50 minutes ago Farage, Musk and Trump: they crave your attention. Don’t give it to them | Andy Beckett

Populist trolling thrives on the oxygen of publicity. It’s on all of us – media and voters – to start looking awayEven more than other forms of politics, populism needs an audience. Populist politicians want to be famous personalities, to make attention-getting claims and promises, to create new national myths. Like other ambitious but less ideological entertainers, they want their act to be widely noticed, and then requested again and again. Without a receptive audience, populism can just seem cranky and simplistic – little different from fringe political movements down the ages.In Britain, the US and many other democracies from India to Argentina, populism’s current dominant variant is rightwing, and much of its intended audience is the rightwing media. Conservative commentators, reporters and public intellectuals are constantly required to amplify populism’s messages and help maintain the public profiles of its leading figures. With only five Reform UK MPs, Nigel Farage needs the...

Politics

17 hours ago How worried should we be about RFK Jr as health secretary? Ask Florida

Florida’s surgeon general Joseph Ladapo has given free rein to his own unorthodox views on vaccines and public healthDonald Trump’s promise to upend public health policy across the US by installing Robert F Kennedy Jr as health secretary is resonating in Florida, where experts say the nation can learn from its own experience of a vaccine-denying state surgeon with unorthodox scientific views.Like Kennedy’s relationship with the incoming president, Dr Joseph Ladapo was championed by, and is closely aligned to, a powerful rightwing political leader – Ron DeSantis, Florida’s Republican governor. Continue reading...

Society

4 hours ago MSPs 'must back private jet tax' as super rich 'burn through carbon budget in 10 days'

Oxfam Scotland says shocking milestone highlights the need for Holyrood budget to rein in lavish private jet culture amongst super-rich.

Economics

16 hours ago New Call of Duty report reveals staggering cost of making games in popular series

Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War reportedly cost over $700 million to develop and market, as a new report suggests Activision's shooter's costs are astronomical

Sport

67 minutes ago North Korea benefiting from troops fighting alongside Russia, US issues grave warning

Pyongyang’s military ties with Russia ‘rendering it more capable of waging war against its neighbours’

Events

12 hours ago Killer nurse Lucy Letby could have been stopped sooner if there had been an independent medical examiner at her hospital, ex Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt tells inquiry

Delays in appointing specialist doctors to look into deaths not investigated by a coroner in NHS hospitals meant the 'dots' were not joined up, the Hunt told the public inquiry into her crimes.

Science

3 hours ago ‘I’m bursting with ideas’: Michael Sheen launches new national theatre for Wales

Welsh star promises big, bold plays that bring vital ‘under-explored’ stories about Wales to lifeMichael Sheen, a global star of screen and stage, is spearheading a new national theatre for Wales, promising to create big, bold plays that bring vital stories about his homeland to life.Sheen said he was bursting with ideas and promised to appear in the newly forged Welsh National Theatre’s first production, a “foundation” story about Wales staged at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Continue reading...

Politics

24 hours ago ‘Never go to bed on an argument’: Hamilton care home couple reveal secret to long and happy marriage on 73rd wedding anniversary

A couple who lives at HC-One Scotland’s Douglas View Care Home, in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, have been celebrating their 73rd Wedding Anniversary together.

Society

6 hours ago ANDREW NEIL: The economy's reeling from the disastrous Budget. Taxes or cuts are coming... and the big financial players I've talked to now all say it could spell the end of Labour

In the run-up to the General Election , Rachel Reeves boasted repeatedly of her qualifications for being Chancellor, even liberally embellishing her CV to bolster her credentials.

Economics

2 hours ago Coronation Street's Dylan Wilson star was 'naïve' before horror of knife crime storyline

The star has spoken out following the heart-breaking murder of Mason Radcliffe

Events

21 hours ago Experts reveal the VERY common foods that hold the key to eternal youth...and could even protect you from cancer

Could tweaking your diet hold the key to eternal youth? The suggestion from recent research is that it can and even simple swaps could add as much as ten years to your life.

Science

4 hours ago UK Government being 'straight' with Scots over challenge to fix the economy, says Angela Rayner

EXCLUSIVE: The Deputy Prime Minister told the Record on a visit to Glasgow it would take longer than six months for the Labour Government to deliver on all of its promises to voters.

Politics

14 hours ago Burglars who ripped cash machine off Home Bargains shop with stolen JCB jailed

Shane Hadderton, 36, Marvin Usher, 33, and Deividas Fiodorovas, 36, were all sentenced on Thursday at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Economics

4 hours ago Ticket touts finally facing a major government clampdown as Labour take battle huge step forward

Keir Starmer follows up on promise to legally hammer touts and sites like Viagogo, that make them rich

Events

7 hours ago BRIAN VINER reviews A Real Pain: A masterpiece from the heir to Woody Allen

Jesse Eisenberg has said that he was inspired to write A Real Pain after coming across an online advert promoting tours of the concentration camp Auschwitz, with lunch included.

Politics

14 hours ago Italian mayor vows to stop sale of Neapolitan islet to wealthy speculator

Bacoli mayor says his administration wants to buy Punta Pennata and turn it into an ‘open-air museum’An Italian mayor has vowed to do everything in his power to stop Punta Pennata – a slice of island paradise close to the heart of Naples, from where a fleet departed to rescue survivors of the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius – being sold to a wealthy speculator.Located within the pristine waters of Bacoli, a fishing town located in the vast volcanic area of the Campi Flegrei, and described as a “historical and natural gem”, the strip of land was put up for sale to the highest bidder this week. Continue reading...

Economics

6 hours ago Ukraine war briefing: Western allies pledge $2bn in military aid for Ukraine

Aid promised at Ramstein meeting covered air defence, information technology, demining, naval forces, air forces and artillery. What we know on day 1,052See all our Ukraine coverage Continue reading...

Events

8 hours ago Millions of train tickets to be discounted next week – what you need to know

It marks the 200th anniversary of the world’s first passenger train service

Politics

15 hours ago Bloke arrested after £1m cannabis farm found in house on quiet UK street

A man in Greater Manchester was arrested after cops swooped on a property in a sleepy British street - cops conducted a search warrant in relation to a suspected cannabis farm

Economics

10 hours ago Beto and Ndiaye see off Peterborough as Everton’s caretakers pick up slack

Another new era for Everton, this one promising stability, and another managerial search is under way after the sacking of Sean Dyche. The Friedkin Group, the club’s new owners, were at least spared the ignominy of seeing their new investment exit the FA Cup against League One opposition.Beto, on paper the most expensive signing of the Dyche era, and Iliman Ndiaye, one of the few pluses, scored the goals that took Everton into the fourth round at the expense of Peterborough United. Darren Ferguson’s side competed admirably without seriously threatening to add upset to Everton’s latest sense of turmoil. Continue reading...

Politics

19 hours ago Former DWP employee shares tips on how to protect PIP and other disability benefit payments

Essential tips for new and existing PIP, Adult Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance claimants.

Economics

8 hours ago Simple steps taken to prevent Getty Museum burning down. Why didn't Karen Bass do the same?

The museum's successful efforts to keep the fire at bay begs the question: why didn't Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass use similar tactics to protect homes and land?

Events

13 hours ago Uruguay’s popular former president José Mujica reveals he is dying of cancer

‘My cycle is over,’ says leftwinger, 89, who lives humbly and oversaw one of healthiest and most liberal democraciesJosé Mujica, the former guerrilla who became Uruguay’s president and a global progressive icon, has announced that the cancer in his oesophagus has spread to his liver, and that he has chosen to forgo further treatment.In what Mujica said would be his last interview, he told Búsqueda, a weekly news magazine in Uruguay, that he was “doomed”. Continue reading...

Politics

19 hours ago Tierney cover broken by Arsenal, Jota price tag and £7m winger bidding war fear – Celtic transfer state of play

Brendan Rodgers is facing a busy month with the Hoops

Economics

9 hours ago A woman found in an abandoned house almost 20 years ago has finally been identified. Police fear she was the victim of a serial killer

Known only as Jane Doe since 2006 the remains have now been identified as Darylnn Washington

Events

14 hours ago Rising F1 star Franco Colapinto joins Alpine after striking agreement with Williams

Franco Colapinto has left Williams for Alpine, with the 21-year-old Argentine signing on as the team's test and reserve driver for the upcoming Formula One season

Politics

21 hours ago Historic Perthshire hotel sold in private deal as new owner vows to take it in 'new direction'

Category B-listed Birnam Hotel & Inn, in Dunkeld, Perthshire, has been sold to Fraser Potter, also the owner of the nearby Taybank Hotel, in Dunkeld, as part of a 'off-market private deal'.

Economics

11 hours ago Inside BBC Traitors' Leanne Quigley's life off screen from tragic news to recent engagement

BBC Traitors star Leanne Quigley has been keeping some information hidden from her co-stars on the show to protect herself as a Faithful but tonight she took to Instagram to share a very personal update in her life.

Events

15 hours ago Family of iconic comedian sell off 800 of his personal items including letters from royals and celebs

Comedy legend Eric Morecambe promises to bring joy to fans and collectors alike one more time as hundreds of his treasures are auctioned off, providing a unique insight into the beloved star's life

Politics

22 hours ago Energy firm breaks into widower's home to inspect smart meter: Pensioner thought he'd been 'burgled' after E.ON obtained warrant to check 'tampered' device

A widowed pensioner was left feeling like he'd been 'burgled' after energy provider E.ON sent a group of engineers along with a locksmith into his house to inspect his smart meter.

Economics

11 hours ago Indiana man who fled to avoid prison sentence for storming Capitol is arrested in Canada

An Indiana man who fled to avoid a nine-month prison sentence for storming the U.S. Capitol has been arrested in Canada this week on the fourth anniversary of the mob’s attack

Events

15 hours ago Mark Zuckerberg’s alliance with Donald Trump proves just how low he’ll go

The Facebook and Instagram boss has shown just how deep he’s willing to stoop for the benefit of his commercial empire — and just how little his last eight years of promises really meant, writes Io Dodds

Politics

26 hours ago Liberty London x Adidas sneaker collection: Where to get, release date, price, and more details explored

Liberty London x Adidas sneaker collection: Where to get, release date, price, and more details explored  Soap Central

Economics

11 hours ago Churchill War Rooms in London offer powerful immersion in British resistance to Nazis

Churchill War Rooms in London offer powerful immersion in British resistance to Nazis  Stars and Stripes

Events

16 hours ago Bond villain Elon Musk's influence seeps into Scottish Parliament and its 'populism' war

In the first Holyrood scrap of 2025, John Swinney and Russell Findlay clashed in a fiery FMQs inspired by Elon Musk.

Politics

11 hours ago New Orleans truck attack victims sue city for neglecting to protect them

Lawsuit claims contractors and city failed to implement an effective system for deterring a known threat, the suit saysSix people who were injured and the father of a man who was killed in the New Year’s truck attack filed a lawsuit Thursday against the city of New Orleans and two contractors, claiming they failed to protect revelers from an army veteran who sped around a police blockade and raced down Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring at least 30.The attack by Shamsud-Din Jabbar was tragic but preventable, leaving the six victims with broken bones, physical suffering and mental anguish and killing Brandon Taylor, according to the lawsuit filed in Orleans parish civil district court by Matthew Hemmer with the Morris Bart law firm. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police. Continue reading...

Events

16 hours ago Football Daily | Satisfaction and flowers for Spurs after a standout success

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!Tottenham get a lot of stick. Even the most hardened Spurs fan, mate, would agree they deserve a fair bit of it. But if you strip back the jokes, the commemorative DVD and T-shirt to celebrate a 1-0 league win over Chelsea in November 2006 (“If you missed it, here is your chance to see what all the fuss is about!”), the websites dedicated to documenting how long it’s been since they last won a trophy, the concept of a cheese room, Richarlison’s back tattoos and getting mugged off by Dulux, there is a very likable club there. The big issue for Spurs is that they just can’t seem to get over the line when it matters. Of course, it’s a fine margin between victory and defeat; just ask Hugo Lloris, France’s World Cup-winning captain.With respect to football miracle comparisons (Tuesday’s Football Daily), please forgive my pedantry when I point out that Leicester ‘did a Nottingham Forest’ (remember Brian Clough?). So if Forest ‘do a Leices...

Politics

12 hours ago Lawsuit by New Orleans truck attack victims says city, contractors failed to implement safety system

Six people who were injured and the father of a man who was killed in the New Year’s truck attack are suing the City of New Orleans and two contractors, claiming they failed to protect revelers from an Army veteran who sped around a police blockade and raced down Bourbon Street

Events

17 hours ago Four chronic lung conditions that worsen in winter as expert shares tips for staying safe

Protect your lungs from winter’s chill with these expert tips for managing respiratory conditions

Politics

13 hours ago Brit tourists vow 'we won't be back' to holiday hotspot after 'muggers alley' warning

Brits have flocked to the holiday hotspot in search of sun and sea but some tourists have vowed they "won't be back" after being issued a warning about the town's so-called Muggers Alley

Events

17 hours ago Xbox Developer Direct promises updates on DOOM: The Dark Ages and surprises

Xbox has a stacked 2025 lineup, and the company is preparing to reveal new information at an event later this month — here's all were expecting so far

Politics

14 hours ago Reason fish and chips came wrapped in newspaper – it's all to do with World War 2

Ever wondered why fish and chips used to come wrapped in newspaper – and why it doesn't anymore? Turns out, there's a very good reason dating back nearly 90 years

Events

18 hours ago Zelensky urges Trump not to abandon Ukraine to Putin as US pledges $500m in military aid

‘We’ve come such a long way that it would honestly be crazy to drop the ball now,’ says Ukrainian leader

Politics

14 hours ago MAUREEN CALLAHAN: Fire killed my grandmother and nearly me too. I know why Los Angeles must never forgive the useless liberals who sleepwalked into this inferno

The ocean off the coast of Los Angeles is red. Multimillion-dollar homes are consumed by unstoppable walls of fire pushed by 100 mph winds. Entire neighborhoods are burned to the ground.

Events

18 hours ago EastEnders fans 'solve' sinister Ravi and Jack twist and 'real reason' for viewer vote

EastEnders viewers are fearing there is a deadly twist on the cards for two characters, after news of a viewer vote was confirmed by the BBC soap ahead of the 40th anniversary

Politics

15 hours ago Global war for control of the ARCTIC: How Russia and China are circling North's frozen expanses amid fears it will become world's new battleground

As the Arctic region undergoes changes due to climate change, the melting of the ice opens up a new frontier, unlocking untapped resources and potential new trade routes.

Events

18 hours ago Pope Francis calls situation in Gaza shameful as he steps up criticism of Israel’s offensive

The pope, 88, was present for the address to diplomates – but asked an aide to read it as he is recovering from a cold

Politics

15 hours ago EastEnders cast photo reveals who survives 40th anniversary stunt amid death fears

A new photo taken in-between filming on EastEnders, featuring members of the cast, has seemingly confirmed some characters that will survive explosive scenes next month amid death fears

Events

18 hours ago UK government seeks to soothe bond market nerves after borrowing costs soar

Treasury vows to stick to its fiscal rules and says gilt markets functioning ‘in an orderly way’

Politics

15 hours ago Letby attacks could have been spotted earlier if ‘dots joined up’ – Jeremy Hunt

The former health secretary apologised to the victims’ families at the Thirlwall Inquiry into Lucy Letby’s crimes.

Events

19 hours ago PM will not moderate language on Truss despite cease and desist letter – No 10

Downing Street questioned whether Ms Truss would also be writing to ‘millions of people up and down the country’ who shared the Prime Minister’s view.

Politics

15 hours ago Met officer in court charged with assault of man at Whipps Cross hospital

PC Rajan Solanki is alleged to have used excessive force on patient who was mentally unwell

Events

19 hours ago Jimmy Carter funeral: thousands of mourners to gather at Washington national cathedral – latest updates

Former president’s funeral service to be held at Washington national cathedral before he is laid to rest in GeorgiaDonald and Melania Trump stopped by Jimmy Carter’s casket during a visit to the Capitol yesterday.The incoming president was meeting with congressional Republicans about how to implement his campaign promises, once he is inaugurated on 20 January. Continue reading...

Politics

17 hours ago Flying electric vehicle 'straight out of Star Wars' reaches 65mph as it soars higher than the Statue of Liberty

It may look like something from the Star Wars films, but this new single-person flying vehicle will launch in the real world next month. The Manta M4 can take off from land and sea.

Events