Labour losses pile up in England local elections as Reform UK makes gains 08. May 2026 (04:56) Reform runaway winners in north-east, likely pushing Labour into opposition in Hartlepool, with other losses for Starmer in Chorley, Wigan, Redditch and TamworthElection 2026 live: latest news updatesFull results from England, Scotland and WalesThe scale of the electoral challenge facing Labour was laid bare overnight as the party haemorrhaged councillors at the local elections and Reform made significant gains.Keir Starmer’s party went into Thursday’s local elections expected to lose up to 1,850 councillors, with senior figures describing the contest as “tough”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump-ally Roger Stone condemned for providing lobbying services to Myanmar’s military junta 08. May 2026 (02:57) Stone being paid $50,000 a month to ‘rebuild’ relations between Washington and Myanmar’s military-backed governmentUS lobbyist Roger Stone, a longtime friend and ally of Donald Trump, has been condemned for accepting $50,000 a month to “rebuild” relations between Washington and Myanmar’s military-backed government.Myanmar’s leaders have been internationally isolated since seizing power in a coup in 2021, and have repeatedly been accused of atrocities that may amount to war crimes. Activists say the military rulers, which recently held widely condemned “sham” elections, are now trying to reassert themselves abroad. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australia news live: federal budget to include $64bn in savings and ‘reprioritisations’; Australia’s hantavirus risk ‘very low’, health department says 08. May 2026 (02:45) Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the budget will be taking the challenge of inflation ‘very seriously’. Follow updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastDavid Attenborough at 100: ‘I had thought I would celebrate quietly’In a dose of good news, Sir David Attenborough is 100 today. The veteran broadcaster said he expected to celebrate quietly, but expressed gratitude for the well-wishes he had received. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
2026 election results: latest from local, Scottish and Welsh votes 08. May 2026 (02:34) From devolved parliaments in Scotland and Wales to councils and mayoralties in England, find out what happened in your areaLatest news updates and analysis from election night Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘The greatest ambassador for life on Earth’: Tributes paid to David Attenborough on his 100th birthday 08. May 2026 (01:52) Naturalist says he has been ‘overwhelmed by greetings’ as milestone is marked with event at Royal Albert HallDavid Attenborough said he had been “completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings” for his centenary on Friday and thanked wellwishers “most sincerely”.
The naturalist said he had hoped to celebrate his 100th birthday quietly. Instead, the milestone will be marked with a live event at the Royal Albert Hall broadcast on BBC One, featuring music from his programmes as well as stories and reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world.In a recorded audio message shared on Thursday night, Attenborough said: “I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Solomon Islands to get new leader after PM ousted in no-confidence vote 08. May 2026 (01:50) Jeremiah Manele toppled after months of political upheaval in the nation seen as one of China’s closest partners in the Pacific Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele lost power in a no-confidence vote in the South Pacific country’s parliament, ending months of political uncertainty.Parliament was adjourned to allow the governor general to make arrangements for the election of a new prime minister. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US-Iran ceasefire under threat after exchange of strikes in strait of Hormuz 08. May 2026 (01:38) Donald Trump says the ceasefire remains in place despite the strikes, with Iranian TV saying the situation is ‘back to normal’The United States and Iran exchanged fire late on Thursday in the most serious test yet of their month-long ceasefire.Iran accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting two ships at the strait of Hormuz and attacking civilian areas, as the US insisted it struck in retaliation. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US state department to start revoking passports of parents who owe child support 08. May 2026 (00:41) Revocations will start on Friday for those who owe $100,000 or more, and then expand to those who owe $2,500 or moreSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email The US state department will begin revoking the US passports of thousands of parents who owe a significant amount of unpaid child support.The department told the Associated Press on Thursday that the revocations would begin on Friday and be focused on those who owe $100,000 or more. That would apply to about 2,700 American passport holders, according to figures supplied to the state department by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump gives EU until 4 July to ratify trade deal or face ‘much higher’ tariffs 08. May 2026 (00:04) Trump sets Fourth of July deadline as he vents impatience at speed of EU’s implementationDonald Trump has said the EU must ratify its trade deal with the US by 4 July or face “much higher” tariffs, after European officials fell short of agreement on the pact.Trump said he spoke to the EU chief, Ursula von der Leyen, about the issue and, he posted on his Truth Social platform, “agreed to give her until our Country’s 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Elections 2026 live: counting under way after votes in England, Scotland and Wales 08. May 2026 (00:03) The first results in England are expected between midnight and 2am BST; Scottish and Welsh parliament results are due from midday2026 election results: latest from local, Scottish and Welsh votesHello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of election results in England, Scotland and Wales.Thursday’s votes covered the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and 136 local councils in England, where 5,014 seats were contested, including every one on all of London’s 32 borough councils, more than a dozen borough councils, six unitary councils, six county councils and three district councils. A further 73 councils held elections for half or a third of the seats available. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
