The US re-legalized the death penalty 50 years ago. Is it working as intended? 22. June 2026 (12:00) The Marshall Project analyzed over 9,000 death sentences handed down since states brought the punishment backFifty years ago, Americans set out on a polarizing mission: to find a just and fair way to punish the worst-of-the-worst crimes by execution.In some ways, this was a surprising choice. In 1972, a narrow majority of the US supreme court had scrapped the country’s entire death penalty system, calling it “morally unacceptable”, “racially discriminatory” and “arbitrary”. It seemed possible that Americans might join our peers in Europe and Latin America, many of whom had ended executions for good. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
From migration to Mandelson: Keir Starmer’s successes and failures in No 10 22. June 2026 (11:52) Where did it go wrong for the outgoing prime minister? And how much – if at all – did it threaten to go right?Keir Starmer pitched himself as a leader for “stability and moderation” who would rebuild Britain, after Labour’s landslide victory in the 2024 general election.But after two years which have seen unforced errors, economic headwinds, scandals and, most recently, a disastrous set of devolved, mayoral and local election results the UK is set to have its sixth prime minister in seven years. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Starmer announces resignation as prime minister and leader of the Labour party - UK politics live 22. June 2026 (11:51) The prime minister said a new leader will be in place before parliament returns in SeptemberFull report: Keir Starmer to step down as prime minister two years after historic election victoryThis is from Tom Baldwin, Keir Starmer’s biographer, and head of communications for Ed Miliband when he was Labour leader.We seem to be in a strange place where Keir Starmer is being told he must quit to prevent more uncertainty and chaos (by those who have caused much of it) but then stay on for a couple of months because the guy who has been desperate to take his job is not yet ready to do so…Keir Starmer has a mandate from Labour members.He stood on a manifesto and won a mandate from the British peopleModern politics:Consumerisation Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Zelenskyy pledges to ‘bring war back to Russia’ after drones swarm toward Moscow – Europe live 22. June 2026 (11:49) Russia intercepted 300 Ukrainian drones across the country and temporarily suspended operations from Moscow airportBack to Ukraine, president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the overnight Russian strikes on Ukraine, drawing on the importance of the Russian Day of Memory and Sorrow, the anniversary of the 1941 Nazi Germany invasion of the Soviet Union.“Yet today, Russia began this day not by honoring those who fell in World War II, and not with signals that could help bring the current war – Russia’s war against Ukraine – closer to an end. Instead, it began with more completely unjustifiable killings,” he said.“This Russian war has no justifiable cause. Putin was driven by exactly the same motives as the aggressors who came before him. He shows the same contempt for human life. He is just as delusional about this absurd ‘empire’ of his that nobody needs. This war must be brought to an end.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Babcock says Brexit and Covid beset Royal Navy contract as profits plunge 22. June 2026 (11:41) Underlying operating profits down 19% with 2019 frigate-building programme making loss, firm reportsOne of the UK’s biggest defence contractors has blamed Brexit and Covid among a catalogue of problems to beset a key contract for the Royal Navy, which led its annual profits to plunge.Annual profits at Babcock International fell by almost a fifth in the year to the end of March, as the firm reported a £140m charge on its contract to build five Type 31 frigates for the Royal Navy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Keir Starmer to step down as prime minister two years after historic election victory 22. June 2026 (11:37) Labour leader bows to mounting pressure after Andy Burnham’s success against Reform UK in MakerfieldUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has announced he will stand down as prime minister after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers, following the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster.Less than two years after a historic election victory, Starmer had faced calls from his MPs to set out a timeline for his departure, with many of them unnerved by the threat from Nigel Farage’s party before the next general election. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK and France rewrite ‘one in one out’ treaty to stop removed migrants returning 22. June 2026 (11:17) People smugglers have been using lorries to bring people deported to France under the deal back to the UKThe UK and France have been forced to rewrite the “one in, one out” deal because of concerns over the numbers of people re-entering the UK after being removed to the continent.The original treaty said people arriving in small boats could be returned to France. But people smugglers have used lorries to bring people who had been deported to France under the deal back to the UK. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Teen accused of planning terror attack on Peter Dutton and Brisbane march was making ‘edgy joke’, court told 22. June 2026 (09:42) Defence barrister claims teenager was a ‘troubled kid’ but crown prosecutor says he was serious when he wrote of copying US domestic terroristsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA teenager accused of preparing a nail bombing campaign was either a “troubled kid” who made edgy jokes or a determined terrorist in waiting, a court has been told.The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, spent last week on trial in the Brisbane supreme court after pleading not guilty to one count of acts done in preparation for or planning a terrorist act. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Brexit: how it has hit your wallet at the supermarket and on holiday 22. June 2026 (08:00) Ten years on, leaving the EU has made life more difficult and costly – here are some of the ways we’ve lost outIt is 10 years since voters in the UK chose to leave the EU, and our wallets have been feeling the effects ever since.From paying more to take the dog on holidays in France – and making calls while you are there – to higher grocery bills and the headache of filling in customs forms for parcels, Brexit has made many simple tasks more complicated and expensive. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Zali Steggall expected to launch teal party after months of secret talks 22. June 2026 (07:36) Allegra Spender, Sophie Scamps and Nicolette Boele are understood to be open to the idea but other crossbenchers are firmly againstFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastZali Steggall is poised to launch a new political venture as soon as this week after months of secret talks about the future of the teal movement.But it may be a party for one, at least initially, as the prospect of a “teal party” continues to divide crossbench MPs. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
