Starmer calls on Farage to apologise to his alleged victims of racial abuse at school
Prime minister says Reform leader’s explanations about alleged comments are ‘unconvincing to say the least’Keir Starmer has called on Nigel Farage to apologise to his school contemporaries who claim the Reform leader racially abused them while at Dulwich College.The Guardian reported last week the testimony of Peter Ettedgui, who said a 13-year-old Farage “would sidle up to me and growl: ‘Hitler was right’ or ‘gas them’, sometimes adding a long hiss to simulate the sound of the gas showers”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Departing Marjorie Taylor Greene ‘the canary in the coal mine’ for Republicans, says former House speaker – US politics live
Kevin McCarthy says exit of the Trump loyalist turned critic is a sign of broader trouble for RepublicansCNN is reporting that the mother of Karoline Leavitt’s 11-year-old nephew is in ICE custody after having been arrested earlier this month.Bruna Caroline Ferreira, a Brazilian native, was arrested near Boston on 12 November as she was on her way to pick up her son, her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, told CNN.“[They] did a hit piece on me that I am perhaps losing my Energy, despite facts that show the exact opposite.“There will be a day when I run low on Energy, it happens... [Continue Reading]
Budget 2025 live: Rachel Reeves sets out budget tax rises as OBR apologises for leaking details
Office for Budget Responsibility blames ‘technical error’ after forecasts were published before chancellor gave her statementAt a glance: the key points from the budgetPaul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, has rejected the concerns raised by the Resolution Foundation (see 9.54am) about the rise in the minimum wage rates. Asked about the thinktank’s comments, Nowak told Times Radio:I don’t accept those concerns ...First of all, that recommendation is based on the Low Pay Commission, which brings together employers, unions, independent experts, they’re tasked with making a recommendation on the minimum wage, which balances getting money into people’s pockets and the impact... [Continue Reading]
Junta hails end to US protected status for Myanmar nationals
Human rights monitors say it is not safe to return, citing reports of ‘serious crimes in the run-up to elections’Myanmar’s junta applauded the Trump administration on Wednesday for halting a scheme that protected its citizens from deportation from the US back to their war-racked homeland.About 4,000 Myanmar citizens are living in the US with temporary protected status (TPS), which shields foreign nationals from deportation to disaster zones and allows them the right to work. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Nicolas Sarkozy convicted of illegal campaign financing in failed 2012 re-election bid
Former French president only released from prison earlier this month in connection with separate convictionThe former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been convicted of illegal campaign financing in his failed 2012 re-election bid, after the country’s highest court rejected his final appeal.Sarkozy, who was the country’s rightwing president between 2007 and 2012, was convicted of hiding illegal overspending for his unsuccessful re-election campaign that was shaped by vast American-style rallies. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Russia welcomes ‘aspects’ of new US plan to end Ukraine war – Europe live
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov says other parts of plan, which has not been published, ‘require special discussions among experts’In case you missed it, US president Donald Trump defended his peace envoy Steve Witkoff overnight after Bloomberg reported that he allegedly advised Putin’s aide Ushakov on how to speak with Trump and conduct the talks.Trump did not appear too bothered by it, though. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
At least 13 dead after fire engulfs residential tower blocks in Hong Kong
Several people reportedly trapped inside burning towers as firefighters tackle huge blaze in Tai Po districtAt least 13 people have died after fire engulfed several high-rise towers of a residential complex in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district, with thick grey smoke billowing out as emergency services tackled the blaze.Police said several people remained trapped inside the burning towers, while two people were in a critical condition with severe burns. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Palestine Action’s legal challenge against UK government ban begins
Cofounder Huda Ammori calls into question the pro-Palestine group’s ban under ‘antiterrorism’ laws. [Continue Reading]
Trump Administration Will Raise Prices for Foreign Tourists at National Parks
The price increases come as more and more international travelers are choosing to stay away from the United States and amid turmoil at the National Park Service. [Continue Reading]
Britain Raises Taxes by More Than $30 Billion in Tougher Economic Outlook
Rachel Reeves, the top economic official in an increasingly unpopular government, announced a series of measures intended to put the country’s finances on a stronger footing. [Continue Reading]
From chess to Champions League - in-form Eze and Olise reunite on big stage
Former Crystal Palace team-mates Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze reunite when Arsenal host Bayern Munich in the Champions League. [Continue Reading]
Rosalía inspiring the next generation in classical music
The singer's latest, Lux, has got us talking about classical music. Its popularity might surprise you. [Continue Reading]
Army halts use of Ajax vehicles after soldiers left vomiting
The UK government previously said they were ready for deployment with interest from Nato allies. [Continue Reading]
Key points at a glance
Rachel Reeves is delivering her second Budget since Labour’s return to power – here’s what you need to know. [Continue Reading]
Electric vehicle owners to face pay-per-mile tax
Drivers of electric cars will pay a road charge of 3p per mile, while plug-in hybrid drivers will pay 1.5p per mile from April 2028. [Continue Reading]
Isas, cars and pensions: How the Budget affects you
The Budget being delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves will affect you and your finances. [Continue Reading]
Martin Lewis reveals how long you should keep bills, receipts and paperwork
'A small folder (or a few digital scans) may just be worth £1,000s to you down the line.' [Continue Reading]
Jessie J pulls a Lily Allen with dig at ‘beast’ ex Channing Tatum on new song
He's getting the West End Girl treatment. [Continue Reading]
‘Rogue’ surgeon with more than 200 victims to face public inquiry
Sam Eljamel is understood to have more than 200 victims [Continue Reading]
Map reveals the most affordable town for homebuyers in each UK region
The research is based on house price to earnings ratio. [Continue Reading]
Five-year wait for citizenship among migration changes
Refugees seeking full citizenship here will be given preferential treatment if they are working, the Minister for Justice has said. [Continue Reading]
13 killed as fire engulfs Hong Kong high-rise
The death toll from a massive fire at high-rise towers in Hong Kong has risen to 13. [Continue Reading]
Autopsy report suggests family of four killed by pesticide in Istanbul hotel
A Turkish-German family of four died in Istanbul from phosphine gas poisoning, likely from a pesticide used in their hotel. An investigation is ongoing. [Continue Reading]
Budget 2025 live: Rachel Reeves delivers budget as OBR apologises for leaking details
Office for Budget Responsibility blames ‘technical error’ after forecasts were accidentally published before chancellor gave her statementAt a glance: the key points from the budgetPaul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, has rejected the concerns raised by the Resolution Foundation (see 9.54am) about the rise in the minimum wage rates. Asked about the thinktank’s comments, Nowak told Times Radio:I don’t accept those concerns ...First of all, that recommendation is based on the Low Pay Commission, which brings together employers, unions, independent experts, they’re tasked with making a recommendation on the minimum wage, which balances getting money into people’s pockets and the... [Continue Reading]
Budget 2025: key points at a glance
Rachel Reeves is announcing her financial update – here are the main points, with political analysisBudget 2025 – follow liveThe chancellor’s opening remarks were somewhat overshadowed by the fact that the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) assessment of her budget’s impact were accidentally published early, in an unprecedented gaffe that the shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, called “outrageous”.The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), in a document released early in what appears to be an extraordinary blunder, is predicting growth of 1.5% for this year, up from the 1% it predicted in March. After that, the forecast is for 1.4% next year... [Continue Reading]
‘The Earth ate my Mini’: Cornwall man loses car in sinkhole
It has been weeks since the ground opened up under Malcolm McKenzie’s prized Mini, leading him into a bureaucratic ‘nightmare’The first Malcolm McKenzie knew of his problem was when a neighbour banged on his door and told him his beloved Mini had fallen into a hole.“I went out expecting a small pothole under a wheel or something. But when I went out to take a look, I realised, oh, that really is a proper hole,” he said. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Hundreds of Israeli soldiers raid Palestinian town in West Bank
Israeli military and security service say ‘broad counter-terrorism operation’ in Tubas to continue for several daysHundreds of Israeli soldiers supported by armoured vehicles have conducted raids in the Palestinian town of Tubas near Nablus in the biggest such military deployment by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank since the ceasefire came into effect in Gaza last month.Palestinian media reported that a curfew was imposed on Tuesday night on Tubas and some neighbouring communities, roads were closed by earthen barriers and families forced from their homes to allow Israeli forces to use the buildings. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Major fire puts Hong Kong on highest alert as firefighters tackle blaze
Firefighters are trying to tackle a major fire that has engulfed a residential tower complex, killing several people. [Continue Reading]
Russia denies incursions into NATO airspace, but what’s really happening?
AJ Defense Editor @alexgatopoulos breaks down grey zone warfare and why NATO is accusing Russia of acts of sabotage [Continue Reading]
Israel’s systematic campaign to expel West Bank Palestinians
The UN has documented nearly 3,000 settler attacks across the occupied West Bank since October 2023. [Continue Reading]
Video: Somalia drought threatens mass starvation as aid slows down
Somalia has declared a national drought emergency, after lack of rainfall left over two million at risk for starvation. [Continue Reading]
A Major Moment for the British Economy: What to Watch in the U.K. Budget
Rachel Reeves, the top economic official in an increasingly unpopular government, is in Parliament presenting tax and spending plans. [Continue Reading]
Thief caught on camera stealing giant Christmas decoration
The masked cyclist is shown taking the 8ft tall soldier from outside a bar in the capital. [Continue Reading]
Nvidia plays down Google chip threat concerns
The world's most valuable company said it was still "a generation ahead of the industry". [Continue Reading]
First openly gay Miss England has 'achieved dream'
Grace Richardson says she suffered bullying over her sexuality while at school in Leicestershire. [Continue Reading]
Budget 2025: Key points at a glance
Rachel Reeves is delivering her second Budget since Labour’s return to power – here’s what you need to know. [Continue Reading]
Henry Zeffman: Early release of Budget detail is totally surreal
The Budget is already out there, thanks to the Office for Budget Responsibility, which has published the details in error. [Continue Reading]
Paul Doyle pleads guilty to Liverpool parade charges
Paul Doyle broke down in tears as he admitted seriously injuring fans at Liverpool's victory parade. [Continue Reading]
What the Budget means for you and your money
The Budget being delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves will affect you and your finances. [Continue Reading]
Woman linked to White House press secretary arrested in immigration raid
The mother of Karoline Leavitt's nephew has been detained by ICE and is facing deportation. [Continue Reading]
EastEnders fans outraged by baffling domestic abuse murder scene
'Well, he may as well have' [Continue Reading]
I confront ‘fraudster’ who’s stolen my identity in credit card scam
A suspicious man is free to roam my neighbourhood in the midst of a credit card fraud involving stolen mail. [Continue Reading]
Barcelona team bus ‘ambushed’ before Chelsea game with players left shaken
A police investigation has been launched. [Continue Reading]
Countdown champion given ‘indefinite hospital order’ after stabbing rival contestant
The incident took place in September 2024. [Continue Reading]
Martin Lewis says you should keep bills, receipts and paperwork for at least this long
'A small folder (or a few digital scans) may just be worth £1,000s to you down the line.' [Continue Reading]
UK's economy will grow more slowly than predicted - OBR
The UK's economy will grow more slowly than predicted over the next four years, according to a forecast that was published early in a budget blunder. [Continue Reading]