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Scottish independence referendum
As another poll suggests Yes campaign is closing the gap before the Scottish independence referendum, Alex Salmond thanks ‘greatest campaign in history’ at Yes rally.
Now the Shetland Islands could consider splitting from Scotland.
As Scots go to the polls soon, follow our live Scottish independence referendum coverage.
Bill Shorten lends his support to the no vote, albeit less stridently than PM Tony Abbott, saying ‘The world has enough borders’
Australian news and politics
• One of the largest anti-terror operations in Australia is underway in suburbs across Sydney and Brisbane this morning, with dawn raids carried out and several arrests made.
• Immigration minister Scott Morrison has declared ‘victory’ in Operation Sovereign Borders, saying 12 boats have been turned around.
• Good work everyone! Tony Abbott gives all ministers As and A-pluses in annual reviews.
• China’s ban on “dirty” coal could cost Australia’s mining industry almost $1.5bn.
• Australian troops sent to Iraq as advisors will be armed and entitled to respond if fired upon, Tony Abbott has said.
• PM says poll on Indigenous recognition in the constitution must be a unifying moment, so it won’t be now.
• Same-sex marriage could be legalised on Norfolk Island by the end of the year,but the federal government could still veto the proposal.
Around the world
• President Obama dampens talk of ground war in Iraq, saying US forces won’t ‘have combat mission’ as Congress prepares to authorise plan to arm Syrian rebels.
• At least 15 infants dead in Syria after up to 75 were injected with contaminated measles vaccines, according to the rebel government.
• New Zealand PM John Key refuses to rule out Edward Snowden’s claim that Kiwi metadata is being intercepted by American intelligence.
• Thai police question two brothers who spent time with young British tourists who were brutally murdered at a popular island resort in southern Thailand.
• Unprecedented three-day curfew in Sierra Leone as health workers go house-to-house to identify Ebola cases.
More from around the web
• Among the most read on the Guardian this morning, Stephen Fry’s iPhone 6 verdict: the most exquisite mobile ever made.
• The Daily Telegraph reports victory at sea, as Scott Morrison reveals the secret mission to turn back asylum-seeker boats.
• Premier Campbell Newman announces 99-year lease in plan to sell of Queenssland’s electricity networks, the Financial Review reports.
• Australia has been urged to insist that the US develop a clear and finite strategy to defeat Islamic State terrorists, the Australian reports.
One last thing
A helmet, a helmet, my kingdom for a helmet! New research shows Richard III died under a hail of blows in the thick of battle after losing his helmet.
Have an excellent day – and if you spot anything I’ve missed, let me know on Twitter @earleyedition.
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