United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 1821
Ownership
The Guardian is published by Guardian News & Media, a subsidiary of Guardian Media Group, which is wholly owned by The Scott Trust Limited. The Scott Trust (created in 1936, reorganised as a limited company in 2008) exists specifically to secure the financial and editorial independence of The Guardian 'in perpetuity' as a quality national newspaper 'without party affiliation.' There is no controlling shareholder, proprietor family or external investor; the Scott Trust board (chaired by Ole Jacob Sunde) appoints the editor-in-chief but does not direct editorial content.
Funding
The Guardian is funded by digital advertising, reader contributions and subscriptions/memberships, and by returns from the Scott Trust Endowment Fund (valued at roughly £1 billion), whose investment income is used to subsidise the journalism and offset operating losses. It runs no paywall, relying instead on voluntary reader support.
Affiliation & stance
The Guardian has a center-left, liberal editorial stance but no party or state ownership; its trust structure is explicitly designed to keep it free of proprietor or political control. It is classified INDEPENDENT because it is privately held by a self-perpetuating trust whose sole purpose is editorial and financial independence, with no party, state, church or oligarch in control.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 316
82/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
454
Articles
441
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
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Third UK heatwave increasingly likely as 30C temperatures forecast
Supporting women's rights is preserving democracy
Elon Musk’s X not facing action from UK government over posts inciting violence in Belfast
Notorious Liverpool gangster killed in Holland nine years after 'committing a double murder' was shot dead while trying to collect a debt
Donaldson's first night in prison as downfall shakes NI politics
'Blinded' savers warned of £322-a-year loss
Recent coverage
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
Brexit rule change means British teens in EU face soaring student fees for UK degrees
A Brexit-related rule change will affect British teenagers living in the EU, making them ineligible for 'home fee' status at UK universities after 2028. This means they will have to pay higher international fees and lose access to government student loans. Domestic fees for UK universities are capped at £9,790 for the 2026 intake, but overseas students can be charged up to three times more. For example, economics students at the University of Warwick would pay £35,530 annually, while law students at Leeds University would pay £26,750. The changes mean UK nationals living in the EU will be classified as international students, impacting their ability to afford education in the UK. Some families, like the Thompsons in Germany, may need to relocate to the UK at least three years before starting university to maintain home fee status.
UK and Ireland leaders fear for union’s future under Farage-led government
Political leaders in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are expressing concerns over the potential impact of a Nigel Farage-led government on the United Kingdom's unity. They warn that such a scenario could lead to constitutional instability, including a rushed referendum on Irish unification and harsh anti-immigration policies reminiscent of the U.S. immigration enforcement model. Former Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford highlights fears of a shift toward English nationalism that might marginalize Scotland and Northern Ireland, while Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan suggests Dublin should prepare for unification rather than waiting for UK-driven initiatives. Concerns are also raised about the financial support provided to Northern Ireland potentially becoming a political issue akin to Brexit-era arguments about EU costs.
Starmer holds talks with Burnham as he seeks 'orderly' transition
Sir Keir Starmer, the current UK Prime Minister, held discussions with Andy Burnham, the newly elected Makerfield MP and potential Labour leader, to facilitate an 'orderly' transition of power following Starmer's announcement that he will step down as prime minister. This marks the first meeting between the two since Burnham's recent by-election victory. Starmer has authorized access talks with civil servants for prospective Labour leadership candidates, allowing them to prepare for government roles. Burnham is currently the sole declared candidate for the Labour leadership, and if he remains unchallenged, he could assume the role of prime minister as early as 17 July. Potential cabinet appointments include Rachel Reeves, the current chancellor, who may receive a junior or mid-level position, though no official decisions have been confirmed. Other names being considered for key roles include Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, John Healey, and Yvette Cooper. Additionally, former Labour minister James Purnell is expected to serve as Burnham’s chief of staff. The access talks, typically reserved for opposition leaders prior to elections, were initiated by Starmer to assist Burnham in forming
Chris Minns says Labor needs to ‘climb Everest’ to stay in power as One Nation looms over state conference
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the challenges facing the Labor Party as it prepares for next year's state election, emphasizing the need to 'climb Everest' to remain in power amidst growing competition from the One Nation party. During the NSW Labor conference, tensions arose due to protests related to the Gaza conflict, with activists displaying a Palestinian flag and being escorted away by police. Minns outlined economic initiatives, including expanding the apprenticeship program and bringing train manufacturing back to the Hunter region, which were well-received by attendees. Security measures kept protesters outside the event, and internal party debates over policies such as protest laws and the Aukus nuclear deal were highlighted. A leadership contest for the upper house was resolved without a conference-wide vote, with the final ticket featuring both left and right faction members.
Russia and Ukraine continue to attack, with casualties on both sides.
Russia and Ukraine continued their mutual attacks overnight, resulting in several casualties on both sides. In the Russian attack on the Ukrainian region of Sumy, at least four people were killed, while five individuals were killed in Ukrainian strikes against Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories. The new attacks follow extensive Russian bombardments of Kyiv, which reportedly caused 30 deaths according to local authorities. Russian forces used drones to strike Sumy, hitting a residential building that caught fire, killing four and injuring three. Additional strikes targeted the Dnipropetrovsk region, injuring ten people and damaging multiple buildings and vehicles. In occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia, pro-Russian authorities reported three fatalities. Ukraine struck the Russian region of Belgorod, killing one person and causing damage to energy infrastructure, while another drone attack in Bryansk resulted in one death. According to Moscow, air defenses shot down 155 Ukrainian drones during the night, while Ukraine claimed to have destroyed 82 Russian drones. Local authorities in Kyiv urged residents to limit time outdoors due to increased air pollution from fires caused by the俄
New pipeline in Canada to proceed after C$150bn pledged to ease BC and First Nations concerns
The Canadian federal government and the province of Alberta have agreed to proceed with a major new oil pipeline project after announcing a C$150 billion investment package aimed at addressing concerns from British Columbia and Indigenous communities. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized strengthening domestic industries and reducing reliance on the U.S., while pledging funding for port expansions, LNG terminals, and environmental protections. The pipeline will follow the existing Trans Mountain route but diverge to a new terminal, transporting 1 million barrels per day. Carney highlighted 'equal partnership' with Alberta and promised Indigenous communities a 'meaningful ownership stake,' along with efforts to reduce methane emissions. The decision shifts from a previously proposed northern route, which would have required lifting the federal tanker ban, to a southern route that maintains the ban, a key demand of First Nations. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith argued the southern route is more economically viable, while British Columbia Premier David Eby acknowledged past legal losses and now supports the project with compensation guarantees.
Ukrainian woman suspected of Monaco parcel bombing was ‘disguised as a man’
A bomb attack occurred in Monaco, seriously injuring a Ukrainian-born businessman and two of his family members. Authorities identified the main suspect as Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman living in Germany who had disguised herself as a man. Interpol issued a red notice for her, citing charges of attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy. German police searched her residence and vehicle, securing evidence to be handed over to Monaco authorities. The suspect is believed to have set off the bomb remotely and fled across Europe after the attack. Initial identification focused on a man, but further investigation revealed her true identity through CCTV and witness accounts. The victims included the businessman, his partner, and their 13-year-old child, with the child receiving treatment in a hospital in Nice while the adults remained in critical condition.
Russia planning attack on Poland to test NATO resolve, US claims
The US has warned that Russia is planning an armed 'provocation' against Poland to test NATO's resolve, according to reports. The warning suggests the potential attack could involve targeting Polish critical infrastructure with missiles and drones, or a more extreme scenario of Russian troops crossing the border into NATO territory. Sources close to Polish President Karol Nawrocki claim the US regularly informs Poland about new Russian plans for attacks on NATO's eastern flank. Scenarios include drone attacks on infrastructure or a hybrid attack involving Russian or Belarusian troops. A Polish intelligence source noted that Russia might frame the incident as a mistake, potentially leading to pressure on Poland to negotiate with Russia or Belarus. A Baltic security source confirmed that such plans are under discussion in Moscow, with possible launches from Kaliningrad or Belarus. This follows a report by the International Institute of Strategic Studies noting 144 suspected drone sightings across Europe, including in NATO countries like Denmark, which described the incidents as the 'most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date'.
Cold feet and cooling prices: Australia’s property market is transforming – and first home buyers aren’t biting
Australia's housing market is undergoing significant changes, with first home buyers stepping back and investor demand declining across most areas. This shift comes after a series of interest rate hikes and tax reforms, which have increased borrowing costs and dampened confidence. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and credit agencies like Equifax show a notable drop in first-home-buyer loan applications, with some reports indicating a 20% decrease in June compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, high-end property prices in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra are experiencing sharper declines, with median prices dropping by around $90,000 in the top quartiles. Experts suggest that first-time buyers are hesitant due to market volatility and rising interest rates, while investors are shifting focus toward new properties.
Paul Hogan has reportedly called Pauline Hanson a ‘pelican’. Please explain?
Paul Hogan, known for his iconic role as 'Crocodile Dundee,' reportedly referred to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson as a 'pelican' during a recent exchange. This came in response to Hanson's promotion of her idea of 'Australian monoculture,' which she linked to Hogan's cultural icons. Hogan's remark, captured by the Australian Financial Review, appears to be a metaphorical jab at Hanson, though the exact meaning of 'pelican' as an insult remains debated. Historically, the term has been used in Australian slang to describe someone perceived as foolish or clumsy, possibly referencing the bird's appearance. Hogan previously used the word in his film, and other Australians have similarly used it as an insult. Meanwhile, the pelican is noted for its cooperative behavior and flight capabilities, suggesting the term might be unfairly applied to the bird.
NSW government ‘absolutely thrilled’ to welcome OpenAI ... until someone mentioned the Terminator films
The New South Wales (NSW) government initially expressed strong enthusiasm for OpenAI's decision to establish its first Australian office in Sydney, as revealed through internal emails shared with the NSW parliament. However, the phrase 'absolutely thrilled' was later removed from official communications after staff humorously raised concerns about potential dystopian outcomes inspired by the Terminator films' Skynet concept. Despite this internal caution, the government actively courted OpenAI with promotional materials highlighting Sydney's status as a leading tech hub, citing startups like Atlassian and Canva, and noting the presence of major tech firms in the area. The government remains focused on promoting AI growth while emphasizing responsible use of emerging technologies, though specific strategies remain under development.
Entire NSW Labor left calls for controversial anti-protest laws to be scrapped ahead of party conference
Fifty-six New South Wales (NSW) Labor branches have endorsed motions at the upcoming state conference demanding the repeal or review of controversial anti-protest laws, with the entire left faction supporting the repeal of two specific laws. These laws, enacted by the previous Coalition government and backed by Labor, include penalties of up to two years in prison for blocking major facilities and restrictions on protests near places of worship. Civil liberties advocates argue the laws have increased tensions and violence at protests, citing incidents such as the 9 February rally against Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Legal Observers NSW, an independent group, released a report analyzing the protest. While Premier Chris Minns is expected to address the conference and announce plans to revive train manufacturing in the Hunter region, the focus remains on the push to repeal the anti-protest legislation.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
