Starmer reaffirms commitment to put UK ‘boots on the ground’ in Ukraine if hostilities cease - Europe live

PM’s comments come ahead of ‘coalition of the willing’ call with Zelenskyy and other western alliesIn 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]

US brokers Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi as Trump tries to push through deal

Spokesperson for US army secretary says discussions with officials from Kyiv and Moscow are going wellEurope live – latest updatesDiscussions involving US, Russian and Ukrainian officials are taking place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, the latest step in the Trump administration’s attempts to push through a peace deal to end the conflict in Ukraine.The US army secretary, Dan Driscoll, met a Russian delegation on Monday night in the Gulf emirate, and talks continued into Tuesday. “The talks are going well and we remain optimistic. Secretary Driscoll is closely synchronised with the White House ... as these talks progress,” his spokesperson... [Continue Reading]

How a study on hormonal contraception and breast cancer was distorted

Swedish study says hormonal birth control slightly raises breast cancer risk, but experts note the increase is small. [Continue Reading]

Did X unwittingly unmask top MAGA influencers as foreign trolls?

A new transparency feature on X has unwittingly revealed that many of the site’s top MAGA influencers are foreign. [Continue Reading]

Good news for wild swimmers as bathing water quality improves

The annual figures from the Environment Agency show 93% of sites met minimum standards, up from 92% last year. [Continue Reading]

'Don't wait for permission' - Bafta Breakthrough star Ellis Howard's advice to young artists

The What it Feels Like For a Girl star says his career changed when he posted Instagram videos. [Continue Reading]

Tearful Liverpool parade-accused appears in court

Paul Doyle faces 31 charges after his car struck pedestrians during Liverpool FC's victory parade. [Continue Reading]

Growing Concerns Over Gender-Based Violence in South Asia Amid Global Tensions

In recent months, a troubling surge in gender-based violence has captured international attention, particularly in Pakistan, where social media influencers, especially women, face dire risks. The latest incidents illustrate a grim reality where femal [Continue Reading]

Ukraine and U.S. Progress in Peace Negotiations Amid Continued Russian Resistance

Efforts between the United States and Ukraine to finalize a peace settlement are advancing, despite significant hesitations from Russia. Recent discussions have led to substantial revisions of a proposed treaty, previously deemed too accommodating to [Continue Reading]

Community Mourns Loss While Peacekeepers Return Home Amid Shocking News

The funeral of 59-year-old Stella Gallagher took place in Cork today, where family, friends, and community members gathered to honour her life after a tragic attack near her home earlier this month. The service at Our Lady of Lourdes Church echoed wi [Continue Reading]

Tragic Incidents Highlight Ongoing Challenges of Safety and Violence in Ireland

In a tragic series of events across Ireland, officials are grappling with a three-vehicle collision in Co Meath and a devastating axe attack in Co Kildare, both of which have raised urgent concerns about road safety and domestic violence. On the morn [Continue Reading]

Residents Challenge Dublin MetroLink Project Amid Rising Asylum Seeker Costs

A group of residents in Ranelagh, Dublin, has initiated a legal challenge against the MetroLink project, aimed at constructing an 18.8 km rail line from Charlemont to Swords Estuary. The residents have applied for a judicial review of An Coimisiún Pl [Continue Reading]

Recent Legal Struggles and Political Tensions Shape US Landscape

In a notable judicial decision, a federal judge dismissed criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The judge ruled that the prosecution, led by attorney Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully app [Continue Reading]

Historic G20 Summit Closes Amid US Boycott and Ukrainian Sumo Triumph

The G20 summit in Johannesburg came to a close with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa banging a gavel, following a tumultuous two days. The event was overshadowed by a notable absence: the United States, which notably boycotted the gathering, a [Continue Reading]

Ethiopian Volcano Erupts for First Time in 12,000 Years Amid Flights Disruption

A volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region, known as Hayli Gubbi, has erupted for the first time in recorded history, marking a significant geological event after approximately 12,000 years of dormancy. The eruption, which began on Sunday, produced ash [Continue Reading]

UK Denies Nigeria's Request to Deport Politician Jailed for Organ Trafficking

UK Denies Nigeria's Request to Deport Politician Jailed for Organ Trafficking The UK government has officially declined a request from Nigeria to extradite former Nigerian senator Ike Ekweremadu, who is currently serving a significant prison sen [Continue Reading]

Escalating Tensions: The US-Venezuela Conflict Deepens

Relations between the United States and Venezuela have reached alarming heights, marked by military posturing and a rhetoric indicative of potential conflict. Following the designation of the so-called "Cartel de los Soles" as a foreign ter [Continue Reading]

Recent Protests, Political Struggles, and Humanitarian Crises Define Global Landscape

In a notable trial that has sparked significant public interest, a court in Germany has begun hearings against seven members of the left-wing group Antifa Ost, dubbed the "hammer gang." These individuals are accused of conducting violent at [Continue Reading]

Humanitarian Crises Intensify as Regions Face Unique Threats

As multiple regions grapple with urgent challenges, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is reaching critical levels. The United Nations has intensified its calls for aid access, demanding that Israel allow essential supplies into the besieged area, wh [Continue Reading]

Boeing's Commitment to Quality Over Speed Amidst Ongoing Challenges

Boeing's Commitment to Quality Over Speed Amidst Ongoing Challenges Boeing is intensifying its quality control measures at the 737 Max factory in Renton, Washington, following significant safety issues that have persisted over the past few years [Continue Reading]

Trump Administration's Policies Impact Drug Enforcement and Family Separation

Trump Administration's Policies Impact Drug Enforcement and Family Separation The Trump administration's recent practice of acquiring ownership stakes in strategic private firms and its intensive immigration enforcement policies have drawn [Continue Reading]

Political Disinformation and Malware Threats: A Double-Edged Sword

Recent revelations have highlighted how digital platforms can significantly impact political narratives and user safety, with concerns about disinformation campaigns and privacy violations emerging from two startling investigations. A new transparenc [Continue Reading]

UK Government Approves Heathrow's Major Expansion Plan Amid Controversy

UK Government Approves Heathrow's Major Expansion Plan Amid Controversy The UK government has officially selected Heathrow Airport's plan for extending its third runway, despite ongoing debates regarding its environmental impact and potenti [Continue Reading]

Ukraine Urges US Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Russian Strikes

Amidst ongoing military exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, Ukraine's security chief has voiced hopes for a pressing visit by President Volodymyr Zelensky to the United States. Rustem Umerov expressed optimism regarding the opportunities to co [Continue Reading]

Budget Discussions Highlight Diverging Public Requests Amid Economic Strain

As the UK prepares for the much-anticipated Budget announcement, discussions have emerged regarding the public's diverse requests for government support. Financial pressures are deeply felt across various demographics, with individuals and famil [Continue Reading]

Europe’s best Christmas market is two hours from London on the Eurostar

One of the world's most beautiful squares enjoys a charmed existence. [Continue Reading]

Why a major capital city with 9,700,000 people may be forced to relocate

This is the first time the capital has been moved in Iran because of a catastrophe. [Continue Reading]

Six-seven trend is officially dead after Keir Starmer does it and gets a load of children in trouble

[Continue Reading]

EastEnders star Maisie Smith admits regret over huge spending as child star

She certainly splashed the cash! [Continue Reading]

‘Messed up’ psychological thriller lands UK streaming release on Amazon Prime

It first hit the festival circuit last year - now you can finally watch it from the comfort of your own home. [Continue Reading]

Memo on scoping inquiry into Shine to go before Cabinet

The Cabinet could approve a scoping inquiry as soon as tomorrow into Michael Shine, who worked as a consultant at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth, and was later found guilty of sexual assaults on nine boys. [Continue Reading]

Sentencing adjourned for former TD guilty of drug driving

A sentencing hearing for a former TD, who has admitted to driving under the influence of cocaine, has been adjourned until next month. Colm Keaveney pleaded guilty to a charge of drug driving and to two other charges of driving without insurance at Tuam District Court in September. [Continue Reading]

'Shocked, stunned' - locals gather for Gallagher funeral

The funeral mass of a 59-year-old woman who died after an attack near her home in Ballinlough in Cork city earlier this month has heard that she brought "goodness and beauty to this world". [Continue Reading]

Victims of three-vehicle collision in Meath named locally

The two men that died in a collision in Gormanston yesterday have been named locally as lorry driver Wesley O'Reilly, who was aged in his 40s, and bus driver Paul Conway from Tallanstown in Co Louth, who was aged in his 50s. [Continue Reading]

Archaeologists examine Franco-era mass graves for possible identifications

Archaeologists in Spain say many victims of the Franco regime may never be identified, as mass graves continue to surface decades after the dictatorship ended. [Continue Reading]

Graham Linehan cleared of harassing trans activist but convicted of damaging phone

Irish comedy writer cleared at Westminster magistrates court of harassing Sophia Brooks on social mediaThe Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has been cleared of harassing a transgender activist on social media but found guilty of criminal damage of their mobile phone outside a conference in London last year.The 57-year-old flew from Arizona to appear at Westminster magistrates court in person on Tuesday, where judgment was delivered by district judge Briony Clarke. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]

Starmer reiterates call for Reform UK to investigate any pro-Russia links after Gill case – UK politics live

PM says party’s leadership should ‘have the courage to launch an investigation’John McFall is standing down early as Lord Speaker in the House of Lords so that he can care for his wife, Joan, who has was Parkinson’s. According to Sam Blewett and Bethany Dawson in their London Playbook briefing for Politico, the main candidates to replace him are Michael Forsyth, a rightwing Scottish secretary in the final two years of the John Major government, and Deborah Bull, a crossbencher and former Royal Opera House creative director. They reports:Labour isn’t expected to put forward a candidate as McFall’s previous political... [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 is yet to launch a formal investigation. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]

UK to extend sugar tax to cover milkshakes and pre-packed lattes

Health secretary tells MPs that government ‘will not look away as children get unhealthier’Business live – latest updatesSweet-toothed drinkers face paying more for their 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]

Surprise envoy pushing Ukraine ‘peace’ plan belies Vance influence on US policy

Army secretary Daniel Driscoll presented a Russian wishlist, highlighting differences with the administrationThe US army secretary, Daniel Driscoll, was an unlikely envoy for the Trump administration’s newest proposal to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine – but his ties to JD Vance have put a close ally of the Eurosceptic vice-president on the frontlines of Donald Trump’s latest push to end the war.Before his trip to Kyiv last week, Driscoll was not known for his role as a negotiator or statesman, and his early efforts at selling the deal to European policymakers were described as turbulent. He is currently in... [Continue Reading]

Anti-fascist groups named as US terror threats ‘barely exist’, experts say

Designation of groups from Italy, Germany and Greece labelled ‘ridiculous’ as experts say no active threat posedExperts have told the Guardian the same anti-fascist groups the US state department recently named as foreign terrorist organizations and accused of “conspiring to undermine foundations of western civilization” barely qualify as groups, let alone terrorist organizations, and pose no active threat to Americans.“The whole thing is a bit ridiculous,” said Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, which tracks extremist movements worldwide, “because the groups designated by the administration barely exist and certainly aren’t terrorists.” Continue reading... [Continue Reading]

Israel’s war and restrictions drive Palestinian economy to record collapse

UN report warns attacks, restrictions have driven occupied territory's economy into its worst contraction. [Continue Reading]

Video: Securing Somalia’s capital against al-Shabab threat

In Somalia's capital Mogadishu, streets once too dangerous to walk are now open for business and bustling. [Continue Reading]

U.S. Army Secretary Travels to U.A.E. for Meetings With Russian Envoys

The secretary, Daniel Driscoll, was in Geneva over the weekend for talks with a Ukrainian delegation. [Continue Reading]

Have Premier League's most expensive signings been successful?

Which of the Premier League's most expensive signings be considered a success, or a failure, relative to their achievements? [Continue Reading]

Captivating but confusing - what state is international rugby in?

After a flurry of red-card reversals and TMO interference during the Autumn Nations Series - what state is international rugby in? [Continue Reading]

Better than the John Lewis ad? Schoolboys melt hearts with Last Christmas doorbell video

The boys from Denny said they left the message on the doorbell "to get you in the Christmas spirit". [Continue Reading]

Man arrested over fly-tipped mountain of waste

A 39-year-old man is arrested after the huge pile of rubbish was found in Oxfordshire. [Continue Reading]

Upgrade your living room with a chic new sofa from Sofa Club (and get up to 50% off!)

Fancy something new to sit on for all the Christmas movies? [Continue Reading]

I’m A Celebrity fans are baffled by Tom Read Wilson’s ‘real voice’

The TV star has proven his prowess with different accents - leaving fans confused. [Continue Reading]