Dag Solstad, a towering figure of Norwegian letters admired by literary greats around the world, has died aged 83. Known for prose combining existential despair, political subjects and a droll sense of humour, Solstad won the Norwegian critics prize for literature an unprecedented three times. A perennial contender for the Nobel prize in literature, Solstad … Read more
Good morning. The Kremlin has confirmed that Vladimir Putin will talk to Donald Trump by phone tomorrow about the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks. As Washington gears up for the call, European leaders are scrambling to prepare for what comes next, fearing unpredictable and controversial concessions from the US president. EU foreign ministers are meeting this morning … Read more
The court of appeal has upheld Thames Water’s £3bn emergency bailout loan, in a decision published on Monday. Appeal court judges dismissed an appeal from environmental campaigners and a small group of Thames creditors after a three-day hearing last week. Both groups argued that the “eye-watering” costs of the £3bn emergency loan, at interest rates … Read more
Lucy Letby has called for the public inquiry into her crimes to be halted, arguing there was now “overwhelming and compelling” evidence undermining her baby murder convictions. Lawyers for the former nurse took the extraordinary step of writing to Lady Justice Thirlwall on Monday to say that the inquiry – which is due to end … Read more
Jim Chalmers will warn Australia must focus on resilience over retaliation as the Trump administration overturns the rules that have governed the global economic order for the past four decades. Chalmers will deliver a major economic address in Brisbane at lunchtime on Tuesday, a week ahead of a budget where the Albanese government will spruik … Read more
China’s government has announced ambitious plans to “vigorously boost consumption” by putting up pay and reducing financial burdens, in its latest attempt to increase consumer confidence and lift its struggling economy. The plans, announced by the ruling Chinese Communist party’s (CCP) central committee and state council on Sunday, include aims to “promote reasonable wage growth” … Read more
Americans are increasingly concerned about Donald Trump’s bid to overhaul the US economy with sweeping tariffs on foreign goods, according to an exclusive poll for the Guardian, despite the US president’s efforts to downplay the risks of his strategy. “Have no fear, we will WIN everything!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday, claiming that … Read more
The hedge fund manager Crispin Odey will be banned from the City and hit with a £1.8m fine by the UK’s financial watchdog for deliberately attempting to “frustrate” a disciplinary process into sexual harassment allegations. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said on Monday that Odey had shown “reckless disregard” for the governance of his hedge … Read more
Ed Miliband has accused the previous Conservative government of negligence for failing to engage with China on climate issues, as he travelled to Beijing for the UK’s first formal climate meetings since 2017. The secretary of state for energy security and net zero was in Beijing to announce a new annual UK-China climate dialogue. The … Read more
Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Trump to attend Kennedy Center for board meeting after Vance booed by audience Good morning and welcome to the US politics live blog. I’m Tom Ambrose and I will be bringing you all the latest news over the next few hours. … Read more