The Guardian World

@The Guardian World System operator Neso predicts lowest carbon intensity ever on Christmas Day after new wind and solar power come onlineBritain’s energy system operator has predicted that this year’s Christmas Day could be the greenest yet.If the weather remains mild and windy for the rest of December, the National Energy System Operator (Neso) has said it could record the lowest carbon intensity – the measure of how much carbon dioxide is released to produce electricity – recorded on the network for 25 December. Continue reading...

the Guardian

This year’s Christmas could be Britain’s greenest yet, energy operator says

System operator Neso predicts lowest carbon intensity ever on Christmas Day after new wind and solar power come online

@The Guardian World Funding to tackle misinformation and cyber-attacks, and boost democracy, cut from £40m to £24mKeir Starmer’s raid on overseas aid has led to a 40% cut in funds for countering Russian aggression and misinformation in a region of Europe described by the prime minister as vital to the UK’s national security.British funding committed to bolstering the western Balkans, where Russia has been accused of sowing division and creating destabilisation, has been cut from £40m last year to £24m for 2025-26. Continue reading...

the Guardian

UK aid cuts take 40% from funds to counter Russian threat in western Balkans

Funding to tackle misinformation and cyber-attacks, and boost democracy, cut from £40m to £24m

@The Guardian World Cyclist and road safety groups argue proposed alternative route away from traffic-free Le Piétonnier is unsafeOn an unseasonably mild winter’s day, people are gathering at Le Piétonnier, the pedestrian zone in the heart of Brussels. Tourists buy mulled wine and churros at the Christmas market outside the Bourse, the old stock exchange, now repurposed as a beer museum. A few people drink coffee on cafe terraces. Up and down the length of the 650-metre-long space, people come and go, bikes and scooters weaving in and out of the crowds.Next year, this scene will look somewhat different: bikes and scooters will be banned from this 18,000-sq-metre pedestrian zone for most of the day. People on two wheels will be allowed to ride only between 4am and 11am. At all other times, they must dismount and push their vehicle up the street, or face a fine. Continue reading...

the Guardian

Brussels bike ban plan for pedestrian zone ‘dangerous and absurd’

Cyclist and road safety groups argue proposed alternative route away from traffic-free Le Piétonnier is unsafe

@The Guardian World Exclusive: Ministers also expected to announce trail-hunting ban in sweeping changes to animal welfare lawShooting hares in England will be banned for most of the year as part of sweeping changes to animal welfare law.At the moment, it is legal to shoot the animals during their breeding season, with pregnant hares left to bleed out, and leverets – their young – often orphaned as a result. Continue reading...

the Guardian

Shooting hares in England to be banned for most of the year

Exclusive: Ministers also expected to announce trail-hunting ban in sweeping changes to animal welfare law

@The Guardian World NSW parliament will be recalled on Monday and Tuesday to consider legislation responding to the Bondi terrorist attackGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNSW will outlaw the display of terrorist symbols, such as those of Islamic State and Hamas, and ban hate speech, including the phrase “globalise the intifada”.The state government on Saturday unveiled a proposed crackdown on hate speech and hate symbols in the wake of the Bondi terror attack that killed 15 people. Continue reading...

the Guardian

Prime minister backs NSW premier’s call for a royal commission into the Bondi beach terror attack

Anthony Albanese said he would ‘support whatever action the NSW government takes’