Lunchtime Briefing: the 10 key stories of the day

The Guardian     September 24, 2013

Kenyan security forces patrol outside the Westgate mall. Photograph: Reuters

1. Conflicting claims over Kenyan mall siege

Officials say that crisis is over but sporadic gunfire still heard despite assurances - live updates

2. Ed Miliband prepares to address the Labour party conference

Follow today's goings-on from Brighton live with Andrew Sparrow. Beyond Labour's plans to build 200,000 homes, what will his pledges be? Watch our live stream from 2pm BST.

3. Rouhani's visit to UN is unique chance for west and Iran, says Khatami

Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami, a reformist, says President Hassan's visit provides unique chance for west and Iran to engage

4. Stephen Fry joins demand to end NSA and GCHQ mass surveillance

Whistleblower Edward Snowden's revelations lead to petition signed by free speech groups and high-profile writers

5. Godfrey Bloom quits as Ukip MEP

The MEP for Yorkshire and Humberside, stripped of the party whip on Friday, intends to sit as an independent

6. Police accused of bias over culling of badgers

Officer 'threatened to pass protester data to farmers' while civil rights lawyers call tactic 'highly questionable'

7. Kanye West attacks racism across culture

In a BBC interview, the rapper claims that racism has thwarted his attempts to be taken seriously in the fashion industry and beyond

8. On Europe, Angela Merkel's election win may save Britain from itself

The German chancellor's hat-trick puts her at the helm in Europe - and that's good news for David Cameron, writes Martin Kettle

9. Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet look set to spurn Sunderland

Steve McClaren likely to be high on shortlist of potential managers after Paolo Di Canio's exit on Sunday

10. Image of the day

Damian McBride's publisher Iain Dale wrestles with anti-nuclear protester