Australia news live: Lehrmann loses appeal in defamation fight as court makes new finding he was aware of Brittany Higgins’ lack of consent

Wayne Swan, the national president of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), has urged the party to revitalize its grassroots membership, particularly in suburban and regional areas, warning that failure to do so could lead to a decline similar to that of other center-left parties like the US Democrats. He emphasized the need for Labor to engage in more direct and contentious policy discussions to resonate with modern voters.

Poundland has announced additional store closures, revealing a full list of affected locations as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. This decision comes amid a challenging retail environment exacerbated by rising costs and changing consumer behaviors.

The United States has conducted a military strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. This action has raised significant concerns regarding the legality and ethical implications of such military operations in the region.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing allegations of misleading the public about the UK's financial state ahead of a recent budget announcement that included a £26 billion tax increase. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to defend these decisions amid growing scrutiny from opposition parties, particularly the Conservatives, who have accused Reeves of dishonesty.

Oil prices have decreased recently; however, fuel prices have not followed suit, leading to concerns about the impact on consumers and the economy. This discrepancy is attributed to various factors, including supply chain issues and market dynamics that affect fuel pricing despite lower oil costs.

Officials have been accused of failing to inform the House of Lords about three large-scale illegal waste sites, raising serious concerns about regulatory oversight and environmental management. This negligence has sparked outrage among lawmakers and the public alike.

A new child poverty strategy has been unveiled, aiming to lift half a million children out of poverty by the end of the current parliamentary term. However, critics have labeled the initiative as unambitious, raising concerns about its effectiveness in addressing the ongoing issue of child poverty in the UK.

Sixty delivery drivers are set to be deported following a crackdown that resulted in 171 arrests within the gig economy, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding labor practices and immigration enforcement in the UK.