The Archers cast ‘angry’ at BBC decision to scrap new Birmingham studio 14. October 2026 (19:12) Ben Norris says cost-cutting measure that means show will be recorded outside its home city risks ‘extraordinary burden’ for crewA cast member of The Archers has said its actors have been angered by the BBC’s decision to axe the show’s new studio, in a move that could lead to it being recorded away from its home in Birmingham.Ben Norris, who plays Ben Archer in the world’s longest-running soap opera, said the decision risked having a real impact on the quality of the show and placing an “extraordinary burden” on its crew. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK’s ‘incoherent’ approach to China plagued by lack of expertise, report says 14. October 2026 (19:00) International alliance of China-sceptic legislators warns of risks inherent in misjudging bilateral relationshipThe UK’s approach to China is “beset by incoherence” and plagued by a lack of senior expertise, according to a report warning of the risks inherent in misjudging the bilateral relationship.An audit by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (Ipac), an international grouping of China-sceptic legislators, says past engagement with Beijing has often exposed the UK to the risks of interference without delivering the opportunities promised. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Manchester City staff invited on government trade trip to India 14. October 2026 (19:00) Exclusive: Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig invited City representative on trade trip organised by business secretaryA club representative from Manchester City was invited on a government-backed trade delegation to India this week, despite the club being found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League rules.Andy Burnham’s successor as Manchester mayor Bev Craig took a representative from the club to Delhi and Mumbai on a trip organised by business secretary Jonathan Reynolds, where she and other northern mayors have been promoting British trade and tourism. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
New UK sanctions powers will enable action against supporters of illegal Israeli settlements 14. October 2026 (18:51) Global human rights commitments adopted by government extend reach to enablers of unlawful activityThe UK is expanding its sanctions powers to freeze assets and target entities enabling illegal Israeli settlements, obstructing humanitarian aid or unlawfully holding prisoners.The statutory instrument introducing the global human rights and international humanitarian law sanctions adds three new grounds to the 2020 regime: serious violations of international humanitarian law, obstruction of humanitarian assistance and serious violations of the right to liberty and security of person. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Plan unveiled to increase share of land farmed organically in England to 10% 14. October 2026 (18:49) Government says ambition for 2036 will be good for food and climate resilience, but concerns remain over fundingThe government has set an ambition to increase the share of English land farmed organically to 10% by 2036, but concerns remain over how the transition will be funded.Currently, just 3.4% of England’s agricultural land is farmed organically, one of the smallest shares in Europe. France, for example, farms 10.4% of its land organically, and aims to increase this to 18% by 2027. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Cornell president acknowledges he knew about fraternity sexual assault but didn’t follow up 14. October 2026 (18:30) Michael Kotlikoff addressed his administration’s handling of the 2024 allegations as he faces calls for his resignationMichael Kotlikoff, the president of Cornell University, has spoken to the New York Times about sexual assault allegations at the school, acknowledging for the first time that he knew a student had reported being sexually assaulted in November 2024, but did not follow up with the Jane Doe involved in the months after learning about the alleged assault.He also revealed that he did not know she had dropped out of Cornell until she filed a lawsuit last month.Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organizations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html Continue reading...(The Guardian)
