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Canada’s PM takes swipe at Trump as he tells EU ‘we are not fair-weather allies, we do not pursue zero-sum deals’
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to strengthening ties with the EU despite US President Donald Trump’s opposition to the move. The European Commission has proposed making Canada its first “associate member”, a new status that would deepen integration across trade, defence, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy,…
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Government Digital Service move ‘grinds gears’ in UK’s e-government
The UK Government’s decision to move the Government Digital Service (GDS) to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport risks weakening its influence and causing experienced staff to leave, MPs were told. Experts said the repeated reorganisations could distance the service from central government and make digital policy and delivery less effective. The GDS…
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South Park – I mean, South America – is back, with no Donald Trump in sight (yet)
The season 29 premiere of South Park establishes that the town has already been renamed “South America”, turning Donald Trump’s habit of renaming places into a broader satire of American decline and political absurdity. The episode centres on children’s enthusiasm for powerful e-bikes, while adults’ backlash develops into an increasingly violent campaign to ban them.…
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International students, ‘visa hoppers’ and backpackers targeted in Australia migration crackdown
Australia will tighten migration rules for international students, “visa hoppers” and working holidaymakers as it seeks greater control over immigration. Students will generally no longer be able to bring family members, while those extending their stay must progress to a higher qualification; the government says the measures will reduce misuse of student visas and help…
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Anthony Albanese’s government claims there is no mass migration in Australia – so is it any wonder why no one trusts them? PETER VAN ONSELEN
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke unveiled reforms to Australia’s migration system following six weeks of internal government deliberations. In his announcement, Burke contested the characterisation of Australia as experiencing mass migration, describing the notion as “absurd.” His comments prompted commentary questioning the government’s credibility, particularly given that net overseas migration reached over half a million…
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The fight against dementia must be pursued with the same vigour that turned the tide on cancer, Baroness Casey says
Baroness Louise Casey has called for dementia to become Britain’s next major national health mission, receiving the sustained focus that helped transform cancer outcomes. Her intervention follows a report warning that dementia diagnosis, treatment and care in England remain outdated, while experts say cancer’s progress offers a model for reform. Dementia currently claims about 76,000…
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Anthony Albanese’s government announces sweeping changes to migration – as the latest figures are revealed
Australia’s Labor government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its migration system aimed at restricting temporary migration whilst maintaining skilled worker intake. The changes include preventing international students from automatically bringing family members, severely reducing working holiday visa availability, and tightening rules on visitor visa usage. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cautioned that excessive migration…
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US interest rates raised for first time in three years
The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in more than three years, lifting its target range to 3.75%-4% to tackle persistently high inflation. The unanimous decision defied President Donald Trump, who had urged rapid rate cuts, highlighting tensions over the central bank’s independence and economic policy. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh…
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Trump expects Iran war to end soon, threatens European tariffs
President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he hopes the war in Iran is nearing its end, saying Tehran wants to make a deal, as the conflict continues to loom over the US midterm election campaign. In the same appearance, he dismissed as “laughable” a proposal for Canada to join the European Union as…
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Reform in freefall, British mother missing in Malawi, Saudi-Houthi clashes escalate
Sixteen Durham councillors have now quit Reform UK amid its Welsh leader’s arrest, while Leicester mother Nusrat Osman remains missing in Malawi and Saudi Arabia says it downed a Houthi drone near Mecca; also: the EPA scraps power-plant pollution limits and Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro draws a muted reception.