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Minister defends plan to ban zero-hour contracts – even though it could cost £3bn a year
Skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith has defended the government’s proposed ban on exploitative zero-hour contracts, despite official estimates that the changes could cost employers up to £2.9bn a year. The policy is intended to give workers more predictable hours and earnings, particularly when shifts are cancelled or changed at short notice, but businesses warn it…
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Britain’s scorched fields mean a food crisis – and the government is ignoring the one measure that would help | George Monbiot
George Monbiot argues that Britain faces a growing food-security risk after extreme summer heat damaged domestic crops, while weather disruption, war and shipping constraints have weakened international supplies. He says the government is failing to prepare adequately, particularly by refusing to restore strategic food stockpiles that could cushion a temporary shortage or wider system failure.…
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UK economy grew by 0.4% in second quarter as Iran war prompts slowdown
The UK economy expanded by 0.4% between April and June, slowing from 0.6% growth in the previous quarter amid the economic effects of the Iran war. Higher energy prices and weaker consumer confidence were cited as pressures, although the result was stronger than some expectations and suggested continued resilience. Services drove growth, with firms reporting…
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New indictment alleges Nick Reiner was lying in wait before killing his parents
A grand jury has indicted Nick Reiner on murder charges in the killings of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, and adds the allegation that he was lying in wait before attacking them.
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Millions crowd cities to see Spain’s first total solar eclipse in over a century
As the sky darkened, gradually at first and then quickly, people broke into applause and cheered. It was the Spain’s first total solar eclipse in more than a century.
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Taiwan says it was hit by ‘abnormal’ AI-assisted cyber-attack
Taiwan says it detected an “abnormal” overseas cyber-attack against government agencies in July that combined human activity with AI-assisted tools. The case matters because officials describe it as a new form of threat, amid longstanding concerns about cyber operations and other pressure directed at the self-governed island. Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs said the attack…
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Clacton by-election poll tracker: Could Count Binface deliver a huge upset to Nigel Farage?
A Survation poll for Mandate Research suggests Nigel Farage is heavily favoured to retain Clacton in a by-election he triggered, although satirical candidate Count Binface is polling as his nearest challenger. The contest has drawn attention because the main Westminster parties are boycotting it, leaving a crowded field of independents and novelty candidates. The survey…
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Free suncream offered as part of ‘Sun Safe’ campaign to tackle cancer fears as Sheffield braces for heatwave
“It’s a fantastic project and will make a difference”
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What next for Welsh Fire?
Welsh Fire’s men’s and women’s teams have both missed out on The Hundred’s 2026 knockout stages, extending the Cardiff franchise’s wait for a first title. Although both sides improved on last season’s bottom-place finishes, the women finished fifth and the men again failed to reach the play-offs, leaving the club to reassess ahead of next…