83 minutes ago Labour closes in on outlawing trail hunting: Government warns practice is being used as a 'smokescreen' for killing foxes and hares

As thousands gather for traditional Boxing Day meets, the Government has confirmed it will outlaw the practice of hounds and riders following an animal scent laid across the countryside.

Events

2 hours ago QEII Bridge at Dartford Crossing closed due to 'risk of explosion' from tanker fire

The QEII bridge is closed in the early hours of Boxing Day and emergency services are at the scene

Events

3 hours ago Millions of Brit drivers warned as three new laws come into force in days

The new Labour Party government will give highway authorities the power to increase fixed penalty notice (FPN) charges for fines relating to offences under the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) 1991

Events

3 hours ago Britain's equalities chief intervenes after Labour insisted tightening law to protect single

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has demanded to see the transgender policies of hundreds of public bodies after concerns about them were dismissed by ministers.

Politics

3 hours ago Labour preparing for private school closures after VAT raid on fees, suggest reports

A Whitehall source told The Times the government was bracing itself for possible school closures - although a spokesperson said that was misleading

Politics

3 hours ago Train cancellations top 360,000 for the year as passengers face major disruption

Analysis of the latest Office of Rail and Road data found 208,000 services were fully axed in the year to November 9, with a further 161,000 part-cancelled

Politics

3 hours ago Government’s pledge to ban trail hunting in spotlight as Boxing Day hunts meet

Anti-hunt campaigners are calling for ministers to set out a timetable for change but the Countryside Alliance says it is unjustified.

Politics

3 hours ago Train reliability hits the buffers as annual cancellations exceed 360,000

Reliability on Britain’s railways has sunk to its joint lowest level in figures dating back to March 2015.

Events

4 hours ago CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews the Gavin and Stacey finale: What a perfect Christmas present as the nation gets the answer we've all been waiting for

What a perfect Christmas present - Smithy tearfully proposing to Nessa, in an echo of the scene that broke the nation's hearts five years ago.

Politics

4 hours ago Nigel Bates returns as Cindy Beale knocked out by shovel in EastEnders special

It’s a tense time for Cindy Beale as her secrets are revealed.

Politics