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Green members approve motion describing Zionism as racism, sparking dispute
The Green Party members have approved a motion describing Zionism as racism, with 1,022 voting in favour and 813 against. The decision has triggered significant controversy, with three former party leaders—Caroline Lucas, Adrian Ramsay and Carla Denyer—warning it would alienate Jewish members and divide the party. The motion also calls for Israel to be treated…
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Carpet seller’s pricing strategy shows how easier returns can protect loyalty
Retailers are making returns more difficult with fees, shorter deadlines and extra questions, risking customer loyalty and negative publicity. Gene Marks argues that businesses should treat returns as a predictable cost and include it in their prices rather than burden customers at the point of return. Marks recalls carpet wholesaler Jerry Crawford, who set aside…
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Cabinet revolt over John Healey’s plans for raid on banks as he struggles to balance books in Budget
Chancellor John Healey is facing opposition from within Cabinet over plans to raise taxes on banks as he prepares his first Budget on 28 October. The proposed higher levy on the banking sector has provoked concerns from senior ministers who worry it could undermine Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to economic growth and deter business…
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UK carmakers weigh Chinese investment against EU access; Baltimore shooting kills girl
UK carmakers face critical choice between Chinese investment and vital EU market access amid protectionist threats. A 12-year-old girl was killed and three adults wounded in a Baltimore shooting near a youth football game.
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TPLF forces leave Mekelle as Ethiopian army advances
Tigray rebel forces say they have temporarily withdrawn from Mekelle, the regional capital, as fighting with Ethiopia’s national army approaches. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front said it moved its forces because of concerns for civilians; residents told the BBC that pro-government forces now control the city. The withdrawal marks a major shift in renewed fighting…
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Reading container housing site faces complaints over antisocial behaviour and trespassing
A shipping container accommodation site designed to house homeless people in Reading, which was originally praised as an innovative solution when it opened in 2021, has become plagued by anti-social behaviour and complaints from both residents and neighbouring property owners. What was hailed as a “dream for all homeless people” has deteriorated significantly over five…
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Trump appoints officials to coordinate US government engagement with AI companies
Donald Trump has announced a White House task force to coordinate the US government’s engagement with AI companies and other groups. The move signals his administration’s determination to keep the US ahead of China in AI development, despite warnings about possible risks and concerns over job losses. The group will be led by Director of…
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Accused Sydney murder plot organiser awaits trial on bail after businessman pays bond
Jade McCaskie, 35, is awaiting trial on murder charges related to the death of Nathan Hill, 44, who fell from an apartment block in western Sydney in May 2024. She is accused of orchestrating a “honey trap” scheme involving intimate images to lure Hill to his death. Whilst three of her four co-accused remain in…
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Dems hand GOP fresh midterm weapon by opposing widely used voter ID
Senate Democrats rejected a Republican-backed federal voter ID measure, giving Republicans a campaign issue ahead of the midterms. Republicans say Democrats are blocking a popular policy to deny the president and GOP a political win, while Democrats have argued they object to the bill’s approach and potential effects on voters. Voter ID is already required…