United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 1821
Ownership
The Guardian (founded in Manchester in 1821 as The Manchester Guardian) is published by Guardian News & Media, part of Guardian Media Group, which is wholly owned by The Scott Trust Limited. The Scott Trust's defining objective is to safeguard the editorial and financial independence of The Guardian in perpetuity, free of party affiliation. No individual proprietor, family or outside investor holds control; the trust board appoints but does not direct the editor-in-chief.
Funding
Funding comes from advertising, reader subscriptions, memberships and voluntary contributions, supplemented by income from the Scott Trust Endowment Fund (around £1 billion) that cushions operating losses. The Guardian deliberately keeps its journalism outside a hard paywall and leans heavily on direct reader support.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially center-left and liberal, with longstanding sympathies for Labour and progressive causes, but with no party or government ownership. It is classified INDEPENDENT because its unique trust ownership is purpose-built to prevent any party, state or proprietor from controlling its journalism.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 438
78/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
470
Articles
470
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Cancer rates rising more quickly among younger people, international study finds
A new international study analyzing data from the UK, US, and the Netherlands found that cancer rates are increasing more rapidly among younger people. Researchers highlighted that lifestyle factors appear to be contributing to this trend, with specific cancers such as prostate, bowel, kidney, and uterine cancers showing significant rises in individuals under 50 years old. In England, prostate cancer cases in this age group have quadrupled since 2001, while early-onset diagnoses of other cancers have more than doubled. The findings raise concerns about the impact of lifestyle choices on public health.
Greens Pass ‘Zionism Is Racism’ Motion at Party Conference
At their largest-ever conference in Brighton, UK Green Party members passed a motion declaring Zionism as racism, making them the first mainstream British political party to take such a stance. The motion, supported by 1,022 votes to 813, calls for backing a single, democratic Palestinian state, supporting Palestinian political prisoners, opposing the Palestine Action ban, and affirming Palestinians' right to resistance. An amendment aimed at protecting Jewish members affiliated with Zionist institutions was rejected. Proponents argue the motion distinguishes between Judaism and Zionism and does not affect internal party discipline. The decision sparked controversy, with pro-Israel demonstrators protesting outside the conference, accusing the Greens of promoting racism. Internal divisions were evident, with senior figures like co-deputy leader Mothin Ali supporting the motion while former leader Caroline Lucas opposed it. Green Party policy has previously described Israeli actions as apartheid and genocide, and supports a full arms embargo and an end to occupation.
UK threatens to expel Israeli diplomats over planned East Jerusalem consulate closure
The UK has threatened to expel up to 27 Israeli diplomats in retaliation for Israel's plan to close its consulate in East Jerusalem, which the UK views as part of its broader sanctions against Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The UK's decision to ban trade with goods from illegal settlements and sanction companies supporting their construction has prompted Israel to take this diplomatic action. The UK Foreign Office did not confirm the threat but acknowledged concerns raised by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, who argued that closing the consulate in East Jerusalem, recognized as occupied Palestinian territory, may be unlawful. Israeli officials dismissed the UK's threat as speculative, emphasizing that they would respond proportionately to any actions against Israel. UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell attempted to prevent the closure but failed, while some analysts suggest the UK's stance may influence the upcoming Israeli national election.
Badenoch promises ‘Britannia Dome’ missile shield
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has proposed a £10 billion 'Britannia Shield' missile defense system, modeled after Israel's Iron Dome, to protect the UK and its interests from emerging threats such as drones and ballistic missiles. This initiative aims to address concerns raised by the military about the UK's current defensive capabilities, especially in light of recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The proposal comes as the UK faces growing risks from 'grey' warfare tactics used by Russia and Iran, and as the Labour government struggles to close a £4.7 billion gap in its defense budget while meeting its commitment to spend 3% of GDP on defense. Critics question the feasibility of the £10 billion cost, noting previous estimates suggesting much higher expenses. The plan would be funded by increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2030, achieved through reductions in welfare spending.
Jeffrey Archer, former novelist and Conservative MP, dies aged 86
Jeffrey Archer, a former Conservative MP and renowned novelist, has died at the age of 86. His publisher, Harper Collins, reported that he passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home between writing sessions. Archer served as a Conservative MP for five years before becoming the party’s deputy chairman and later a life peer in 1992. His political career ended in 2001 when he was imprisoned for four years for perjury and perverting the course of justice, related to a libel case against The Star newspaper. After his release in 2003, he returned to the House of Lords until retiring in 2024. Known for his bestselling novels like 'Kane and Abel,' Archer continued to engage with fans, including a sold-out book signing event with broadcaster Gyles Brandreth. He was set to discuss his final novel, 'Adam and Eve,' at the Cheltenham Festival. Archer celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Mary, and they had two sons and five grandchildren. Former Tory minister Nadhim Zahawi and Harper Collins UK chief executive Kate Elton both paid tribute to his storytelling talent and dedication.
Trump says ‘threats’ led to US decision to remove bombers from RAF Fairford
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the decision to withdraw American strategic bomber warplanes from RAF Fairford in the UK was influenced by 'undisclosed threats.' He claimed the U.S. knew the individuals behind these threats and suggested the move was a precautionary measure rather than an accidental departure. The airbase had previously been targeted in a suspected terror attack involving five British men arrested near the facility. These men were later released on bail, along with a sixth individual of dual UK-Iranian nationality. Trump expressed concerns about the safety of U.S. assets in the UK but praised the new Prime Minister, suggesting economic benefits could arise from opening North Sea oil reserves. Vice President JD Vance attributed the bomber relocation to an abundance of caution following a suspected Iranian plot at the site. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied a direct connection between the bomber removal and the alleged Iranian involvement, emphasizing routine resource reallocation. NATO sources indicated continued concerns over potential Iranian threats to U.S. assets in the UK.
British Airways horror as plane plunges 28,000ft with oxygen masks deployed inside turbulent cabin
British Airways flight BA295 experienced a mid-air emergency approximately five hours into its journey from London Heathrow to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The flight, which departed at 11:50 am, encountered a sudden and steep descent of 28,000 feet, prompting the deployment of oxygen masks for passengers and crew. Flight tracking data revealed the aircraft dropped from 37,000 feet to around 9,000 feet before burning fuel off the coast of Wales and returning to Heathrow at about 5 pm. The airline attributed the incident to a 'technical issue' and stated that the pilots executed the maneuver safely. Passengers reported turbulence and initial confusion, though most found the handling of the situation satisfactory. British Airways confirmed the aircraft landed safely and is working to assist affected travelers.
Inside Tory-Reform fight as Jacob Rees-Mogg reignites calls for parties to make a deal
Jacob Rees-Mogg, a senior Conservative figure, has renewed calls for a potential electoral alliance between the Conservative Party and Reform UK, suggesting such a deal might be necessary if current tensions persist. While Kemi Badenoch, the current Conservative leadership candidate, opposes immediate cooperation with Reform, Rees-Mogg argues that parties often engage in ideological conflict before reaching agreements. During the Conservative Party Conference, Rees-Mogg compared past negotiations between David Cameron and Nick Clegg, emphasizing that parties must eventually consider collaboration. He acknowledged Reform’s differences from the far-right group 'Restore,' noting Nigel Farage’s cautious approach. Meanwhile, internal Tory members remain divided, with some dismissing Reform as a threat while others acknowledge the party's growing influence due to scandals. A Tory member expressed concern over the party's poor poll numbers and suggested a coalition might be necessary if it serves national interests.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor takes legal action against police and Old Bailey over Epstein raids
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a member of the British royal family, is challenging the legality of search warrants issued by an Old Bailey judge that led to his arrest in February 2023. The warrants were used to raid his residences at Sandringham Estate and Royal Lodge, based on suspicions of misconduct in public office linked to his past role as the UK’s trade envoy and alleged sharing of sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted child sex offender. A high court judge has permitted him to seek judicial review of the police actions. This marks the first instance of a royal family member contesting the lawfulness of criminal proceedings against them since the trial of Charles I in 1649. The case involves legal disputes between Mountbatten-Windsor, Thames Valley Police, and the Central Criminal Court. The royal family has faced internal repercussions, with King Charles III stripping Mountbatten-Windsor of his title and dukedom due to his ties with Epstein.
Tory shadow minister claims Luton has ‘no-go zones’ where ‘white people won’t go’
A Conservative Party shadow minister, Blake Stephenson, claimed during a fringe meeting that Luton has 'no-go zones' where 'white people won’t go,' comparing the situation to claims made by far-right figures like Anders Breivik and Tommy Robinson. His remarks echo conspiracy theories that have been dismissed by local authorities and community groups. Stephenson argued that such areas reflect broader issues of segregation and suggested that addressing them requires policies targeting immigration and integration. Local police and religious organizations have denied the existence of such zones in the area. The comments were part of a discussion on migration policy within the Conservative Party.
Conservative plans to slash aid budget would ‘irreparably damage’ UK’s global credibility, charities say
The article reports that the UK Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, proposes slashing the annual aid budget from £9bn to £1bn to fund new prison places and cut the culture budget by £1bn. Charities and experts warn this drastic reduction would prevent the UK from fulfilling existing commitments to global institutions like the UN and World Bank, potentially damaging the country's global credibility. They argue that maintaining current levels of aid is essential for addressing crises such as natural disasters and pandemics, and that the proposed cuts would make the UK less influential on the global stage. Previous governments, including Labour under Keir Starmer and Reform UK under Nigel Farage, have also targeted aid spending, but critics suggest the Conservatives' plan is unrealistic and harmful to international relations.
Tory plan to cut energy efficiency rule for builders will cost new home owners £1,000 a year, says thinktank – UK politics live
A thinktank has criticized the Conservative Party's proposed removal of the Future Homes Standard, arguing that the policy would impose an annual financial burden of £1,000 on new homeowners. The Future Homes Standard mandates that new homes be built with low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps and solar panels rather than traditional gas boilers. According to the thinktank E3G, removing this requirement would lead to significantly higher energy costs for homeowners over time, with estimates suggesting up to £25,000 extra in running costs over 25 years. The thinktank highlights that while there may be a small initial cost for implementing these standards, the savings from reduced energy bills and protection against fossil fuel price volatility make the policy economically beneficial. Additionally, the policy is projected to save £35 billion in energy costs and prevent 41 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over 25 years if implemented across 1.5 million new homes.
Who really owns Burnham's Labour?
The article discusses the recent Labour Party conference in Liverpool, highlighting the internal dynamics within the party following Andy Burnham's leadership change. It notes a generally positive atmosphere compared to previous conferences, with some members of the left feeling more hopeful due to Burnham's approach. However, there are underlying tensions, particularly regarding policies such as the rejection of nationalization and plans to abolish the pensions triple lock. Economist James Meadway critiques the latter policy, arguing it may not achieve its intended financial goals. The article also mentions the contrast between the lavish corporate-sponsored aspects of the conference and external protests, raising questions about whose interests are prioritized. Additional topics covered include discussions on countering the far-right, developments related to Russia, and events in Brazil.