Removal of judge in Palestine Action ban legal challenge ‘deeply concerning’
Unusual last-minute change means panel of three will now hear case rather than Mr Justice ChamberlainConcerns have been raised after the judge who was expected to hear a legal challenge to the ban on Palestine Action was removed from the case at the last minute without explanation.Mr Justice Chamberlain had granted permission for the judicial review and said that he would preside over the trial but it has emerged that a panel of three different judges will instead hear the case, which is due to start on Wednesday. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Rebuilding ‘human-made abyss’ in Gaza will cost at least $70bn, UN says
Report says Israel’s operations ‘significantly undermined every pillar of survival’ and reduced the economy by 87%Israel’s war in Gaza has created a “human-made abyss” and reconstruction is likely to cost more than $70bn (£53bn) over several decades, the United Nations has said.The UN’s trade and development agency (Unctad) said in a report that Israel’s military operations had “significantly undermined every pillar of survival” and that the entire population of 2.3 million people faced “extreme, multidimensional impoverishment”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine ‘supports essence of peace deal’ following Geneva talks, Ukrainian official reportedly says - Europe live
Official tells Reuters news agency sensitive issues still need to be discussed between Zelenskyy and TrumpIn other EU related news, a top European court on Tuesday ruled that an EU nation had to recognise a gay marriage recorded in another member state, after a complaint by two Poles married in Germany.The couple, one of whom also has German nationality, were living there and married in Berlin in 2018, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP).The spouses in question, as EU citizens, enjoy the freedom to move and reside within the territory of the member states and the right to lead a normal family... [Continue Reading]
Jacob Zuma’s daughter accused of tricking men into fighting for Russia in Ukraine
South African police investigate allegations made against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla by another of ex-president’s daughtersEurope live – latest updatesSouth African police are investigating allegations that a daughter of the former president Jacob Zuma tricked men into fighting for Russia in Ukraine by telling them they were travelling to Russia for a paramilitary training course.Another of Zuma’s daughters, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, filed a police report on Saturday alleging that her sister Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and two others, Siphokazi Xuma and Blessing Khoza, had recruited 17 men who are now trapped on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
US calls on Sudan’s warring parties to accept ceasefire plan unaltered
Envoy Massad Boulos demands the opposing sides accept plan without seeking preconditions. [Continue Reading]
Israel says Red Cross receives remains of deceased Gaza captive
This is a breaking news story. [Continue Reading]
India, Pakistan to play T20 World Cup 2026 group match on February 15
India will face Pakistan in next year's tournament after the South Asian rivals were drawn in the same group. [Continue Reading]
UN calls for probe into Israel’s strikes on Lebanon
At least 13 civilians, including 11 children, were killed in the Israeli strike on Ein El-Hilweh camp. [Continue Reading]
EU Parliament reaffirms and strengthens calls to act against Hungary
The European Parliament voted on Tuesday on a second report calling on the commission and council to act against Hungary for breaching article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union [Continue Reading]
Same-sex marriage has to be recognised, EU top court rules
The European Court of Justice ruled on Tuesday that same-sex marriage lawfully conducted in one member state has to be recognised across the EU. While this is a win for LGBTQI+ rights, there are still six EU countries, (Poland, Hungary, Latvia, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Lithuania) which do not have any legal options for gay partnerships. [Continue Reading]
As a terror survivor my grief is being acknowledged at last
As a survivor, I felt a massive sense of comfort knowing that my grief will no longer be avoided. [Continue Reading]
Macaulay Culkin booed after controversial comment about Christmas
I know some of you guys want to fight me.' [Continue Reading]
Campaign for younger blood donors launched at Croke Park
Club and county allegiances were put aside at GAA HQ in Croke Park today as players came together as part of a campaign aimed at boosting the number of young blood donors. [Continue Reading]
Poor management factor in Arts Council ICT failure - PAC
Lack of project management capacity, particularly around the controversial €5.3 million ICT project at the Arts Council was "a significant factor" in the failure of the project, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has stated. [Continue Reading]
Legal challenge to MetroLink to cause 'inevitable delay'
A judicial review of the planned MetroLink rail line for Dublin will result in an "inevitable delay" to the project, Transport Infrastructure Ireland has said, adding that it hopes that the matter will progress efficiently through the courts. [Continue Reading]
Home of supt and sgt searched, trial of gardaí told
The jury in the trial of a retired superintendent and four gardaí accused of intervening in potential or pending road traffic prosecutions has heard that then superintendent Eamon O'Neil was arrested at his home during an early morning raid. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine wants Trump-Zelensky meeting with view to end war
Ukraine wants President Volodymyr Zelensky and US counterpart Donald Trump to meet this week for further talks on ending the war with Russia, a top Ukrainian negotiator has said. [Continue Reading]
Russian strikes on Kyiv leave at least six dead and dozens injured
Ukraine says at least six people were killed in Russian strikes on Kyiv, with major damage reported in several districts and rescue work still underway. [Continue Reading]
Spain nominates new attorney general after predecessor's conviction for data leak
Teresa Peramato is a career prosecutor and regarded as one of Spain’s leading experts on the law around gender-based violence. [Continue Reading]
‘I didn’t start it’: Starmer apologises for ‘six seven’ uproar during school visit
Prime minister jokes that he may be ‘put in detention’ after appearing to encourage classroom hystericsIt has become the bane of many parents’ and teachers’ existence: children bleating out “six seven” for apparently no reason.So parents of pupils at Welland Academy in Peterborough will be unimpressed to discover that none other than the prime minister was encouraging their youngsters in the viral phenomenon. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
US attorney general vows to appeal dismissal of criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James – US politics live
Trump plans to speak directly with Nicolás Maduro, Axios reports, even though the US designated the Venezuelan president as the head of a foreign terrorist organizationSenator Mark Kelly has responded to the Pentagon’s announcement that it is investigating the Arizona lawmaker for possible breaches of military law after he joined five other Democratic members of Congress in a video calling for US troops to refuse illegal orders.“I said something that was pretty simple and non controversial, and that was that members of the military should follow the law,” Kelly said in an MS NOW interview with Rachel on Monday. “And... [Continue Reading]
Food influencer known as ‘dine-and-dash diva’ arrested in Brooklyn
Pei Chung allegedly ate at multiple fancy restaurants around New York City and then skipped out on payingA would-be food influencer known online as the “dine-and-dash diva” has been jailed in Brooklyn, New York after multiple previous arrests for allegedly skipping out on the bill at high-end restaurants.Pei Chung, 34, is said to have developed a habit of going to fancy restaurants around New York City, ordering extensively off the menu – and then trying to get out of paying. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Peak pizza? Domino’s boss who launched shift towards chicken ousted
Firm says Andrew Rennie departs ‘by mutual agreement’ but it is thought he faced tensions with the boardBusiness live – latest updatesThe boss of Domino’s Pizza Group who suggested the UK may have reached peak pizza as he expanded the chain into fried chicken has been ousted after tensions with its board.Andrew Rennie is leaving after just two years at the helm and will be replaced on an interim basis by the company’s chief operating officer, Nicola Frampton, while Domino’s searches for a new leader. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
EasyJet profits climb as package holidays sell well despite price rises
Travel firm says most popular package destinations are Majorca, Tenerife, Costa Blanca, Dalaman and LanzaroteBusiness live – latest updatesEasyJet has reported a rise in annual profits as strong demand for its package holidays to destinations including Tenerife and Lanzarote offset more difficult trading for its airline.The owner of Europe’s second-biggest budget airline upgraded its outlook for its holidays division, where it raised prices by an average of 5% to £698 for each break. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Italian man ‘dressed as dead mother in order to claim her pension’
Man from Borgo Virgilio investigated for benefit fraud and hiding body since woman’s death in 2022An Italian man is under investigation for benefit fraud and hiding a body after allegedly dressing up as his dead mother – including mimicking her hairstyle with a wig and wearing makeup and jewellery – in order to claim her pension.The man, from Borgo Virgilio close to the northern Italian city of Mantua, allegedly claimed thousands of euros in pension payments after the death of his mother in 2022. Instead of reporting her death, he allegedly hid her body in his home. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Four more people arrested in connection with Louvre heist
French media say those held include alleged final member of four-man gang who broke into museumFrench authorities have arrested four more people in connection with last month’s spectacular heist of an estimated €88m (£77m) of crown jewels from the Louvre, the Paris prosecutor has said.“They are two men aged 38 and 39, and two women aged 31 and 40, all from the Paris region,” Laure Beccuau said. French media said the arrests included the last remaining alleged member of the four-man gang who broke into the museum. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Who is Mark Kelly, and why is the US senator accused of ‘sedition’?
In a video, six Democratic lawmakers who held military and intelligence positions say 'illegal orders' can be refused. [Continue Reading]
Has love evolved, or has the modern world rewritten it?
Is love still a noble quest for connection, or just a fairytale in an age shaped by individualism and algorithms? [Continue Reading]
Why the UK’s 2025 budget has Rachel Reeves facing an ‘impossible trilemma’
Reeves faces daunting challenge - poor public finances and widespread public discontent with government. [Continue Reading]
Ritz-Carlton Is Sued Over Luxury Safari Camp in Kenya
Ritz-Carlton’s luxury camp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara offers “front row seats” to the Great Migration. But some Maasai members and wildlife experts say it’s in a sensitive area and should not have been approved. [Continue Reading]
U.S. Army Secretary Meets With Russian Envoys on Ukraine Peace Plan
The secretary, Daniel Driscoll, held talks in Geneva over the weekend with a Ukrainian delegation. “We remain optimistic,” his spokesman said. [Continue Reading]
Russia Bombards Kyiv Even as Ukraine Claims Progress in Peace Talks
The attack killed at least seven people, the authorities said, as an official suggested that President Volodymyr Zelensky was ready to go to Washington to complete a deal. [Continue Reading]
Macron to present new French national service plan
The French president insisted the plan was "not at all" to send young people to Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
Boy, 16, 'fighting for his life' after shooting
Police were called to reports of the shooting on London Road in Sheffield on Monday. [Continue Reading]
Listen: Belgium’s austerity measures trigger the largest national strike in years
Belgium entered its second day of a coordinated, three-day strike on Tuesday, as unions protest against the government’s sweeping austerity plans. [Continue Reading]
China’s new blueprint heralds fresh opportunities for China-EU cooperation
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has laid out the top-level design and strategic blueprint for China’s economic and social development in the next five years. [Continue Reading]
Four more arrested over historic £76,000,000 heist at Louvre museum in Paris
The four-minute heist stunned France. [Continue Reading]
Who can solve Ruben Amorim’s newest problem after £36.5m flop wastes golden opportunity?
He had a nightmare against Everton. [Continue Reading]
Readers discuss Reform’s ties with Russia
Readers discuss Nathan Gill's prison sentence for accepting Russian bribes, Trump's deal with Ukraine and the shortcomings of NATO [Continue Reading]
Harris to ensure 'ongoing careful management' of finances
The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance has said he will ensure that there is "ongoing careful management of the public finances" in his new role. [Continue Reading]
Woman critical after being set on fire at Dublin house
Gardaí are investigating an attack on a house in Clondalkin in Dublin, during which a woman was set on fire. [Continue Reading]
Four more suspects arrested over Louvre jewellery heist, Paris prosecutors say
Two men and two women from the Paris region have been taken into custody in connection with the theft at the Louvre last month, prosecutors said. [Continue Reading]
Republican Jim Justice to pay more than $5m in back taxes following lawsuit
Lawsuit filed in West Virginia maintained that Justice and his wife received notice of the funds due since 2009 but didn’t payJim Justice, the Republican US senator, and his wife have agreed to pay more than $5m that the couple owes in back taxes shortly after they were sued over the 16-year-old debt by the federal government.The lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in their home state of West Virginia, maintained that the Justices had received notice from the US treasury department of the funds due since 2009 but had “neglected or refused to make full payment of those assessments”.... [Continue Reading]
UK to extend sugar tax to cover bottled milkshakes and pre-packaged lattes
Health secretary tells MPs the government ‘will not look away as children get unhealthier’Business live – latest updatesSweet-toothed consumers face paying more for their bottled milkshakes and pre-packaged lattes after the government confirmed plans for a tougher sugar tax.Designed to tackle obesity, the levy currently applies to drinks with a sugar content of 5g for each 100ml. However, after a public consultation this is being cut to 4.5g for each 100ml. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
US attorney general vows to appeal dismissal of criminal cases against James Comey and Letitia James – US politics live
Trump plans to speak directly with Nicolás Maduro, Axios reports, even though the US designated the Venezuelan president as the head of a foreign terrorist organizationMy colleagues, Amy Sedghi and Jakup Krupa, have been covering the latest developments out of Europe.They note that a short while ago, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on social media that his delegation returned from Geneva yesterday, and have updated the “framework” of the 28-point peace. “Communication with the American side continues, and I am grateful for all of America’s efforts and personally for President Trump’s efforts,” Zelenskyy wrote. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Reeves’s plan to cut cash Isa limit could raise mortgage rates, say finance bosses
Building societies fear consumers will be put off from saving if chancellor’s budget announces a 40% reductionBusiness live – latest updatesRachel Reeves’s plan to slash the annual cash Isa limit by 40% could lead to higher mortgage rates and deter consumers from saving, finance bosses have said.The chancellor is expected to cut the maximum amount people can put into tax-efficient cash individual savings accounts from £20,000 a year to £12,000 in Wednesday’s budget. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
FCA makes inquiries into WH Smith accounting error that wiped almost £600m off value
Regulator assessing whether firm breached UK disclosure rules for listed companies, but is yet to launch formal investigationBusiness live – latest updatesThe City watchdog has contacted WH Smith to find out more about its accounting error that wiped almost £600m off the company’s stock market value overnight and led to the departure of its chief executive.The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it had started making inquiries to assess whether the company had breached UK disclosure rules for listed companies, but was yet to launch a formal investigation. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine ‘supports essence of peace deal’ following Geneva talks, Ukrainian official reportedly says - Europe live
Official tells Reuters news agency sensitive issues still to be discussed between Zelenskyy and TrumpIn other EU related news, a top European court on Tuesday ruled that an EU nation had to recognise a gay marriage recorded in another member state, after a complaint by two Poles married in Germany.The couple, one of whom also has German nationality, were living there and married in Berlin in 2018, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP).The spouses in question, as EU citizens, enjoy the freedom to move and reside within the territory of the member states and the right to lead a normal family life... [Continue Reading]