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SNP ministers pressed to explain missed chances to stop jailed officer’s offending
A Scottish opposition politician argues that ministers must explain how Campbell Petrie was able to continue offending after an earlier case against him was dropped. Petrie, a serving police officer who raped and abused women, has been jailed for 12 years; the article says his victims deserve answers about missed opportunities to stop him and…
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Kal Penn’s Busy Onscreen Year Includes Playing Anna Nicole Smith’s Doctor, A Gregg Araki Role & ‘Harold & Kumar 4’ In Works: “One Of The Funniest Scripts”
Kal Penn is returning to leading roles after years of combining acting with political work. His latest film, *Trust Me, I’m a Doctor*, casts him as Dr Sandeep Kapoor, Anna Nicole Smith’s physician, and recounts their professional relationship and brief friendship. Penn says he was drawn to Kapoor’s insecurity and vulnerability, while acknowledging the film…
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Cut public spending rather than raising taxes on banks, IMF warns Healey
The IMF has advised Chancellor John Healey to consider reducing public spending rather than raising taxes on banks as he prepares the Budget. The warning matters because the Government is seeking to address fiscal pressures, while a bank tax increase has been proposed as a way to raise revenue. The IMF’s Helge Berger said UK…
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Government settles legal claim with sacked official over Mandelson vetting
The Government has reached an out-of-court settlement with Olly Robbins, the former senior Foreign Office official sacked by Keir Starmer over Peter Mandelson’s security vetting. Robbins had sought a judicial review, saying he was dismissed after following normal practice on whether to share vetting findings; the settlement ends the proceedings, though its terms have not…
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Government settles after challenge by sacked Foreign Office chief over Peter Mandelson vetting
The Government has reached an out-of-court settlement with Sir Olly Robbins, who challenged his dismissal as the Foreign Office’s top civil servant after a dispute over Peter Mandelson’s security vetting. The case raised questions about ministerial responsibility and the relationship of trust between ministers and civil servants. Robbins was sacked after reports that Mandelson had…
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Elon Musk dumps $158 million into Texas Senate race that Trump now fears losing in eleventh-hour Hail Mary
Elon Musk donated $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, which channelled the money to a Texas political action committee supporting Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton. Paxton has been trailing Democrat James Talarico in several polls, making the traditionally Republican seat a closely watched contest. The Federal Election Commission disclosures show Musk gave $75 million…
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ANDREW NEIL: It’s early days but I already fear Bumbling Burnham is a dud who’s not up to being Prime Minister
Andrew Neil questions whether Prime Minister Andy Burnham is ready for the role, arguing that his strengths in personal storytelling and local transport do not translate into command of defence, foreign policy or the economy. The article says Burnham’s early missteps are raising doubts about his judgement and experience, despite his popularity with Labour supporters…
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Ukraine pushes Russia back on front line where Starlink has played key role
Ukraine says its Operation Vivaldi counter-offensive has pushed Russian forces back and recaptured ground in the eastern Donbas. The gains helped blunt a Russian attempt to encircle Ukrainian-held cities in the Fortress Belt, while highlighting the role of digital communications in modern combat. Kyiv says the operation liberated 277 sq km and caused about 8,000…
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Real Madrid demand La Liga president resign over Goebbels comparison
Real Madrid have demanded La Liga president Javier Tebas resign after he compared the club’s efforts to criticise referees with Nazi propaganda techniques. Tebas said he was comparing methods, not ideology or Madrid supporters; the club said his repeated attacks showed he lacked the neutrality and impartiality required for his role. Tebas criticised Real Madrid’s…