The Guardian view on Germany’s election result: Merz’s task is formidable | Editorial
fRidrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union Party (CDU) in the central right of Germany, has a reputation for being dull. He was not disappointed on Sunday evening as it was revealed that the CDU had won the snap election caused by Olaf Scholz, the resigned Social Democrat Prime Minister. “For me,” Merz said […]
The US is a great country – but so is Britain. Starmer must drive that home to Trump at the White House | Polly Toynbee
dEvery day, another vast hole opens under what was once solid. To become Germany's next Prime Minister, Friedrich Merz, of course, the once-most leader, has declared that NATO has been enabled. In his eyes' clear perception of Donald Trump's first moon, 80 years of shared transatlantic values fell into its crater. The United States “in […]
The UK may be waning as a pop superpower – but a new generation is being nurtured | Pop and rock
For decades, the UK has traditionally outweighed its weight when it comes to pop music. We are used to providing the world with a huge star, and spectacle artists on a list of global bestselling albums and singles that do not include a single UK come as a shock. The industry group IFPI published the […]
What is the House of Lords and what do peers do? | House of Lords
Away from the noise of Big Ben and Parliament Square, a doorkeeper in a thick red coat and a black top hat stands on a Gothic stone porch, hidden by the quiet side of the wall surrounding Westminster Palace. The taxis thrive and he moves forward to guide pensioners loaded with selfridge bags into the […]
Hansel and Gretel review – Northern Ballet ditch the witch in peril-free eco-fable | Dance
tSuddenly, Hensel and Gretel are tasting tasty delights and terrifying horror. A new version of Northern Ballet for a younger audience thrusts out the witch making uncomfortable plans for his gingerbread cottage and his brother. Rather than fearing the forest, the duo learn to love and respect green space in a refreshing 40-minute eco-febble, just […]
Euro hits one-month high as investors welcome German election result – business live | Business
Introduction: Euro hits a month high after German elections Good morning and welcome to our comprehensive coverage of our business, financial markets and the global economy. The euro has gathered this morning as European investors have expressed relief over the outcome of the German election, mixed with fears about the Wall Street recession at the […]
British Gas has worst customer service, says consumer group Which? | Centrica
UK gas has resurfaced as the worst energy supplier of customer service as the UK's worst energy supplier after sliding satisfactorily over the past six months, figures from a major consumer group reveal. Which? A report shared with the Guardian found that since last analysis of the energy sector last year, the services provided by […]
Starmer’s meeting with Trump will be PM’s biggest diplomatic test to date | Politics
It was the first time Kiel met Donald Trump, and the prime minister had a hilarious two-hour dinner in a lavish New York apartment with the then presidential candidate. The stakes at the second meeting of the two leaders at the White House this Thursday will be much higher. It takes place a few days […]
The murder and legacy of the world’s first openly gay imam – podcast | South Africa
“As a Muslim, you always ask: “Did I please God or did I anger him or her?” Imam Mushin Hendrix of Cape Town, South Africa, was the world's first openly gay imam. In early February he was shot and killed, and the identity and motive of the person responsible is still unknown. Reporter Jamie Fullerton […]
Conservatives win German election but far-right AfD doubles support | Germany
Conservative opponents won the most votes in the German general election, but the dramatic surge by far-right alternative Fut German Land (AFD) led Europe's response to an increasing global threat It could complicate the formation of governments to do so. CDU/CSU candidate Friedrich Merz was preparing to form a dominant coalition on Sunday night after […]