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The Scale of Government WasteCancelled government projects cost taxpayers a staggering £6.6 billion in the past year alone, with money written off that achieved no intended objectives or created any value for the public, according to parliament's spending watchdog. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) described successive governments' tendency to abandon projects after spending significant sums as a "particularly egregious" example of poor value for public money.Key Failed InitiativesAmong the most prominent cancelled projects were the Conservative government's Rwanda deportation scheme, which cost £290 million before being scrapped by the new Labour administration, and the planned A303 road tunnel under Stonehenge, which contributed to a £472 million loss for the Department for Transport. The Ministry of Defence emerged as one of the most wasteful departments, incurring a £1.6 billion loss through project cancellations in the 2024-25 tax year.Financial Impact AnalysisThe cross-party committee analyzed spending across 17 main government departments and identified several factors behind the financial losses:Write-offs and debts no longer being pursuedDepartments cancelling or retiring assetsFraud, particularly in the Department for Work and PensionsCompensation schemes reaching £73.4 billion by the end of the last financial yearThe Department for Work and Pensions reported £9.3 billion in overpayments due to fraud and errors that have persisted for 36 years.Governance and Accountability ConcernsThe PAC deputy chair, Labour MP Clive Betts, characterized the high costs as a sign of government "complacency," stating that hard-working taxpayers should be "rightly aggravated" by the figure. The committee rejected the argument that high levels of fraud and waste are simply "the cost of doing business in the public sector," instead labeling them "the cost of complacency." James Bowler, the Treasury's permanent secretary, acknowledged that write-offs could occur with changes in government and differing objectives, suggesting a "value for money trade-off" in project completion decisions.Future Outlook on Government SpendingThe report calls for urgent action to reduce fraud and improve value for money in government programs. The Treasury has stated it "will never tolerate fraud, error or waste" and emphasized that the government ended the Rwanda scheme and cancelled unaffordable road projects to "protect the public finances." With public finances under increasing scrutiny, the findings are likely to intensify demands for greater accountability and more rigorous project planning before major initiatives receive approval and funding.

Tonight’s Must‑Watch TV HighlightsThe Guardian’s latest TV guide showcases a mix of drama, comedy and culinary spectacle across Britain’s major broadcasters. From a stylish Cold‑War thriller on Sky Atlantic to the nation’s biggest curry restaurant on Channel 4, the line‑up promises both intrigue and comfort food for viewers.‘Ponies’: A Cold‑War Thriller Starring Emilia ClarkeEmilia Clarke headlines ‘Ponies’, a star‑filled, stylish and surprisingly fun Cold‑War drama airing at 9 pm on Sky Atlantic. Clarke plays Bea, a highly educated Russian‑speaking secretary who teams up with street‑smart Twila (Haley Lu Richardson). Together they investigate the mysterious deaths of their husbands in Moscow, operating as “persons of no interest”. The cast also includes Adrian Lester and Harriet Walter.Scheduling Slots and Audience Reach Estimates9 pm – Sky Atlantic: ‘Ponies’ (Cold‑War thriller)8 pm – Channel 4: “World’s Biggest Curry Restaurant” – a behind‑the‑scenes look at the Royal Nawaab in Stockport.9 pm – BBC Two: “Hidden Treasures of the National Trust” – cultural‑heritage documentary narrated by Toby Jones.10 pm – BBC Three: “Smoggie Queens” – comedy sketch series.10:05 pm – Sky Atlantic: “Hacks” – penultimate episode of the AI‑satire comedy.11:40 pm – BBC One: “St Denis Medical” – double‑bill US mockumentary.While exact viewership figures are not yet released, prime‑time slots on Sky Atlantic and Channel 4 typically attract 1–2 million live viewers, with additional streaming audiences on platform‑specific apps.Why Cold‑War Drama Is Resurfacing on UK TVThe renewed interest in Cold‑War narratives aligns with a broader cultural fascination for geopolitical tension and espionage, spurred by recent successful series such as *The Americans* and *Killing Eve*. By pairing a high‑profile star like Clarke with a genre that blends thriller, period intrigue and dark humor, broadcasters aim to capture both legacy audiences and younger viewers seeking fresh takes on historic settings.What This Means for Next Season’s Programming ChoicesGiven the strategic placement of *Ponies* alongside eclectic factual and comedy offerings, networks appear to be betting on a diversified schedule that balances prestige drama with accessible reality‑TV formats. If *Ponies* secures strong live and on‑demand numbers, we can expect more star‑driven, genre‑hybrid projects to fill prime‑time slots in the coming months, potentially nudging streaming services to compete with similar high‑budget, historically‑rooted series.

Executive Summary: Leader Ousted but Not DefeatedThe Turkish judiciary has removed the head of the main opposition party from his leadership role, prompting him to declare his intention to continue fighting for his political agenda. Court Ruling and Immediate AftermathThe court's decision formally terminated the leader's tenure as party chair, citing procedural violations. Within hours, the ousted figure addressed supporters, emphasizing his commitment to remain a political actor and to challenge the ruling establishment. Political Stakes and Electoral ContextNational elections are scheduled for 2027, making the leadership vacuum a critical factor for opposition strategy.The ruling party, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stands to benefit from a fragmented opposition.Opposition parties are scrambling to reorganize and present a unified front. Implications for Turkey's Democratic InstitutionsThe ruling illustrates growing tensions between the judiciary and political opposition, raising concerns among international observers about the independence of Turkey's courts and the health of its democratic processes. Outlook: Potential Paths for the OppositionAnalysts anticipate two main scenarios: a rapid reconstitution of opposition leadership that could rally voters, or prolonged internal disputes that may weaken the coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. The leader's vow to stay active suggests he may pursue a role outside formal party structures, potentially influencing public discourse and mobilizing grassroots support.

The Lead The Royal Exchange's 50th anniversary season production, 'Even These Things', is a bold attempt to encapsulate the complex history of Manchester. The play explores themes of identity, community, and belonging through three seemingly unrelated scenes. MAPPING MANCHESTER'S HISTORY The play is built from three scenes, each set in a different time period. The first scene is set in 1846 and features a heavily pregnant Irish immigrant, Annie Donovan, who brushes shoulders with Friedrich Engels on her way to a fist fight. The second scene is set in 1996 and describes the city-centre life of an ordinary Saturday, with a community cast playing out whimsical vignettes. The final scene takes place after the IRA bomb outside the Arndale Centre and features a tender exchange between two strangers of Irish heritage. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY The play's cumulative meaning may be tricky to grasp, but as the scenes rub up against each other, what emerges is a thoughtful, rich and complex picture of home. The connections between the scenes are elliptical, but they ultimately reveal a city with a shared history and a strong sense of community. THE FUTURE OF MANCHESTER The play suggests that, however difficult, a future is possible. The final scene's chat about miscarriage and childbirth between two strangers of Irish heritage meeting in the park some months after the attack on an Ariana Grande concert brought the city together, implies that the city can heal and move forward. CONCLUSION 'Even These Things' is a bold and ambitious production that successfully maps Manchester's complex history. The play's themes of identity, community, and belonging are timely and thought-provoking, making it a must-see for anyone interested in theatre and the city of Manchester.

A candid kitchen conversation with Sir Derek Jacobi The Guardian’s interview captures a warm, unguarded moment as Jacobi and his husband, director Richard Clifford, share coffee and stories in their London home. Jacobi, 80, jokes about his looks, admits he never felt “movie‑star material,” and confides that he would love to reach his centenary. Career milestones and personal anecdotes 1970s breakthrough as the stammering Emperor in I, Claudius. Acclaimed stage work including Cyrano de Bergerac (Royal Shakespeare Company, 1980s) and Macbeth at the Barbican (1993). Recent TV roles in Vicious and Last Tango in Halifax. Early life in Leytonstone; rheumatic fever at nine sparked a shift from working‑class roots to a posh accent and ambition. No financial figures – cultural impact takes centre stage The piece contains no monetary data; its value lies in documenting the lived experience of a veteran actor whose voice and presence have shaped British drama for five decades. What Jacobi’s reflections mean for British theatre and aging performers Jacobi’s honesty about age, health (including his AIDS diagnosis) and self‑image highlights the often‑unspoken pressures on older actors. His partnership with Clifford, who directs and designs their home, underscores the importance of supportive creative collaborations in sustaining long‑term artistic careers. Looking ahead: the goal of hitting 100 Jacobi ends on a hopeful note, expressing a desire to “hit 100” and continue contributing to the arts. His story suggests that longevity in performance is as much about personal resilience and community as it is about talent.

Executive Summary of the Podcast EpisodeThe Guardian’s latest podcast follows hunters who argue that shooting big game can help preserve Africa’s wildlife, sparking a nuanced discussion on conservation strategies.Episode Focus and How to Access ItListen or read: Read the text version hereSupport the Guardian: theguardian.com/longreadpodRelated Publication Highlighted in the EpisodeThe episode references Adapted from The Savage Landscape: How We Made the Wilderness by Cal Flyn, published by William Collins on 7 May. The book can be ordered via guardianbookshop.com.Visual Context ProvidedPhotograph: ReutersWhy This Conversation MattersThe podcast adds to ongoing debates about the role of regulated hunting in wildlife management, offering perspectives from those directly involved in the practice.Looking AheadFuture episodes and related reporting are expected to continue exploring the complex balance between hunting, conservation funding, and ecosystem health across Africa.

The US-Taiwan Arms Sale Pause A top official in the United States military has said Washington is pausing a $14bn arms sale to Taiwan to conserve munitions for its war on Iran. Details of the Pause Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao provided the update to lawmakers during a Senate hearing on Thursday, a week after the weapons sale took centre stage in talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Cao told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense that the US is pausing the sale to ensure it has enough munitions for its potential conflict with Iran. The decision to move forward with the sale would be made by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Impact on Taiwan's Defense Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai told reporters on Friday that Taiwan would continue to pursue arms purchases, according to Taiwanese news outlet FTV News. William Yang, senior analyst for northeast Asia at the Crisis Group, said in a social media post that the pause will “exacerbate anxiety and scepticism about US support in Taiwan and make it difficult for the Taiwanese government to request additional defence budget for the foreseeable future”. The Iran Conflict and US Military Preparedness The war has been paused since the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on April 8, but the sides have yet to reach a permanent peace deal. “Right now, we’re doing a pause in order to make sure we have the munitions we need for Epic Fury – which we have plenty,” Cao said. Future Outlook Trump, who has confirmed that he discussed the arms sale with Xi, said last week in an interview with Fox News that he “may” or “may not” approve the package. Trump has also suggested that the package could be used as a “negotiating chip” – despite a decades-old precedent against consulting with Beijing on arms sales.

The LeadGreenlanders have organized demonstrations against the opening of a new US consulate in Nuuk, the capital of the autonomous Danish territory. The protests highlight growing tensions over foreign presence in the strategically located Arctic island.The Opening of a New Diplomatic MissionThe United States recently established a new consulate in Nuuk, signaling increased diplomatic engagement with Greenland. This move comes amid heightened geopolitical interest in the Arctic region, particularly as ice melt opens new shipping routes and potential resource extraction opportunities. Greenland, while autonomous, remains under Danish sovereignty, though has been seeking greater international recognition and independence.Geopolitical Implications in the ArcticThe protest movement reflects broader concerns about foreign influence in Greenland. The island has become a focal point in strategic competition between global powers, particularly between the United States, China, and Russia. Greenland's strategic location and untapped natural resources make it a valuable asset in the evolving Arctic geopolitics. The demonstrations underscore the sensitivity of foreign diplomatic presence in the territory.Future of Greenland's International RelationsAs Greenland continues to navigate its relationship with Denmark while engaging with other international actors, the protest against the US consulate may signal a shift in how the territory approaches foreign engagement. Greenlanders appear increasingly wary of foreign powers viewing their homeland solely through a strategic lens rather than recognizing their unique cultural and political aspirations. The outcome of this diplomatic standoff could shape Greenland's international relations for years to come.

The Ousting of CHP Leader Ozgur Ozel A court in Turkey has annulled the 2023 leadership election of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), in a sharp escalation against the country's embattled opposition. The ruling overturned the result of a leadership election that brought in current party head Ozgur Ozel, with the court naming the party's former chair, Kemal Kilicdaroglu – who lost the election to Ozel – as interim leader. The Impact on Turkish Politics The case was seen as a test of Turkey's shaky balance between democracy and increasingly centralised power, and the ruling may throw the opposition into further disarray and possible infighting. It could also boost Erdogan's chances of extending his more than two-decade rule of the big NATO member country and major emerging market economy. The CHP's Response to the Court Ruling The CHP rejected the ruling as an “attempted coup”, while the government – which denies criticism that it uses courts to target political opponents – said it renewed Turks' faith in the rule of law. Ali Mahir Basarir, CHP deputy parliamentary group chair, told the Reuters news agency the ruling “is an attempted coup carried out through the judiciary [and] a blow against the will of 86 million people”. Economic Fallout and Future Implications Turkey's Borsa Istanbul .XU100 dropped 6 percent in response, triggering a market-wide circuit breaker, while government bonds slid. The central bank sold billions of dollars in forex to ease the fallout, four traders said. Investors said the latest political turmoil would be watched for similar risks. The Future Outlook for CHP and Turkey The pro-Kurdish DEM Party (Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party), parliament's third-largest, called the court decision a “black stain” on Turkish democracy. The reinstated CHP leader Kilicdaroglu, who had largely faded from public view since his electoral defeat three years ago, called for calm and common sense, saying he hoped Turkey would benefit from it.