Three stories worth knowing today, in plain English: what happened, why it matters and what comes next.
London police arrested at least 139 people outside the US Embassy on Saturday for backing Palestine Action, which is banned under terrorism law. Police said arrests were continuing. Campaigners say more than 4,000 people have been arrested since the ban began in July 2025.
Why it matters: Support for the group is a crime carrying up to 14 years in prison. Hearings for more than 2,000 related cases were postponed until later this year.
What next: The Supreme Court hears co-founder Huda Ammori's appeal against the ban on 4 and 5 November.
Sources: France 24 · Jerusalem Post
Countries ended the COP17 biodiversity summit in Yerevan on 31 October with a deal called the Yerevan Pathway. They agreed to revise national nature plans, subject to funding. A UN review found the world off track on 22 of 23 targets for 2030.
Why it matters: Developed countries missed their goal of $20bn a year for nature by 2025. The deal sets no new rules for widening the donor list, and the form of the post-2030 funding mechanism was left open.
What next: COP18 will be held in Quito, Ecuador, in 2028. A group on harmful subsidies will publish details in May 2027.
Sources: Carbon Brief · Climate Home News
The Home Office has announced new routes for refugees to come to the UK through community sponsorship, work or study. Home Office minister Anna Turley said arrivals will be "capped and controlled". The government expects hundreds at first, rising to the low thousands.
Why it matters: The government says the aim is to cut dangerous Channel crossings. Refugees must have been registered in one of seven countries, including India, Kenya and Pakistan, before 1 October 2026, and have a sponsor.
What next: Applications for the work route open in spring 2027. First arrivals are expected in autumn 2027.
Sources: PTI via DT Next