Tory MP accuses French navy of firing ‘warning’ shots near him in Channel

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Chris Philp says shots were ‘deliberate intimidation’ while he filmed interview on small boats crisis but France says it was training exercise

When Chris Philp heard a volley of shots on the high seas and spun round to see a French gunship, he believed he was the victim of naval aggression – and updated his social media feed accordingly.

The reality appears to be more mundane: it was, the French authorities said, a routine Channel training exercise by officers who had no idea that the shadow home affairs spokesperson was present, or who he was in the first place.

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Japan earthquake injures at least 100 and traps many inside shopping mall

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Deaths expected as Kumamoto shaken by 6.8-magnitude quake, knocking out power and damaging buildings

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake has shaken south Japan, leaving at least 100 people injured. Some are trapped and presumed dead inside a shopping mall.

The earthquake hit Kumamoto prefecture on the southern Kyushu island late on Tuesday afternoon, knocking out power to thousands of homes and damaging roads, bridges and buildings.

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German investigators find apparent motive after Berlin Pride attack – Al Jazeera

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  1. German investigators find apparent motive after Berlin Pride attack  Al Jazeera
  2. Suspect in Berlin Pride vehicle attack is dead, police say  NPR
  3. Even Before Attack, Berlin’s Gay Community Felt ‘More and More Unsafe’  The New York Times
  4. Berlin Pride attacker recorded pledge of allegiance to IS, prosecutors say  Reuters
  5. A gay belly dancer turns grief into joy after fatal attack on Berlin’s Pride festival  AP News
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Guardian Essential poll: Angus Taylor’s approval rating crashes and One Nation support plateaus

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Survey also shows Australians rounding on the government over its handling of inflation and the cost of living crisis

One Nation’s primary vote has plateaued and Angus Taylor’s approval rating has crashed, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll.

But it is not all smooth sailing for Labor with Australians rubbishing the government’s handling of the inflation and cost of living crisis.

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Royal commission into Victorian construction sector could boost Labor’s chances at state election, expert says

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Commission promised by new premier would be an ‘important signal’ for voters that the government was acting on alleged corruption

Victorian voters heading to the polls will probably get a taste of the evidence heard by a royal commission – including how taxpayer funds were used on Big Build projects – but it could actually help Labor’s standing, an integrity expert says.

William Partlett, an associate professor of law and a fellow at the Centre for Public Integrity, said the commission promised by the new premier, Ben Carroll, would be an “important signal” for voters that the government was taking action.

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Angus Taylor has inadvertently taken centre stage in an Icac hearing – and the fallout could be profound

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If the opposition leader was funding one side of a vicious factional war, it would be hard for many in the party to stomach

Independent Commission against Corruption inquiries have an uncanny tendency to sprawl in unexpected directions.

Just ask former New South Wales premier, Gladys Berejiklian, who was caught on tape with her secret boyfriend, former NSW MP Daryl Maguire, during an investigation into his dealings with developers. Or former premier Barry O’Farrell, who was tripped up over a bottle of Penfolds Grange during an inquiry into state water contracts.

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