Mubeen Blogs

Up to 40,000 Three Lions supporters brought a festival feel to the German city but were left cold by a dour draw They came in their tens of thousands, under the watchful eye of the summer sun. They crammed into the silver sausages of Cologne’s trams, they formed a flotilla of Lime e-scooters. They wobbled on hire bikes, they walked, they wound the windows down on their Ubers and sang of Phil Foden. This was England, travelling England, just don’t think too much about the football. After 10 days of rain and sub-par performances, this felt like the moment everyone had been waiting for: the temperature 30C in a big city with highways and parks and lots of restaurants and bars and even more kiosks where you can load up on random brands of German beer and keep the party going. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/y2Pz5tM

Any thesis on why 24 teams should never have been permitted in the European Championship must feature this game. A stiflingly hot evening in Bavaria saw Denmark and Serbia do absolutely nothing to prove the expansion of this tournament has increased entertainment levels. The occasion was notable for Christian Eriksen winning his 133rd cap, a record for a male Danish player, and … that was about it. Serbia had threatened to withdraw from the Euros last week. Two games later, they have exited anyway. This will be met with general shrugs. Denmark and Eriksen have prolonged their stay in Germany. Still, it was impossible to watch the Danes here – functional, physical, little nuance – and foresee them making impact beyond the last 16. Denmark will argue with a degree of legitimacy that it was Serbia who needed to win here but there was literally nothing from either team worth getting excited by. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/BeMPNGb

Peter Soulsby says party should be reminding Leicester East voters about sex and drug allegations against former MP Keith Vaz could be re-elected as an MP because Labour is failing to highlight that he was disgraced in office amid drug and sex allegations, the Labour mayor of Leicester has said. Peter Soulsby said he was “disappointed and frustrated” by his party’s complacency, which could allow the former Europe minister to win back his former seat of Leicester East. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/CXBFaZj

Dominik Szoboszlai demands to know why medics ‘didn’t rush in’ But governing body believes Hungarian was well cared for Uefa has defended the speed with which treatment was given to Hungary’s Barnabas Varga during Sunday’s Group A win over Scotland, after the Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai added to criticism of medical staff for what he perceived as a slow reaction to his teammate’s injury. European football’s governing body insists Varga was attended to with “no delay”. Varga appeared to collide with the elbow of Angus Gunn, the Scotland goalkeeper, when attempting to meet a Szoboszlai free-kick in the 68th minute. The seriousness of the situation was instantly apparent, and two medics reached him inside 20 seconds. About 45 seconds after the collision, sheeting was placed around Varga to block the view of others in the Stuttgart Stadium and watching on television. It was later revealed Varga had initially been unconscious, sustained a concussion and required surgery on

Prime minister says he fought against predecessor’s plans and warns of migration surge if Labour scraps Rwanda plan Keir Starmer has defended serving in Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow cabinet, saying he wanted to help preserve the Labour party and that he “always knew there was going to be a day after”. Speaking in separate interviews hosted by the Sun newspaper that included questions from a watching audience, Rishi Sunak and Starmer underwent at times difficult interrogations, including over migration and the NHS. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/rQzxuAY

Defeat could mean early elimination for Italy Croatia must win to have chance of progress The Italy centre-back Alessandro Bastoni has promised that they will cast fear to one side when they try to avert the embarrassment of an early exit from Euro 2024. A defeat against Croatia would almost certainly mean the reigning champions have to sweat on the shakedown of third-place finishers, with the chances high that more than four teams will finish on three points. They could even finish bottom of Group B if Albania simultaneously record an unlikely win against Spain, who outplayed Luciano Spalletti’s side on Thursday. It promises to be a knife-edge evening given only a win will do for their opponents and Bastoni believes a no-regrets approach will help banish any lingering disappointment. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/V4igSMj

Foden: ‘We expect more from ourselves’ Stones backs City teammate to produce against Slovenia Phil Foden has said that the intensity in training has gone up as England look to build their physical condition before facing Slovenia on Tuesday. Gareth Southgate raised concerns about the level of England’s pressing after their disappointing 1-1 draw with Denmark but Foden has been encouraged by the preparations for the team’s final match in Group C. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/8HfY5qe

Belgium marmalised Romania to kickstart their European Championship. Saturday night was alright for a fightback, and in front of a raucous crowd they turned the mood of their campaign entirely on its head. After a week of public utterances that suggested he was happy with the way his team had played against Slovakia , and insisting “losing has changed nothing in our mind”, Domenico Tedesco made four changes, refreshing every area of the field. It took all of 73 seconds to register the difference as Youri Tielemans, in for Orel Mangala, finished off a sweeping Belgium move to open the scoring. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Erq3MU8

Jennifer Lawrence is being called ‘brave’ for stepping out in these ankle-length garments – seemingly a low blow for crew sock-wearing gen Z Bridie, you’re a millennial – tell me about your socks Oh Gabs, you could ask me what beauty I saw in the world on this glorious blue sky morning, or how my relationship is with my mother, or what rage is in my heart. But no, everyone wants to talk about millennial socks. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/FEV1zr9

Coach calls for consistency after Germany controversy Both teams need to win final Group A match The Hungary head coach, Marco Rossi, has called for officials to be “consistent” during the Group A clash with Scotland, as the fallout from his team’s loss to Germany on Wednesday continues. Rossi remains adamant Hungary should have been awarded a free-kick in the lead-up to Germany’s opening goal in the tournament hosts’ 2-0 win. He was asked what he expected from Facundo Tello, the Argentinian referee, and referenced what he believes is the favouring of larger nations at the Euros. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/7PJshf5

After so many disappointments, whisper it, but on the evidence of a sneak peek, this could be the episode to remind us all why we loved these movies It has been so very, very long since we got the chance to really experience a great Alien movie, that it is easy to forget what it actually feels like. The creeping sense of dread, the icky body horror, the fear of the unknown. Of all the horror experiences, nothing quite beats the idea of being stuck in space with something that wants to impregnate you, burst out of your chest and run around murdering all your mates, all the while dripping acid blood and delivering more phallic aggression than the average Andrew Tate video. HR Giger’s nefarious nasties really do feel as if they have stepped out of the seventh layer of hades, yet a succession of poor sequels and over-ambitious spin-offs to Ridley Scott’s original 1979 Alien and its bombastic 1986 sequel Aliens, from James Cameron, have reduced the franchise to just another sci-fi also-ran

England must ‘find solutions’ after Denmark take point Manager says players need to cope with expectations Gareth Southgate accepted the blame for England’s turgid 1-1 draw with Denmark , but he suggested that his players must cope better with the weight of expectation on their shoulders at Euro 2024. Southgate, whose team were booed off after labouring in their second match of the tournament, found himself unable to paint a positive picture after a disappointing evening at the Frankfurt Arena. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/PwQ2NC8

Denmark’s goalscorer Morten Hjulmand was the pick of the players as lacklustre England disappointed once again Kasper Schmeichel (GK) Beaten at close range by Kane when England took the lead. Fine save from Watkins. 6 Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/U9KwoYO

Manager incensed no foul given before Germany’s first ‘Germany would have won but referee was the worst’ The Hungary manager, Marco Rossi, accused the referee Danny Makkelie of a “double standard” after a controversial Jamal Musiala goal was allowed to stand in their 2-0 defeat by Germany. Rossi and his players were furious that Ilkay Gündogan was not pulled up, either by Makkelie or VAR, in the buildup for what they felt was a shove on the centre-back Willi Orban. In truth contact had been light and, on balance, the decision seemed correct. But it set Hungary on the way to a defeat that leaves their participation beyond the group stage at Euro 2024 in grave doubt and Rossi pondered whether bigger-name sides might have been treated differently. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/sI19cvw

Exclusive: Shadow chancellor says she wants to shatter ‘last glass ceiling in politics’ and improve women’s position ‘No jobs women can’t do’: Rachel Reeves on idols, fiscal prudence and broken promises The women who came before: Rachel Reeves’s three Labour leading lights Rachel Reeves has promised to close the gender pay gap “once and for all” and make flexible working the norm if she becomes Britain’s first female chancellor. In an interview with the Guardian, the shadow chancellor said she wanted to shatter the “last glass ceiling in politics” and felt a “big responsibility” to use the Treasury to improve the position of women across the UK, including by making sure they were properly rewarded at work. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/nEdgacC

Grace Wales Bonner and Bianca Saunders both reference vintage, mid-century Caribbean style and visual sensibilities With her razor-sharp tailoring and highbrow references, Grace Wales Bonner is a high-fashion favourite. But her eponymous London-based label has now scored wider attention, thanks to her collaborations with Adidas. The recent Samba boom can be traced back to a silver version of the shoe she designed. And she was also responsible for the popular kits worn by Jamaica’s female footballers at the 2023 World Cup. Her show in Paris on Wednesday evening provided further examples of how she is able to please both connoisseurs and customers. Designs included a take on the classic mac, satin suiting, and knitwear subtly flecked with colour, worn with red swimming trunks. But there was also a tracksuit with shorts, and some new trainers – including a Superstar – that are bound to spark excitement online. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/MdswcC3

Oh, what fun we had. What an occasion this was, what noise, what a night. Played in the middle of a biblical storm, water cascading off the roof of the Westfalenstadion, the Euros best night fit the weather somehow: a wild, wonderful, wide open match that had everything: 38 shots, three efforts that hit the woodwork and four goals. One was historic, Georges Mikautadze scoring Georgia’s first ever at a tournament; two were ridiculous, comic book belters from Arda Guler and Mert Muldur, and the other was scored with the last touch of an astonishing evening Kerem Akturkoglu running 70 yards and rolling the ball into an empty net. Right there, with the bench emptying and everyone heading after him, the place erupting yet again when you thought it could hardly erupt any more, Turkey had the victory and this game had the ending it deserved. Or one of them anyway. Just seconds before, Georgia had a 96th-minute chance to equalise – their third opportunity in added time – which would have been

Former world No 1 triumphs 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in first round Murray wins for first time since March, Evans retires As his frustrating results dimmed his hope throughout this season, Andy Murray has repeatedly indicated this year that he is unlikely to extend his career past the summer tournaments. Finally, summer has arrived and Murray returned to Queen’s at the beginning of possibly the final grass court season of his career with a solid win, producing a strong performance to defeat Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round. Murray’s victory over Popyrin marks his 1,000th ATP match, a milestone that only four other active players have achieved and an indication of his enduring longevity despite his physical issues. It is also Murray’s first ATP match win since he injured his ankle at the Miami Open in March. Asked how he was feeling physically, Murray noted, with a smile, that he has felt better. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/mpzrGQZ

Exclusive: Some of the drivers say they were not paid in full and in some cases billed thousands for vehicle damage A group of drivers hired in Spain and brought to the UK to deliver Amazon packages to British households in the run-up to Christmas are taking legal action against the company and one of its subcontractors. The drivers claim the subcontractor promised them earnings of more than £100 a day, free housing, van rental, insurance and free return flights via an online meeting in Spanish. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/RX36JEo

Hayward Gallery, London From a hut that plays music as if it’s history’s jukebox to a rocket fuelled with sugarcane, the Bahamian makes art freighted with history and peopled by the overlooked and flawed ‘You belong here,” reads the neon sign high on one of the Hayward Gallery’s exterior walls, in a curving handwritten script. But where are we and what does belonging mean? That’s what Bahamian artist Tavares Strachan asks in There Is Light Somewhere , which fills the building. Origins and arrivals, disappearances and sudden returns have a big part to play in Strachan’s art. Along the way, the artist has walked to the north pole, following Black polar explorer Matthew Henson, and taken a block of arctic ice back to the Bahamas. He has trained as an astronaut in Russia and blasted a sugarcane-fuelled rocket into the stratosphere, as part of a programme to interest young Bahamians in science and technology, and to further whatever dreams they have of escape. Referencing sports and regg

Section of Kharkiv stadium will be displayed in Munich Rebrov: ‘All players getting messages from our fighters’ Ukraine’s campaign at Euro 2024 will be accompanied by a stark reminder of the destruction inflicted on the country’s football scene after their football association was given permission to display part of a destroyed stadium, used during Euro 2012, in German cities. Sonyachny Stadium in Kharkiv was deployed as a training base for the Netherlands 12 years ago and hosted the 2019-20 Ukraine women’s cup final. It has also served as a facility for the men’s national team. But Kharkiv has been under attack since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and in May 2022 the venue was rendered unusable by heavy shelling. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/gAXQmO0

Police said 28 and 31-year-old are in custody on suspicion of manslaughter following incident in Carlton-in-Lindrick A 16-year-old boy has died after being injured by a falling tree. Nottinghamshire police said two men, aged 28 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death on Saturday. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/I18xcBn

Everyman, Liverpool Tasha Dowd’s big-hearted play is about a Liverpudlian woman who befriends HIV patients at the height of the Aids crisis, and features a ferocious broadside in favour of public services, civic spirit and LGBTQ+ rights It is the end of the 1980s and Aster is doing her bit by befriending Liverpool HIV patients. She is well-meaning and resilient but has one flaw: she has a compulsive way of spoiling the plot. In Tasha Dowd’s play, whenever Aster recommends a book, she always lets slip the twist on the final page. What starts as a quirky character trait grows into a metaphor. There will come a point when the medication of Marc, the man to whom she becomes closest, will cease to keep him alive. At that moment, he will need to cut short his life story and skip to the end. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/9BPybpu

Manager happy for ‘insatiable’ team not to hog the ball Zlatko Dalic apologises to fans for Croatia’s ‘bad show’ Luis de la Fuente apologised for arriving a little late at the post match press conference, explaining that he had encountered a “couple of roundabouts” on his way but insisted that his team had taken a direct route to victory over Croatia that shows that Spain have the versatility to “damage opponents in many different ways”. The coach of the selecci ón also appealed for the country to finally recognise the talent of what he called a “brilliant generation” of “insatiable” players after three first-half goals were enough to defeat Croatia 3-0 in the opening game of Group B in Berlin. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/rJ5ZLv2

Labour leader rejects ‘desperate’ claim from Tory party that he has secret property tax plans General election live – latest news updates Keir Starmer has ruled out imposing capital gains tax on the sale of people’s homes and said it was “desperate” tactics from the Tories to suggest that he would. The Labour leader said he could “absolutely” guarantee that would not happen. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/B2u7cWi

Analysis by leading experts the Nuffield Trust reveals that main parties’ manifestos would squeeze health spending Labour and the Conservatives would both leave the NHS with lower spending increases than during the years of Tory austerity, according to an independent analysis of their manifestos by a leading health thinktank. The assessment by the respected Nuffield Trust of the costed NHS Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/IPrqDbw

The Dane’s presence at these Euros is less about creative inspiration than an affirmation of the game’s greatest values It was the third game of the Euros. There was a slow sense of familiarity returning. The night before, Italy had beaten Turkey 3-0 in Rome. Earlier in the afternoon, Wales and Switzerland had drawn 1-1 in Baku. In Copenhagen, Denmark would face Finland. Covid restrictions meant there would be only 13,700 at Parken. But a year after it should have been played, the fact Euro 2020 was going ahead at all was a symbol that, whatever the lingering effects of the virus, something approaching normal life could return. Finland’s 3,000-strong contingent were giddy on the euphoria of playing in their first tournament; the Denmark fans were, like everybody, glad that football was possible again and that they were hosting a game at a major finals for the first time. The long days of lockdown were in the past. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/gWGC2yw

Prime minister says he intends to continue in parliament for next five years regardless of overall result on 4 July Rishi Sunak has committed to staying on as an MP for the full five-year term if the Conservative party loses the general election. Speaking to journalists in Puglia, Italy, where he is attending the G7 summit, the prime minister said he intended to serve a full parliamentary term regardless of the overall result on 4 July. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/P0AeqW1

Marking seven years since the fire, residents hope election will bring decisive change for bereaved Grenfell residents have marked seven years since the disaster with renewed calls for justice, and some expressing hope the election will bring decisive change for bereaved families and survivors. In 2017 a fire ripped through the Grenfell Tower in west London, killing 72 people. Memorial events, including a silent march, are taking place across north Kensington to remember those who lost their lives. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/tnmle75

Concerns set out over supply of materials with military applications, and impact of subsidies on global market China’s role in providing assistance to Russia in its war against Ukraine, and its “harmful overcapacity” in the production of cheap goods, have been targeted by G7 leaders despite misgivings from Germany. On the second day of the annual summit, being held in Puglia under the Italian chair, the US drove home a 36-page communique that condemned Chinese subsidies for products such as solar panels and electric cars which it said were leading to “global spillovers, market distortions and harmful overcapacity … undermining our workers, industries, and economic resilience and security”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/38Ce0dA

Call for better trail signage and backing for walking clubs as concerns grow over tourists encountering searing heat With Greece gripped by unusually high temperatures, fears are growing that foreign visitors are not aware or being properly informed of the risks posed by overexertion in the searing heat. Over the past week, three search and rescue operations have been started for tourists who have gone missing during treks on far-flung islands, including one for the popular TV presenter Michael Mosley, who was found dead on the island of Symi . Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/yL7olk5

Disposal team attends after former defence minister Jeremy Quin was sent suspicious package A bomb squad had to be called in to a Conservative candidate’s constituency office after he said he received a suspicious package. Sir Jeremy Quin, a former defence minister and the Tory candidate for the Horsham constituency, received the package at his West Sussex office. Bomb disposal experts were called in to investigate after a decision by Sussex police. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/OuUsTS5

Sunak’s interview about going without Sky TV as a child was the perfect warm-up act but Keir Starmer got a few laughs too Well, there’s good news for Sacha Baron Cohen: The Brothers Grimsby is no longer the most excruciating thing set in Grimsby. Asked to name something that might endear him to the public, the exhausted-looking prime minister basically spent a long time gibbering “I like sweets.” As someone famously deprived of a Sky subscription as a child, Rishi Sunak would not have been able to watch this televised “leaders’ event” when he was growing up. The tragedy is that Sky News is now free, so he’d be able to watch himself get repeatedly laughed at by the audience. (Not that that was entirely plain sailing for Keir Starmer, who seemed surprised to find his trusty “my father was a toolmaker” line drawing a burst of jaded cackles too.) Anyway: Starmer v Sunak. The challenger v the gaffer. They call Rishi Sunak the gaffer because he will do you a gaffe at least three times a da

Black bear apparently opened the vehicle by lifting door handle with its mouth, after breaking into same car last year After a string of vehicle break-ins in a north Canadian town, local residents have identified the culprit: a black bear with a taste for upholstery foam. Awoken by a noise near midnight on 11 June, Kayla Seward, who lives in the Ontario township of Larder Lake, went outside to investigate – and found the sleepy black bear locked inside her car. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Oa2t8uM

The paper’s reinvention, with the appointment of Will Lewis as publisher, is a mess – but there’s still time to turn things around Get Margaret Sullivan’s latest columns delivered straight to your inbox What’s the point of owning the Washington Post if it’s no longer the Washington Post? By that, I mean the iconic US newspaper whose storied reputation is based on holding powerful people and institutions accountable, all for the sake of democracy? The paper that broke the Watergate story, thus helping to unseat a corrupt president, and that, following the New York Times, riskily published the Pentagon Papers? When Jeff Bezos bought the Post in 2013, it was struggling financially, and its future was uncertain. The billionaire’s ownership not only restored the paper to profitability for several years, but allowed it to regain its prominence. While setting an ambitious tone for technical transformation, he properly kept his hands off the journalism, letting legendary editor Marty Baro

Exclusive: Siyabonga Twala can begin rebuilding his life after Home Office rescinds exclusion order that left him stuck in Turkey On a scrap of grass behind a red brick housing estate in Chester, Siyabonga Twala stops to get his breath back as his son Mason dribbles a football past him. “You’re too fast now,” he laughs, his chest heaving. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/xTt4W3f

No major surprises at launch, as Davey attempts to separate party from Labour and Tories in terms of policy costings The Liberal Democrats have become the first of the major parties to launch their full election manifesto , at an event in London. Here are the main things to know: Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/60RHkvE

Party’s proposals involve about £140m to refurbish school classrooms, but nothing extra to increase staffing UK general election live – latest updates Labour has been accused of leaving a gap in its childcare plans after the party confirmed its promise to offer 100,000 new childcare places would not involve extra funding to recruit more staff. Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, appeared at a primary school in Nuneaton on Monday alongside the shadow education secretary to publicise the party’s pledge to expand childcare places through primary schools. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/43LpE7K

Fears of negative press outweighed by sadness and disbelief after TV presenter’s body was found five days after he went missing “Thank God we found him.” Seated in his black leather office chair, surrounded by icons, oil paintings, photographs, medals and models ships, Lefteris Papakaloudoukas, Symi’s longtime mayor, is clearly relieved. It’s 9am and almost 24 hours have elapsed since the body of the TV presenter Michael Mosley was found lying in a gulley of rocks and thistle only metres from the sea, beneath the perimeter fence of a beach bar. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/nu27AG4

Leader talks of ‘fully costed, fully funded’ plans for NHS, nursery places, social care and university funding In the sunny garden of a local community centre in Thurrock, a relaxed-looking Keir Starmer, shirt sleeves rolled up, was surrounded by a buzz of television cameras, reporters and Labour party activists taking selfies. Hundreds of miles away in North Yorkshire, Rishi Sunak, who had cancelled a press event on Saturday amid the fallout from his D-day blunder, spent a quiet day in his constituency, nursing his wounds. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/uO62vsI

Cabinet minister Mel Stride says PM ‘deeply regrets’ early exit from 80th-anniversary commemoration in Normandy UK general election live – latest updates An ally of Rishi Sunak has said the prime minister will “absolutely” continue to lead the Conservative election campaign after his D-day ceremony blunder, which triggered fury within the party. The prime minister was campaigning in Yorkshire on Sunday without media appearances, after cutting short his attendance at the 80th anniversary of D-day in France with other world leaders. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/oU6ayGJ

Australia 201-7, England 165-6; Aus won by 36 runs England’s destiny out of their hands after poor display It was supposed to be a game of relatively little consequence, the Ashes rivalry laid on for the sake of the broadcast deal amid an expectation that England and Australia would sweep aside the associate teams in Group B. As the two seeds, this would see them swan into predetermined slots in the Super Eight stage. But after Tuesday’s washout against Scotland was followed by a heavy 36-run defeat to their rivals in sweltering Bridgetown, Jos Buttler’s defending champions have been plunged into a world of net run-rate calculations and weather forecasts when they meet Oman and Namibia in Antigua next week. Even dispensing with those two by heavy margins may not be enough. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/VSumiPW

The Doctor finds love in this lush tribute to Bridgerton, but there’s also murder on the dancefloor … After four decidedly off-the-wall episodes, including two in which Ncuti Gatwa hardly appeared and one where he was immobile on a landmine , it was enjoyable to get a relatively straightforward Doctor Who episode. This was a good old sci-fi costume drama, complete with a murderous, shape-shifting, body-draining alien menace seeking thrills while trying to destroy the world. The explicit references to fandom, cosplay and a season finale only added to the feeling that much of this series has been incredibly meta, with frequent fourth-wall breaks and callbacks to its own earlier episodes. Indeed, the sparring between Rogue (Jonathan Groff) and the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) felt like a turbo-charged version of when the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) met Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) in 2005’s The Doctor Dances , including having a joke about the sonic screwdriver putting up f

Lawes marks last game before Brive move with title ‘I couldn’t believe we won it … we tried so hard to lose it’ The France-bound Courtney Lawes says his Northampton side deserved to be crowned English champions but admitted they had ridden their luck against 14-man Bath before clinching their first Premiership title for a decade. Lawes, who celebrated his final appearance for his hometown club by turning up bare-chested and wearing ski goggles to the post-match press conference, acknowledged Saints’ performance had left much to be desired after hoisting the trophy aloft alongside his teammate Lewis Ludlam. “I’m actually still livid from the game,” said Lawes, speaking to TNT Sports. “I don’t think we could have played worse. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/PsknrfJ

Document approved at ‘clause V’ meeting despite union’s reservations about issues including fire and rehire Labour has signed off its election manifesto before its launch next week, despite a decision by Unite not to endorse it. At the party’s “clause V” meeting on Friday afternoon, the shadow cabinet, union representatives and the national executive committee (NEC) green-lighted the manifesto. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/w4jcr3q

Will Lewis’s appointment of his ex-Telegraph lieutenant Robert Winnett sparks fears journalism will be diminished Below the archaic font of the Washington Post’s masthead, its motto is printed in italic flourish: “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” The publication has been enveloped in its own black cloud this week, as a worsening crisis sparked fears among staff – and media commentators – about the new British senior executives at the heart of its operation. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/eWO6Pcu

Duke of Sussex allowed to challenge high court decision that upheld Ravec’s finding on protection The Duke of Sussex has been granted permission to appeal against the dismissal of his high court challenge over a change to his level of personal security when he visits the UK. Prince Harry took legal action against the Home Office over the decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different degree of taxpayer-funded protection when in the country. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/yK0FRjd

Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/nNbkI4u

Discover and buy more of Ben’s cartoons here Order your own print of this cartoon from the Guardian Print Shop Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/S4jeCKk

Two-time Olympic rowing champion and mother of three has been named in women’s four aged 37 – and is targeting podium Helen Glover is targeting Olympic glory in her fourth games after being named in a revitalised Team GB squad for this summer’s showpiece in Paris. There is realistic hope that Great Britain will consign their sub-standard showing at Tokyo 2020 to distant memory. A medal for Glover and company in the women’s four would put the team firmly on course for success and the 37-year-old, who won gold in the coxless pairs at London 2012 and Rio 2016, feels ready to push for a third. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/dRDIFEu

Smith and Martin Lawrence may be in the career wilderness but the serial rule-breakers are back with a winning cop comedy Martin Lawrence, America’s lost hero of broad comedy, has had his movie profile kept on a kind of life-support by the near 30-year-old Bad Boys franchise; but some of us furtive Lawrence fans still sheepishly bond over re-watchings of the great man’s masterpiece, his 2001 merrie England adventure Black Knight alongside Tom Wilkinson. Now Lawrence appears in the fourth Bad Boys film in the remarkable situation of being in better career shape than his Oscar-winning co-star Will Smith, who is still in disgrace for the Slap Heard Around the World and then, just as importantly, the F-Bombs Heard Around the World So Everyone Knew the Slap Was Real. This film’s production having been delayed by The Controversy, Lawrence and Smith are back as rule-breaking cops Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey; first seen in 1995, they are now the Bad Late-Middle Aged Men. Our two heroes e

Exit polls had projected overwhelming victory for the BJP and an even stronger mandate for India’s strongman India’s elections may return Narendra Modi to power for a third term , but Tuesday’s results did not have the flavour of victory for the strongman prime minister. Indeed, as the early counts of the votes began to roll in, it was clear this was going to be one of the most humbling moments for Modi and his Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) in over a decade. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/9GA2OfS

Scientists say calamities on same scale as disaster that has killed 169 will become more common if emissions not cut The unusually intense, prolonged and extensive flooding that has devastated southern Brazil was made at least twice as likely by human burning of fossil fuels and trees, a study has shown. The record disaster has led to 169 deaths, ruined homes and wrecked harvests, and was worsened by deforestation, investment cuts and human incompetence. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/rOEJKbz

Comment made despite signs of division in Israeli war cabinet and Netanyahu appearing to challenge the deal The White House insisted that the “ball was in Hamas’s court” on whether to accept a new Gaza peace proposal, despite mixed signals from Benjamin Netanyahu reflecting turmoil within his governing coalition in Israel. The US national security spokesperson, John Kirby, insisted on Monday that it was an Israeli proposal – despite the fact it had been unveiled by Joe Biden on Friday, during the Jewish Sabbath, and Netanyahu had appeared to challenge it. The Israeli prime minister said any deal that did not lead to the complete destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capacity would be a “non-starter”. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Oo0XWuk

These are the moments he lives for – right at the centre of things, all stardust and no responsibility Alas, poor Dicky, I knew him well. Richard Tice and Nigel Farage had already given two press conferences in the previous week. Both times they had been given equal billing. Even though everyone but Dicky T knew who the real star was. On Monday all pretence had been pushed aside. Out came the op note. Nigel Farage was to make an “emergency election announcement”. Tice wasn’t even mentioned as an afterthought. Even though he was probably paying for the pleasure. Dicky was determined not to be left out, though. The man with no charisma or personal warmth relegated once more to Nige’s warm-up act. The man on the downward trajectory. Soon he will be relegated to doorman. I’m not sure if Tice even convinces himself. His patter is all third-rate Farage. The sort of thing you might get if you typed “write me a bad Nigel speech” into ChatGPT. Reform was “moving into eighth gear”, he said. Re

Scotland playmaker has enjoyed success at Twickenham and will be instrumental in club’s hopes of a first title since 1996 The finale to the English club season almost feels like a throwback to another era. On Saturday Bath will seek to claim their first league title since 1996 while Northampton’s solitary Premiership title was won 10 years ago . Add in a near-capacity crowd for a domestic Twickenham final – attendances have been on the wane in recent times – and it has all the makings of a cracking occasion. Bath, in particular, are daring to dream that decades of frustration and underachievement could be almost over. Two years ago they finished bottom of the league but the 31-23 semi-final win against Sale on Saturday was the latest example of their bench strength and increasing ability to tough out tight games. In Finn Russell at fly‑half they also have a conductor who relishes big occasions. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/IX5cOHv

Increase sharper than in any age group and likely linked to obesity levels, junk food and inactivity, say experts The number of people under 50 being diagnosed with cancer in the UK has risen 24% in two decades, a sharper increase than any other age group, according to figures experts say are likely linked to soaring obesity levels, cheap junk food and inactivity. Early onset incidence rates grew from 132.9 per 100,000 people in 1995 to 164.6 in 2019, analysis of data shows. About 35,000 under-50s are now developing cancer every year, almost 100 young women and men a day, the research reveals. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/UXSCWhI

A look back at the life of the rugby league star who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019 and has died aged 41 Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/KTNUM15

Roberto Meza Mont and Craig Ruddy had been together a decade when their relationship reached a crossroads. Then two brazen reptiles showed them the way forward Craig and I locked eyes on a Sydney street a couple of days after the 2001 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. I was 23, new to Australia from Peru, and still shaking off the cobwebs of a conservative Catholic upbringing. To me, Craig looked like someone from another planet: a lean, strong frame, curly beach-blond hair and a smile that seemed to light up the whole city. My English was basic but our shared sense of humour cut through the language barrier. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/Og8GYF0

New poll gives Labour its biggest lead since Liz Truss meltdown as ‘Tory towns’ gain most from new funds The Tory general election campaign hit more trouble on Saturday as Rishi Sunak faced accusations of using levelling up funds to win votes and Labour opened its biggest poll lead since the disastrous premiership of Liz Truss. As Sunak tried to fire up his ­party’s campaign before the first crucial TV debate with Keir Starmer on Tuesday, it emerged that more than half of the 30 towns each promised £20m of regeneration funding on Saturday were in constituencies won by Tory MPs at the last election. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/ufInicV

With a vote on the technology looming, it’s debatable that the search for accuracy is worth the sacrifice of spontaneity On Thursday, Premier League clubs will vote on Wolves’ proposal to scrap video assistant referees . The motion will almost certainly not achieve majority support, never mind secure the 14 votes out of 20 needed for it to pass. But what it may do is to shift the Overton window and lead to a serious review of VAR, an assessment of where it works and where it doesn’t. And that is something that is long overdue. Consultation is unfashionable in the modern world. Politicians of all stripes act too often in effect by fiat, and that is as true in football as anything else. VAR was imposed for the 2018 World Cup with minimal research or conversation and accepted almost everywhere without anybody really investigating the consequences. Continue reading... from The Guardian https://ift.tt/5hsiMo2