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The LeadChinese President Xi Jinping has hailed Beijing's "unbreakable" friendship with Pakistan during a meeting with visiting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeking to deepen their "all-weather" strategic partnership. The high-level talks come as Pakistan plays a central role in mediating between the United States and Iran amid the US-Israel war on Iran, with China supporting these peace efforts.Strengthening Strategic TiesGreeting Sharif at Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Monday, Xi called him an "old friend" and emphasized that the two countries had "understood, trusted and supported each other" over decades, forging an "unbreakable traditional friendship." Xi stated that "no matter how the international situation changes, China always prioritizes the development of China-Pakistan relations in its neighbourhood diplomacy," expressing willingness to work with Islamabad to build a more close-knit China-Pakistan community with a shared future.In response, Sharif described China and Pakistan as two "iron brother" countries with a relationship that is "next to none." The visit underscores Pakistan's status as one of an exclusive group of countries China regards as an "all-weather strategic partner," characterized by close economic, trade, and security cooperation.Geopolitical SignificanceThe diplomatic meeting occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Pakistan emerging as a central mediator between the United States and Iran. Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, who has been instrumental in facilitating talks between Washington and Tehran, accompanied Sharif to Beijing.Sharif acknowledged that "the world is passing through a critical moment" while expressing optimism that "things are moving in the right direction" with China's support to promote peace. Pakistan has hosted face-to-face talks between the US and Iran, though these efforts have not yet yielded a lasting agreement.Regional DynamicsChina has maintained a quieter role in the Middle East mediation efforts, focusing on facilitating phone calls and meetings with officials from Gulf countries. Beijing has committed to working with Pakistan to "make positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East."For Pakistan, engaging China in its mediation efforts is particularly significant given the close ties between Beijing and Tehran. In March, China and Pakistan issued a five-point initiative during a meeting of their foreign ministers in Beijing, calling for peace talks and the restoration of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes.Future OutlookThe strengthened China-Pakistan partnership is likely to have far-reaching implications for regional stability in both South Asia and the Middle East. As global powers navigate complex geopolitical challenges, the "all-weather" relationship between Beijing and Islamabad may serve as a model for international cooperation based on mutual interests rather than ideological alignment.Moving forward, China's diplomatic support for Pakistan's mediation efforts could enhance Islamabad's standing on the international stage while providing Beijing with greater influence in Middle East affairs. The strategic partnership between these two nations may continue to evolve as both countries seek to balance their relationships with major global powers amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Executive Overview: BHP’s Climate Commitment Takes a TurnThe latest Full Story podcast, sourced from the Guardian’s BHP Files investigation, discloses a previously hidden internal memo that signals a decisive pull‑back on the company’s public climate pledges. While BHP has long marketed itself as a leader in mining sustainability, the leaked document suggests a strategic retreat that could reshape its emissions roadmap.Leaked Internal Memo Details the Strategic Pull‑backThe memo, dated May 2026, outlines senior executives’ concerns about the feasibility of meeting previously announced emissions targets. Key points include:Reassessment of the 2025 net‑zero timeline.Prioritisation of short‑term shareholder returns over long‑term decarbonisation projects.Recommendations to delay or cancel several green‑technology investments.These revelations contrast sharply with BHP’s external communications that have highlighted ambitious climate goals.Financial Stakes Highlighted by the BacktrackAlthough the memo does not disclose specific monetary figures, analysts note potential market implications:Investor confidence could waver if the backtrack undermines BHP’s ESG credentials.Potential re‑valuation of sustainability‑linked financing arrangements.Risk of heightened scrutiny from regulators and climate‑focused shareholders.At present, no concrete share‑price movement has been reported, but the narrative shift is likely to influence future financial assessments.Implications for the Mining Sector and Global Climate GoalsThe internal reversal sends a ripple through an industry already under pressure to align with the Paris Agreement. If BHP, a benchmark miner, scales back, other firms may feel emboldened to reassess their own climate commitments, potentially slowing progress toward sector‑wide emissions reductions.Future Trajectory: What BHP’s Next Moves Could MeanStakeholders will watch closely for BHP’s official response. Possible scenarios include:Re‑affirmation of climate targets with revised, more attainable milestones.Increased transparency around decarbonisation investments to restore investor trust.Further internal reviews that could either reinforce or completely abandon the current climate strategy.The outcome will shape not only BHP’s reputation but also the broader narrative around corporate climate accountability in heavy‑industry sectors.

The Jimblebar Beneficiation Project: A Missed Opportunity for DecarbonizationBHP has quietly abandoned plans for a major iron ore processing facility near its Jimblebar open-cut mine in the Pilbara. The project, which was well advanced in 2025, aimed to improve the purity of iron ore to meet global demand, particularly from China. Despite being internally rated as having "excellent social value" and being "well-aligned" to shareholder-endorsed climate plans, the mining giant decided to cancel all further work on the plant.The Economic Trade-off: Marginal Returns vs. Climate GoalsThe decision to scrap the Jimblebar plant was driven by a strict assessment of marginal economics. BHP determined that the project would struggle to compete for capital against other potential investments. This cancellation is part of a broader pattern where the company is either shelving or delaying major projects designed to reduce emissions, including a 50-megawatt solar and 20MW battery project that had board approval.Capital Allocation: The miner is prioritizing projects with higher immediate returns over those that offer long-term environmental benefits.Fleet Strategy: Despite pledging to electrify its fleet, BHP has continued purchasing polluting diesel trucks for Pilbara operations.Quantifying the Impact: Scope-Three Emissions and Market PremiumsThe Jimblebar facility was not just a logistical upgrade; it was a strategic tool for decarbonization. By providing higher quality iron ore, the plant would have allowed steelmakers to reduce their emissions intensity, which is one of the cheapest methods for the industry to cut carbon output.The economic and environmental stakes were significant:Emission Reduction: The project was estimated to reduce scope-three emissions by 1.7m tonnes a year.Comparative Impact: This reduction is equivalent to taking more than 350,000 cars off the road, representing about three-quarters of the entire annual emissions from BHP’s Western Australian iron ore division.Market Premium: Higher quality ore allows BHP to charge customers a premium, creating a potential win-win scenario that was ultimately deemed too marginal.Broader Implications for Australia's Safeguard MechanismThe leaked documents, dubbed the "BHP files," raise serious questions about the efficacy of Australia’s Safeguard Mechanism. This federal policy requires the country's largest polluting industrial facilities to cut greenhouse gas emissions intensity year on year. BHP's decision to delay or cancel green investments suggests that the current policy framework may not be strong enough to compel major miners to prioritize decarbonization over short-term profitability.Future Outlook: The "Net Zero" DilemmaBHP's recent actions indicate a potential shift in its timeline for achieving net-zero goals. By war-gaming options to significantly delay major investments, the company is signaling that its 2050 emissions target may be more aspirational than operational in the near term. Investors and climate advocates will be closely watching whether BHP can reconcile its climate commitments with its capital allocation strategy as global pressure mounts.

The LeadA leaked internal memo from BHP, the world's largest mining company, has revealed a significant reversal in the company's climate strategy. The document shows that BHP has slammed the brakes on several key climate initiatives, despite public commitments to environmental sustainability. This revelation comes at a critical time when the mining industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact and role in climate change.The Climate Strategy ReversalThe internal memo, obtained by The Guardian, outlines a dramatic shift in BHP's approach to climate initiatives. According to the document, the company has paused or significantly reduced funding for several key projects aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. These include scaling back investments in renewable energy projects, delaying the transition to electric mining vehicles, and reconsidering targets for reducing Scope 3 emissions, which account for the majority of the company's carbon footprint.The memo reportedly expresses concerns about the financial viability of these initiatives and suggests that the company needs to focus on short-term profitability rather than long-term environmental goals. This represents a significant departure from BHP's previous public stance on climate change, where the company had positioned itself as a leader in sustainable mining practices.Financial ImplicationsThe decision to scale back climate initiatives is likely to have significant financial implications for BHP. While the company may save money in the short term by reducing investments in green technologies, it risks facing long-term costs from regulatory penalties, carbon taxes, and potential divestment by environmentally conscious investors.The mining industry as a whole is facing increasing pressure to address its environmental impact. With global temperatures rising and governments implementing stricter environmental regulations, companies that fail to adapt their business models may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in the coming decades.Industry-Wide RepercussionsBHP's decision to slow its climate push could have far-reaching implications for the mining industry. As one of the largest and most influential mining companies, BHP's actions may set a precedent for other firms in the sector. This could lead to a broader slowdown in climate initiatives across the industry, potentially undermining global efforts to reduce emissions from the mining sector.The mining industry is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, both directly through operations and indirectly through the extraction and processing of fossil fuels. Any reduction in climate action by major players like BHP could make it more difficult for the world to meet its climate targets under the Paris Agreement.Future OutlookLooking ahead, BHP's climate strategy reversal may prove to be a short-term decision with long-term consequences. As the global economy continues to transition toward sustainability, companies that fail to invest in green technologies may find themselves struggling to compete in a low-carbon future.Investors, regulators, and consumers are increasingly demanding that companies take meaningful action on climate change. BHP will need to balance these expectations with the financial realities of operating in a volatile commodity market. The company's future success may depend on its ability to develop a climate strategy that addresses both environmental concerns and business objectives.

Lead: De Zerbi’s appointment credited with sparing Spurs from relegationJames Maddison and Conor Gallagher told the Guardian that the decision to replace Igor Tudor with Roberto De Zerbi "saved disaster from happening" for Tottenham Hotspur. With only seven matches left, the club turned a free‑fall into Premier League survival.Mid‑season managerial switch and immediate turnaroundSpurs dismissed Tudor after a run of just one point from six games. De Zerbi arrived with seven fixtures remaining and quickly rebuilt confidence, delivering a 1‑0 home win over Everton that sealed a finish above relegated West Ham United. Under De Zerbi the side recorded:3 wins2 draws2 defeatsThe turnaround lifted the team from the brink of the drop to safety.Statistical snapshot of the survival runGames remaining when De Zerbi took charge: 7Record under De Zerbi: 3‑2‑2Key result: 1‑0 victory over Everton (May 24, 2026)Final league position: Above West Ham, who were relegatedWhy the change reshaped Tottenham’s seasonDe Zerbi introduced tactical tweaks – higher pressing, more turnovers in the final third, and a re‑balanced midfield that revived Gallagher’s form. He also focused on player psychology, using video clips and intensive nightly meetings to restore belief. Both Maddison and Gallagher highlighted the immediate boost in confidence and the “obsessed with football” work ethic of the new manager.Looking ahead: summer rebuild and future prospectsSpurs now face a busy transfer window. Expected free‑transfer signings include centre‑half Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) and left‑back Andy Robertson (Liverpool). Potential departures are captain Cristian Romero and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. The club’s short‑term goal is to consolidate the squad around De Zerbi’s philosophy and avoid another relegation scare.

The Escalation in Southern LebanonAt least three people have been killed in Israeli air attacks on vehicles in southern Lebanon, the country's National News Agency (NNA) reported, as the Israeli military issued new forced displacement orders for residents in the south. Israeli drone attacks targeting three vehicles on the Kafr Rumman-Jarmaq highway and the Jarmaq-Khardali road in the Nabatieh area early on Monday killed three people, NNA reported.Mass Evacuation Orders IssuedLater, Israel ordered residents of 10 villages to evacuate their homes before expected strikes. Citing "Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire agreement", the military's Arabic-language spokesman, Colonel Avichai Adraee, said in a social media post that the Israeli forces "are compelled to operate against it with force", as he listed the names of the villages, mostly in southern Lebanon."For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move at least 1,000 metres away from these towns and villages to open areas."Continued Israeli Military OperationsIn the southern city of Tyre, an Israeli attack destroyed two homes in the Arzoun municipality, NNA reported, adding that rescue teams were on site to evacuate the injured. Israeli forces also struck the towns of al-Mansouri, Siddiqin, Zibqin, Qlayaa, Yohmor al-Shaqif, Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and al-Haniya.Reporting from Beirut, Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr said Israeli drones were hovering over the Lebanese capital for the second consecutive day. "Nonstop buzzing of Israeli drones over central Beirut and the capital's southern suburbs ... flying at low altitude," she said.Rising Casualties Despite CeasefireMore than 3,000 people have been killed since the fighting between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah resumed on March 2, according to the Ministry of Public Health. The Israeli military said on Monday that one of its soldiers was killed in southern Lebanon amid continued hostilities and ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. Another soldier was wounded in the incident, the military said in a statement. According to Israeli media reports, the casualties resulted from a Hezbollah drone attack.A total of 23 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the conflict, along with a civilian contractor, since hostilities resumed.Failed Ceasefire and Diplomatic EffortsDespite a US-mediated "ceasefire" that took effect on April 17 and was later extended into early July, Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and Beirut have continued. Lebanon and Israel began landmark US-brokered talks last month and are preparing for a fourth round in early June, preceded by a meeting between military delegations at the Pentagon on May 29.Lebanon's Non-Negotiable DemandLebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Monday that Israel's withdrawal from the country was a "non-negotiable" demand that authorities would pursue through negotiations, days before another round of talks in Washington, DC. In a statement commemorating Israeli forces' withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000 after some two decades of occupation, Aoun said, "This year, the anniversary of the liberation comes as Lebanon is weighed down by a painful reality.""Israeli attacks have not stopped, and our dear southern villages are still suffering under a renewed occupation," he said.Hezbollah's Position and Regional ImplicationsHezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Sunday reiterated his opposition to direct talks with Israel and his group's refusal to disarm. "If this government is incapable of guaranteeing sovereignty, it should go," Qassem said. "Where is the sovereignty if America runs the cogs of the Lebanese state?"Meanwhile, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran were also focused on ending the war in Lebanon.

ISS Urges Shareholders to Reject Metro Bank's 2026 Pay ReportInvestors in Metro Bank face a proxy‑adviser recommendation to vote against the lender’s upcoming pay report, scheduled for the annual meeting on 2 June 2026. Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) argues that the bank’s “shareholder value alignment plan” (SVAP) is “significantly out of line” with market standards.Key Features of the Controversial SVAPLinks executive bonuses directly to the bank’s share price, irrespective of operational performance.Could award CEO Dan Frumkin a total payout of up to £60 million by the end of the scheme.Salary for 2026 is set to rise 11.3% to £1.05 million, up from £943,500 in 2025.Financial Snapshot: Payouts and PerformanceDespite the compensation concerns, Metro Bank reported record revenues and its highest underlying pre‑tax profit in history last year. The share price climbed more than 25% in 2025, continuing an upward trend.Executive remuneration highlights:2025 total CEO package: £2.6 million (up from £1.2 million in 2024).Salary increase for FY2024 was roughly 20%.Governance Implications and Shareholder RisksISS flagged “insufficient disclosure” around non‑financial bonus metrics, noting vague descriptions of “people objectives” and “risk and regulatory objectives.” The adviser warned that the pay structure could misalign management incentives with long‑term shareholder value, especially given the bank’s recent turnaround efforts after a near‑collapse in 2023.The 2023 rescue involved a £925 million deal led by Colombian billionaire Jaime Gilinski, who now controls 53% of Metro Bank.What Lies Ahead for Metro Bank’s Compensation PolicyIf shareholders follow ISS’s advice, the SVAP could be rejected, forcing the board to redesign its remuneration framework. Analysts expect heightened scrutiny of executive pay across the FTSE 250, with potential pressure for greater transparency and alignment with performance metrics.Metro Bank’s spokesperson defended the plan, emphasizing its focus on long‑term growth and alignment with shareholder interests. The outcome of the vote will signal whether investors prioritize governance reforms over short‑term payout incentives.

The Enduring Appeal of BoundI'm not necessarily inclined towards what might typically be dubbed "feelgood." No, you won't find me seduced by a happy ending, nor am I partial to the oeuvre of Disney (in fact, I find all the talking animals and poreless princesses a bit grotesque). The raw edges and friction of feelbad have tended to be much better suited to my tastes: the porno chic slasher Knife+Heart, the sartorial murder of In Fabric and the snuff film-obsessed Thesis. Sex and gore, basically. For a long time, my favourite film was Crimes of the Future: a stomach-churning body horror about sexual-surgical experiments.A Queer MasterpieceHowever, there is one movie that reveals a slightly soft(er)core side to my viewing habits, which I frequently return to in order to feel the gushy feelings and butterflies of a school crush. That film is Bound. The 1996 directorial debut from the Wachowski sisters, the plot revolves around an opposites-attract scenario which is both familiar and high stakes: plumber Corky, and mafia moll Violet. When their eyes meet across an elevator, the tiny vestibule becomes thick with sexual tension: it is so on.Most of what makes this film work is the palpable chemistry between Corky, whose slick masculinity is embodied by Gina Gershon, and Violet, played with ultimate sex pot prowess by Jennifer Tilly. The whole thing is shot in the conventions of the sapphic gaze: we get plenty of closeups of Corky's hands wrestling with pipes, snaking holes and unscrewing things in languorous, laborious detail.Say what you will about how openly queer actors should play openly queer roles, but this film – starring two ostensibly cis, straight female leads – is a masterclass in lesbian eroticism. The two main actors so seamlessly embody a masc/femme dynamic, without the try-hard didacticism of many later cinematic attempts, to create a relationship that feels oddly real (except much, much hotter).Character Analysis and ChemistryHaving just starred as the vamp Cristal Connors in the trash-cult, 1995 Vegas romp Showgirls, it's uncanny to see Gershon undergo such a dramatic gender transformation to play a butch pin-up just one year later. It's not a stretch to say that Corky has the kind of sly smirk and shaggy hair that no doubt served as the blueprint to The L Word's Shane.And then, well, there's Jennifer Tilly. A porcelain doll: her sex appeal is painted on the surface of her pout and her whole-bosom sighs but, underneath, she has a strong and stony demeanour. A complex female protagonist who smolders and manipulates to get what she wants from men, and a femme imprisoned by her own beauty, Tilly delivers probably the most astute performance exploring the double life of a straight-passing lesbian which I have ever seen.The Plot and Its ThemesAnyway, back to the plot. What comes after our protagonists' initial meeting is oh-so relatable: Corky, having just got out of prison, is particularly vulnerable to Violet's high-femme charms. In a turn that can only be explained by unbridled lust, Corky agrees to help her in a mad caper to steal $2m from the mob and pin it on her boyfriend. I, too, fear that I would do whatever Violet asked me to.But, to be honest, the crime plot is pretty inconsequential to me. What do I care if they pull it off or not? If you're interested, however, there are some tired – almost femmephobic – overnotes, where Corky begins to doubt if Violet is really the lesbian she says she is, or if she will ditch her for a man the first chance she gets. But despite it all, they get their own happy ending.Interestingly, the plot draws an equivalence between the prison time served by Corky and Violet's very own sentence: the years she spends as a clandestine lesbian in straight relationships with men, for her own financial survival. At the end of the film, evading prison and with a stack of cash, they are both free: Corky of the criminal justice system, and Violet from the confines of cis-heterosexual society.Legacy and Cultural ImpactWhile this film came out about 30 years ago – in my birth year – it remains the most convincing depiction of dyke sexual dynamics I have ever seen on screen. While they weren't out at the time, the Wachowski sisters (both trans lesbians) were cinematically brave: depicting the cheek, mischief and pleasure of sapphic relationships with Bound. I'm of a different generation to the directors, and I supposedly have access to a whole plethora of queer representation, but if it wasn't for this film made by two trans women in the 90s, I wouldn't have cinematic proof of my own sexuality.Bound is available on Kanopy or to rent digitally in the US and to rent digitally in the UK and Australia

Whistler Serves Up Comfort‑Food Narrative of Reunited LoversWhistler is Ann Patchett’s latest novel, a gentle, nostalgia‑laden story that reunites a high‑school teacher with her former stepfather after four decades. Set against the backdrop of Westchester suburbs and the Metropolitan Museum, the book trades the farm‑yard intimacy of Tom Lake for a polished, almost curated, domestic world.Story Mechanics and Thematic ThreadsProtagonist Daphne Fuller, a high‑school English teacher, is drawn back into childhood memories when Eddie Triplett, a Manhattan literary editor, reappears.The narrative pivots on a past car accident that split their lives, using flashbacks to explore grief, missed time, and the “sharp kernel” of Daphne’s happiness.Supporting characters—steady husband Jonathan and daring sister Leda—populate a world of brunches, art‑gallery meet‑cutes, and “pricey ice‑cream” comfort.Publication Facts and PricingPublisher: BloomsburyRelease price: £20Available through the Guardian Bookshop and major retailers.Critical Reception and Cultural ResonanceThe Guardian’s review frames the novel as “top‑shelf comfort food,” noting its polished prose and lack of the “Anthropocene terrors” that gave Tom Lake its edge. While the story may feel “mawkish” to some, its meticulous construction and nostalgic tone resonate with readers seeking solace in post‑pandemic fiction.Future Outlook for Patchett’s OeuvreIf the novel’s warm reception translates into strong sales, Whistler could cement Patchett’s reputation for crafting emotionally resonant, character‑driven narratives. Its modest commercial price point and broad appeal suggest it will remain a staple in book clubs and literary discussions throughout 2026‑2027.