The formal nomination of Micheál Martin as Ireland’s new prime minister was hit by chaotic scenes in the Dáil that led to the parliamentary session being suspended several times. The row, which the speaker failed to control, centred on the speaking rights of independent TDs (members of parliament) who have formally agreed to back a…

A Russian “spy ship” was tracked closely by the Royal Navy this week after it entered UK waters on Monday and passed through the Channel at a time of heightened concern about the safety of undersea cables. The defence secretary, John Healey, told the Commons on Tuesday that the Yantar, a Russian vessel engaged in…

The Episcopal bishop of Washington has appealed directly to Donald Trump to “have mercy upon” communities across the country targeted by the new administration’s immigration and LGBTQ+ policies. “There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives,” the Right Rev Mariann Budde said from the…

Two 14-year-old boys have been charged with the kidnap and rape of a girl of the same age in a New Forest park. The incident is alleged to have taken place at Fordingbridge recreation ground on the evening of 17 January. A Hampshire constabulary spokesperson said one of the two boys, who are both from…

Hopes of an end to industrial action that has thrown Sydney’s train system into chaos may be dashed as the NSW government faces the prospect of pay negotiations with unions breaking down. The Minns government had been optimistic that negotiations could deter further train disruptions, after six combined rail unions on Wednesday morning committed to…

UK government borrowing unexpectedly jumped to £17.8bn last month, piling pressure on Rachel Reeves to plan budget cuts before a spending review in the summer. The figure was about a quarter higher than the City had forecast and was up by £10.1bn more than in the same month a year earlier, making it the highest…

The arrest of a man who allegedly attempted to set a synagogue on fire in Sydney’s inner west this month is a “big breakthrough”, the New South Wales premier has said, as investigations continue into a spate of antisemitic vandalism in the city. Adam Edward Moule, 33, had his case briefly mentioned at Downing Centre…

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 12-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Birmingham. West Midlands police said the boy was found with serious injuries near Scribers Lane, Hall Green, shortly after 3pm on Tuesday and was taken to hospital, but died from his injuries. Police said the boy’s…

An NDIS provider has been ordered to pay the largest ever penalty of its kind over the death of an intellectually disabled man, who choked on a toasted sandwich because improperly trained staff failed to follow dietary advice. The man died in May 2020, three days after being fed by workers at a residential home…

It’s a go-to shop for cheap knickers and designer dupes, but now Primark hopes to become the top destination for clothing designed for those with a range of disabilities. In a first for the budget high street shop, it is releasing a 49-piece line of womenswear and menswear, adapted from its bestselling items to suit…