Top World News

Jun 22, 2026 - World

Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastHume has no problem with more debate on NDIS changes, but criticises ‘horse trading’ between Labor and the GreensJane Hume is speaking to RN Breakfast now, saying the Coalition has no problem with increased scrutiny over changes to the NDIS should the Greens negotiate a longer inquiry into the scheme the week.I suppose one of our concerns is that perhaps the changes don’t go far enough in addressing the rorts and the criminal behaviour that we’ve seen embedded in the NDIS system now. We want to make sure that they are appropriately addressed.And we also want to make sure that Australia’s most vulnerable are well cared for. And there does seem to be some oversights in there. So I have no problems with scrutiny of legislation.It’s no surprise that the Greens have got into horse trading with Labor over this. We know exactly what it is that they do. This is their modus operandi.I think that speaks volumes of this Labor government’s priorities. Continue reading...

Jun 22, 2026 - World

In today’s newsletter: Our senior political correspondent talks about how the coming days and weeks may unfold for the Labour government, and how Keir Starmer ended up the most unpopular prime minister in memory• Don’t get First Edition delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning. Today’s the day, probably. Keir Starmer is expected to announce that he will step down as prime minister, after overwhelming pressure from Labour MPs to make way for Andy Burnham to become party leader.This follows the Manchester mayor’s emphatic victory in last Thursday’s Makerfield byelection, where he leveraged his popularity and the prevailing anti-Starmer mood to secure more votes than Reform and Restore combined, cementing his credentials as the man who can take on the hard right in the next general election.Middle East | High-stakes talks between the US and Iran are expected to continue for the rest of the week in Switzerland, after a tense start that saw Iranian negotiators walk out in protest at a stream of threats issued by Donald Trump on social media.Edinburgh | Police Scotland said a man was charged after a series of attacks in Edinburgh on Friday night that are being treated as potential anti-Muslim hate crimes. Counter-terrorism officers were brought in to investigate the attacks in which five people were injured.UK weather | The Met Office forecasts that extremely high temperatures could last from Monday until Thursday, leading to health concerns for elderly and vulnerable people.UK news | Police have named the driver killed in the Bedford train crash on Friday, as his family said they “are devastated by his loss”.Prisons | Pet ferrets kept as therapy animals at the UK’s largest children’s prison have been co-opted by managers to kill rats, resulting in a bloody incident and concerns over child and animal welfare.Tuesday | This day marks the 10 years since the UK voted to leave the EU. A Guardian report analysing the complex legacy of Brexit through boats, bankers and borders is a good place to consider the legacy of leaving the EU.Tuesday | Also this day, Peter Murrell, the ex-chief executive of the SNP, is likely to be sentenced to prison custody after pleading guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party.Wednesday | Donna Ockenden will publish her review of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Britain’s biggest maternity care scandal.Friday | Kings Charles will become the first head of state to reveal their personal tax bill, and will release other financial reports for the royal household. Continue reading...

Jun 22, 2026 - World

Australian federal police arrested and charged two men after allegedly finding $800m worth of cocaine in ‘bunkers’ under shipping containersFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPolice claim to have made Australia’s biggest ever cocaine bust after finding $800m worth of the drug buried under false flooring on a semi-rural property.Two men, aged 21 and 25, allegedly tried to run from police and were arrested on Friday after an operation by Australian federal police, alongside investigators in multiple states. Continue reading...

Jun 22, 2026 - World

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...

Jun 22, 2026 - World

Mediators Pakistan and Qatar issue statement saying talks will run for rest of the week, as fighting in Lebanon continues to threaten agreementIran’s foreign minister has declared “progress” after the first day of talks between high-ranking officials from Washington and Tehran ended in Switzerland, despite a tense opening marked by Donald Trump threats to restart attacks.A joint statement from mediators Qatar and Pakistan said the ⁠US and Iran agreed to a roadmap towards⁠ a final deal within 60 days. Technical talks between lower-ranked officials ​will continue for the rest of the week, according to the statement, with fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon at the top of the agenda. Continue reading...