The Guardian - December 12, 2024

In this issue

December 12, 2024

Syrian rebel leader vows to pursue torturers

The Islamist rebel commander responsible for the downfall of the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has said that those responsible for torture and killing in the notorious prisons system will not evade justice after the extent of the regime's crimes against its own people in detention centres was revealed.

3 mins

'A daily living hell' Sara Sharif's father and stepmother guilty of her murder

Sara Sharif's father and stepmother have been found guilty of her murder, as questions were raised over missed opportunities to save the 10-year-old.

4 mins

Ministers to axe more than 10,000 civil service jobs in budgets purge

Ministers are to cut more than 10,000 civil service jobs as Whitehall departments battle to stay within spending limits under a new government efficiency drive, the Guardian has learned.

3 mins

Human rights warnings after Fifa awards 2034 World Cup to Saudis

Fifa set the seal on one of the most controversial decisions in its history yesterday by confirming Saudi Arabia would host the 2034 World Cup.

3 mins

Puberty blockers for gender dysphoria banned indefinitely

Puberty blockers for under-18s with gender dysphoria will be banned indefinitely across the UK except for use in clinical trials, the government has announced.

2 mins

'Ultimate superficiality': experts cast doubt on tech that could soften the blow of grumpy texts

Is that you? Or is it the bot? Linguists have said the nuance and character of human language are at risk, as Apple becomes the latest tech firm to launch artificial intelligence tools that can rewrite texts and emails to make users sound more friendly or professional.

3 mins

In Wimborne Minster's panto no one can hear you scream

For anyone weary of the usual feel-good festive films - Love Actually, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street and so on - a joyfully amateur retelling of the classic space horror Alien by Dorset bus drivers may just appeal.

1 min

'Heartbreaking' Unspeakable abuse meted out to child laid bare in court

At first glance, a home video that showed Sara Sharif singing in front of the TV could have been filmed in any happy household.

5 mins

Warning signs The 15 missed chances to keep Sara from harm

The murder of Sara Sharif has raised serious questions about missed chances to prevent her death, with the case revealing 15 occasions when it was flagged to authorities that the schoolgirl was potentially in danger.

3 mins

'He was not present' Family of guilty father continue to blame stepmother for death

Urfan Sharif's family refused to believe he had killed his daughter, Sara, even after he told jurors: \"I want to admit that it's all my fault.\"

2 mins

Brief respite over after years of Tory jibes

Many civil servants breathed a sigh of relief after seeing the back of the Conservatives in July - a hoped-for end to long-running pay disputes, the looming axe of job cuts and a sense of chaos.

1 min

Gregg Wallace 'harassed young journalist with creepy texts'

Gregg Wallace is accused of sending inappropriate texts to a young female reporter asking her for \"a snog\" and leaving \"creepy\" voicemails after taking her number under the pretext of work.

3 mins

Bowel cancer cases in under-50s on the increase across the world

The number of under-50s being diagnosed with bowel cancer is increasing worldwide, according to landmark research that also reveals rates are rising faster in England than in almost any other country.

2 mins

'Finally we can breathe' Country gets back to work after president is ousted

When Hayyan Maqsoud, the director of Syria's postal service, returned to work, the first thing he did was remove the portraits of the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, and his father, Hafez, from the walls of his Damascus office.

3 mins

What will US do now? The risks raised by a hands-off approach

For a Biden administration in its final days, managing the downfall of Bashar al-Assad was not on the cards.

3 mins

Islamic State Begum and 65 other Britons in prisons face uncertainty amid offensive

Shamima Begum and 65 other Islamic State-linked Britons detained in prisons and camps in north-east Syria face an uncertain future as Turkish-backed rebel groups continue an offensive against the Kurdish groups who guard them.

2 mins

Assad's downfall planned by US and Israel, claims Iran's supreme leader

Iran's supreme leader has claimed the US and Israel acted as the command centre that engineered the downfall of Syria's former president, Bashar al-Assad, and the ousting of Iran from the country.

3 mins

Golan Heights Druze population on Syrian border fear territorial battles

On the outskirts of the Druze village of Majdal Shams, high in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, a gate in the fence leads to the supposedly demilitarised buffer zone on the Syrian side.

4 mins

Police investigation into Post Office is of 'unprecedented' size

The police criminal inquiry into the Post Office has identified dozens of persons of interest so far, as a team bolstered to 100 officers investigates the actions of executives, legal teams and civil servants connected to the Horizon IT scandal.

2 mins

Tories are in an echo chamber chamber with their leader set to self-destruct, luckily for Labour

It could have been Farage or Anderson asking the questions. Badenoch was hellbent on annexing the Reform agenda

2 mins

Ofgem orders firms to offer zero-standing charge tariffs

Energy suppliers will have to offer customers a \"zero\" standing charge tariff by next winter to address criticism of the daily fees described as a \"poll tax\" on gas and electricity bills.

1 min

Payouts of up to £70,000 for Veterans who were dismissed for being gay

Thousands of UK military personnel dismissed because of their homosexuality will from today be able to apply for payments of up to £70,000 to recognise the distress caused by a ban that ran from 1967 to 2000.

2 mins

Legalisation of cannabis wrong, says Elton John

Sir Elton John has criticised the legalisation of cannabis in parts of North America, saying it was \"one of the greatest mistakes of all time\".

1 min

Pianist passes grade 8 seven decades after his last exam

By the age of 88, most of us imagine our exam days are long over. But for Ray Eveleigh, the challenge of taking grade 8 piano was too much to forgo, and he passed with a distinction 67 years after he took grade 7.

2 mins

Most leave voters now back free movement in pursuit of EU-UK reset

A majority of Britons who voted to leave the EU would now accept a return to free movement in exchange for access to the single market, according to a cross-Europe study that also found a reciprocal desire in member states for closer UK links.

2 mins

Developers 'not fulfilling biodiversity pledges on new estates'

Nearly half of the nature-friendly enhancements promised by developers building homes have failed to materialise, according to a study of almost 6,000 new houses.

1 min

Mystery of how crocs get scales on head solved

It sounds like a conundrum that Rudyard Kipling would have explored in his Just So Stories, but researchers say they have the answer to how crocodiles get the scales on their heads.

1 min

Train crew shortages risk disrupting travel plans of Christmas rail passengers

Passengers visiting family and friends over Christmas could have their journeys disrupted by train crew shortages, especially on lines hit by engineering works, the rail minister warned yesterday.

2 mins

'I needed the money': Carrey on Sonic sequel

Jim Carrey says he came out of retirement for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 because he needed the money.

1 min

Film review The amazing life and career of the dapper 007

That lovable British star Roger Moore, who ascended to movie Valhalla with seven James Bond films between 1973 and 1985, gets the indulgent treatment he deserves in this documentary celebration, featuring interviews with Christopher Walken, Pierce Brosnan, 007 superfan David Walliams, the franchise producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, his children, and of course Joan Collins, who is almost Moore's female equivalent in arch self-deprecating wit.

1 min

'We are being dismissed' Living with the painful experience of 'medical misogyny'

Women and girls in the UK with gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis have spent years in pain owing to \"medical misogyny\", according to a parliamentary report.

3 mins

UK teenager jailed in Dubai over relationship with 17-year-old girl

An 18-year-old man from London has been sentenced to one year in a Dubai jail for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl, a campaign group has said.

1 min

'Someone has to stay' The power plant workers keeping Ukraine's lights on

In the cavernous turbine hall of a coal-fired thermal power plant, deputy chief engineer Oleksandr runs through the extensive damage, pointing out various consequences of numerous Russian strikes over the past two years.

3 mins

South Korean police raid President Yoon's office amid crisis over martial law decree

South Korea's Yonhap news agency said the search yesterday was part of an attempt to establish whether Yoon's actions, supported by other senior figures in his administration, amounted to insurrection – a crime that does not carry presidential immunity and can carry the death penalty.

2 mins

Claims Hamas present in Gaza's hospitals 'grossly exaggerated' says top ICC lawyer

Claims about the presence of Hamas fighters in hospitals in Gaza under siege by Israel's military have been \"grossly exaggerated\", a top prosecutor at the international criminal court (ICC) has said.

2 mins

Study shows 96% of children in Gaza feel their death is close

A study of children in Gaza has found that 96% of them feel that their death is imminent and almost half want to die as a result of trauma from the war.

1 min

Call for two-year jail term over Amsterdam football violence

Prosecutors have called for a man suspected of punching and kicking Israeli football fans in Amsterdam during a night of violence to serve two years in jail.

1 min

Whale's record 8,000-mile journey no fluke, say researchers

A humpback whale has travelled more than 8,000 miles from South America to east Africa, the longest distance recorded for an individual whale.

1 min

Girl, 11, is sole survivor of migrant boat sinking that left dozens dead

An 11-year-old girl has been rescued off the Italian island of Lampedusa after spending days alone at sea.

1 min

Māori tribes ask king to intervene in New Zealand treaty row

Representatives of more than 80 Māori tribes have issued a rare plea to King Charles requesting his intervention in New Zealand politics, amid growing tension over the government's policies for Māori and a souring of the relationship between Indigenous people and authorities.

2 mins

US executives warned about online 'hitlist' after killing of healthcare CEO

The New York police department (NYPD) has warned US healthcare executives of a heightened risk to their lives after identifying an online \"hitlist\" posted in the wake of last week's assassination of the United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson.

1 min

Outcry over Iran's new hijab law that could see women executed or jailed for 15 years

Women in Iran could face the death sentence or up to 15 years in prison if they defy compulsory morality laws due to come into effect tomorrow.

3 mins

Trump picks son's fiancee as ambassador to Greece

Donald Trump has named Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host who has been engaged to his eldest son, as US ambassador to Greece.

1 min

US inflation rate up slightly as Fed ponders interest rate hike

The US inflation rate barely moved in November, the last piece of major economic news before the Federal Reserve decides whether to cut interest rates for the third time in as many months at its meeting next week.

1 min

Tui profits soar 35% as tourists look for more affordable destinations

Cash-strapped consumers are still prioritising spending on holidays but are choosing more affordable destinations including Egypt, Bulgaria and Tunisia, according to Europe's biggest package trip operator.

1 min

Labour's green energy goal 'leaves little room for error', say experts

Labour's plan to switch to a clean power system by 2030 faces \"significant challenges\" to avoid delays and prevent vulnerable households paying higher bills, experts have warned.

2 mins

Annual cost of renting a home is 27% higher since pandemic

The average cost of renting a newly let UK home is now £3,240 higher than at the end of the pandemic lockdowns, after three years of rental increases outstripping rises in earnings, research shows.

1 min

Harrods hits diners with £1 charge on top of 12.5% service fee

Harrods has introduced a £1-a-head \"cover charge\" in its London cafes and restaurants, which staff say aims to raise profits by up to £1m after a government crackdown on companies taking a cut of tips.

2 mins

CMA launches bid-rigging investigation into school contractors

An investigation was launched yesterday into allegations that several roofing and construction firms illegally colluded to rig bids to win contracts for repairing schools.

1 min

Supreme court allows appeal in £30bn car loan mis-selling case

The supreme court has granted permission for two car lenders to appeal against a landmark ruling on motor finance commission payments that has left firms fearing a potential £30bn compensation bill.

2 mins

Elon Musk's SpaceX valued at $350bn after share buyback

Elon Musk's rocket company, SpaceX, and its investors have agreed to buy shares from its employees, valuing the business at $350bn.

1 min

Beaumont's hair-raising knock seals series victory

England scrapped their way to a six-wicket victory in the third ODI against South Africa to win the series 2-1, relying on the steadying hand of Tammy Beaumont after Marizanne Kapp had left them wobbling perilously at 25 for three.

1 min

Fast and furious Atkinson and Carse are now the main men of England's pace attack

After another 11 wickets in the second Test in Wellington, and a combined total across the tours of Pakistan and New Zealand now standing at 39, there can be no doubt this has been the winter of Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse.

3 mins

Dallaglio pays tribute to Voyce as search continues

Lawrence Dallaglio has expressed his sorrow after his former England teammate Tom Voyce was apparently swept away while crossing a flooded river, with the Rugby World Cup winner saying it has echoes of his own family tragedy.

1 min

Jones completes treble with win in London Classic

Gawain Jones, the British and English champion, who turned 37 yesterday, completed a remarkable year of recovery from tragedy when he won the £25,000 first prize in the XTX Markets London Classic.

1 min

De Pauw leaves Villa amid allegations over remarks

Robert de Pauw's departure from his role as Aston Villa's women's team manager yesterday came amid concerns regarding the way he had allegedly spoken to his players, including about their appearance, the Guardian has been told.

1 min

Amorim says Ashworth exit a 'bad situation'

Ruben Amorim admits sporting director Dan Ashworth's shock exit is \"a bad situation\" but the Manchester United head coach believes the club's vision remains unaffected.

1 min

Abdullah puts Blades sale on hold with eyes on promotion

Sheffield United's owner, Prince Abdullah, has put the sale of the club on hold in the hope of cashing in if Chris Wilder's side are promoted to the Premier League.

1 min

Ramirez stunner steals show as Twente hit for six

Chelsea cruised to a 14th straight victory in all competitions with a crushing win over FC Twente in the Women's Champions League.

2 mins

Saka doubles up to put Arsenal on the verge of qualification

It would normally be over by now, the Champions League group stage done and dusted and yet there are still two more ties for Arsenal; a test of their physicality, the depth of their reserves as well as their resolve.

3 mins

Vlahovic and McKennie pile on the pain for Guardiola's struggling City

Missing in action during the past six weeks: Manchester City's pizzazz. It was absent here again, in the latest moping performance that has become the odd, yet recognisable face of Pep Guardiola's formerly supreme team.

3 mins

Gomez 'blessed to stay at best club in the world'

Joe Gomez says he is \"blessed\" to be at Liverpool after a summer in which the prospect of leaving was real.

1 min

'Many migrant workers will die': the human cost of 2034

Millions will build stadiums and hotels but testimony suggests abuse is deeply entrenched in Saudi Arabia

3 mins

Built to order What will Saudi tournament look like?

Fifa's bid evaluation report left no doubt: Saudi Arabia had put together the most convincing, highest-scoring package of all time.

3 mins

A vote without a vote The Saudi World Cup is an act of violence and disdain

The shamelessness of Fifa's process was fully on show in Zurich during a display of contempt for governance, democracy, love, hope and good sense

7 mins

Arsenal investigate antisemitic posts on X

Arsenal are investigating a series of antisemitic social media posts from an account allegedly belonging to a member of their staff.

1 min

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