anti-slavery commissioner saysSurvivors of sexual violence could wrongly be denied recognition as victims of human trafficking under credibility tests in a new UK law, the independent anti-slavery commissioner has warned.Eleanor Lyons said the measures in the immigration and asylum bill were fundamentally unfair and could lead to many more victims of slavery and trafficking, including those allegedly abused by Mohamed Al Fayed, being denied support. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Exclusive Brethren head denies knowing church members were volunteering for Liberal party during 2025 election 16. October 2026 (08:58) Bruce Hales also denies church was a cult while son tells parliamentary committee it was ‘a bit rough’ being labelled as suchGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe most senior member of the Exclusive Brethren has denied any knowledge of or involvement in thousands of members from his church volunteering for the Liberal party at the 2025 election.The Plymouth Brethren christian church has rejected claims it coordinated volunteers and a campaign for the Coalition, and that it secretly paid far-right figures to stage stunts against the prime minister and other Labor MPs. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pornography showing strangulation and incest to be banned in UK from early November 16. October 2026 (08:52) Campaigners welcome new legislation which follows 2025 review into pornography regulationPornography that depicts strangulation and incestuous relationships will be banned from early November, the UK government has announced.The content will be outlawed from 6 November after cross-party pressure prompted ministers to announce new legislation earlier this year. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Same-day test 'saved her life' 16. October 2026 (08:20) The pioneering test offers a new way of detecting infections in intensive care patients.(BBC News)
Trump calls Ukraine's new attacks on Russian refineries 'a disgrace' and blames them for pushing up global energy prices - after Zelensky condemned US president's 'betrayal'