Headlines

Manchester City’s abysmal run of form continued with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa thanks to goals in each half from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers.

Millions of drivers have been urged to be patient on the roads as the UK prepares for a “perfect storm” of the Christmas getaway and bad weather.

Thousands of people greeted the sun with cheers and applause as it rose over Stonehenge at the winter solstice.

Germany is in mourning after a Saudi doctor drove a BMW into a Christmas market teeming with holiday shoppers, killing two people and injuring at least 60 others in what authorities called a deliberate attack.

Lord Peter Mandelson has said it is a “great honour to serve the country” as the Prime Minister confirmed he had appointed him the next British ambassador to the US.

Sue Gray, the partygate investigator who went on to become Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, has been named among 30 new Labour peers.

The King joked that he was “still alive” during a visit with the Queen to Walthamstow after August’s peaceful anti-racist protest in the area.

Lord Peter Mandelson is a “really good fit” to become the next UK ambassador to the US, a Cabinet minister has said as the Labour grandee is expected to be named to the post.

Sir Keir Starmer has urged councils to “get on with the job” of fixing pothole-plagued roads.

But no police officers will face charges over their role in the incident, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

An estimated four million people in the UK are preparing to spend the Christmas and new year period overseas, according to a travel trade organisation.

Teachers should be given powers to compel parents of disruptive children to engage with them – tackling the “burgeoning crisis of behaviour” in schools, a report has said.

The Scottish Government has been urged to reduce the cost of rail travel after a price comparison found it was cheaper to fly from Edinburgh to London than commute from the Scottish capital to Glasgow by train.

The King will speak about his commitment to heritage crafts as part of a BBC Christmas special of Countryfile.

Labour grandee Lord Peter Mandelson is expected to be the next UK ambassador to the US.

A new once-a-day tablet that treats advanced breast cancer is to be rolled out on the NHS, with about 1,100 patients in England set to benefit.

Household water bills in England and Wales will increase by an average £31 a year over the next five years, regulator Ofwat has announced.

Disadvantaged pupils in England find it “increasingly difficult” to catch up as they progress into secondary school, a report has suggested.

There has been a “catastrophic” rise in deaths caused by drinking, leading public health experts have said.

Sea slugs making a home in the UK due to climate change are among the species spotted around the country’s coasts in 2024, The Wildlife Trusts said.

Not guilty pleas have been entered on behalf of the teenager accused of killing three children at a dance class in Southport after he failed to speak in court.

A teenager has been jailed for killing three of his friends after inhaling laughing gas behind the wheel and speeding at more than 100mph.

The wife of physical trainer Amie Gray who was “butchered” to death on Bournemouth beach has said she can now “rest in peace” after a student was convicted of her murder.

Actress and model Cara Delevingne plays Sir Elton John in a new video for his classic festive song Step Into Christmas.

Tyson Fury has vowed to “annihilate” Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh on Saturday as the first step towards ruling the heavyweight division.

Practice trenches from the First World War, a “bungalow maternity ward” and the tomb of a woman believed to have lived to 119 years old are among the places that have been added to the National Heritage List for England.

Funding of almost a billion pounds next year marks a “turning point” in Government efforts to tackle and prevent homelessness, the Housing Secretary said.

A bottle of wine a week, combined with a Mediterranean diet, could be as good as statins for heart health, academics have suggested.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared a rare picture of their two children as part of a series of images for their official Christmas card.

Sara Sharif’s father and stepmother have been jailed for life for years of horrific “torture” and “despicable” abuse culminating in her murder.

About one in five homes and businesses in England are in areas at risk of river, sea and flash flooding, analysis from the Environment Agency has warned.

Liverpool has been named by GoFundMe as the UK’s most generous city in 2024 after its response to the Southport stabbings and subsequent disorder.

Travellers and Roma face the highest levels of prejudice of any ethnic group in Ireland, according to new research.

Two environmental campaign groups will be allowed to take part in bids to challenge the sentences given to climate protesters for their roles in a protest which blocked the M25.

Lawyers for child serial killer Lucy Letby will make a fresh bid to challenge her convictions on the grounds that the lead prosecution medical expert at her trial was “not reliable”.

The Duke of York is to stay away from the royal family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham this year amid the controversy surrounding his links to an alleged Chinese spy.

Royal Mail’s sale to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has been cleared by the Government, paving the way for the more than 500-year-old postal service to pass into foreign ownership for the first time.

A “very wet, damp and miserable” start to the week has been forecast for parts of Scotland, with the risk of flooding due to persistent downpours.

Angela Rayner will promise to make devolution the “default setting” for councils across the country after senior Government figures warned they could overrule local authorities’ objections to push through key building plans.

The businessman accused of being a Chinese spy was invited to Buckingham Palace by the Duke of York, it has been reported.

South Korea’s parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law declaration this month.

More than one in four Britons would ask Christmas Day guests to contribute to the cost of the festive meal, a survey suggests.

Thousands of people are having NHS funding for their care withdrawn after living longer than expected, new research suggests.

The Government has unveiled a clean power action plan to decarbonise the electricity grid by the end of the decade to protect households from future energy price spikes, boost growth and tackle the climate crisis.

Documents offering insight into the break-up of The Beatles have sold at auction for £9,000, without buyer’s premium, beating their estimate of between £4,000 and £8,000.

Idris Elba has said tackling serious youth violence is a marathon, not a sprint but feels progress is “moving in the right direction”.

Lucy Letby was not referred to the nursing regulator after concerns about her were raised to hospital bosses because there was a “lack of evidence” she may be killing babies, a public inquiry has heard.

Specialist officers searching for missing former England rugby player Tom Voyce have found a body close to where he was swept away while trying to drive across a flood-swollen river, police have said.

Questions must be answered over the “awful” case of 10-year-old Sara Sharif who was murdered by her father and stepmother, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

Energy firms will have to offer household tariffs free of standing charges as an alternative to existing ones under plans by regulator Ofgem.

Veterans who suffered mistreatment in the armed forces under the “gay ban” will receive up to £70,000 each as part of a £75 million scheme being launched by the Government.

The Middle East nation were the sole bidders

A horrific campaign of abuse

The Government says it's support for the sector is ‘steadfast’

Women and girls are being left to “suck it up” and endure pain for years due to a lack of awareness surrounding painful reproductive conditions, according to a new report.

Most teachers are reluctant to use or are not interested in artificial intelligence for pupil learning and assessment, new research has found.

One in 160 people were estimated to be homeless in England on a given night this year, new research from Shelter has suggested.

The Government has said it will build four new prisons within the next seven years in a bid to grip the overcrowding crisis.

It will be on loan to the Design Museum in London

Sprawling prison is known as “the Slaughterhouse”

A controversial large advertising screen above the concourse at Euston railway station will be used to display train information, Network Rail said.

Whitehall departments will have to find savings of 5% as Rachel Reeves promised to use an “iron fist” to squeeze government waste.

The Government has unveiled plans to make online marketplaces and vape producers pay their “fair share” towards recycling electrical waste in the UK.

A cat sanctuary has raised more than £12,500 after a fallen tree branch “demolished” a newly-built pen housing rescued cats, during Storm Darragh.

Referee David Coote has been sacked following the emergence of a video where he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.

NHS leaders have been ordered to “prioritise patient safety” ahead of a key A and E target as hospital beds in England near full capacity.

Sir Keir Starmer is putting efforts to kickstart economic growth above human rights concerns as he meets Saudia Arabia’s crown prince Mohammad bin Salman.

Improving trade ties with the European Union could boost the economy and drive up living standards, Rachel Reeves claimed, as she attended a meeting of EU finance ministers.

The north of England will directly benefit from closer trade ties with Saudi Arabia, Sir Keir Starmer has said as he visits the country.

A recent government pledge to eradicate waits of more than 12 months for NHS treatment “should have been fulfilled by September”, Scottish Labour have said.

Abba’s virtual concert has boosted the UK economy by more than £1 billion, new analysis shows, as its executive producer sets his sights on another two years of the London residency which he hoped could exist “forever”.

Reality star Pete Wicks will miss out on the Strictly Come Dancing final after becoming the 11th celebrity to depart the show.

Daniel Craig has revealed he felt “exhausted” after shooting James Bond films and said it would take him “six months to recover emotionally”.

Angela Rayner has said she understands people are angry and “impatient for change”, after several polls showed a drop in support for Labour following the Budget.

Strong winds will continue to hamper the majority of the UK on Sunday following the widespread disruption caused by Storm Darragh.

Thousands more GPs could be trained in order to deal with the NHS staffing crisis, Wes Streeting has indicated.

The UK exported thousands of tonnes of pesticides last year that have been banned domestically due to their harmful impacts, an investigation has found.

England secured their first away series in two years with a 323-run rout of New Zealand, Joe Root marking the occasion with a 36th Test century.

The Syrian government appeared to have fallen early on Sunday in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family after a lightning rebel offensive.

West Ham forward Michail Antonio has been involved in a road traffic accident, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Gusts of 93mph have been recorded as Storm Darragh hit the UK.

Working with the Conservatives when they were in government “could not have been more awful” but relationships with Westminster are “incomparably better” now Labour is in power, John Swinney has said.

Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department has returned to the top of the UK albums chart as her record-breaking Eras Tour comes to a close, the Official Charts Company has confirmed.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves told a shop owner the Government was “trying to help” as she visited independent retailers ahead of Small Business Saturday.

Millions have been warned to stay indoors, thousands are without power and trains have been cancelled as the Government’s “risk to life” alert brought on by Storm Darragh came into force.

The UK is the “sick man of Europe” when it comes to spending on medicines and community pharmacies, leaders from the sector have said.

Dame Mary Berry has been announced as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women In Film And Television Awards.

The Princess of Wales has made a rare public appearance with her family to celebrate Christmas with selfless individuals who have supported others.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has apologised after being accused of making light of serious safeguarding failures in the Church of England.

A rare red warning for wind, which warns of significant disruption and a “danger to life”, has been issued by forecasters as Storm Darragh hits the UK.

Generous households across Britain will give around £2.8 billion in total to charities during November and December this year, according to an estimate from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

Voters believe the UK should prioritise its relationship with Europe over the US, a poll has revealed.

Scientists have created a world-first urine test which could indicate the first possible signs of lung cancer.

Air pollution in England has hit a 20-year low but current levels could still pose significant risks to public health, a group of economic experts has said.

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to stay in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he will name a new prime minister within days, after the resignation of Michel Barnier.

The UK, France and Germany have taken part in a major investigation targeting a people-smuggling network believed to be moving people across the Channel, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said.

A pilot scheme to help schools save money on their energy bills and improve energy efficiency has been launched by London mayor Sadiq Khan.

Delays in the criminal justice system are “probably worse than I’ve ever known them to be”, the country’s top prosecutor said as he vowed better support for victims.

A building society is increasing the maximum amount that first-time buyers can potentially borrow as a multiple of their earnings, with the launch of a new mortgage range.

France’s far-right and left-wing legislators joined together on Wednesday to vote for a no-confidence motion prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier to resign.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced Labour pressure to amend her inheritance tax changes for farmers as a backbencher made clear his opposition to the current proposals.

A multibillion-dollar money laundering network run by two Russian millionaires and used by UK drug dealers to hide criminal cash has been brought down in an international sting.

The Prime Minister faces pressure to raise human rights issues as he meets the Emir of Qatar to agree a £1 billion investment in climate technology on Wednesday.

Up to 300,000 children in England could be missing from education, a report has suggested.

Drivers are set to enjoy the cheapest Christmas fuel prices since the pandemic, despite a slight rise in November, figures suggest.

Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs could hit UK trade with the US as badly as Brexit affected trade with the EU, a leading think tank has said.

Government plans to boost prison capacity could fall short by thousands of cell spaces within two years and cost the taxpayer billions of pounds more than anticipated, Whitehall’s spending watchdog has warned.

The Princess of Wales joined the King and her husband in welcoming the Emir of Qatar to the UK during a rare public appearance since completing her cancer treatment.

Rachel Reeves has again declined to repeat her promise not to raise taxes or borrowing in future budgets, but insisted she would not have to top up her spending plans either.

Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials have been pulled from the BBC’s schedule after Gregg Wallace stepped away from hosting the cooking show, a BBC spokesperson said.

The Queen has told guests at the state visit that her chest infection was a form of pneumonia.

Scotland’s NHS will become “much worse” over the winter, the head of the doctors’ union has warned after a report said fundamental reform in the health service is needed.

The Emir of Qatar will begin a two-day state visit to the UK hosted by the King.

Victims of the “horrendous” crime of stalking are to be given better protection including the right to know the identity of their online stalkers, the Government has said.

Spending on cough and cold remedies was a bright spot in November as weak consumer confidence and rising energy bills caused anxiety for retailers in the all-important run-up to Christmas.

The Queen is to miss the ceremonial welcome during the Qatari state visit after suffering significantly diminished reserves of energy following her chest infection.

New Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was “astonished” by the amount of managerial offers he received on the back of his spell as Manchester United interim manager.

Downing Street has said Gregg Wallace’s response to the accusations being made against him was “inappropriate and misogynistic”.

Building owners who fail to remove dangerous cladding have been warned “we are after them” and they could face jail as ministers set a 2029 deadline for action.

Top nurses have warned that planned Government reforms for the health service “stand no chance” if issues with recruitment and retention in the profession are not addressed.

The UK has pledged a further £19 million in funding for Gaza, as a minister described the situation on the ground as “catastrophic”.

Fianna Fail looks on course to secure the most seats in Ireland’s General Election, with attention turning to the potential make-up of the next coalition government.

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape at London venue The Groucho Club, the Metropolitan Police said.

A 20-year-old British man has died after being found injured in a hotel lift shaft while on a family holiday in Turkey.

Counting has resumed in the Irish General Election as focus intensifies on the potential make-up of the next coalition government.

The Princess of Wales will deliver a heartful Christmas message about the importance of love – “the greatest gift we can receive” – to those attending her annual carol service.

MasterChef host Gregg Wallace was accused of making lewd comments and asking for the personal phone numbers of female production staff in a letter a producer and director claimed to have sent to the BBC in 2022.

A man who is running 2,684 miles (4,320km) across Australia hopes to break a new British record by completing the challenge in 60 days.

Mental health waiting time targets have been breached more than 168,000 times since they were introduced a decade ago, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has said.

Sir Keir Starmer will set out a “plan for change” with milestones set in key policy areas to achieve the targets laid out in Labour’s manifesto, Downing Street has said.

Temperatures are expected to plunge on Monday after the UK enjoys a mild weekend, the Met Office has said.

There is a heavy police presence in central London as a pro-Palestine march and counter-protest are held in the midst of Christmas shopping and Winter Wonderland festivities.

Further accusations have been made against TV presenter Gregg Wallace in the wake of him stepping away from hosting hit BBC show MasterChef while a review into complaints is carried out.

Informal tallying of votes in count centres for Ireland’s General Election have suggested the potential for new breakthroughs and trouble for some established incumbents, after an exit poll put the three main parties nearly neck and neck.

More than a hundred dogs dressed in Christmas jumpers joined a festive parade in central London in support of rescue charities.

Political leaders will gather on Saturday to pay tribute to Alex Salmond at a public memorial service in Edinburgh.

The protracted process of sorting and counting votes in Ireland’s General Election has begun, after an exit poll put the three main parties virtually neck and neck.

Southampton were furious after being denied a priceless victory by a controversial VAR decision in a 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Zayn Malik has paid tribute on stage to Liam Payne in his former One Direction bandmate’s hometown of Wolverhampton, saying he “hopes” the late star sees his gig.

Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested that Ukrainian territory under his control should be taken under the “Nato umbrella” to try and stop the “hot stage” of the war with Russia.

Jane Moore has become the first contestant to be eliminated from I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2024 following a public vote.

The funeral of Scottish comedian Janey Godley is set to take place after a two-day “final tour” of the cities she loved.

Kim Leadbeater has said there is “absolutely still a lot of work to do” on assisted dying proposals, and “slight changes” to the bill are “part of the process”.

Gregg Wallace has been accused of making “lesbian jokes” and “highly inappropriate” comments in the latest of a string of complaints made against the TV presenter by people who claim to have worked with him.

Dame Esther Rantzen said she is “absolutely thrilled” at the result of the historic vote for assisted dying, and spoke of future generations being spared the “ordeals” currently suffered.

A police driver who rammed an escaped cow in a patrol car will return to frontline duties after an investigation found the tactic was “both lawful and necessary”.

Heidi Alexander has been appointed Transport Secretary after the resignation of Louise Haigh over a undisclosed criminal conviction.

A man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after an eight-year-old girl and her father were injured in a shooting.

The first assisted dying debate in the House of Commons in almost a decade is “long overdue”, the MP behind the Bill has said as she appealed for respect and compassion in Parliament on the controversial issue.

Nando’s has said it will step up its restaurant opening plans after sales lifted further over the past year.

Nile Rodgers has said he is “uncomfortable” and “overwhelmed” after winning the Global Icon Award at the Rolling Stone UK Awards.

Manchester United survived a scare against Bodo/Glimt as a Rasmus Hojlund brace ensured Ruben Amorim’s maiden match in the Old Trafford dugout ended in his first victory in charge.

Pharmacies could be forced to cut their opening hours or close completely if they are not shielded from the tax hikes and increased national living wage announced in the Budget, leaders from the sector have warned.

MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has thanked his Instagram followers for “showing their support” after he announced he was to step away from the BBC cooking show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed.

Louise Haigh has resigned as Transport Secretary after pleading guilty to a criminal offence related to incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013.

Parliament has a chance to “correct injustice and reduce human suffering” when it debates assisted dying, the MP behind the Bill said – but opposition campaigners have warned of “inevitable abuse, pressure, coercion and mistakes”.

Former Conservative MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns has joined Reform UK and will run to be mayor of Lincolnshire.

Gregg Wallace is to step away from presenting BBC cooking show MasterChef while complaints made by individuals about historical allegations of misconduct are externally reviewed.

Former soldier Daniel Khalife has been found guilty of breaching the Official Secrets and Terrorism Acts by collecting sensitive information and passing it to agents of Iran.

Net migration to the UK hit a higher than previously thought record of 906,000 in the year to June 2023, revised official estimates show.

Parents of teenagers can track their Uber journeys under a new scheme.

Sir Ed Davey is launching a bid for Christmas number one with a charity single called Love Is Enough.

Talking therapies and physical and mental rehabilitation “probably improve symptoms of long Covid”, a new study suggests.

Robbie Williams has said he feels “remarkable” after coming out the other end of a more than decade-long struggle with his mental health.

Sixth form college teachers in England will begin strike action on Thursday in a dispute over pay.

A police investigation has been launched into more than five people who may have “facilitated” former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed in his alleged sexual abuse of dozens of women and girls.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said Israel plans to appeal against the International Criminal Court’s recent decision to issue arrest warrants against him and his former defence minister over alleged crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Three American citizens imprisoned for years by China have been released, the White House said.

Sir Keir Starmer has sidestepped calls to repeat Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pledge of no more borrowing or tax rises following the Budget.

A second man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an eight-year-old girl was seriously hurt in a shooting.

A man has been arrested by police investigating viral videos of women taken on nights out.

The MP behind the assisted dying Bill has insisted it is taking “absolutely the right route” through Parliament after it was criticised as an “utterly inadequate” way to deal with the controversial issue.

Domestic abusers will face tougher restrictions from Wednesday with the launch of new court orders to keep them away from their victims.

Major supermarkets and food industry leaders have backed calls for the Government to ban cages for egg-laying hens.

Plans to “recover” NHS dental services will not come close to getting provision back to pre-pandemic levels, experts have said.

Parents will be able to access 30 minutes of free childcare at the start of the school day as the Government pushes ahead with its rollout of breakfast clubs in England.

A UK ticket-holder has won £177 million in the EuroMillions draw, making them the third biggest National Lottery winner of all time.

England captain Ben Stokes admits he is managing “the back end of my career” after choosing to skip the Indian Premier League and prioritise his time in international cricket.

Actor Luke Evans has said he has “terrible anxiety” over insecurities about his body, despite “staying fit” for “physical” roles.

Plans for boosting the number of electric vehicles in the UK are not working as intended, the Business Secretary has said after Vauxhall’s owner announced it would close its factory in Luton.

A 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants has commenced, with both sides withdrawing from southern Lebanon.

Broadcaster Spencer Matthews is to attempt seven ironman triathlons in seven continents in a new world record attempt which he describes as his “most dangerous challenge”.

Rental e-bike operators could be fined as part of measures to tackle “significant safety issues” around poor parking in London.

The Duke of Sussex’s legal claim against the publisher of the Daily Mail could face a trial in 2026, a High Court judge has suggested.

Places with the highest levels of joblessness will get extra NHS support as the Government bids to “get Britain working again”.

More than a million illicit vapes were seized in England by trading standards in 2023-24, a 59% increase on the previous year.

Federal prosecutors moved to dismiss the criminal charges against President-elect Donald Trump that accused him of plotting to overturn the 2020 election and to abandon the classified documents case against him, citing longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed has been asked to review “incompetence” at the Met Office that led to a “clear underestimation” of the impact of Storm Bert.

Ed Sheeran has apologised for gatecrashing a live interview with new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim.

Communities in England and Wales are starting a “massive clean-up” after torrential rain and widespread flooding from Storm Bert over the weekend.

The eight-year-old girl injured in a double shooting in west London was in a car with her parents and two-year-old sibling when a gunman opened fire, police have revealed.

Mohamed Salah has said he is yet to receive a new contract offer from Liverpool and feels “more out than in” as he nears the end of his existing deal.

Bestselling novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford, who wrote A Woman Of Substance, has died at the age of 91, it has been announced.

NatWest is making a “scamvent” calendar available in selected branches to highlight the common purchases at risk of being fraudulent.

Smoking could cause almost 300,000 cancer cases in the UK over the next five years, according to new analysis.

Countries have agreed on a deal to inject at least 300 billion dollars a year into the fight against climate change, aimed at helping poor nations cope with the ravages of global warming at United Nations climate talks.

The state should “never offer death as a service”, the Justice Secretary has said, in a strongly worded intervention over the assisted dying Bill ahead of a historic Commons vote next week.

Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over Augsburg to break Erling Haaland’s Bundesliga record for the fastest player to 50 Bundesliga goals.

The first grey seal pup of the season has been born at a remote shingle spit that was once a Cold War weapons testing site.

Presenters Amanda Holden and Alan Carr led the stars arriving at the 2024 Royal Variety Performance, hours after the Queen pulled out due to lingering symptoms from a chest infection.