Australian election 2025 live: Greens call for lower retirement age
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Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I'm Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories and then it'll be Rafqa Touma to take you through the day.
The Greens are out of the blocks first today with another of their policy announcements, this time a policy that would lower the retirement age to 65, and boost the age pension to above the poverty line. Adam Bandt says Australia is a wealthy country and people should not suffer poverty in their old age. More coming up.
As thoughts turn to actually voting – and some have already done so – we have a guide to the minority parties on your ballot paper – the ones you might want to back and the ones you might not want to see in the Senate. More coming up.
In the week when the Coalition launched its policies to tackle domestic violence, our reporters have asked every police jurisdiction how it assesses risk in family violence offenders to get a better understanding of how the system should work. More coming up. Share
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8 hours ago
- Metro
Dame Prue Leith's son blasted after saying she doesn't 'see sense' in debate
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The son of Dame Prue Leith has caught backlash after speaking out on the divisive assisted dying law, saying his mother has failed to 'see sense'. Conservative MP Danny Kruger has campaigned against assisted dying, while Dame Prue has voiced her support, having watched her brother, David, in agony towards the end of his life. In the latest development, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill cleared the Commons with a majority of 23 votes on Friday. However, the legislation could face a difficult passage through the House of Lords, with critics continuing to raise safeguarding concerns and poised to table amendments adding further restrictions. Interviewed on Friday, Kruger, 50, was quizzed on having opposing views to GBBO star Dame Prue, 85. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The South African-British restaurateur has said for years that she wants the law to pass, which, if it does, will make it legal for over-18s who are terminally ill to receive medical assistance to end their lives in England and Wales. There will be a series of criteria that a person must meet to be eligible. Appearing on BBC's Newsnight, Kruger was asked whether being on opposite sides of the argument has impacted his relationship with his mum. 'This debate actually has not broken any friendships for me at all, including of my own Party and certainly with my mum,' he began. 'We seem to be able to disagree well on this.' 'I think these are very profound issues, both in conscience but also practicality,' he continued. 'I regret my mum has not seen sense and come round to my point of view, but I understand why she hasn't.' It was Kruger's final statement that caught many viewers' attention, with @dicofran on X calling it 'condescending'. 'Breathtaking arrogance towards Prue Leith', slammed @JoBlandUnity. 'Massive man baby has a tantrum because a woman has her own point of view', replied @ClaireDunkley4. 'How arrogant. Accusing his own mother of not seeing sense, because she doesn't share his views', argued @NWomxn. Previously, the Tory politician said to Sky News that it is 'impossible' for the assisted dying bill to be 'tight enough'. He said no one in the UK would need the option if the UK had 'top-quality palliative care'. In a series of tweets last night, he further accused assisted dying campaigners of being 'militant anti-Christians' who had failed to 'engage with the detail of the Bill'. However, Dame Prue believes his attitudes would shift had he witnessed his 'uncle die or his father die'. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Asked if she and her son lock horns over the heated topic, Dame Prue admitted that they 'mostly don't get into it'. 'It always just gets into the long discussion, which is never bad-tempered, I must say, you know, because we are very fond of each other.' Kruger, who has been the MP for East Wiltshire since 2019, lost his father, Rayne Kruger, in 2002. As for his uncle, David was in his sixties and had bone cancer, with his sister Dame Prue having been by his side when he was 'screaming' in pain. Speaking to Sky broadcaster Sophie Ridge, Dame Prue recalled how morphine only worked 'for a couple of hours' with him. 'They only did it every four hours. And so he was really first crying, whimpering, moaning, then crying, then screaming, and then absolutely desperate. 'And the rest of the ward have to suffer it. The nurses have to suffer. His family have to suffer it.' She said he was 'begging for somebody to help him'. More Trending 'He would say things like, 'If I was a dog, if I was a horse, you would do the right thing by me, you'd put me down'.' Dame Prue believes there is 'no question' that the current legal set-up is not working. Other celebrities throwing their support behind the legislation include Dame Esther Rantzen, who turns 85 tomorrow. The TV star has terminal cancer but has acknowledged the law would probably not become law in time for her to use it, and she would have to 'buzz off to Zurich' to use the Dignitas clinic. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Dragons' Den star reveals their strict rule children's friends must follow MORE: Disgraced Strictly star slams 'double standards' at BBC after Naga Munchetty 'sex jibe' MORE: Legendary BBC series hailed as 'guilty pleasure' streaming on completely free UK service
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8 hours ago
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Putin tells Russians 'the whole of Ukraine is ours' in 'disdainful' speech
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Vladimir Putin promised 'catastrophic' consequences for Ukraine and claimed that the Russian and Ukrainian people were 'one nation' in a conference this week. The Russian president answered questions on a variety of issues at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, and said Ukraine could lose more territory if it keeps rejecting Russia's conditions for peace. 'I have said many times that I consider the Russian and Ukrainian people to be one nation. In this sense, all of Ukraine is ours,' he claimed. 'We have a saying, or a parable. Where the foot of a Russian soldier steps, that is ours.' He also said if Ukraine used a dirty bomb against Russia, which Kyiv has repeatedly said they will not do, the consequences would be 'catastrophic'. 'This would be a colossal mistake on the part of those whom we call neo-Nazis on the territory of today's Ukraine.' The outlandish remarks come as Putin has refused to give up any land taken from Ukraine after their 2022 invasion, which sparked all-out war. Russia has gained control over a part of Ukraine roughly the size of the state of Virginia, and is refusing to give it back, stalling peace talks. Moscow's claims to four Ukrainian regions and Crimea are illegal, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly rejected the notion that Russians and Ukrainians are one people. Putin also boasted about Russia's economic outlook at the event in St Petersburg, claiming Russia managed to curb inflation and ease its reliance on energy exports. His remarks were a far cry from other statements by some members of his government, who warned at the same conference that Russia could face a recession. Economic Minister Maxim Reshetnikov had said that the country is 'on the brink of going into a recession'. Putin mentioned the recession warnings but pointed out that manufacturing industries have posted steady growth, allowing the country to reduce its reliance on oil and gas exports. More Trending He's used the annual forum to highlight Russia's economic prowess and encourage foreign investment, but Western executives have shunned it after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, leaving it to business leaders from Asia, Africa and Latin America. Putin said the growth of military industries helped develop new technologies that have become available to the civilian sector. He vowed to continue military modernisation, relying on lessons learned during the fighting in Ukraine. 'We will raise the capability of the Russian armed forces, modernise military infrastructure and equip the troops with cutting-edge equipment,' he claimed. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: One of Putin's cannibal soldiers 'killed his own comrade to eat him for two weeks' MORE: Russian tech billionaire Pavel Durov claims to have over 100 children MORE: Russia 'upgrades' its nuclear sites closest to the UK
Metro
10 hours ago
- Metro
Full list of DWP PIP and Universal Credit payment changes on the way next year
New rules have been proposed to reform the way PIP and Universal Credit is handed out. In a bill published on Wednesday, the government said they will be giving additional protection to the most vulnerable, as well as enough time for people to plan for the future. Labour said they wanted to fix the 'broken social security system', with millions not working. Ending reassessments for those classed as having a severe condition who will never be able to work. They will also be paid the higher rate of Universal Credit health top up of £97 per week. The DWP said they are also bringing in the Right to Try Guarantee which will mean trying to work will not lead to reassessment. Universal Credit rates are also set to be rebalanced by reducing health element for new claims to £50 from April. All of those affected by the reforms will be offered support from a dedicated Pathways to Work adviser. The DWP said: 'All of those affected by reforms will be actively contacted and given the offer of a conversation about their support needs, goals and aspirations; offered one-to-one follow-on support, and given help to access additional work, health and skills support that can meet their needs.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The proposed package to PIP includes: Reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work so they are not written off. Changing the eligibility requirement to a minimum score of four on at least one of the daily living activities to receive the daily living element of the benefit. Potentially delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until someone is aged 22. Reinvesting savings from this into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee. The DWP said since the pandemic the number of PIP awards has more than doubled to 34,000 a month, with around 1,000 people signing on to it everyday. There has been a surge in anxiety and depression being reported as the main condition. More Trending The government is also aiming to get one million young people in work, education or training. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: 'Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it. 'This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. View More » 'This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot – putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Sextortion scam warning to students after rise in number of younger victims MORE: 'I have Down's Syndrome and struggle to find work – this London hotel changed that' MORE: 'I'm one of the 100,000 people against the disability cuts and I can't remember a time it was this bad' Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
