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Monday morning news briefing: Transatlantic split over food crisis

Danny Boyle
·6 min read
Monday briefing
Monday briefing

G7 leaders have gathered for a summit in Germany and Boris Johnson is preparing to make an "intervention".

The Prime Minister will today make the case for land used for crop-based biofuels to be repurposed to grow more food, but Joe Biden will attempt to block the plan amid a split over how to tackle the global cost of living crisis.

Mr Johnson believes using less green fuel would dampen soaring food prices and help avert famines in poorer countries that rely heavily on Ukrainian grain blockaded in ports by Russia. However, the US president's officials made clear that Washington will attempt to block the idea.

Mr Johnson is seeking to rally his counterparts around Volodymyr Zelensky in a move that will be interpreted as an attempt to boost his statesmanship credentials on the international stage as he faces political problems at home.

As the G7 leaders gathered, Russian missiles struck targets across Ukraine, with the capital Kyiv enduring the heaviest barrage in months.

At the summit yesterday, Mr Johnson warned Emmanuel Macron a peace deal with Russia would give Vladimir Putin "licence to manipulate" the world – as it emerged that Mr Zelensky may be invited on a state visit to the UK.

Cartoonist Blower's take on the Prime Minister's imagined future
Cartoonist Blower's take on the Prime Minister's imagined future

In Westminster, MPs are calling for Mr Johnson's resignation after last week's two disastrous by-election defeats and could change the rules of the 1922 committee to oust him this year.

One MP has told Whitehall correspondent Tony Diver that a flurry of no-confidence letters have been sent to Sir Graham Brady, the committee's chairman, since the Prime Minister declared he would stay in post until the 2030s.

PS: Mr Johnson backed the decision to ban trans women from competing in women's swimming, saying: "Women cannot be born with a penis."

Thatcher would back new vote, says Sturgeon

Margaret Thatcher would have supported a second referendum, Nicola Sturgeon has suggested, while accusing Westminster of taking a "wrecking ball" to the United Kingdom.

The First Minister has evoked the former prime minister in the run-up to her planned route map of a separate Scotland if Boris Johnson refuses to transfer the necessary legal powers.

Ms Sturgeon will tomorrow outline her plans for holding a second referendum but Douglas Ross, the Scottish Tory leader, said his party would refuse to play her "games".

As Max Stephens reports, there are already significant barriers in the way of Ms Sturgeon.

How to tackle forgetfulness and woolly thinking

As we age, a certain level of "brain fog" is perhaps to be expected.

But forgetting words, woolly thinking and a poor attention span are becoming increasingly common among midlifers.

Are we in the midst of a brain fog epidemic? What is causing it and what can we do? Marianne Power, who often feels like her own mind is "full of cotton wool", seeks out expert advice on how brain fog is reversible with lifestyle changes.

Daily dose of Matt

In his latest cartoon from the weekend, Matt considers the Prime Minister's future. For a weekly behind-the-scenes look at Matt's work, sign up for his newsletter.

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

Money in a suitcase | The Prince of Wales's acceptance of €3m (£2.5m) in cash payments, including a suitcase containing €1m, from a Qatari sheikh is to be reviewed by the Charity Commission. Charles is said to have accepted three cash payments from a former prime minister of the Gulf state. In her analysis, special correspondent Hayley Dixon examines how the prince's links to Qatar are once again in question.

Around the world: Clemency for US abortions

Elected officials in more than 10 US states where abortion is now banned or expected to be shortly have committed to not prosecute people seeking or providing abortions. Wisconsin's Democratic governor pledged to grant clemency to doctors prosecuted for performing abortions, as the party seeks ways to defy stringent new restrictions in red states. It comes as more of corporate America joined the backlash against the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn abortion rights. Washington editor Rozina Sabur reports from Milwaukee.

Comment and analysis

Sport briefing: Raducanu's 'invisible mentor'

Wimbledon kicks off today with full-capacity crowds descending on the grand slam tournament for the first time in three years, with Emma Raducanu making her momentous debut on Centre Court – having been working with her "invisible mentor" on the practice courts. In cricket, Jack Leach hailed the new positive approach of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum after his maiden Test match 10-wicket haul set up England to clinch a series whitewash against New Zealand at Headingley. And, in rugby, England wing Anthony Watson said players are being punished for their international status during contract negotiations.

Editor's choice

  1. Glasto where age was just a number | Neil McCormick on festival spanning generations

  2. Bad night? | Eight reasons you cannot get to sleep – and what you can do about it

  3. Money Makeover | 'My adviser said I should leave £360k in cash – should I ignore him?'

Business briefing: Soaring prices to be 'embedded'

The global economy is at a "tipping point" where it may be impossible to stop runaway inflation, the world's top central banker warned, as the war in Ukraine and a US slowdown leaves Britain on the brink of recession. The Bank for International Settlements said leading economies are poised to enter a period in which soaring prices become embedded.

Tonight's dinner

Trout fillets with herb butter, lettuce, peas and bacon | This dish by Diana Henry has an unbeatable flavour combination.

Travel tips: The forest-bathing capital of Europe

Latvia's forests define a landscape and culture. Forty miles north of Riga, Sigulda is the gateway town for Gauja National Park. Nick Redmayne discovers how the region's extensive woodlands make it the ideal place to indulge in the practice of forest bathing – promising total immersion.

And finally... for this morning's downtime

Ultimate commuter towns | House prices, good schools, season ticket costs: There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a place to live. If you are considering a move to a commuter town, help is on hand. Use our new interactive tool to find the top 10 towns around London that are tailored to your own preferences.

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