Top World News
Wood-burning stoves to face partial ban in Labour’s updated environment plan
Dec 1, 2025 - World 
Exclusive: Pollution targets set out alongside nature recovery projects to allay concerns over housebuildingWood-burning stoves are likely to face tighter restrictions in England under new pollution targets set as part of an updated environmental plan released by ministers on Monday.Speaking to the Guardian before the publication of the updated environmental improvement plan (EIP), the environment secretary, Emma Reynolds, said it would boost nature recovery in a number of areas, replacing an EIP under the last government she said was “not credible”. Continue reading...
Rising levels of hate forcing women out of Swedish public life, says equality agency
Dec 1, 2025 - World 
Country seen as champion of equal rights faces reckoning after senior politician says she felt compelled to quitIncreasing hate, threats and harassment against female politicians are scaring women away from public life and forcing them to censor themselves, the Swedish government’s equality agency has said, warning that this poses a “big threat to democracy.”Women’s safety in politics has come under heightened scrutiny in the Scandinavian country since October, when Anna-Karin Hatt resigned as leader of the Centre party after only five months in office, citing hate and threats. Continue reading...
Schools urged to trial four-day week to ease pressure on teachers in England and Wales
Dec 1, 2025 - World 
Advocacy group tells education secretary ‘working smarter’ can protect staff wellbeing and help studentsCampaigners have urged the government to pilot four-day working weeks in schools in England and Wales saying it would boost teacher wellbeing, retention and recruitment rates.The 4 Day Week Foundation has written to the education secretary calling for greater autonomy for schools to pilot shorter working weeks, saying the government will not be able to meet its manifesto pledge of recruiting 6,500 new teachers without change. Continue reading...
Australia news live: 24 taken to hospital after Melbourne carbon monoxide leak; new mental health and contraception warnings for Ozempic-like drugs
Dec 1, 2025 - World 
Follow today’s news liveAustralia tracking Chinese navy flotilla in Philippine Sea as Marles announces major defence overhaulGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIs McLaren costing Oscar Piastri the F1 title, department asked at Senate estimatesIt’s a strong start to Senate estimates this morning, with Nationals senator Matt Canavan asking the department of infrastructure secretary, Jim Betts, about the F1 results from Qatar overnight.It’s been a bit of a frustrating night for some Australians … you deal with transport and cars, so do you think McLaren is biased against Oscar Piastri and costing him the world championship?I definitely think he’s copped some raw decision [making] this year. Continue reading...
Sydney police charge four men over alleged ‘international satanic child sex abuse material ring’
Dec 1, 2025 - World 
Detectives claim to have uncovered Sydney-based network involving online distribution of child sexual abuse material involving ritualistic or satanic themesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFour Australians remain locked up after being charged for alleged involvement in a satanic child sexual abuse material ring.Detectives busted an apparent Sydney-based pedophile network they claimed was actively involved in possessing, distributing and facilitating child sexual abuse involving ritualistic or satanic themes. Continue reading...
