The Guardian - January 25, 2025

In this issue

January 25, 2025

Rescuers of Thames Water seek 'clean slate' on debt pile

Thames Water's potential rescuers are seeking a clean break with the company's past before they commit fresh funds, with some demanding a temporary renationalisation to help cut debts and replace bosses, the Guardian can reveal.

2 mins

Labour seeks deal to downsize Lords and avoid delays to bills

Labour is looking to strike a deal in the House of Lords on cutting the size of the chamber in an effort to avoid further legislation, the Guardian has learned.

2 mins

The future of urban travel? My day out in a goofy yellow golf buggy

My day out in a goofy yellow golf buggy

3 mins

Saudi Arabia Asks Hans Zimmer to Rearrange National Anthem

Saudi Arabia has asked the Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to recreate its national anthem, a senior official said, as the kingdom steps up its image makeover.

1 min

British Council could disappear within a decade, warns CEO

The British Council and World Service are two major British soft power institutions that serve as force multipliers for the UK

2 mins

Even in the new world of self-interest and force, Britain's soft power remains vital

The British Council and World Service are two major British soft power institutions that serve as force multipliers for the UK

2 mins

Travel and power hit as Éowyn rages in UK and Ireland

More than 1,000 flights were cancelled and a number of main roads closed yesterday as millions of people in the UK and Ireland were asked to stay home amid red \"danger to life\" warnings because of a rare \"weather bomb\" brought by Storm Éowyn.

3 mins

'What do I do if I want to kill?' How teenager became a murderer

When Axel Rudakubana returned to school after summer five years ago, something had changed.

2 mins

Sentencing International law restricts whole-life terms - No 10

Downing Street has rejected calls for sentencing reforms, saying it does not have the power to extend whole-life sentences to killers aged under 18 because of international law.

2 mins

Half of smokers trying to quit in England use poor tactics, study finds

A million smokers a year in England try to quit by employing methods with little chance of success, according to research.

2 mins

Doors can creak'

Locals spooked by paranormal in Adele's village

3 mins

Pesticides, bacteria and lead found in cannabis sold in Amsterdam

Lead, pesticides and potentially harmful bacteria were among the contaminants found during an investigation into cannabis sold in semi-legal coffee shops in the Netherlands.

1 min

Streeting: It's Time to Fight Battle of Ideas Against Rightwing Populists

Wes Streeting is to criticise Nigel Farage for pushing a \"miserabilist, declinist\" vision of Britain, arguing it is time to start fighting a battle of ideas against the rightwing populists.

3 mins

'Foot to the pedal' Reeves wants barriers to growth to fall faster

When Rachel Reeves gives her major speech on growth next week, she has told officials, she does not want to announce any more reviews or consultations.

4 mins

Prevent Badenoch warned on 'community alienation' in 2015 report

Kemi Badenoch, who criticised a Labour manifesto that warned the Prevent programme could alienate communities, co-authored a report which expressed concern that the same anti-radicalisation scheme was alienating communities.

2 mins

Ian Murray First cabinet MP to take paternity leave in full

Ian Murray, the Scottish secretary, will become the first cabinet minister to take full paternity leave as Labour prepares to roll out new workplace rights for parents.

2 mins

Legally binding climate and nature bill dropped

Ministers have seen off a bill that would have made the UK's climate and environment targets legally binding, after promising Labour backbenchers that they will have input into environmental legislation.

2 mins

Mystery buyer snaps up 40-bed Regent's Park mansion for £139m

A 40-bedroom mansion in Regent's Park formerly owned by the Saudi royal family has been sold for nearly £139m in one of London's biggest ever property sales.

1 min

No hard feelings Carpets make a warm comeback

For the past decade or so it has been ripped up and tossed out, but now carpet is making a comeback.

3 mins

Judges who heard Sara Sharif care case can be named next week, court rules

Three judges who oversaw family court proceedings related to the care of the murdered Sara Sharif can be named next week, the court of appeal has ruled.

3 mins

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