CATEGORIES

'Minuscule' quantity of Salisbury novichok was enough to kill, inquiry hears

A \"minuscule\" amount of the nerve agent used in the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal - as small as a sixth of a grain of salt - could have been enough to prove fatal, a government scientist has told an inquiry.

It may be early days but Kemi Kaze is the gift that keeps on giving - to the Labour party

On balance, Keir Starmer can probably live with this. The first four months of his time in office may not have been quite as straightforward as he would have liked, but at least he can tick off prime minister's questions as something he doesn't have to worry much about.

Pensions - Actors urge chancellor to boost green investment with overhaul

Leading British actors including Mark Rylance, Olivia Colman, and Benedict Cumberbatch have called on the chancellor to increase investment in clean energy by reforming pensions.

Cost of assisted dying could force cuts to other NHS care, says Streeting

Civil servants are looking at the extra costs that legalising assisted dying would put on the NHS, with a warning from Wes Streeting that some services may be cut to fund any expanded end-of-life care.

Whitehall Robbins one of 10 in running to lead civil service

The former Brexit negotiator Oliver Robbins is one of 10 applicants on the longlist to take over from Simon Case as the UK's most senior civil servant, the Guardian understands.

Gene-editing research cracks the code for growing sweet tomatoes

It is a common complaint in the produce aisle: tomatoes today may be big, but they are tasteless. Now researchers say they can remedy the problem by tweaking genes that affect sugar levels in the fruit.

Bafta to strip awards for cases of 'proven dishonesty' from 2025

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts will be able to strip future award winners in cases of \"proven dishonesty\", or if they are convicted of a serious criminal offence.

Timothy West, beloved star of screen, and stage, dies at 90

The actor Timothy West, whose career ranged from Shakespeare, Ibsen and Pinter on stage to TV appearances in Brass, EastEnders and Great Canal Journeys (with his wife, Prunella Scales), has died aged 90.

'Bully' rebuke to Trump over China strikes blow to Mandelson's hopes of US ambassador role

Peter Mandelson's position as the frontrunner to be US ambassador has been questioned after it emerged he criticised Donald Trump for being a \"bully\" and too hostile towards China on trade policy.

Transition Biden offers a smooth handover in meeting with bitter rival

Donald Trump met Joe Biden yesterday in the White House and promised a transfer of power that is \"as smooth as it can get\".

'Out of the blue' US military shocked as Fox News host picked for defence secretary

The Pentagon has been stunned by Donald Trump's pick for defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, a national guard veteran and Fox News presenter who has called for a purge of generals for pursuing \"woke\" diversity policies.

Trump's early second-term appointments fuel fears of push for extremist agenda

Donald Trump may have won a second term as president just last week, but his recent administration appointments have already heightened fears among some who believe his return to the White House will lead to an extremist agenda.

US sketch President treats successor with dignity - a courtesy missing last time

Democrats, who 10 days ago were proclaiming Trump a fascist, are now treating him like just another politician

John Lewis hopes its festive TV ad will help ease pressures

Over the years its Christmas adverts have featured a menagerie of lovable creatures, but this year John Lewis is tugging on heartstrings with a Narnia-inspired tale of two sisters that, for the first time, gives its struggling department stores a starring role.

'Positive story of hope': Guardian readers help save wildlife haven

A unique farm that was \"accidentally\" rewilded 35 years ago and is now a haven for endangered nightingales and other rare wildlife has been saved, thanks in part to the generosity of Guardian readers.

Pharmacies Vote to Cut Hours Within Weeks in Funding Row

Pharmacies have said they will halt a number of services within weeks, including free medicine deliveries and extended opening hours, unless the government drastically increases funding for the sector to stem an \"escalating crisis\".

Guardian to stop posting on 'toxic' X from official accounts

The Guardian has announced it will no longer post content on Elon Musk's social media platform, X, from its official accounts.

Israel 'committing crimes against humanity' in Gaza, warns report

US-based Human Rights Watch condemns use of forced evacuation orders

Barbados PM: climate action will benefit US

Mia Amor Mottley, the climate champion prime minister of Barbados, has invited Donald Trump to a face-to-face meeting where she would seek \"common ground\" and persuade him that climate action was in his own interests.

Parry: Premier League would be 'sterile' without EFL

Rick Parry has accused the Premier League of undervaluing the football pyramid, arguing that without the \"variety and competition\" that come from relegation and promotion the game would become \"sterile\".

Official review: Coote faces FA investigation as Webb breaks silence on video

The Football Association has launched its own investigation into the behaviour of the referee David Coote after remarks he made about Jürgen Klopp in a video that surfaced online this week.

Match-by-match: Coote's Liverpool games as an official

Referee who has been caught on video in a foul-mouthed tirade against Jürgen Klopp officiated 21 Liverpool games. Andy Hunter takes a look at the decisions in each one

Wretched, haunted but human: a referee shaped by modern football

Is it really a surprise that an official or someone similar should end up glassy-eyed and spitting toxins on a sofa?

Hall's audition adds intrigue to England's Nations League finale

In-form Newcastle defender can show Thomas Tuchel he can be the solution to perennial problem on the left

'It's about robust planning, proper financial control'

is about \"preventing the shocks\" that have disrupted the sport in recent years.

'People are going to see women's boxing at its very best'

The super-lightweight world champion Katie Taylor says her rematch against Amanda Serrano in Texas, as the main support act to Tyson v Paul, will be something special

Blindkilde Brown and Fujino help City avoid slip up

Manchester City maintained their 100% start in the Women's Champions League group stage as second-half goals from youngsters Laura Blindkilde Brown and Aoba Fujino were enough to beat a determined Hammarby side.

Players must cope with extra scrutiny, says Lewis

The England coach, Jon Lewis, said his players experienced a \"sharp learning curve\" about perception management in the fallout from their disastrous group-stage exit in last month's T20 World Cup.

No input from Jones in England's plan to upset Springboks

England will not be benefiting from the insider knowledge of their former Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones this weekend after it emerged that neither their players nor key staff members have been in contact with the Irishman, still supposedly employed remotely by the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

UKA says no to Grand Slam Track over finance worries

UK Athletics has rejected the chance to be involved in Michael Johnson's $30m (£23.5m) new Grand Slam Track competition because it fears it is too much of a financial risk.