Ed Miliband, now UK Foreign Secretary, was previously the Energy Secretary, where he led efforts to rapidly expand clean energy in the UK. While some politicians and media criticized him, he pushed for a goal to decarbonize power by 2030 and made major progress on renewables. There is debate about new fossil fuel drilling plans that Miliband opposes but could be allowed by the Prime Minister.
Key Facts
Ed Miliband served as the UK Energy Secretary under Prime Minister Keir Starmer until July 2024.
He prioritized decarbonizing the UK’s power sector by 2030 through renewable energy investments.
Miliband’s department made fast progress on wind farms, solar projects, and grid reforms.
Some rightwing media and politicians criticized him for being too focused on climate goals.
The fossil fuel industry and some political groups lobby for new North Sea oil and gas drilling at Jackdaw and Rosebank fields.
Miliband opposes these drilling projects, calling Rosebank “climate vandalism.”
Approving new drilling may not break the party manifesto rule against "new licences" but uses a loophole for existing proposals.
Miliband moved to the Foreign Office to continue advocating for global climate action.
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A man stabbed two tourists near the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. The victims, a man and a woman who are Greek Americans, were taken to the hospital, and the attacker was detained.
Key Facts
The attack happened near the entrance of the Acropolis Museum in Athens.
The victims are a Greek American man and woman.
The woman suffered light leg injuries; the man was more seriously hurt in the arm.
The attacker, who may have psychological problems, was arrested by police.
Such attacks are very rare in Greece.
The Acropolis is a famous historical site that attracts millions of visitors every year.
Last year, about 4.6 million people visited the Acropolis area in Athens.
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A document from 2013 shows that Israel collected information on over 150 humanitarian charities, noting some that were critical of Israel or involved in the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. The file included details such as organization contacts and comments labeling some groups as anti-Israel or part of BDS. Israeli and international experts say this document reveals Israel's monitoring of NGOs during a time when BDS was gaining strength.
Key Facts
The document is a spreadsheet from 2013 listing more than 150 charities, with names, contacts, and areas of work.
Fifteen organizations had comments like “critic of Israel” or “involved in anti-Israel campaigning.”
Some groups were described as highly involved in BDS, a movement that calls for boycotting Israel to protest its policies.
The list included well-known charities like Oxfam, which denied supporting BDS or anti-Israel actions.
The document was found on an Israeli government ministry’s website and no official comment was given.
NGO Monitor, an Israel-based group, was cited as a source for many comments; it is known for tracking organizations critical of Israel.
The file dates to when BDS was growing globally, including actions like boycotts by Stephen Hawking and church groups.
Experts say the list may have helped Israel create laws in later years banning supporters of BDS from entering the country.
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Joshua Kerry, 28, is charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former UK politician found seriously injured at her home. The investigation is led by UK counter-terrorism police, who are examining Kerry’s motives and any possible wider activities.
Key Facts
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
Widdecombe, 78, was found seriously injured at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9.
Kerry was arrested on suspicion of murder and later re-arrested for possible terrorism-related acts.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing South East leads the investigation with support from Devon and Cornwall Police.
More than 800 lines of enquiry have been opened in the case.
Prosecutors say there is enough evidence to take Kerry to court and stress the right to a fair trial.
Ann Widdecombe was a Conservative MP, former minister, and later a Reform UK spokeswoman.
Leaders from different UK political parties have expressed their condolences.
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Khalil al-Hayya was elected as the new leader of Hamas in Gaza, replacing former leader Khaled Meshaal. However, many people in Gaza are more focused on their daily survival amid ongoing war and shortages of basic needs than on political changes.
Key Facts
Khalil al-Hayya won an internal Hamas election against Khaled Meshaal this week.
Gaza is heavily damaged by war that began on October 7, 2023, with an Israeli siege causing shortages of food, water, and other essentials.
Residents like Noman Saleh and Ali Abu Amshi emphasize their desire for basic needs and peace over political leadership changes.
Ali Abu Amshi lost 22 family members and was displaced during the conflict.
Hamas’s election of al-Hayya signals a continuation of its current political and military approach.
Hamas sees al-Hayya as a key figure connected to the events of October 7, 2023.
Political changes are happening amid wider preparations for possible Palestinian legislative elections.
Many Palestinians hope for improved living conditions more than for leadership changes during the crisis.
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Nineteen people in Indonesia were found guilty of trafficking at least 34 babies. Investigators revealed that 20 of the babies were meant to be sent to Singapore, with at least 12 confirmed to have arrived there. The court did not decide what will happen to the babies now.
Key Facts
Nineteen individuals were convicted for a baby trafficking ring in Indonesia.
At least 34 babies were trafficked through this ring.
Investigators say 20 of the babies were sent to Singapore.
At least 12 babies reached Singapore.
The court case did not resolve the future care or custody of the babies.
The situation raises questions about protection and support for these children.
The issue involves both Indonesia and Singapore.
Human trafficking is the broader crime involved in this case.
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People in Gaza celebrated Spain’s win in the World Cup because Spain supports Palestinian rights. Many gathered in cafes to watch and cheer for Spain despite challenges like power outages and the risk of Israeli attacks.
Key Facts
Palestinians in Gaza cheered Spain’s World Cup victory in public places like cafes.
Spain is seen by many Palestinians as a country that supports their rights and cause.
A young Spanish player, Lamine Yamal, showed support for Palestine by raising a Palestinian flag during celebrations.
The Spanish prime minister defended Yamal after Israel’s defense minister criticized him.
Israel showed support for Argentina, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu who has ties with Argentina’s president.
Many Palestinians in Gaza live in difficult conditions, with limited electricity and internet due to ongoing conflict.
Some Palestinians risked attending public screenings despite dangers from Israeli airstrikes.
An aid worker who helped organize World Cup match viewings was killed in an Israeli bombing.
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The president of the Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Descendants, George Foster, said there are worrying similarities between rising antisemitism in Australia and the atmosphere in Nazi Germany, though Australia’s institutions differ. The antisemitism royal commission heard about a rise in attacks on Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses since October 2023, including violent incidents and protests using antisemitic language.
Key Facts
George Foster said Australia is not becoming like 1930s Germany but noted “disturbing parallels” in social attitudes against Jews.
There has been an increase in antisemitic incidents in Australia since October 2023.
A protest near Sydney Opera House used offensive antisemitic chants like “Where’s the Jews?” and “Fuck the Jews.”
Jewish community sites, including synagogues and schools, have faced attacks such as arson and vandalism.
An arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in December 2024 was allegedly directed by the Iranian government, according to ASIO (Australia’s security intelligence agency).
Security costs for Jewish schools in Melbourne have increased, and some schools now charge extra security fees to parents.
The royal commission is examining security measures for the Jewish community and the government’s response to antisemitism.
Some Jewish Australians have left the country to live in Israel due to safety concerns.
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A small monkey was found abandoned inside a laundry bag on a London bus. Animal officers rescued it and named it Oyster, and the monkey is now safe in a sanctuary.
Key Facts
A marmoset monkey was found inside a small cage wrapped in a plastic laundry bag on a bus in north-west London.
The monkey was discovered by the bus driver after it blocked a passenger from moving with a buggy.
The monkey was stressed and dehydrated but had a piece of apple in the cage.
The RSPCA believes the abandonment was intentional and linked to new rules requiring primate pet owners to have licenses.
The monkey was checked by a vet and then moved to a sanctuary where it will meet a male companion.
The RSPCA asks people who cannot care for animals or get a license to contact vets or charities instead of abandoning pets.
Officials are reviewing CCTV footage to try to find the person who left the monkey on the bus.
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Andy Burnham has become the new UK prime minister and began his leadership by focusing on ending homelessness. His government has kept many details secret so far, leading to speculation about his team and plans during the summer parliamentary break.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is now the prime minister of the United Kingdom.
He announced his first order as prime minister: to stop rough sleeping (homelessness).
His government has been very quiet about cabinet appointments and policies, creating uncertainty.
Parliament is on a summer break, so usual questioning and committee work are paused until September.
Key people aware of Burnham’s plans are his chief of staff James Purnell and advisor Louise Haigh.
Reporters and some politicians are concerned about lack of information and scrutiny.
Burnham has chosen to engage with the public mainly through online Q&A sessions and social media.
His re-election to the Commons was followed by mixed reactions from other members of parliament.
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Northern Ireland's deputy first minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, expressed shock after former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted of 18 counts of historical sex abuse, including one count of rape. The DUP has launched an independent review to understand what was known about Donaldson’s actions during his time in the party.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Donaldson was found guilty of 18 counts of sex abuse, including one rape, committed against two women when they were children.
Emma Little-Pengelly said people who worked with Donaldson were shocked and repulsed by his crimes.
Donaldson plans to appeal his conviction.
A BBC investigation revealed a double life led by Donaldson, with some describing his behavior as hypocritical.
Little-Pengelly said no one warned her or others that Donaldson was a predator during the 20 years she worked with him.
The DUP has set up an independent review to clarify who might have known about Donaldson’s behavior.
Little-Pengelly said she never saw signs of problematic drinking or sexual misconduct from Donaldson personally.
The current DUP leader, Gavin Robinson, ordered the independent review following the conviction.
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Andy Burnham has become the new UK Prime Minister and appointed his cabinet, including John Healey as chancellor. There was a significant change in ministers loyal to the previous leader, Keir Starmer. Burnham and Healey plan ambitious policies like increasing council house building and reforming social care, but they need to figure out how to pay for them.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the new UK Prime Minister.
John Healey was named chancellor, replacing widely discussed candidates Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband.
Many ministers close to former Prime Minister Keir Starmer were removed or declined posts.
Healey previously worked in the Treasury from 2002 to 2007.
Both Burnham and Healey support economic ideas focused on industry growth and local government power.
Healey criticized past Treasury views, especially on defense spending targets.
Burnham promised quick announcements to help with the cost of living and said funding plans would be shared soon.
The government faces the challenge of managing spending on major programs like housing and social care.
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it attacked US-related sites in Bahrain and a US military base in Jordan amid ongoing tensions. Yemen’s Houthi forces declared a blockade of Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, escalating regional conflict. The US responded with airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites to reduce threats to shipping in the strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Iran claimed it attacked infrastructure linked to US company Amazon in Bahrain, though Bahrain did not confirm this.
Iran launched missiles at a US military base in Jordan; Jordan said the missiles were intercepted.
Two US soldiers were killed in an Iranian strike on a Jordanian airbase last Friday.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi Arabian shipping in the Red Sea’s Bab al-Mandeb strait.
The Bab al-Mandeb strait is crucial, with about 12% of world trade passing through it.
Saudi Arabia vowed to protect its ships legally in response to the blockade.
The US carried out 10 consecutive nights of airstrikes on Iranian targets, aiming to limit attacks on commercial shipping in Hormuz.
President Donald Trump warned Iran it would face heavy consequences for killing US soldiers.
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The number of children born through surrogacy in the UK and abroad has doubled from 2015 to 2025, with many parents seeking surrogacy overseas due to strict UK laws. Experts and a Law Commission review say the UK’s surrogacy laws are outdated and cause delays and stress, and they recommend legal reforms and better regulation.
Key Facts
Nearly 1,000 children were born via surrogacy in 2025, twice the number from 2015.
Most surrogacy births involve gay couples, infertility issues, and changing social attitudes.
In the UK, surrogates can only be paid for expenses, so many parents go abroad to countries like the US, Ukraine, and Mexico where surrogacy is paid.
Current UK law lists the surrogate mother on the birth certificate, and intended parents must apply for a parental order after birth to become legal parents.
The Law Commission recommends giving legal parenthood to intended parents from birth and better oversight of surrogacy agencies, but the government has not prioritized changing the law.
Problems include delays, legal confusion, and potential risks when surrogacy happens overseas.
Some experts and international voices criticize paid surrogacy as exploitative, especially for women in poorer countries.
Surrogacy agencies in the UK report high demand but face limits due to current laws.
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The Ripon Workhouse Museum in Britain has reopened after £2.8 million in repairs and updates. The museum offers visitors an interactive way to learn about life in a Victorian workhouse, showing the harsh conditions faced by poor and homeless people at that time.
Key Facts
The museum reopened with improved facilities following major repairs including fixing a leaking roof and rotting windows.
Visitors can experience activities like sweeping the yard, sewing, and hearing about historic workhouse rules.
Volunteers act as various Victorian roles such as schoolmaster or baker to create an immersive experience.
The workhouse housed poor and homeless people, who had to follow strict and unpleasant rules.
Visitors can see areas like the cellar where food was stored and preserved, often untouched since the 1930s.
The museum aims to show how Victorian workhouses were a solution for poverty, making conditions tough to discourage relying on aid.
The reasons people became homeless in Victorian times, such as mental health issues or family breakdown, are similar to today.
The museum opened as a historical site in 2017 and is supported by the National Lottery heritage fund.
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A review found that child protection authorities did not properly support the mother of Kumanjayi Little Baby, a five-year-old girl who was abducted and killed in the Northern Territory. The report said domestic violence risks were not fully recognized or addressed, although it did not find a direct link between child protection actions and the girl’s death.
Key Facts
Kumanjayi Little Baby was a five-year-old Warlpiri girl who was abducted and murdered in April by Jefferson Lewis.
An independent review was commissioned to examine the family’s contact with child protection services before her death.
The review found that domestic violence against the mother was not adequately considered in child protection assessments.
No domestic and family violence (DFV) risk assessment was done during the child protection process.
Child protection workers relied too much on their personal judgment, which varied and affected how risks were rated.
The review said protective actions were not taken quickly or effectively enough despite multiple signs of danger.
Changes to the Care and Protection of Children Act were passed in the Northern Territory after the report was released.
The child protection system’s failure did not directly cause the girl’s death but showed problems in identifying and responding to risk.
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Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, is starting his government by announcing plans to help with the cost of living crisis. His cabinet has been formed with key ministers assigned, and he aims to introduce a long-term plan for Britain while addressing immediate financial relief for people.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was appointed as the UK Prime Minister and has formed his cabinet.
John Healey is the new Chancellor, and Ed Miliband is the new Foreign Secretary.
Angela Rayner returned as Housing Secretary; Wes Streeting is the new Defence Secretary.
Burnham plans to provide financial help to households struggling with living costs.
He intends to release a 10-year plan to shape the future direction of Britain.
The government seeks to meet NATO defence spending commitments under Streeting.
Burnham spoke with US President Donald Trump about UK security and future policies.
Opposition leaders from various parties have responded critically to Burnham’s plans.
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The federal court in Australia is reviewing challenges to the Albanese government's approval of Woodside’s large gas project extension in Western Australia. Environmental and cultural groups argue the approval did not properly consider climate damage or risks to ancient indigenous rock art near the gas plant. A UN expert has joined the case to highlight Australia's international climate duties.
Key Facts
The Australian government approved Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project extension until 2070.
The approval faces federal court challenges by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and Friends of Australian Rock Art (Fara).
The gas project is expected to emit about 4 billion tonnes of CO2, similar to 10 years of Australia’s emissions.
The gas plant is located near the Murujuga rock art complex, which contains ancient petroglyphs over 50,000 years old.
Fara and ACF argue the environment minister did not properly assess the climate impact and risks to the rock art.
A UN special rapporteur on the right to a healthy environment has been allowed to advise the court on Australia’s international legal obligations.
The International Court of Justice ruled countries must prevent harm to the climate system and may face penalties for failing to do so.
Woodside stated the project approval followed detailed government processes.
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Nearly 100 US troops have been injured in the past two weeks due to escalating attacks linked to Iran. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards attacked US military sites in the Gulf region, and a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz was hit, forcing its crew to abandon ship.
Key Facts
About 100 US service members were injured in recent weeks, mostly with minor concussions.
Iran targeted US military locations in Bahrain and Kuwait.
A tanker near the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, causing the crew to evacuate.
Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan activated defenses to stop the attacks.
Three US soldiers were killed recently in Jordan and Iraq.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital oil and gas shipping route affected by the conflict.
Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in response to a long-standing Saudi blockade on Yemen.
Oil prices rose above $88 per barrel, increasing fuel costs for Americans before the upcoming US elections.
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In New South Wales (NSW), land clearing increased by 16% in 2024, with more than 81,000 hectares of vegetation removed. Most of this was non-woody plants used for agriculture, and many clears were done without permits. Conservation groups say the Minns government has not managed to reduce habitat loss.
Key Facts
NSW lost about 81,293 hectares of vegetation in 2024, an increase of 16% from the previous year.
Clearing of non-woody plants like grasses rose sharply by 70%.
Woody vegetation, including trees and shrubs, cleared was 24,103 hectares, which is less than last year but still high.
About 60% of the cleared land was for farming, with the rest for infrastructure and forestry.
60% of clearing was "unallocated," meaning it either did not require a permit or was done illegally.
The current government, led by Premier Chris Minns, promised to reduce clearing but has not changed policies since 2023.
A classification allowing clearing of "invasive native species" made up 61% of permitted clearing on regulated rural land.
Environmental groups warn that this level of clearing harms wildlife habitats and increases carbon pollution.
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