Taiwan’s military says its forces are on alert and is confident it can protect the island as China’s state media report mock airstrikes with jets carrying live missilesChina has launched two days of military drills surrounding Taiwan, as “punishment” for what it called the “separatist acts” of holding an election and inaugurating a new president.Chinese...

Justin Stein told neighbours ‘Kallista has done something with the girl’, NSW court hears. He has pleaded not guilty to Charlise Mutten’s murderFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastAn agitated Justin Stein denied any involvement in the disappearance of schoolgirl...

The struggling NHS, the climate crisis, education and childcare will be among the issues on voters’ mindsRishi Sunak has sought to frame the Conservatives as the party of the future and one that can be trusted with the economy and national security.The prime minister, who once billed himself as the “change candidate” and unsuccessfully tried to distance...

Polls show Labour more than 20 points ahead, an opposition lead usually only seen at exceptionally bad moments in a midtermUK general election – latest updatesNews: Sunak calls election for 4 JulyWhy is Sunak calling an election now?Rishi Sunak has taken an astonishing gamble in going for a general election at a time when there is still a little room...

Ministers propose graduates could do ‘several years’ of NHS work or face repaying some training costsDental graduates in England could be forced to work in the NHS to help tackle the crisis in access that has left millions struggling to get their teeth repaired.Under the government’s plan they would have to undertake NHS work for “several years” after...

Labor environment minister overheard saying ‘Don’t say anything horrible about James Paterson’ during Liberal senator’s interview. Follow liveGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastEd Husic details government’s new battery strategyThe industry and science minister, Ed Husic, has been speaking to ABC RN about the government’s...