34 minutes ago Snow radar shows everywhere it's snowing in Britain NOW as UK wakes up to 9 inches

Brits have been told to expect icy patches across much of southern England and have been warned to be aware of slippery surfaces on pavements and on stretches of road

Politics

8 hours ago Producing food is ‘primary purpose’ of farming, Environment Secretary says

A speech by Steve Reed will outline measures to boost sector profits in the wake of protests against the Government by farmers.

Society

81 minutes ago Service cuts and council tax hikes 'inevitable' as councils in Wales face £559m shortfall

Councils face budget pressures of £559m next year, equivalent to a 26% council tax rise or the loss of nearly 14,000 jobs, a committee heard

Economics

90 minutes ago Liam Boyce nearing Hearts transfer exit as striker holds talks over Northern Ireland return to end 'difficult' final year

A switch to Derry City could be sealed over the weekend as Jambos look to free up space in the wage budget

Sport

87 minutes ago USTR warns of risks from online pharmacies in its 'notorious markets' report

An annual U.S. government report on “notorious markets” known for counterfeiting and other violations of intellectual property says that nearly all 35,000 online pharmacies around the world are being run illegally

Events

1 hour ago Tyson Fury's true personality clear for all to see after punching Micah Richards on TV show

Tyson Fury has had a wide variety of rivals in his career, but Micah Richards is probably the last person he expected to strap the boxing gloves on for

Culture

27 hours ago The UN wants to influence a pluralist Syria – but will the country listen?

Syrians are suspicious after allegations of complicity with the brutal Assad regime during 14 years of civil war The UN special envoy for Syria will urge the security council to back a transition to a pluralist democratic Syria, but faces resistance within the country. The interim government fears the lifting of sanctions will be tied to excessive demands imposed by the west, with suspicion of the UN deeply embedded after what are seen as its failures during 14 years of civil war.Ahmed al-Sharaa, the country’s de facto leader, has told Gulf and western states that his group, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), long ago transformed itself from a Salafi jihadi group in Idlib province to a technocratic force willing to accommodate all Syrians. Continue reading...

Science

40 minutes ago NFL playoff predictions: can anyone derail the Kansas City Chiefs’ three

The postseason kicks off on Saturday. Our writers pick the dark horses, players to watch and make their tips for the NFL’s championship gameCincinnati Bengals. This is the obvious answer, as it’s a bummer when the team with one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks (Joe Burrow), the receiving triple crown winner (Ja’Marr Chase) and the NFL’s sack leader (Trey Hendrickson) is on the outside looking in. Plus, it would certainly be fun to watch opposing offenses torch the Bengals’ iffy defense. As it is, we’ll have to wait until next season to know whether a defensive overhaul (including the firing of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo) will bear any dividends. Doug Farrar Continue reading...

Politics

11 hours ago 'Keeping rents affordable for council house tenants is proving very difficult'

Thousands of council house tenants in Carmarthenshire face a rent increase in April

Society

1 hour ago Scotsman Obituaries: Sir Jim N Walker CBE, businessman who grew family bakery into global biscuits brand

Sir James Nicol Walker CBE, business owner, philanthropist and civic leader. Born: 13 June 1944 in Elgin. Died: 15 December 2024, aged 80

Economics

3 hours ago Manchester United's first January transfer decision is sign of major revamp in key department

Man Utd have recalled young goalkeeper Elyh Harrison from his loan spell at Chester and will run the rule over the teenager for the rest of the season.

Sport

2 hours ago Schools cancel classes across the Southern US as another burst of winter storms move in

Schools and cities from Texas to Georgia are shutting down in anticipation of freezing rain and snow forecast for much of the Southern U.S. The severe weather is expected across a stretch from New Mexico to Alabama starting Wednesday night and early Thursday

Events

17 hours ago Popular Ayrshire riding school to close after more than 40 years in 'hardest decision'

Bargower Riding School, situated at Bargower Farm just off the A76 between Mauchline and Kilmarnock, was "devastated" to announce the school will close from Sunday, February 2.

Culture

50 minutes ago Wishaw kids charity urging Lanarkshire residents to sign up to this year’s Kiltwalk

Once again, volunteers from the Les Hoey MBE DreamMaker Foundation will be tackling both the 20 miles and 14 mile treks later this year to raise funds for the charity.

Politics

12 hours ago Public will not have to change lives ‘radically’ for 2035 climate goal, MPs told

Government climate advisers said the UK can ‘absolutely’ meet its targets for 2030 and 2035, but it currently remains off track.

Society

2 hours ago Dad who grew up in council flat puts £2.3m house up for sale just six months after moving in

Chris Milnes, 60, bagged a dream mortgage-free Omaze house in Dorset last June - but has now put it on the market

Economics

20 hours ago Manchester United know who to blame if they are forced into transfer decision fans will hate

Man Utd are having to consider offers for every player in their squad in a bid to raise funds and it means academy stars such as Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho could depart.

Sport

3 hours ago Jess Phillips faced ‘deluge of hate’ after Elon Musk grooming gangs comments

Mr Musk’s comments followed Labour’s decision to decline a Whitehall-led inquiry into child sexual abuse.

Events

17 hours ago Buchanan High School choir raises minibus funds during musical visits to Asda Coatbridge

Customers were treated to fantastic festive tunes and kindly donated nearly £500.

Culture

76 minutes ago Three reasons Ange Postecoglou was WRONG about Lucas Bergvall decision vs Liverpool

Tottenham star Lucas Bergvall was fortunate not to be sent off just minutes before he scored the only goal as Spurs took a first-leg lead in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool

Politics

22 hours ago Will YOUR child's school have to cut teacher pay? Fury at Labour's 'wrecking ball' bid to force academies to follow national salary scales and curriculum in 'return to mediocracy'

The government is making sweeping changes to reforms brought in by the Tories, including massive curbs on the independence of state schools.

Society

3 hours ago Stock market today: Asian shares are mostly lower after Wall St holds firm

Asian stocks are mostly lower after U.S. stock indexes finished mixed a day after strong reports on the economy stirred up worries that inflation and interest rates may remain higher than expected

Economics

21 hours ago Peter Hain urges South Africa to boycott Afghanistan game at Champions Trophy

Anti-apartheid campaigner plea to governing bodyWomen’s cricket team disbanded under Taliban ruleThe veteran anti-apartheid campaigner Peter Hain has called on Cricket South Africa to challenge the ban on women’s and girl’s cricket in Afghanistan before next month’s Champions Trophy.In a letter seen by the Guardian, Lord Hain urges the Cricket South Africa’s chief executive, Pholetsi Moseki, to take up the issue with the International Cricket Council before South Africa’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in Karachi. In a particularly striking passage, Hain also draws direct parallels with the struggle of black and brown players under apartheid with the Taliban’s oppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan. Continue reading...

Sport

4 hours ago Whales and seabirds 'hit by Scottish Government failure to protect seas'

EXCLUSIVE: Campaigners say SNP ministers are failing to live up to pledges to enforce special conservation zones designed protect Scotland's marine life.

Events

2 hours ago Here's the schedule for the final day of funeral rites for President Jimmy Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter's casket is expected to depart the U.S. Capitol at 9 a.m. Eastern time

Politics

27 hours ago UK snow: Met Office divulges exact time yet more wintry weather to fall across the country

The mercury plunged to -5.5C in Drumnadrochit, Scottish Highlands on Tuesday and temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for many for the rest of the week

Society

4 hours ago Council worker who stole over £1m from employer is "cautionary tale" for local authorities

Michael Paterson stole a total of £1,087,444.47 from the council over a 17 year period.

Economics

21 hours ago Peter Hain urges South Africa to protest Afghanistan game at Champions Trophy

Anti-apartheid campaigner plea to governing bodyWomen’s cricket team disbanded under Taliban ruleThe veteran anti-apartheid campaigner Peter Hain has called on Cricket South Africa to challenge the ban on women’s and girl’s cricket in Afghanistan. In a letter seen by the Guardian, Lord Hain urges the Cricket South Africa’s chief executive, Pholetsi Moseki, to take up the issue with the International Cricket Council before South Africa’s Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in Karachi on 21 February.In a particularly striking passage, Hain draws a direct parallel of apartheid with the Taliban’s oppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan. “Having struggled long and hard for black and brown cricketers to represent their country like whites did exclusively for nearly a century, I hope that post-apartheid South African cricket will press for similar rights for all women in world cricket,” Hain tells Moseki. “Will South African cricket please raise the plight of Afghan women cricke...

Sport

6 hours ago Los Angeles wildfires: Five people dead as 'apocalyptic' scenes devastate the region

The two largest fires, the Palisades and Eaton Fires, have burned over 25,000 acres combined as five people have been confirmed dead in Los Angeles, with the death toll expected to rise

Events

2 hours ago Fears children 'rushed out' of secure care as SNP admit only three of 78 beds empty

Only three empty beds remain in secure care for children across Scotland.

Politics

6 hours ago BBC appoints taxpayer funded 'impartiality champions' to bolster 'trust' among viewers amid claims of bias

The BBC has appointed 'impartiality champions' amid criticism of allegedly biased coverage.

Economics

21 hours ago Belgian Grand Prix: The uncomfortable new F1 reality after extraordinary decision

Famous racing venues like Spa-Francorchamps being missing from the Formula 1 calendar will alarm traditional motorsport fans, but it's a sign of where the sport is heading

Sport

6 hours ago STEPHEN GLOVER: If she were white and a Tory the BBC would not be downplaying the growing scandal around Tulip Siddiq

What I am about to say is not a joke. The Government's anti-corruption minister is herself under investigation by the Bangladeshi authorities for corruption.

Events

3 hours ago Gavin Newsom appears on the verge of tears as he is confronted over Trump's claims he caused LA fires

Gavin Newsom became emotional when asked about Donald Trump placing the blame on the California governor for the disastrous, killer wildfires that have ravaged the state.

Politics

8 hours ago How a Scottish council worker stole £1.1 million undetected for 17 years

A warning has been issued on the back of the fraud case involving Aberdeen City Council

Economics

6 hours ago Freezing fog to blanket Britain as blizzards hit and snow warnings remain

Britain is set to be engulfed in an icy gip today as parts of the country continue to be battered by blizzardy conditions. The Met Office has issued six separate yellow warning.

Events

7 hours ago Gov. Andy Beshear rails against acrimony of national politics in calling for common sense governing

Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has railed against the acrimony of national politics in his annual State of the Commonwealth speech

Politics

8 hours ago Rayner pledges to ‘make work pay’ in Scotland ahead of visit to Glasgow

Research by the UK Government found workers in central Scotland will see the biggest boost to their wages as a result of the Employment Rights Bill.

Economics

8 hours ago National Galleries warns flagship attractions face closure over 'seismic' £40m funding crisis

Bosses say £40m is needed to secure the future of Scotland’s national art collection

Events

8 hours ago Slot and Van Dijk criticise decision not to send off Bergvall before Spurs winner

Liverpool captain: ‘Ref made a mistake I told him that’Postecoglou bemoans VAR announcements by refereeArne Slot bemoaned Liverpool’s ill fortune as they slipped to a last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Tottenham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final; a rare setback in an otherwise serene season.Liverpool were expecting to see a second yellow card for the Spurs midfielder, Lucas Bergvall, after he cut through Kostas Tsimikas, who was forced off for treatment. But the referee, Stuart Attwell, spared Bergvall and, with Tsimikas still off the pitch, Bergvall ran on to a Dominic Solanke pass to score the decisive goal. Continue reading...

Politics

9 hours ago Market turmoil forces Chancellor to plot spending cuts or even MORE tax hikes: Red alert for Rachel Reeves as borrowing costs surge higher than during Truss crisis

Rachel Reeves is drawing up contingency plans for emergency spending cuts or tax rises, as government borrowing costs soar.

Economics

8 hours ago New weather warnings issued as temperatures set to plummet as low as minus 16C

Temperatures are set to drop sharply, with lows of minus 16C possible in Scotland and northern England overnight on Thursday.

Events

8 hours ago Majority of students oppose Government’s decision to raise tuition fees – poll

But the increase in maintenance support has made the move ‘more palatable’, a think tank has suggested.

Politics

12 hours ago Ruben Amorim set for Man United January transfer windfall as £20m deal 'agreed'

Manchester United transfer news as the January transfer budget is set to receive a small boost thanks to a sell-on clause

Economics

8 hours ago Keir Starmer warned many family farms ‘won’t survive to see government’s plans to help boost profits’

National Farmers’ Union urged ministers to ‘pause and consult’ Rachel Reeves’ Budget changes

Events

8 hours ago Arne Slot delivers verdict on controversial Lucas Bergvall decision as Tottenham end Liverpool unbeaten run

Bergvall stopped a Liverpool break when already on a yellow scored and then scored the winner minutes later

Politics

14 hours ago Marks and Spencer's 'rainproof' wax jacket for women of all ages looks a lot like £329 Barbour version

The 'trending' M&S jacket looks a lot more expensive than its modest price tag

Economics

10 hours ago David Lammy set to unveil ‘world’s first sanctions regime’ to tackle people smuggling gangs

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to discuss cooperation on the issue with Emmanuel Macron on Thursday

Events

9 hours ago BBC The Traitors host confirms former star's major update since leaving series

The former Traitors star has shared some happy news just after she was axed from the show in a brutal decision

Politics

15 hours ago Reeves may need to cut spending after jump in borrowing costs, say economists

The yield on government bonds jumped to its highest level since 2008 as the pound also tumbled in value.

Economics

10 hours ago Ringleaders of human trafficking gangs behind 'small boats' Channel crossings to be targeted by new sanctions

Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the crackdown as the Government steps up action to try to reduce the number of people risking their lives in unseaworthy vessels to reach Britain

Events

9 hours ago KEIR STARMER: My Labour government will put people smugglers out of business by hitting them where it hurts

'Across Europe, shadowy criminal gangs are making millions from smuggling people into Britain', writes SIR KEIR STARMER

Politics

15 hours ago 'Baroness Thrift', 85, who shared tips on how to run a stately home on a budget, is set to auction off £400,000 worth of possessions and downsizes from £8million Belgravia flat

Baroness Patricia Rawlings, who has famously shared tips on how to run a stately home on a budget, is downsizing from her £8m flat in Eaton Square, Belgravia.

Economics

11 hours ago Met Office warns more snow could fall over UK at weekend in fresh update

The UK's cold snap is expected to continue into the weekend

Events

9 hours ago At the end of another stellar season, Ravens' Lamar Jackson will still face doubters in the playoffs

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens return to the postseason with a lot of the same strengths they had a year ago

Politics

15 hours ago Starmer urged to scrap funding for Musk’s firms after billionaire receives £190m from UK taxpayers

Exclusive: Firms owned by Elon Musk have raked in more than £190m of taxpayer cash since 2016, sparking calls for Sir Keir Starmer to prevent any further public funds going to the billionaire’s sprawling business empire

Economics

13 hours ago Meta’s changes to policing will lead to clash with EU and UK, say experts

Politicians criticise Mark Zuckerberg’s choice to scrap factcheckers, affecting Facebook, Instagram and ThreadsPermitted ‘hateful conduct’ – what users can now say on Meta platformsSweeping changes to the policing of Meta’s social media platforms have set the tech company on a collision course with legislators in the UK and the European Union, experts and political figures have said.Lawmakers in Brussels and London criticised Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to scrap factcheckers in the US for Facebook, Instagram and Threads, with one labelling it “quite frightening”. Continue reading...

Events

10 hours ago BBC The Traitors fans say decision is 'savage' and 'brutal' yet dubbed a 'clever move'

Two sisters who came onto the show together have now both been eliminated

Politics

16 hours ago A town centre suffered ‘horrific’ violence and disorder during last August’s riots: Now £600,000 will be spent on ‘recovery’

Bolton has been given government cash after being named as one of 20 areas in the country ‘significantly affected’ by the public disorder last year which saw police and demonstrators violently attacked

Economics

13 hours ago MPs reject calls by Tories for national inquiry into UK grooming gangs

Government uses its Commons majority to dismiss Conservatives’ demand backed by Elon Musk

Events

10 hours ago BBC The Traitors fans 'crying' after spotting 'miracle' following 'heartless' decision

The latest episode of BBC's The Traitors left viewers in shock after the fallout of the Faithfuls uncovering their first Traitor

Politics

16 hours ago Most Brits don't want their taxes to fund Buckingham Palace refurb poll shows

A new YouGov poll has indicated that the majority of Brits are not particularly happy about any of their taxes being used to fund a massive refurbishment project on Buckingham Palace

Economics

13 hours ago Labour votes down Tory demand for new national inquiry into grooming gangs as Keir Starmer leaves himself open to fresh attacks by Elon Musk

The House of Commons opposed a call, fronted by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch , for a fresh probe into historical child sexual exploitation.

Events

11 hours ago BBC The Traitors fans say 'it's a miracle' after 'heartless' decision leaves contestant vulnerable

Some Traitors were left stunned after the latest decision and fans can't believe that one contestant looks to have got away with it all

Politics

17 hours ago Labour 'offering to pay Mauritius nearly £9billion' as part of Chagos Islands deal in bid to rush through agreement before Donald Trump re

The Government is currently scrambling to save its agreement to surrender control of the Indian Ocean archipelago, which hosts a strategically vital UK-US military base.

Economics

13 hours ago Arrested man was 'highly aggressive and extremely violent', misconduct hearing told

Sgt Rhodri Davies faces allegations that the force he used against Mr Evans when he was brought into Swansea Central Police Station amounted to gross misconduct

Events

11 hours ago Barcelona able to field Olmo and Víctor after Spain’s sports council intervenes

Sports council grants players temporary registrationPair could feature in Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup finalDani Olmo and Pau Víctor will be able to play for Barcelona after Spain’s supreme sports council (CSD) granted them temporary registration while it investigates an appeal lodged by the club against the removal of their licences by La Liga.Registration did not arrive in time for Olmo or Víctor to play the semi-final of the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night, but they will be available for Sunday’s final against Real Madrid or Real Mallorca. Continue reading...

Politics

19 hours ago How Aldi shoppers can get four years' worth of groceries from 'UK's cheapest supermarket'

Scots might be searching for a way to food shop on a budget this year between inflation and the cost of living - and this major store's competition could be the answer to their prayers

Economics

14 hours ago Learning to see through Elon Musk's disgraceful attacks on Labour is vital

As Scottish politics continue on a familiar path, Elon Musk’s latest attacks on Keir Starmer’s government raise serious concerns

Events

12 hours ago London Dance Venue Drumsheds to Remain Open With New Safety Measures Following License Review

London Dance Venue Drumsheds to Remain Open With New Safety Measures Following License Review  Billboard

Politics

20 hours ago Trump ‘considering national economic emergency declaration’ to allow new tariffs; UK borrowing costs rise again – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsRise in UK borrowing costs could push Reeves to new public spending cutsTwo UK investment trusts have urged their shareholders to resist an attempt by a US hedge fund to take control.Janus Henderson’s European Smaller Companies Trust, and its Henderson Opportunities Trust, both recommended that investors vote against Saba Capital’s attempt to shake-up their boards and appoint its own directors instead. “The European Smaller Companies Trust is a well-managed investment company whose strategy has delivered long-term outperformance.“Saba is attempting to take control of your Company by removing a highly qualified, independent board that acts in all shareholders’ interests. It’s clear that Saba’s motives are self-serving. It would like to install directors who would not be independent of the Company’s largest shareholder and has indicated that it may appoint itself as investment manager.The cleverness of Weinstein’s campaign is t...

Economics

14 hours ago Badenoch refuses to restore whip to Warsi despite clearing her of wrongdoing over Sunak ‘coconut’ tweet

Exclusive: Tory leader refuses to reinstate UK’s first Muslim cabinet member less than 24 hours after backing Robert Jenrick for railing against ‘alien cultures with medieval attitudes’

Events

13 hours ago Expected guilty plea for man in 'Wizard of Oz' ruby slippers case postponed due to hospitalization

A hearing where a Minnesota man was expected to plead guilty to hiding a stolen pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz” has been postponed indefinitely because he's hospitalized

Politics

21 hours ago Neil Gray urged to intervene in £100m row over NHS mental health funding for Scots

EXCLUSIVE: A group of Scottish Labour figures have demanded the SNP Health Secretary steps in to help secure new investment for crumbling facilities in Fife.

Economics

16 hours ago Badenoch accused of ‘fundraising off the back of child sex abuse victims’ in latest Tory party email

A party political email sent out to Tory members on Tuesday had a donation button a few lines below a call for a national inquiry into grooming gangs

Events