The Green Party member behind a motion which declared Zionism to be racism was named in court documents as a "close friend" of a man who was jailed after being accused of plotting a suicide bomb attack at Heathrow Airport.
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Lubna Speitan, a British-Palestinian artist, proposed the Green conference motion defining Zionism as an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state".
Court documents from 2015 show she offered to testify as a defence witness in the trial of Minh Quang Pham, who was jailed for 40 years in the US after pleading guilty to supporting al-Qaeda. He denied planning a suicide attack.
The BBC has contacted Speitan for comment. The Green Party said she holds no official positions and the party "takes all allegations of this nature seriously".
The motion proposed by Speitan, which was passed on Sunday to become party policy, called for a "single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine", which includes modern-day Israel.
In response, Israel banned Green leader Zack Polanski from entering the country. while Jewish groups described it as an "attack" on their community and some Labour and Lib Dem MPs reported the party to Great Britain's equality watchdog.
Speitan argued its backers wanted to voice opposition to "racist systems of oppression".
On Tuesday, it emerged she wrote a letter in 2016 to the New York judge in the Pham case describing him as "one of the kindest, honest, most sincere" people she had known.
Pham, a Vietnamese-born British national who had lived in London, was arrested at Heathrow Airport in July 2011 after spending seven months in Yemen. He was found in possession of a live round of ammunition.
In 2015 he was extradited to the US and in 2016 sentenced to 40 years in prison after he admitted three counts based on his support for the group al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), an offshoot of al-Qaeda.
US prosecutors said Pham was directed by al-Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki to detonate explosives in Heathrow's arrivals area after spending several months in Yemen being trained by him.
In US court documents from 2015, Speitan was listed as a "close friend" of Pham who would provide "critical testimony regarding Pham's mental state".
The documents said that would be "crucial in establishing a mental health defense", adding that "bears on the issue of guilt".
Speitan had a medical condition that prevented her from giving evidence in person, the documents add.
In a later letter to the US District Judge, Speitan said Pham was one of the "few people I regard with such high respect and esteem".
She said if the judge "truly knew the Minh [Pham] that and others grew to love and respect", they may have "probably had the whole case dismissed".
She acknowledged he "may have had and developed some behavioural issues" but added: "He turned out to be one of the kindest, honest, most sincere, trustworthy and respectful people I have ever known."
There is no suggestion in the documents that Speitan knew of Pham's criminal activities at the time they knew each other.
Speitan has not responded to the BBC's request for comment. The Telegraph reported that when it asked her if she remained friends with Pham, she replied: "Yes, it's still the case."
She was reported as saying she believed Pham had been "targeted" by "the system".
A Green Party spokesperson said: "Where members have expressed views that do not fit in with the party's values, we have internal processes to investigate."
It came as Green leader Polanski grappled with division among the party's members, MPs and deputy leaders over the motion.
Some Green councillors have resigned since it was passed. Green deputy leader in Wales, Phil Davies, resigned and cancelled his membership on Tuesday, describing the motion as "the final nail in the coffin".
Polanski released a lengthy statement on Monday night to say he would not accept anyone being excluded from the party "because of the religious or communal body they are part of".
The party leader, who is Jewish, added that "antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli state are, and must always be, completely distinct".
Florence Pugh attends the "East of Eden" premiere after-party in September 2026.
Emilio Madrid/Getty Images for Netflix
…
Florence Pugh is no stranger to making a fashion statement.
Pugh has worn daring outfits on red carpets for years, favoring bold sets and sheer designs. This year is no exception, with Pugh pushing fashion boundaries while promoting projects like "East of Eden" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."
Take a look at everything Pugh has worn in 2026 so far, ranked from least to most daring.
Pugh wore a high-neck dress to a performance of "Dracula" in February.
Florence Pugh attends a performance of "Dracula" in London in February 2026.
Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images
Pugh wore a black Patou gown to see Cynthia Erivo's "Dracula." It had a high neckline and short sleeves, hugging her figure until it hit the floor.
A subtle horse pattern was printed on the dress, which added a fun flair. Still, the gown was pretty simple overall, especially when compared to other looks Pugh has worn in 2026.
Pugh's dress for the Netflix Upfront in March was understated.
Florence Pugh attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront event in New York City in March 2026.
Dominik Bindl/Getty Images
Pugh attended the Netflix event in a white gown designed by Simone Rocha.
The floor-length dress had a subtly scooped neckline and puffy, long sleeves. A flower was printed on the center, lining the length of the gown.
The dress was beautiful, but it wasn't her most daring look of the year.
She looked effortlessly chic in a navy set at the Venice Film Festival in September.
Florence Pugh attends the Venice Film Festival in September 2026.
Stefano Mazzola/GC Images/Getty Images
Pugh appeared at the annual film festival in a Max Mara set.
Her tank top had a scooped neckline, while her wide-legged trousers sat high on her waist.
The outfit had a simple color scheme and silhouette, but Pugh made it look more stylish with strappy heels, wide sunglasses, and a clutch.
For a New York engagement in September, she donned a peach blouse.
Florence Pugh in New York City in September 2026.
Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Pugh made a series of appearances in New York in September to promote Netflix's "East of Eden." For one of them, she wore wide-legged white trousers and a peach blouse from Chloé.
The blouse had ruffle detailing on the bodice and sleeves, and the hems were slightly ruffled as well. The top's texture added a fun pop to the look, as did Pugh's tiny sunglasses and rattan purse.
She chose a dress with sheer detailing for an appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers."
Florence Pugh in New York City in September 2026.
BG048/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images
Pugh chose a black dress to speak to Seth Meyers during her New York tour. The neckline was covered in tiered ruffles, while the rest of the dress was made of a silky material.
One side of the skirt showed a slit that cut up her leg, while a panel of sheer fabric covered the other. The skirt gave the appearance that it had been ripped, contrasting with the more structured bodice.
Pugh also wore sunglasses with the gown, despite it being nighttime, for a chic touch.
Pugh wore one of her most glamorous looks of the year at the Emmys in March.
Florence Pugh attends the Emmys in September 2026.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Attending the 2026 Emmys as a presenter, Pugh walked the red carpet in a purple Vivienne Westwood gown.
The form-fitting, strapless dress had a sparkly overlay, and rather than traditional sleeves, a bold, modified cape attached to both sides of the bodice.
A train trailed behind Pugh for even more drama.
Pugh selected a voluminous ball gown for a screening of "East of Eden" at BAFTA in September.
Florence Pugh attends an "East of Eden" screening at BAFTA in September 2026.
Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images
Netflix hosted a screening of "East of Eden" at BAFTA in London, and Pugh celebrated the limited series' release in a black Rodarte gown.
The ball gown had a modern gothic vibe, standing out from Pugh's go-to red carpet style, which often consists of simpler silhouettes.
Large, ruffled sleeves sat off her shoulders, while the neckline curved in a point on the bodice. A large skirt flowed out from her waist with tiers of ruched fabric and a bow in the center.
She wore a subtly sheer top at a photo call in September.
Florence Pugh attends an "East of Eden" photo call in September 2026.
John Phillips/Getty Images for Netflix
Pugh wore another Rodarte ensemble for an "East of Eden" photo call, diving into the brand's archives for the look.
Her white, shiny top was made of semi-sheer, ruched fabric. Tiers of fabric flowed out from the high neckline, creating volume and a funky feel.
She paired the bold top with high-waisted, wide-legged pants and a belt that said "Rodarte" in overlapping letters for another playful touch.
She selected a gown with crystal detailing for an "East of Eden" event in September.
Florence Pugh attends an "East of Eden" event in New York City in September 2026.
Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Netflix
Erdem designed Pugh's dropped-waist gown.
The dress had a V-neckline that dipped low on Pugh's chest, and crystal embellishments adorned the bodice. Fringed fabric lined the hem of the full, asymmetrical skirt, accentuating her Aquazzura shoes.
Pugh wore a lacy romper in New York in September.
Florence Pugh in New York City in September 2026.
Raymond Hall/GC Images/Getty Images
Pugh also stepped out in a Chloé romper during her New York visit.
The strapless top had a semi-sheer, white overlay, while the shorts were trimmed with the same lace. Pugh paired the piece with silver Aquazarra heels.
The outfit struck a fun balance between feminine and modern.
Pugh's dress for "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" made use of ruching.
Florence Pugh appears on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in September 2026.
Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images
Pugh stopped by "The Tonight Show" while promoting "East of Eden."
She chatted to host Jimmy Fallon in an off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood gown. The form-fitting dress was covered in ruching, creating dimension. The scooped neckline dipped low, and the asymmetrical skirt cut high on her thigh on one side.
Coordinating Aquazarra shoes completed the look.
Pugh went pantless for an "East of Eden" photo call.
Florence Pugh attends an "East of Eden" photo call in September 2026.
Josh Shinner/Netflix
Dior designed Pugh's look for the London photo call.
The base of the ensemble was a white blouse, which she buttoned all the way to her neckline. Atop it, Pugh wore a patterned coatdress that cinched at her waist and had an asymmetrical hemline.
It flared around the back, providing coverage, while rising on one side to show the shirt below.
Her gown at the "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" premiere looked as if it defied gravity.
Florence Pugh attends the "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" premiere in London in July 2026.
Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images
Pugh celebrated the Marvel film in a silver Tamara Ralph gown.
The off-the-shoulder neckline curved around Pugh's arms, creating the illusion that the dress was floating around her.
It dipped into a low V in the center, with tassels of sparkly fabric flowing to her waist in the same shape. The skirt hugged her figure, with more tassels spilling out from the hem.
Pugh rocked a sheer dress to the "East of Eden" premiere after-party.
Finn Cole and Florence Pugh attend the "East of Eden" premiere after-party in New York City in September 2026.
Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Netflix
After attending the New York premiere for the series, Pugh changed into a Rodarte gown to continue celebrating her Netflix project.
Her sheath-style pink dress was completely sheer. It had spaghetti straps with brooch attachments at each side of the gown, and a coordinating scarf completed the ensemble.
The silhouette was simple, but the fabric made the dress bold.
Pugh looked like she was wearing an ultra-low-waisted skirt for one of her most eye-catching looks of the year.
Florence Pugh attends an "East of Eden" event in New York in September 2026.
Aeon/GC Images/Getty Images
Pugh attended an evening event for "East of Eden" in an Erdem ensemble.
She wore a sparkly crop top with a bra-like bodice, which matched the top of her high-waisted skirt. At her lower hip, the skirt switched to gray pleated fabric that flowed around her ankles, creating the illusion of wearing two separates at the bottom of her ensemble.
A bow sat on one side, and Pugh added a bow to her hair as well to play up the feminine side of the look.
Pugh stepped out in a sheer set for an "East of Eden" screening in California in September.
Florence Pugh attends Netflix's "East of Eden" Screening & Conversation in California in September 2026.
Unique Nicole/Getty Images for Netflix
Pugh wore one of her most daring looks of the year to a California screening of "East of Eden."
Her yellow archival Rodarte set was made of sheer fabric, with subtle polka dots lining the pattern. Her top had a collared neckline with ruffles flowing around it, and a floral pattern curving around her torso.
The skirt had the same floral pattern on the sides, with ruffles flowing out from her waist. Gray shoes completed the look.
Pugh wore one of her most avant-garde looks of the year in New York in September.
Florence Pugh in New York City in September 2026.
TheStewartofNY/GC Images/Getty Images
During her New York visit, Pugh wore a black top and trousers from Chloé with Aquazurra shoes.
The embroidered top had a modified corset with a peplum and puffy sleeves. Lace trimmed the collar and sleeves.
The top had a vintage feel, while the billowing pants, which cinched at Pugh's ankle with a bow, put a modern spin on the look. Small sunglasses and a purse with fringe detailing brought Pugh's look together.
Pugh wore her most daring dress of the year to the "East of Eden" premiere in New York.
Florence Pugh attends Netflix's "East of Eden" New York premiere in September 2026.
TheStewartofNY/WireImage/Getty Images
Pugh wore another yellow look to the New York "East of Eden" premiere, arriving in a custom Vivienne Westwood gown.
The gown's corset bodice had a zipper lining the center, framed by silver sparkle embellishments on either side. It had a modern sweetheart neckline, with the center curve dipping low on Pugh's chest.
An off-the-shoulder shrug sat on her shoulders, with its voluminous sleeves contrasting with the modern bodice. The gown's gray skirt hugged Pugh's figure before flowing into a subtle train.
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Samantha Grindell Pettyjohn is a Senior Lifestyle Reporter at Business Insider with more than eight years of experience in the lifestyle space.At Business Insider, Samantha's coverage focuses on unique living situations, interior design, celebrity style, and books. Her work includes features on multigenerational living and one-of-a-kind houses, timely articles on celebrity fashion, live coverage of award shows and pageants, and fun pieces about popular book series. Samantha also loves reporting on celebrities on her beats, from HGTV stars Christina Haack and Tarek El Moussa to authors such as Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros.Samantha appeared on Scripps News and CBS in 2022 to discuss the royal family, and in 2023, she won an Anthem Award for her work on Business Insider's package "Better Me."Samantha received her B.A. in English from Birmingham-Southern College in 2017, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She later earned her M.S. in Publishing from New York University in 2019. Samantha was previously a staff writer at Romper, and her writing has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Mic, and Oprah.com. Today, Samantha lives in Atlanta with her husband and dog.Email her at [email protected] and follow her on X.
Paramount Skydance has completed its $110bn merger with Warner Bros Discovery to form Skydance.
The deal, which closed on Tuesday, brings together two entertainment giants that own movie studios and theme parks, but also brings two of the United States’ most influential news brands under one roof — CNN and CBS News.
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Skydance CEO David Ellison, son of tech tycoon Larry Ellison, who is also a close ally of US President Donald Trump, has appointed Ynon Kreiz as co-CEO. Kreiz previously led Mattel.
The road to the merger has included lawsuits from unions and 12 different state attorneys general. But the deal was ultimately settled after the company agreed to appoint an independent editorial board to oversee both news networks amid concerns that the merger would lead to skewed coverage at the two networks.
On Monday, the company announced that Mark Thompson will stay on as CNN’s editor-in-chief, while Bari Weiss, editor-in-chief at CBS News, who was appointed to the role a year ago on Monday, will stay in her position.
Thompson’s continuation brought “a sigh of relief” among journalists at CNN, its media industry newsletter, Reliable Sources, reported.
Ever since the merger had been announced, there had been a wave of concerns at the network that major changes would be made to CNN if the Ellisons took over.
A looming future
There are still a lot of unknowns about what news will look like under Skydance. In a memo to staffers on Monday, Thompson said that “the specifics of how CNN will plug into and operate in the new company have yet to be finalized.”
That means looming fears of layoffs and consolidation still weigh on both news divisions as the combined company will carry $80bn in debt, while the entertainment giants look to cut costs, grow their streaming footprint and have pledged to produce 30 movies per year.
Thompson’s stay may be temporary, as The New York Times reported that his contract is up in the spring.
It is also not yet clear whether the networks will stay separate or combine in the long term, amid concerns that CBS News’ Weiss could be handed additional charge of CNN. In the past, the network’s top talent, including journalist Anderson Cooper, has threatened to leave if she came on board.
Weiss took over the network one year ago, and viewership has slumped across the board. Most recently, the news magazine programme 60 Minutes saw viewership slump during its season premiere last month, dropping 21 percent from the prior year and marking its worst viewership for a season premiere in 25 years, according to Nielsen ratings.
Editorial questions
The terms of the attorneys general’s lawsuit settlement require an independent editorial oversight board for both the networks. Skydance has 180 days to put it together. Press freedom experts do not believe that will help maintain editorial independence.
“It doesn’t take effect for 180 days. The newsroom can be totally overhauled in 180 days,” Seth Stern, director of advocacy for the Freedom of the Press Foundation, told Al Jazeera.
It is not the first time a publication has appointed an editorial board to weigh in on concerns about editorial influence. In 2007, when News Corp acquired Dow Jones, the parent company of the Wall Street Journal, the Bancroft family, which owned the publisher at the time, was concerned that new owner and media mogul Rupert Murdoch would impact the paper’s editorial independence with his conservative tilt.
The paper appointed a five-person independent committee to preserve editorial integrity. But it was later revealed, including by former members of the board during a roundtable discussion hosted by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, that it did not deliver the oversight that it was originally intended to provide.
In Skydance’s case, the board is to be made up of five journalists appointed by Ellison, and there is no requirement for the company to disclose its findings to the public. The terms say that no more than two people on the board can be affiliated with the same political party.
“The truth isn’t dictated by the fifty-yard line between political parties. Sometimes neither political party is even close to the truth. So having a commitment to bipartisan representation, as opposed to a commitment to truth-telling, totally misunderstands what news is,” Stern said.
On Wall Street, the new company began trading under the ticker symbol SKYD. Since opening on Tuesday, the stock has dropped 2.5 percent. %!s()
Mikel Merino turns game for Spain in Croatia to maintain their 100 percent group-stage record in UEFA Nations League.
Mikel Merino hit a brace to help World Cup winners Spain seal qualification in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win against Croatia on Tuesday.
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Ivan Perisic put hosts Croatia ahead but substitute Merino equalised for Spain early in the second half.
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Perisic was sent off with 10 minutes remaining for a second yellow card and Merino helped Spain capitalise with a fine finish to reach the last eight with two matches to spare.
Spain now has 42nd consecutive games without suffering defeat and lead England by three points at the top of Group A3.
Slaven Bilic’s Croatia were crushed 7-0 by England on Saturday, in front of a crowd of children as home fans were banned for racism, and came out determined to make it up to their supporters in Split.
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon was called into action early on, saving well from Josip Stanisic’s header, as Luka Modric’s team impressed in the first half.
A few minutes later the hosts took the lead in Split with Simon saving from Igor Matanovic’s shot but Perisic reacted quickest to head home the rebound.
Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Simon put Aymeric Laporte in a tough spot in his own box with a loose pass and Croatia intercepted and almost grabbed a second. However Simon saved from Freiburg striker Matanovic’s effort.
Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal raced through on goal early in the second half but he fell after nudging the ball past Barca team-mate and Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Merino, on at the interval, pulled Spain level in the 61st minute with a low finish after Dani Olmo, who developed in Croatia as a youngster, fed him.
Croatia’s task of holding on in the final stages became harder when Perisic brought down Marc Cucurella and was dismissed.
Merino, so often making key impacts from the bench for Spain coach Luis De la Fuente, including in the World Cup this summer, finished the job with his second of the night.
The former Real Sociedad man, with two minutes remaining, produced a superb turn and finish to blast past Livakovic. %!s()
Next Generation Collective (NGC), a new group built around helping young people in entertainment with their mental health, was launched today at Hollywood & Mind’s inaugural summit in New York City.
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Founded by Hollywood PR veteran Lilah Kojoori, NGC brings together clinical mental health expertise, entertainment industry leadership, and lived experience to provide guidance on mental health, boundaries, pressure, and the realities of working on set, performing, creating content and building a public profile at a young age. It will also serve as an additional resource for studios, productions, agencies, managers and platforms supporting young talent. The Kids Mental Health Foundation will provide clinical guidance and insights.
“Young people in entertainment often grow up in the public eye, and they deserve real support along the way,” Kojoori said. “With The Kids Mental Health Foundation’s clinical expertise, Hollywood & Mind’s reach across the industry and an advisory board that has lived this life firsthand, our hope is to give young talent and their families guidance and resources to navigate the industry while prioritizing their wellbeing.”
NGC’s founding advisory board includes: Angel Carter Conrad, Logan Henderson, Isabela Merced, Kel Mitchell, Artists for Artists, Soleil Moon Frye, Carmela Wallace, Hudson Yang, and Breanna Yde.
“We are excited that the Collective is beginning their work by first learning from the community they want to support” said Dr Ariana Hoet, Executive Clinical Director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation and a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “There are so many directions this important work can take shape and it’s wonderful that it’s being launched in such a thoughtful way.”
Beginning in 2027, NGC, its board and partners will work to develop expert-informed resources, education and support for young people, their families and the studios, productions, agencies, managers and platforms that shape their professional environments.
“Supporting the wellbeing of those who work in entertainment is at the heart of Hollywood & Mind’s mission. We’re thrilled to be a founding partner of Next Generation Collective, where we can provide young people and their support teams with the resources and community they need to thrive both personally and professionally,” said Cathy Applefeld Olson, founder and CEO of Hollywood & Mind. %!s()