National News
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Tom Banton stakes World Cup claim as England seal series win
Tom Banton underlined his World Cup credentials by firing England to a series-clinching six-wicket DLS victory in the second T20 against Sri Lanka in Kandy.
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Lord Mandelson I have no recollection of payments from Jeffrey Epstein
Lord Peter Mandelson has said he does not remember receiving payments from paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein which totalled 75,000 US dollars and were made when he was a Labour MP.
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Peace talks on ending war to continue next week says Zelensky
The next round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, Volodymyr Zelensky has announced.
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Government urges Andrew to reveal all he knows about Epstein for sake of victims
The Government is heaping pressure on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to reveal all he knows about Jeffrey Epstein so the disgraced paedophile financier’s victims are given all they “deserve and need”.
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Andrew should be prepared for Congress probe PM says after Epstein files dump
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor “should be prepared” to testify before the US Congress about his links to Jeffrey Epstein, after he featured in the latest disclosure of files related to the disgraced paedophile financier, Sir Keir Starmer has suggested.
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British troops on moorland exercise ahead of Nato special operations forces role
The British military has completed a demanding training exercise involving the three armed services ahead of taking responsibility for Nato’s special operations forces.
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Elena Rybakina outguns Aryna Sabalenka to land Australian Open title
Elena Rybakina won her power battle with Aryna Sabalenka to claim a first Australian Open title.
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King surprises joggers at Sandringham parkrun for second year in a row
The King has paid a surprise visit to joggers at a local Sandringham parkrun organised in partnership with the Move Against Cancer charity.
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Britains Neal Skupski wins mens doubles with Christian Harrison in Melbourne
Neal Skupski continued Britain’s impressive recent record in men’s doubles by winning the Australian Open title alongside American Christian Harrison.
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Major British film studio backs youth employment scheme
A major British film studio has backed a scheme aimed at getting young people into work.
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Northern Ireland faces Stormont or Starmer choice Gavin Robinson
People in Northern Ireland face a political choice between “Stormont or Starmer”, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said.
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Booze bosses warn prices will rise as alcohol duty increase comes into force
Wine and spirits bosses have warned that firms “have no choice but to increase prices” to stay afloat as an increase to alcohol duty comes into force.
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Epstein and The Duke discussed Russian woman and Palace meeting emails show
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor exchanged emails with Jeffrey Epstein about a “beautiful” Russian woman and invited him to Buckingham Palace, documents appear to show.
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Catherine OHara Emmy winning Schitts Creek and Home Alone star dies at 71
Catherine O’Hara, Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone star, dies at 71 By Associated Press Reporters Catherine O’Hara, the Emmy-winning actor known for comedic roles across the decades, from Kevin’s beleaguered mother in Home Alone to Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, has died aged 71.
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Judge bars prosecutors from seeking death penalty against Luigi Mangione
Federal prosecutors cannot seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare boss Brian Thompson, a judge has ruled.
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Warm Home Discount to be extended for rest of decade
Millions of families will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter for the rest of the decade, the Government has announced.
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Army officers face court martial over Jaysley Beck sexual assault case
Two Army officers have been charged over their conduct in the case of Gunner Jaysley Beck, who was sexually assaulted and then took her own life.
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Train passengers missing out on 80m a year in delays compensation analysis
Train passengers are missing out on more than £80 million per year in compensation for delayed journeys because of “unacceptable” claims processes, according to new analysis.
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Government and NHS fail to slash negligence costs despite decades of warnings
The Government and NHS England have failed to take “any meaningful steps” to slash the rising costs of clinical negligence in England despite 20 years worth of warnings, according to MPs.
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China deal will cut tariffs on Scotch whisky Sir Keir Starmer says
Tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to China are to be halved as a result of a deal struck by Sir Keir Starmer – with the Prime Minister insisting the agreement showed how his Government’s “hard-headed international engagement brings benefits at home”.
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94 patients were harmed by Great Ormond Street surgeon review finds
Some 94 patients suffered harm at the hands of a Great Ormond Street orthopaedic surgeon, a report has concluded.
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Nearly one in two parents fear losing support for their Send child survey
Nearly one in two (47%) parents are worried their child with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) could see support reduced as they await details on Government reforms, a survey has found.
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Santander to shut 44 bank branches with 291 jobs at risk
Santander is to shut 44 of its bank branches in a move putting 291 jobs at risk
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Laurence Olivier among figures honoured by new London Blue Plaques
Late actor Sir Laurence Olivier, a Second World War military strategist and a Victorian-era photographer are among the people being honoured as nine blue plaques are installed in London.
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Boy hails new found freedom after 16m treatment
A boy who was one of the first children to be given a £1.65 million treatment has returned to the hospital where he received his care to thank his nurse for his new-found freedom.
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The Prime Minister wants more sophisticated China ties
Sir Keir Starmer has met Xi Jinping in Beijing, telling the president he wants a “more sophisticated” relationship with China.
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Ben Stokes to join England Lions coaching staff for UAE trip
Test captain Ben Stokes will join the England Lions coaching team in the United Arab Emirates next month.
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Ireland centre Bundee Aki set to miss France clash for disciplinary reasons
Bundee Aki looks set to miss Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations opener against France after being withdrawn from Andy Farrell’s squad for disciplinary reasons.
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Sir Keir Starmer arrives in China in first visit by British PM since 2018
Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in China on the first visit by a British Prime Minister in eight years.
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First woman Archbishop of Canterbury pledges to speak out on misogyny
The first female Archbishop of Canterbury has vowed to speak out on misogyny, as she was confirmed in her new role as the Church of England’s top bishop.
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29 of UK adults hit by Royal Mail delays over Christmas warns Citizens Advice
An estimated 16 million people – or 29% of UK adults – experienced post delays with Royal Mail over Christmas, Citizens Advice has said.
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Number of 18 year olds from deprived areas applying for university up across UK
The number of 18-year-olds from the poorest areas applying for university has increased in every part of the UK, the latest figures from Ucas show.
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Mental ill health in children biggest challenge of our time report
The decline in the mental health of children and young people is “one of the biggest challenges of our time”, leading charities have warned.
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EasyJet used misleading baggage price claim says regulator
EasyJet’s claim that the cost of adding large cabin bags to flight bookings was “from £5.99” was “misleading”, a regulator has found.
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Kate praises grassroots rugby league and community spirit during club visit
The Princess of Wales praised a “gold dust” rugby league club for the support given to its community of fans when she braved Storm Chandra at a stadium in West Yorkshire.
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Anthony Gordon attempting to replicate blistering form at Newcastle
Newcastle striker Anthony Gordon admits he is a victim of his own success as he attempts to replicate the blistering form which won him England recognition.
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Former MP charged with sexually assaulting woman in 2022
Former Labour MP Conor McGinn has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman in 2022.
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Pubs and music venues to see business rates cut by 15 says Treasury
Pubs and music venues will get 15% off their business rates bills from April as part of a major support package, the Treasury has announced.
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King and Queen meet Holocaust survivors on memorial day
The King and Queen met Holocaust survivors and lit candles of remembrance to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.
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Jessie Buckley nominated for Bafta as Hamnet makes history
Irish actress Jessie Buckley has continued her awards season streak with a Bafta nomination for her role in Hamnet.
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Storm Chandra brings flooding travel disruption and school closures across UK
Heavy rain and strong winds are hitting the UK as Storm Chandra brought weather warnings, flooding, travel disruption and school closures.
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Four nightingale courts made permanent in push to cut court backlogs
Four temporary courts set up during the Covid-19 pandemic will be made permanent in an effort to cut court backlogs.
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Ground rents to be capped at 250 under leasehold shake up
Ground rents will be capped at £250-a-year in England and Wales as part of sweeping changes to the leasehold system announced by the Government.
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Cate Blanchett to perform at National Theatre as 2026 programme released
Two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett is one of a host of acclaimed actresses who will be performing at the National Theatre this year.
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Three stars pass selection in Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins
Former Love Island stars Dani Dyer-Bowen and Gabby Allen and retired Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm have passed the course in the latest series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
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Family of Gordon McQueen in plea to make football safer after his death
Football must do more to protect players, the family of ex-Scotland defender Gordon McQueen said after an inquest found that heading the ball was “likely” to have contributed to a brain injury which was a factor in his death.
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Nigella Lawson to replace Dame Prue Leith on Great British Bake Off
Nigella Lawson will replace Dame Prue Leith as a judge on the Great British Bake Off, it has been announced.
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Former Tory home secretary Suella Braverman defects to Reform UK
Former home secretary Suella Braverman said she felt she had “come home” as she confirmed her defection to Reform UK.
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Action needed to improve growth of UK towns and cities
Warrington, Bristol, Barnsley and Brighton buck the national trend of slow growth in living standards since 2013
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Bowel Cancer Thousands more to be checked
NHS England changes bowel screening in bid to pick up more cases early
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Desk job Bobbies heading back out on the beat
Home Secretary pledges faster police response and less red tape in major reforms
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Leaders Arsenal fall to resurgent United
Gunners lead stays at four points as new boss Carrick wins again
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Burnham blocked from MP battle
Key Labour committee bars him from standing in by-election
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Starmer will face pressure to go if Labour does badly in May polls Welsh FM
The Labour First Minister of Wales has not ruled out the possibility that Sir Keir Starmer could be ejected from Downing Street before the end of the year.
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Charles pleased and proud of Kings Trust work on 50th anniversary
The King has spoken of his pride in the charity he founded 50 years ago which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK.
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British FBI to take over counter terror and fraud probes under police reforms
Counter-terror, fraud and criminal gang investigations are set to be taken over by a new national police force dubbed the “British FBI” under major policing reforms.
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Trump says UK soldiers in Afghanistan were among the greatest of all warriors
Donald Trump has said UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan were “among the greatest of all warriors” after previously drawing criticism for his claims Nato troops stayed away from the front lines during the conflict.
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Burnham says he plans to stand in by election
Andy Burnham has announced that he intends to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election, setting up a potential return to Westminster for the Greater Manchester mayor.
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Trump remarks about British troops insulting and appalling Starmer says
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Donald Trump’s remarks about British troops in Afghanistan were “insulting and frankly appalling” and signalled the US President should apologise.
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Husband pleads guilty to drugging and raping ex wife over 13 years
A husband has admitted drugging and raping his now ex-wife over a 13-year period.
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Health Secretary promises improved cancer care in deprived areas
Wes Streeting vows to end the postcode lottery of cancer care with more training and technology
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Increase in workers on a four day week research shows
More than 50 organisations employing over 1,400 workers moved to a four-day working week in 2025, according to new figures.
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Late Queens strong and complex personality to feature in national memorial
An acclaimed artist, known for her depictions of Second World War heroines, is to design a sculpture “portraying the strong and complex personality” of Queen Elizabeth II as part of the national memorial to the late monarch.
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Asylum seekers moved into military barracks amid pressure to end hotel use
The first asylum seekers have been moved into a former military barracks in East Sussex as ministers face pressure to end the use of hotels.
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Ex Labour minister says he is standing down as MP for medical reasons
A former Labour minister has announced he will stand down as an MP for medical reasons, paving the way for a potential Westminster return for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
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Jessie Buckley scores Oscar nomination while Sinners makes history with 16 nods
Irish actress Jessie Buckley has been nominated for an Oscar, while vampire drama Sinners has made history as the first film to score 16 nods.
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Keir Starmer and Danish PM discuss vital steps towards Arctic security
Sir Keir Starmer said he will discuss how to “take the vital steps” towards strengthened security in the Arctic with Denmark’s prime minister, who thanked him for the UK’s support during “quite a difficult time” for the country amid Donald Trump’s demands to annex its semi-autonomous territory Greenland.
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Harry returns to court after giving evidence in trial against Mail publisher
The Duke of Sussex has returned to a court in London for the fourth day of the trial of his legal action against the publisher of the Daily Mail.
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One in four children starting reception not toilet trained survey finds
Around one in four children who started reception in 2025 were not toilet trained, a survey of teachers has found, amid warnings more children are struggling with basic life skills.
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Sean Bean to host birdwatching podcast
Hollywood star Sean Bean is to host an award-winning podcast for birdwatchers.
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Substantial increase in ADHD prescriptions driven by women study
There has been a “substantial increase” in the proportion of people using medicines for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the UK, driven by a rise in prescription rates among adults, in particular women.
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33 Russell Bromley stores at risk after Next buyout
Next has bought Russell and Bromley after the footwear and handbag retailer fell into administration.
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Mother of 10 found guilty of keeping house slave for 25 years
A teenage girl was forced to work as a “house slave” for a woman and her 10 children for more than 25 years, a court heard.
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Inflation bounces back in December as Christmas travel fuels price rises
UK inflation bounced back in December as tobacco duty hikes and Christmas getaways helped push up the cost of living, official figures show.
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Donald Trump doubles down on Greenland threat but rules out using force
Donald Trump has doubled down on his threats to annex Greenland, saying only the US could secure the Arctic territory, but ruled out using force.
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Reeves UK will not be buffeted around amid Trump tariff threats
The UK will not be pushed around by Donald Trump’s tariff threats, Rachel Reeves said as she defended Sir Keir Starmer’s attempts to cool tensions over Greenland.
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Landmark study paves the way for type 1 diabetes screening among children
NHS pre-diabetes clinics for children are to be set up after a “landmark” study confirmed the feasibility of using finger-prick blood test as a screening tool to spot the disease before symptoms arise.
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Ads for sunbed firms banned for misleading and irresponsible safety claims
Adverts for five tanning companies have been banned for making misleading and irresponsible claims about the safety of sunbeds.
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New stamps mark 50th anniversary of first commercial Concorde flights
A new set of stamps and coordinated nose drop events will mark the 50th anniversary of the first commercial Concorde flights.
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Police hit back at decision not to bring more charges against nurse Lucy Letby
Police have hit out at the decision not to bring further charges against child killer nurse Lucy Letby.
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Under 16s social media ban and overnight curfews to be considered Liz Kendall
Overnight curfews and breaks to prevent “doomscrolling” will form part of the Government’s consultation on social media for children, which will also consider an Australian-style ban for under-16s.
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Chinese embassy plan approved by Government
China has been given permission to build a vast new embassy in the heart of London despite criticism from MPs and campaigners that it will be used as a base for spying and security crackdowns.
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Wage growth falls as unemployment stays at highest level for nearly five years
UK wage growth has fallen back once again while the unemployment rate has remained at the highest level for nearly five years as official figures reveal deepening jobs woes in the retail and hospitality sectors.
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New NHS advice on childrens eating disorders
A child’s weight should not be the main focus when it comes to whether they qualify for help for an eating disorder, according to new NHS guidelines.
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Water companies to undergo MOTs as plans for new regulator to be unveiled
Water companies will be required to carry out to infrastructure “MOTs” to prevent major failures under plans for a new industry watchdog, the Government has said.
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Prostate cancer most common type in the UK
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, according to a new analysis.
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Scottish singer Jacob Alon has been named the winner of the Brits Critic Choice award
Scottish singer Jacob Alon has been named the Critics’ Choice prize winner ahead of next month’s Brit Awards
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Starmer seeks to steady ship as tensions simmer over Greenland
Sir Keir Starmer will seek to steady the ship amid a tumultuous rift between Donald Trump and European countries over Greenland as the US President marks one year in the White House.
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Trump steps up tariff threat over Greenland as Starmer appeals for calm
Donald Trump said he was 100% committed to hitting the UK and European allies with tariffs in protest at opposition to his plan to annex Greenland.
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Italian fashion designer Valentino dies
He was 93.
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Duke of Sussex arrives at trial against Daily Mail publisher
As the Duke of Sussex’s trial against the publisher of the Daily Mail is set to get underway at the High Court in London today, here are some of the key questions:
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Starmer urges calm and unity in the face of Trumps Greenland threats
Sir Keir Starmer urged the whole country to unite in the face of Donald Trump’s threats to invade Greenland and slap tariffs on the UK and other European allies.
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Pharmacists demand millions in compensation over Covid jab booking error
Pharmacists are demanding millions of pounds in compensation following an NHS error which saw patients booking Covid vaccinations only to find they were no longer eligible.
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HS2 finishes construction on longest tunnel
Construction work has been completed on HS2’s longest tunnel, including extensions designed to prevent sonic booms.
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Thousands of workers at a Government department will start voting on Monday on whether to strike in a dispute over pay
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said 50,000 of its members at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be balloted in the coming weeks on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action.
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Starmer tells Trump it is wrong to apply tariffs to allies over Greenland
Sir Keir Starmer has told Donald Trump that “applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is wrong” in a telephone call, Downing Street said.
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Security services will not be exempt from Hillsborough Law says Nandy
The security services will not be “exempt” from the Hillsborough Law, the Culture Secretary has said amid fears from campaigners and backbench Labour MPs that the duty of candour is being watered down.
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Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley calls for dramatic police reforms
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has called for sweeping reforms of the policing system, which he says needs to change “quite dramatically”.
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Scottish AE waits over 12 hours surge by more than 7000 Lib Dem analysis
The number of people waiting more than 12 hours in A and E in Scotland has soared by more than 7000% in a decade, according to an analysis by the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
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Four Lions star says he was asked about terrorism by airport security
Actor Adeel Akhtar says he was asked if he was linked to terrorist organisations by airport security when he travelled with his girlfriend to an audition in New York.
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Trump announces new UK tariffs in Greenland row
The US President says a 10% tariff will be applied to all goods sent to the US from next month
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Green Party calls for free bus passes for everyone under 22
The Green Party is calling for free bus travel in England for those under the age of 22.
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Government criticised for glacial pace writing UN high seas treaty into law
The Government is moving at a “glacial pace” to ratify a landmark UN pact to protect delicate ecosystems in international waters, a coalition of green groups has said.
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All GP surgeries in England to advertise Jesss Rule to prevent avoidable deaths
Jess’s Rule, a system which calls for family doctors to think again if a patient has had three appointments for their symptoms with no diagnosis, will be advertised in all GP practices across England from this week.
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Concerns over unethical testing payout for infected blood victims
Concerns have been raised over the “ridiculous” compensation payment proposed for people who were the victims of unethical research, including boys who were infected with HIV and hepatitis as schoolchildren.
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Lewis Hamilton will have different race engineer for the new F1 season
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Would be copycat Southport killer locked up over terror manual
A would-be Southport copycat killer who wanted to attack a dance school and an Oasis reunion concert has been locked up for 14 months.
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Husband jailed for life over wicked murder of wife
A husband who killed his wife and manipulated his own child in a “wicked” plot to get away with murder has been jailed for life.
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Nurse hails victory for common sense after trans changing room ruling
One of a group of nurses who complained about sharing single-sex changing rooms with a trans colleague said “this is a victory for common sense and for every woman who simply wants to feel safe at work” after an employment tribunal ruled they had suffered harassment.
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Drugs crisis inside prisons is systemic failure of health provision MSPs warn
The drugs crisis inside Scotland’s prisons is a manifestation of systemic health system failure, a Holyrood committee has said.
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AI used to generate thousands more child abuse videos in 2025 campaigners warn
Paedophiles and other criminals used AI to generate thousands more child sexual abuse videos last year, contributing to record levels of the harrowing material found online, campaigners have warned.
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Criminals detained in hospitals could lose thousands in benefits under plans
Convicted killers detained in hospitals under court order could lose thousands of pounds a year in benefit payments under new Government plans.
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Cancellation of MPs visit to Bristol school unacceptable says Phillipson
The Education Secretary has said she will not rule out further action following claims a Bristol school “may have been intimidated into cancelling a visit” from their local MP who is Jewish.
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Robert Jenrick attacks Tories as failed party as he defects to Reform
Robert Jenrick has accused the Tories for lacking the “stomach for the radical change this country needs” as he defected to Reform UK after being sacked from Kemi Badenoch’s frontbench.
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NHS waiting list falls to lowest level in almost three years
The NHS waiting list for hospital treatment has fallen to its lowest level since early 2023, figures show.
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Robert Jenrick sacked by Kemi Badenoch after plotting to defect
Kemi Badenoch said she has sacked Robert Jenrick as shadow justice secretary and kicked him out of the party due to “irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible” to his Conservative colleagues.
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Grok imposes further deepfake restrictions
Elon Musk’s pledge to stop X’s AI chatbot Grok making sexualised images of people is a “vindication for Keir Starmer”, Downing Street sources have said.
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Pregnant women losing jobs amid pervasive culture of mistreatment warns TUC
A “pervasive” culture of mistreatment at work is leading to women losing their jobs if they are pregnant or become a parent, according to a report.
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35 of students say Reform should be banned from speaking at universities poll
More than one in three (35%) undergraduate students say Reform UK should be banned from speaking at events at UK universities, according to a poll.
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Ofwat launches probe into South East Water over supply outages
South East Water is under investigation by the industry watchdog after repeated outages since November have left tens of thousands of households and businesses without supply across Kent and Sussex.
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UK economy returns to growth as car manufacturing rebounds
The UK economy returned to growth in November after a boost from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) factories restarting production following a cyber attack, according to official figures.
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Emma Willis says she was floored by hole in the heart diagnosis
Emma Willis has told how she was “floored” by a hole in the heart diagnosis as she met another mother with the same condition.
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Former Lionesses captain Millie Bright skips training for Prince of Wales honour
Former Lionesses captain Millie Bright skipped training for possibly the first time in her career to be honoured by the Prince of Wales.
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One Battle After Anothers Chase Infiniti among Bafta Rising Star Award nominees
One Battle After Another star Chase Infiniti is among the actors nominated for the Bafta 2026 EE Rising Star Award.
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Concern over call for corners to be checked by VAR with summer trial in pipeline
Competitions are set to be given a choice over whether to use VAR to check corner kicks, with some concerned it is a further step towards re-refereeing the game.
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Ministers holding emergency meetings as 17000 properties remain without water
Ministers are holding emergency daily meetings as 17,000 properties remain without drinking water across Kent and Sussex, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
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Keir Starmer defends digital ID work check plans amid accusations of new U turn
Sir Keir Starmer has insisted there “will be checks” on the right to work in the UK, and “they will be digital, and they will be mandatory”, as he faced fire in the Commons over a U-turn on the Government’s flagship digital ID plans.
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Rachel Reeves wants North to feel the benefits of rail scheme by early 2030s
Rachel Reeves said she wants people in northern England to “feel the benefits” of a major scheme to boost connections by “the early 2030s”.
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Home Secretary says she has no confidence in police boss after Maccabi fan ban
The Home Secretary has said she has lost confidence in the head of West Midlands Police following a “damning” review into the force’s decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match against Aston Villa.
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Appeal over Kneecap rappers terror case begins at High Court
The Crown Prosecution Service’s bid to overturn the decision to throw out the terrorism case against rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh has begun at the High Court.
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Police chief apologises for error in evidence over Maccabi football fan ban
West Midlands Police’s chief constable has apologised to MPs for giving them an error in evidence over the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, as the Home Secretary is set to address Parliament.
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Scientists identify small changes people can make to live longer
Brisk walking for an extra five minutes a day can help reduce a person’s risk of death, a new study has found.
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Scientists confirm 2025 as third hottest year on record as heat surge continues
Last year was globally the third warmest year on record, scientists confirmed as human activity drives the “unmistakable trend” towards a hotter climate.
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Nearly one in five adults have a side hustle
Nearly one in five people have an additional job or side hustle, research indicates.
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Districts warn of catastrophic flooding without urgent funding boost
Vulnerable areas face “catastrophic flooding and economic devastation” without further Government funding for protections, councils have warned.
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Manchester United confirm Michael Carrick appointment
Michael Carrick has been confirmed as Manchester United head coach on a deal until the end of the season.
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Cooper summons Iranian ambassador and announces new sanctions amid protests
Yvette Cooper has summoned the Iranian ambassador over the crackdown on protests in the country, as the Foreign Secretary announced new sanctions on the regime.
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Home Office TikTok posting immigration arrests turning raids into click bait
A new Home Office TikTok account posting footage of deportations and arrests by immigration enforcement has been criticised as turning raids into “click-bait online entertainment”.
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Lidl opening another 19 stores in move creating up to 640 jobs
Up to 640 jobs are being created at discount retailer Lidl under plans to open 19 stores over the next eight weeks as it continues to ramp up expansion plans.
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Regulator concerned as 25000 properties still without water in two counties
The water watchdog says it is “concerned” as 25,000 properties remain affected by outages across Kent and Sussex.
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BBC to file motion to dismiss Trump lawsuit over Panorama edit
The BBC will take legal steps to have Donald Trump’s 10 billion dollar defamation lawsuit over a Panorama programme edit dismissed
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Lord Mandelson apologises to victims of Jeffrey Epstein
Lord Peter Mandelson has offered an “unequivocal” apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein
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UK medical graduates to be prioritised for training places under new Bill
Medical graduates from the UK and Ireland will be prioritised for training places under new legislation to be proposed by the Government.
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Concorde 50p coin takes off as Royal Mint celebrates supersonic aircraft
A new 50p coin celebrating the speed and elegance of Concorde has been launched by the Royal Mint, marking 50 years since the aircraft’s first commercial flight.
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Aldi to lift pay for store workers from March
Aldi has unveiled plans to give its staff a pay rise in less than two months, ahead of an increase to the national minimum wage in April.
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Macclesfield rewarded with home tie against Brentford in FA Cup fourth round
Macclesfield must upstage another Premier League side if they are to continue their fairytale FA Cup run after drawing Brentford in the fourth round.
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Jessie Buckley and stars of Adolescence enjoy sparkling night at Golden Globes
Irish star Jessie Buckley was named best actress in a drama and Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty continued Adolescence’s winning streak through awards season as they all secured gongs at the Golden Globes.
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Heathrows annual passenger numbers surpass 84m for first time
Heathrow airport’s annual passenger numbers exceeded 84 million for the first time last year.
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Kate invites Red Roses to Windsor Castle for Rugby World Cup win celebration
The Princess of Wales is hosting a special reception for the Red Roses at Windsor Castle this week to celebrate their Rugby World Cup win.
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Ofcom launches formal investigation into X over AI chatbot concerns
A formal investigation has been launched into whether Elon Musk’s social media platform X has complied with UK laws after reports its AI chatbot Grok created and shared sexualised images of children, the regulator Ofcom has said.
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Major incident declared as 30000 properties hit by water outages
A major incident has been declared as 30,000 properties in Kent and Sussex are without a proper water supply.
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Ex Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defects to Reform UK
Former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has joined Reform UK, the party has announced.
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Charity shop staff thrilled as rare edition of The Hobbit fetches 3000
Staff at a Stirling charity shop have said they are “thrilled” after an extremely rare edition of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit fetched a record £3,000.
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Keir Starmer says parental leave reforms put dignity back at heart of work
The Prime Minister has hailed upcoming changes to parental leave as putting “dignity back at the heart of work”.
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Bird butterfly and dragonfly numbers soar at flagship rewilding project
A flagship rewilding project has seen an explosion in wildlife since it began, with bird numbers increasing tenfold in the past two decades, monitoring shows.
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Man Utd knocked out of FA Cup by Brighton to end hopes of silverware this season
Managerless Manchester United’s hopes of ending a topsy-turvy season with silverware went up in smoke as Danny Welbeck once again scored against his former club and Brighton finally secured a first FA Cup victory against the Red Devils.
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Successions Jesse Armstrong still experiences impostor syndrome
Succession showrunner Jesse Armstrong has said a writers’ room can feel like “walking on the moon” when it is working well – but that he also experiences imposter syndrome.
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Openreach marks 20th anniversary
Openreach is marking its 20th anniversary by announcing a big increase in broadband usage last year.
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Drivers able to see how well their council is tackling potholes
Drivers across England are able to see how well their local authority is tackling potholes with the launch of a new traffic light rating system.
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Teaching union calls for social media ban for under 16s to improve learning
A teaching union is calling for the Government to ban social media for under-16s to improve concentration at school and stem damage to mental health.
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Love Island villa evacuated and filming postponed due to wildfires
The Love Island: All Stars villa has been evacuated with filming postponed due to “ongoing wildfires”, ITV has said.
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Protester climbs onto Iranian embassy balcony
A protester has climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian embassy in central London.
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Government urged to make nutrition labels on front of food packaging mandatory
Nutrition labels on the front of food packaging should be made mandatory in the UK, according to a consumer champion.
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Magical non league Macclesfield dump holders Crystal Palace out of the FA Cup
Non-league Macclesfield pulled off one of the biggest-ever FA Cup upsets as they knocked out holders Crystal Palace in a remarkable 2-1 win at the third-round stage.
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Ministers urged to use Budget to show clear intent on private jet tax
Holyrood ministers must use their upcoming Budget to signal a “clear intent” to introduce a tax on private jets, campaigners have insisted.
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I donated umbilical cord blood and another mums donation saved my daughter
A mother who donated umbilical cord blood after giving birth has described how her daughter’s life was saved by a similar donation just a few years later.
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Man found dead after tree falls on caravan during Storm Goretti
A man has been found dead after a tree fell on to a caravan as weather warnings remain in place after Storm Goretti hit the UK.
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Snow and ice warnings in force as tens of thousands remain without power
Warnings for snow and ice are in force across much of the UK as tens of thousands of people are still without power after Storm Goretti.
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Shabana Mahmood to end duty to support some asylum seekers in bid to shut hotels
Shabana Mahmood will end the Government’s duty to support all destitute asylum seekers as she seeks to shut more asylum hotels, sources have said.
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More snow and ice to hit UK as thousands with no power after Storm Goretti
More snow, ice and freezing fog will hit the UK after thousands of people were left with no power after Storm Goretti.
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Keir Starmer condemns killing of Iranian protesters and calls for restraint
Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the killing of protesters in Iran and urged Tehran to “exercise restraint” amid a crackdown on demonstrations against the regime.
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Coronation Street to air special flashforward episode
Coronation Street is to air a special “flashforward” episode which will offer viewers a glimpse into the drama that is set to unfold in 2026.
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Tens of thousands without power as Storm Goretti wreaks havoc across UK
Storm Goretti continues to batter the UK with tens of thousands of Britons across the country facing widespread power cuts, travel disruption and school closures.
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Disability benefit claimants at risk of debt and poverty amid poor DWP service
Some people are waiting more than a year to have their disability benefit claims processed amid “unacceptably poor service levels”, the Commons spending watchdog has found.
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Recruitment drive launched for jobs in prisons and probation service
The Government is launching a recruitment drive for jobs in the prison and probation service.
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Thousands of homes without power as Storm Goretti brings 99mph winds
Thousands of homes are without power as Storm Goretti hits the UK with a rare red warning issued for “dangerous, stormy” winds.
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Rare red warning for wind issued for parts of South West as Storm Goretti nears
A rare red warning for “dangerous, stormy” winds has been issued by the Met Office for south-west England, with Storm Goretti set to bring 100mph gusts.
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Ministers to U turn on pub business rates rise within days
Ministers are to U-turn on increasing business rates for pubs in the face of mounting pressure from landlords and backbench MPs, the Press Association understands.
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Kate makes surprise appearance with William in show of support for NHS staff
The Princess of Wales has made a surprise appearance the day before her birthday by joining the Prince of Wales on a visit to show support for NHS staff in London.
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Festive gatherings may have led to bounce back in winter viruses
Christmas and new year gatherings may have caused a “bounce back” in winter viruses, with the number of people in hospital with flu up slightly, according to NHS England.
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David Coote spared jail after schoolboy video found on laptop
Former Premier League referee David Coote has been spared jail after he was found to have a sexual video of a 15-year-old boy in school uniform on his laptop.
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Tate Modern attacker jailed for 16 weeks after assaulting Broadmoor staff
A man who threw a six-year-old boy off the Tate Modern’s 10th-storey balcony has been jailed for 16 weeks after attacking two nurses at Broadmoor hospital.
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Leeds great Terry Yorath dies at the age of 75
Former Leeds and Wales midfielder Terry Yorath has died at the age of 75 following a short illness, his family have said in a statement.
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Corridor care best worse option as hospitals adapt temporary spaces
Some NHS hospitals are adapting corridors and other spaces to provide care by installing plug sockets and emergency call bells in a bid to minimise patient safety risks, an investigation has found.
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Average UK house price fell to six month low in December says Halifax
The average UK house price dipped to its lowest level in six months in December, according to an index.
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Exercise may be just as good at treating depression as psychological therapies
Exercise may be just as good at treating depression as psychological therapies and possibly even antidepressants, a study suggests.
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Queens urgent mission over reading rates as book club charity marks milestone
The Queen has described her charity’s mission to get people reading as “more urgent than ever”, saying “books do make life better” as she marked the fifth anniversary of her Reading Room book club.
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US thanks Britain for unwavering support in oil tanker seizure
The US military has thanked the UK for its “unwavering support” in the seizing of a Russian-flagged oil tanker.
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Martin Clunes to star as disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards in new drama
Doc Martin star Martin Clunes will portray disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards in a new drama.
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Former England and Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan diagnosed with cancer
Former England and Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer.
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UK braces for heavy snow from Storm Goretti as amber warnings issued
The UK is braced for heavy snowfall and strong winds from Storm Goretti with amber weather warnings issued across the country.
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British armed forces were involved in US seizure of oil tanker
British armed forces provided support to the US’s seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence has revealed.
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14 years in jail for man who assisted suicide
A man who assisted suicide by selling a substance online for £100 to vulnerable people has been jailed for 14 years after what is believed to be the first prosecution of its kind in the UK.
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Two school buses crash on icy roads as UK prepares for Storm Goretti
Two buses full of school children have crashed on icy roads as a deep freeze continues to grip the UK ahead of more heavy snowfall expected from Storm Goretti.
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US seizes Venezuela linked oil tanker off British waters
The US has seized a Venezuela-linked oil tanker which is travelling off British waters, an official has said.
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Most adults not aware of scale of primary school reading gap
Many adults are not aware of the scale of the UK’s primary school reading gap, a survey has found.
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Rightmove records busiest ever Boxing Day as home hunters prepare for 2026 moves
Rightmove recorded its busiest ever Boxing Day for website visits in December 2025, in signs of a bigger-than-usual housing market bounce.
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Number of apps recommended for NHS to help asthma patients manage condition
A number of apps that can be downloaded onto smartphones and tablets have been recommended to help people with asthma manage their condition.
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Trump discussing range of options to acquire Greenland White House says
Donald Trump has been discussing a “range of options” to acquire Greenland, the White House has said, after Sir Keir Starmer joined European leaders in insisting the US president must climb down from threats to take over the territory.
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45 of porn users have accessed sites without age checks since July
Nearly half of adult pornography users have accessed sites without age checks since new verification rules came into force, research suggests.
