Starmer tells social media firms in No 10 meeting ‘things can’t go on like this’ 16. April 2026 (12:53) PM summons senior figures from Meta, TikTok, Google and X and says social media is ‘putting our children at risk’Keir Starmer has told social media bosses “things can’t go on like this” in a Downing Street meeting over internet safety.The prime minister summoned senior figures at Meta, TikTok, Google and X to No 10 on Thursday morning as his government considers imposing new restrictions on platforms, including an Australia-style ban for under-16s. Meta owns Facebook and Instagram, and Google owns YouTube. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Hampshire College was ‘a magical place’ for a progressive education. It couldn’t survive this era 16. April 2026 (12:00) Hampshire is latest school to fall to declining enrollment amid a decades-long crisis affecting liberal arts collegesSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxWhen Hampshire College enrolled its first class of students in 1970, it offered a new breed of liberal arts education, one meeting each student’s interests and motivations, emphasizing learning across disciplines and close relationships with teachers.For the next 56 years, Hampshire provided just that, becoming a beloved alma mater to scores of unconventional learners who sought, and found, a college experience “unlike anywhere else – and unlike anyone else’s”, as the school’s site still promises to deliver. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
SNP would set maximum price for essential foods, says Swinney as he fears costs affecting nutrition in Scotland – UK politics live 16. April 2026 (12:00) SNP leader and first minister launches election manifesto as party fights to remain in power at HolyroodSwinney says this is a manifesto for the whole of Scotland.He confirms that the SNP would argue for the Scottish power to have more control over energy policy (still largely reserved to Westminter). He says:The problem is not that we do not have the energy. The problem is that Westminster has the power. This election is our opportunity to take those powers and put them into Scotland’s hands. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ian Katz to leave role as Channel 4 programming chief in the autumn 16. April 2026 (11:59) Exit of former Newsnight editor after eight years comes after appointment of new chief executive Priya DograChannel 4’s content chief, Ian Katz, who holds responsibility for the broadcaster’s £650m annual programming budget and output, is to leave after almost nine years in the post.Katz, a former senior executive at the Guardian, became the channel’s director of programmes in January 2018, having moved from being the editor of BBC’s Newsnight. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Has Marles bowed to Trump’s wishes on defence spending? The figures are as clear as mud 16. April 2026 (11:59) The defence minister insists that increases in spending did not happen because of thinktanks, retired generals ‘or washed-up bureaucrats’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIf there’s anyone who knows just how much pressure Donald Trump is heaping on allies to lift defence spending, it’s Richard Marles.The message was received loud and clear when he met his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, in Singapore nearly a year ago. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Europe live: Russia ‘does not deserve’ lifting of sanctions, Zelenskyy says, after deadly overnight strikes in Ukraine 16. April 2026 (11:47) Ukrainian president says nearly 700 Russian drones and 19 ballistic missiles mostly targeted Kyiv, Odesa and DniproMeanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry claimed that its overnight attack was focused on striking production facilities for cruise missiles and drones and energy targets, which it said supplied Ukraine’s armed forces, Reuters reported.But the Ukrainian authorities said that the strikes killed a number of civilians, including two teenage children, with 16 dead, and some 100 wounded in total. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Struggling theatres must ‘programme their way out’, says Young Vic director 16. April 2026 (11:15) Nadia Fall calls for bold thinking as she announces new shows including anti-Trump version of Thelma & LouiseTheatres facing financial difficulty can only prosper by “programming their way out of it”, according to the Young Vic artistic director, Nadia Fall, who has announces her new slate of shows, including an anti-Trump musical version of Thelma & Louise.Fall, who took the helm at the Young Vic in 2025 and oversaw staff cuts after a £500,000 deficit in the last financial year, said theatres must put on unmissable productions in order to balance the books. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK could face gaps on supermarket shelves by summer if Iran war continues 16. April 2026 (11:04) Ministers drawing up contingency plans for ‘reasonable worst-case scenario’ if supply of CO2 is disruptedBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK could face some gaps on supermarket shelves this summer if disruption caused by the Iran war continues, with shortages of carbon dioxide potentially hitting supplies of chicken, pork and fizzy drinks.Government ministers are drawing up contingency plans for a “reasonable worst-case scenario” if the key shipping lane of the strait of Hormuz does not reopen, disrupting supplies of the CO2 required by the food industry. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Middle East crisis live: Trump says Israel and Lebanon to hold talks Thursday; US hits Iran’s oil sector with new sanctions 16. April 2026 (08:55) New meeting to come after rare direct talks between the countries mediated by US; Netanyahu earlier says Israel about to ‘overwhelm’ part of southern LebanonUS and Iran in indirect talks to extend two-week ceasefireSome news outlets have reported Lebanese officials as saying they were unaware of any contact or meeting with Israel, after Donald Trump said on social media that Israeli and Lebanese leaders would speak to each other today.AFP news agency reported an official source in Lebanon saying: “We are not aware of any planned contact with the Israeli side, and we have not been informed of any through official channels.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Tesco warns profits could fall amid Iran war uncertainty 16. April 2026 (08:49) UK’s biggest supermarket voices caution for year ahead despite annual profits rising 8.5% to £2.4bnBusiness live – latest updatesTesco has warned that profits could fall back in the year ahead amid “increased uncertainty caused by the conflict in the Middle East”.The warning came after the UK’s biggest supermarket hit its highest share of the market in a decade. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
