32 minutes ago UK snow: New maps turn purple as Arctic blast set for chaotic return in days

Weather maps show a second cold snap on its way to Britain, with major regions in the firing line for the second time this month.

Politics

97 minutes ago UK weather maps reveal '10cm per hour' snow and torrential rain TWIN THREAT will batter Brits

Brits are facing both heavy snow and torrential rain later this month as shocking new weather maps show a huge storm is set to bring 10cm per hour of the white stuff

Society

3 hours ago Liam Payne’s friend files defamation lawsuit against late singer’s father

The One Direction singer died aged 31 from ‘polytrauma’, after falling from an Argentine hotel balcony in October.

Economics

11 hours ago Thousands of ticketless Rangers supporters to attend 'Fanzone' near Old Trafford for Man United clash

EXCLUSIVE BY MIKE KEEGAN: A giant exhibition centre, just two miles from Old Trafford, is hosting a 'Rangers Takeover' when the Glasgow side take on Man United next Thursday.

Sport

80 minutes ago Taiwan’s first execution in five years sparks outcry: ‘Shocking and cruel’

Amnesty International urges Taiwan’s government to immediately halt any plans to carry out further executions

Events

10 hours ago Marcus Rashford issues urgent statement ahead of imminent 'photo release'

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has issued a statement after being told a tabloid newspaper are set to publish photos of him alongside a controversial rapper

Culture

15 hours ago 70% of Brits want ban on animal testing for medical research, poll reveals

Campaigners Herbie’s Law, named after a 14-year-old rescued beagle, say it would prompt a ‘decade of change’ and set an ambition of phasing out animal experiments by 2035

Science

20 hours ago West Lothian M9 collision sees road restricted as drivers urged to 'use caution'

The incident was first reported at around 7.20am. It happened on the M9 between junctions three and four.

Transport

36 minutes ago An interesting speech full of hard truths? Kemi Badenoch is clearly rattled | Gaby Hinsliff

The Tory leader gave an address that was full of candour about her party’s failures. You can sense Nigel Farage’s delightWell, finally. Only eight years on from kneecapping the economy and crowing “you lost, get over it” at anyone impertinent enough to notice, a Conservative party leader has tacitly admitted the painfully obvious: Brexit was an act of wilful negligence by a government that dragged Britain out of its most important trading relationship “before we had a plan for growth outside the EU”. There wasn’t a considered Plan B, just a government frantically trying to catch itself up as it went along. And that’s only the start of it, Kemi Badenoch argued this week, in the first interesting thing the Conservative party has had to say to the nation since its bone-crushing defeat.Successive Conservative governments dating back to David Cameron’s had promised to get immigration down but hadn’t thought through how to do that either, she pointed out, and consequently achieved the opp...

Politics

8 hours ago Report of another child being 'grabbed by stranger' near school as parents issued with urgent alert

It comes two days after the 'attempted abduction' of an 11-year-old girl in Irlam

Society

4 hours ago Pension triple lock threat as Conservatives float scrapping guaranteed income boost for older Brits

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the triple lock pension guarantee could become income-based - just weeks after attacking Labour for means testing the Winter Fuel Payment

Economics

19 hours ago Britain is FINALLY joining the space race! First ever launch from UK soil gets the green light

The RFA One launch will blast off from SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst, the northernmost of the Shetland Islands.

Sport

93 minutes ago Fires scorched campuses across Los Angeles. Many schools are seeking places to hold classes

The Los Angeles wildfires have forced thousands of students to relocate to other schools

Events

20 hours ago Africa has no shortage of celebrated writers – so why is it so hard for African readers to get hold of their books?

Across the continent books can be expensive and libraries scarce. But growing numbers of tech innovators and independent publishers are working to make African literature available and affordableTsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions, a novel about growing up in colonial Zimbabwe, is one of the most important works of 20th-century African literature and features on university curricula across the UK. British students can order a used copy for less than £3.But there is one place readers struggle to find it: Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe and Dangeremba’s home town, even though it is published in paperback across the border in South Africa. “It’s very, very difficult to find my books anywhere in Zimbabwe,” says Dangarembga. Continue reading...

Culture

18 hours ago A giant US hospital chain says it’s leading the fight against medical debt. Not all patients agree

Many patients say they were harmed by Advocate Health’s billing and collection practices – even as the health system has canceled thousands of liens against patients’ homesAdvocate Health, one of America’s largest hospital chains, says it is working hard to confront one of the biggest problems in US healthcare today – promoting itself as “a leader in the effort to solve the nation’s medical debt crisis”.The non-profit hospital system says it has revamped its billing and collection practices and boosted the number of patients who qualify for charity care. In September 2024, it announced it would take the “bold step” of canceling thousands of debt judgments held as liens against patients’ homes in multiple states, including North Carolina, where the fast-growing chain is headquartered. Continue reading...

Science

96 minutes ago Elon Musk’s attempts to sway German and UK politics thought ‘unacceptable’ – poll

Exclusive: Majority polled by YouGov viewed billionaire negatively – except among Reform UK and AfD votersMost people in the UK and Germany consider Elon Musk’s efforts to influence their national politics unacceptable and believe the US tech magnate does not know much about either country or the issues they face, a poll has shown.The survey, by YouGov, follows a spate of hostile statements by the billionaire owner of Tesla, SpaceX and the social media platform X attacking the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and their respective governments. Continue reading...

Politics

10 hours ago Urgent hunt for baby and two children who have vanished with their parents

Police are now appealing to the public to help trace the family as officers hope to find them well.

Society

6 hours ago Best and worst energy firms revealed as customer choice slowly returns

British Gas, Scottish Power and Ovo Energy languish at the bottom of the annual rankings compiled by Which?

Economics

19 hours ago Vicky Michelle fights back tears live on Good Morning Britain as she pays heartfelt tribute to 'strong and inspiring' Linda Nolan after death from cancer aged 65

The actress, 74, appeared on the ITV show during Thursday's installment as she dubbed the songstress 'strong and inspiring'.

Sport

1 hour ago Foreign Office issues 'high threat' warning for Brits travelling to popular European country

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its advice for a popular holiday hotspot, and not heeding the warning could put you at risk and invalidate your insurance

Events

29 hours ago How Britain's comedy scene is dominated by Cambridge graduates: Footlights

Tune in tonight to a panel show, a bill of stand-up comics or even a TV quiz and chances are you will see some showbiz royalty alumni of Cambridge's famous Footlights society.

Culture

26 hours ago Russell Grant's horoscopes as Taurus advised they will find fulfilment in new project

Today's star signs as Scorpio told to concentrate on self and Pisces urged to get second opinion.

Science

2 hours ago DWP update as Labour's disability boss lays out 'strong case' for benefit system overhaul

The Labour government says there is a 'strong case to change the system of health and disability benefits across Great Britain' - it comes after a surge in the number of people claiming sickness and disability benefits post-pandemic

Politics

10 hours ago Concern ‘growing’ for family with young children reported missing in Edinburgh

Anyone with information urged to contact police

Society

8 hours ago Former Bank boss Mark Carney announces bid to replace Canada’s Trudeau

Mr Carney headed up Britain’s central bank between 2013 and 2020 before being succeeded by Andrew Bailey.

Economics

19 hours ago Karim Benzema's stance on Arsenal transfer as Rio Ferdinand issues Mikel Arteta demand

Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal to pursue a loan move for Karim Benzema in an effort to solve their struggles in front of goal - with the former Real Madrid man underlining his desire to keep on playing

Sport

2 hours ago Sepsis warning signs after death of TV legend death from elective surgery ‘gone wrong’

The British TV director reportedly died from sepsis after an elective surgery

Events

5 hours ago Only a genius can find five shoes lost in the valley in under 10 seconds

Spin Genie has released a difficult brain teaser which only 33 per cent of Brits can solve. There are five shoes hiding in the image - can you spot all of them?

Politics

14 hours ago Sue Radford of Britain's biggest family misses the birth of 13th grandchild as husband Noel whisks her away to Dubai 3 weeks before their daughter's due date

In latest episode of 22 Kids and Counting, Katie Radford, from Morecambe, gave birth to her first child - but not without complications.

Society

14 hours ago Fears shops will run out of bottled water after burst pipe at treatment plant leaves 40,000 homes without supply in Conwy

Around 40,000 households in north Wales face having no water as five schools have been forced to temporarily shut their doors after a pipe burst at a treatment plant. 

Economics

24 hours ago Ruben Amorim urged to hijack Arsenal transfer in desperate bid to solve Man Utd crisis

Gary Pallister believes Red Devils need to address their striker issue urgently and says Newcastle striker Alexander Isak would fit the bill perfectly - even at £150million

Sport

4 hours ago Urgent £20k fine warning for anyone planning to cut trees down in own garden

Gardeners may need to chop down dead trees as they pose a risk of falling, but there's some rules that must be followed before the chainsaw comes out.

Events

6 hours ago 'UK must keep standing by Ukraine – giving Putin the whip hand is unacceptable'

The outcome of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been thrown into doubt following Donald Trump’s election to the White House - but Britain must continue to back Ukraine

Politics

22 hours ago UK weather: Fog blankets Britain as Met Office issue map showing worst

The weather warning is in place until 11am on Thursday and affects large areas of England, stretching from Exeter to Oxford, Birmingham , Peterborough, and York, as well as parts of Wales.

Society

16 hours ago Older people could be due DWP payout after new State Pension communication issue identified

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman is urging pensioners who may be affected to contact the DWP.

Economics

4 hours ago DWP State Pension warning for anyone 66 or over with key dates for age increase

The next State Pension age rise to 67 is being phased in so some won't qualify on their 66th birthday but will instead have to wait longer, the transition that will occur gradually between 2026 and 2027

Events

7 hours ago Will I be hugging my Emily in days? Mother of British hostage sends message of thanks to Donald Trump... and dreams of an end to her agony at last

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists attacked Emily's home, shot her in the hand, murdered her friends and kidnapped her into Gaza amid the largest slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust.

Politics

17 hours ago February 2025 payment dates for benefits and pensions as DWP cuts rumoured

All the essential cost of living information you need

Economics

4 hours ago James Cordon is secretly performing for FREE in 'panic attack inducing' immersive stage show on the West End

Just weeks ago James Corden was the talk of Britain alongside Ruth Jones as audiences settled in for the final ever episode of Gavin and Stacey.

Events

18 hours ago Flights from Southend to Newquay launch just in time for Brits' summer holidays... but Cornish locals complain they're getting the rough end of the deal

London Southend Airport announced on Monday that daily flights to Newquay, Cornwall will commence from April 2025 with airline partner, Eastern Airways.

Economics

6 hours ago SpaceX’s Starship test flight ends in failure after spacecraft is destroyed

Rocket’s six engines appeared to shut down one after another after nearly nine minutes, while booster returnedSpaceX launched its Starship rocket on its latest test flight Thursday, but the spacecraft was destroyed following a thrilling booster catch back at the pad.Elon Musk’s company said the spacecraft’s six engines appeared to shut down one by one, with contact lost just 8min 30sec into the flight. Continue reading...

Events

8 hours ago Biden urges troops to ‘remember your oath’ at Defense Department farewell ceremony

Biden urges service members to uphold pledge to ‘support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic’

Politics

18 hours ago White exec wins £40,000 payout after accusing Indian boss of race discrimination when she was excluded from Teams calls

Nicola Blackwell alleged female manager Varsha Kapoor had targeted her keeping her out of online meetings and speaking about her in Hindi to a colleague, a tribunal heard. (stock image)

Economics

6 hours ago Urgent warning as two children 'grabbed by strangers' in separate abduction attempts

The horrors happened within a six-mile radius near two schools - Flixton Girls School and Moorlands Junior School - across Greater Manchester and both are being investigated

Events

8 hours ago UK will play its 'full part' in peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine, says Sir Keir Starmer

Britain will discuss possible future deployment of peacekeeping forces with allies, Sir Keir Starmer said

Politics

18 hours ago Millions of Brits will run out of cash in days as we're 'stretched to the limits'

The gap between December and January payday is a notoriously long one, with nearly two in five (37%) expected to completely run out of money before payday arrives

Economics

7 hours ago Accused American 'assassin' brought back to Britain over 'bungled murder plot'

Aimee Betro was arrested in Armenia and flown back to the UK where she has been charged in relation to a failed conspiracy to murder a man from Birmingham back in 2019

Events

8 hours ago North Wales without water: Tens of thousands could be without supply until SUNDAY after a single pipe burst

Supply issues first became a problem for residents in the Conwy county on Wednesday, after a major water main was reported damaged at the Bryn Cowlyd Water Treatment Works in Dolgarrog.

Politics

19 hours ago Thousands left without water and schools forced to close after pipe burst at treatment plant

Around 40,000 households in north Wales face having no water as five schools have been forced to temporarily shut their doors after a pipe burst at a treatment plant. 

Economics

7 hours ago Pressure grows on PM's top legal aide as he faces calls to withdraw from consulting on certain government decisions over Ulster payout 'conflict of interest'

An audit shows Lord Hermer KC, the Attorney General and a specialist human rights lawyer before joining Sir Keir's Cabinet, has previously represented Gerry Adams.

Events

8 hours ago DWP triggers new Cold Weather Payments for 160 areas – check your postcode on map

Around 170,000 low income households in 160 postcode areas will receive the payment to help cover their heating costs this winter - use our interractive map to check if you qualify

Politics

21 hours ago January 2025 payment dates for benefits and pensions as DWP to launch disability consultation

All the essential cost of living information you need

Economics

7 hours ago US imposes sanctions on Sudan’s army chief over tactics in deadly civil war

Measures come a week after Washington also sanctioned Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s rival, Mohamed Hamdan DagaloThe United States has imposed sanctions on Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing him of choosing war over negotiations to bring an end to the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and driven millions from their homes.The US treasury department said in a statement that under Burhan’s leadership, the army’s war tactics have included indiscriminate bombing of civilian infrastructure, attacks on schools, markets and hospitals, and extrajudicial executions. Continue reading...

Events

9 hours ago AP Exclusive: Egypt's chief diplomat urges Israel and Hamas to enact ceasefire 'without any delay'

Egypt’s chief diplomat is calling on Israel and Hamas to implement a Gaza ceasefire plan “without any delay.”

Politics

21 hours ago This Gaza ceasefire deal is a fragile thing, beset by strongman egos. But it is our best hope yet | Simon Tisdall

Netanyahu, with Trump waiting in the wings, has no interest in lasting peace. From these beginnings must come political change – and a reckoning At last! The yearned-for Israel-Hamas ceasefire-for-hostages deal is finally happening. It is welcome. Like thin ice covering deep waters, it is scarily fragile, prone to crack under the slightest pressure. And it is desperately, lethally overdue. Tens of thousands of Palestinians, and many Israelis, have died since last May, when US president Joe Biden first set out the parameters of this agreement. Civilians are still being killed in Israeli airstrikes that have actually intensified since the two sides grudgingly initialled the deal in Qatar.Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere are naturally relieved these merciless Israeli bombardments will soon stop. But celebrations are tempered by fears about the future, and by deep grief and anger over the still terrifying present and immediate past. According to Gaza health ministry figures, more than...

Economics

9 hours ago Urgent warning as 'six suspicious males' spotted after 'attempted abduction' of schoolgirl

Police in Manchester received reports of six 'suspicious males' following an 'attempted abduction' of a schoolgirl and a second incident on the same day when a year seven pupil was 'lunged' at nearby

Events

9 hours ago People 'scoop water from sea' to flush toilets as tens of thousands without supply

Farmers have been left without water for their livestock and pet owners are going thirsty so that their animals can drink

Politics

22 hours ago Martin Lewis issues urgent warning to British Airways passengers and reveals £117 MILLION pot of cash for customers to claims is about to expire

Martin Lewis has issued a warning to all British Airways passengers, alerting them to a cash pot of £117 million in unredeemed cVouchers.

Economics

9 hours ago Police issue urgent warning after six reports of 'suspicious males' following 'attempted abduction'

Police in Manchester received six reports of 'suspicious males' following an 'attempted abduction' of a schoolgirl and a second incident on the same day when a year seven pupil was 'lunged' at nearby

Events

10 hours ago Tyson Fury set for urgent retirement talks after claims that 'decision can change'

Two-time heavyweight champion Tyson Fury took to social media on Monday to confirm his decision to retire from boxing, but Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is determined to hold talks with the 'Gypsy King' over a potential u-turn

Politics

23 hours ago CCTV images released after two tram station workers assaulted in three days

People are being urged to come forward

Economics

11 hours ago Urgent search for baby missing with family of five in Edinburgh as police issue update

The father, mother, their two daughters and 11-month-old son were last seen at 12.30am on Thursday on Captain's Road in the Gracemount area of Edinburgh, police said

Events

11 hours ago Brad Pitt reacts to ‘awful’ scammers who fooled French woman using his pictures

Anne, 53, was scammed out of hundreds of thousands after believing she was in a long-term relationship with the actorA spokesperson for Brad Pitt has addressed the viral story about a French woman who believed she was in a long-term relationship with the actor and was scammed out of €830,000 ($854,940, £700,000) by someone posing as him.“It’s awful that scammers take advantage of the strong bond between fans and celebrities,” the spokesperson said in a statement obtained by E! News. “But this is an important reminder not to respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence.” Continue reading...

Politics

23 hours ago A 100% tax on Brits buying homes in Spain sounds satisfying – but it won’t solve our housing crisis | María Ramírez

Making visitors pay more may bolster Treasury revenues, but it’s no match for building more housesLast October, tens of thousands of people marched through Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other big Spanish cities demanding affordable housing. Protesters jingled keys to make noise, held signs denouncing “speculators”, and threatened a “rent strike” while calling for action from national and local politicians. They had good reason to be angry.Housing has become the most pressing concern for Spaniards, according to a December survey by the national polling centre, ranking higher than unemployment and migration. Look at the statistics and it’s clear why. The cost of renting in cities rose by around 30% between 2015 and 2022, forcing young workers to move to the outskirts of Madrid and Barcelona or settle for tiny, often barely habitable flats. In popular tourist regions like Valencia, Alicante and Málaga, rents have surged by 40%. For workers in the Balearic Islands, a commute by plane ...

Economics

11 hours ago ‘We will be betrayed’: cold, fearful and still under fire, Gaza’s people wait

Palestinians describe grief and anxiety as they seek news that the ceasefire is going ahead, and airstrikes continueMiddle East crisis – live updatesAmid continuing airstrikes, bitter cold and news of delays, millions in Gaza were waiting anxiously on Thursday for confirmation that the ceasefire-for-hostages deal between Hamas and Israel was going ahead.Many spoke of their fear that hopes of a new beginning after a 15-month conflict might be dashed. The war has killed many tens of thousands in the territory and reduced swathes of it to ruins. Continue reading...

Events

11 hours ago Desperate dad's letter as schoolgirl took own life after chilling social media posts

Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter Molly took her own life after being exposed to online harms, sent an urgent letter to the Chancellor about online safety - read in full below

Politics

24 hours ago Liz Truss is long gone from Downing Street – but zombie economics lives on | Aditya Chakrabortty

Labour’s panicked reaction to turbulence is to promise ‘ruthless’ cuts. It has learned the wrong lessons from Britain’s shortest-lived PMBritain’s centre of power is stalked by a zombie. Across Westminster, the mere mention of her name summons up a grim past, but she remains ever present: blond bob, eyes that never move and a grin slightly aslant so it expresses not mirth, but faint menace. When least expected, she can bark a laugh that sends shivers up a cabinet minister’s spine. And whenever her shadow looms in SW1, the dread murmur starts: she used to be prime minister, you know.Liz Truss’s stint at the top of politics ended years ago. Perhaps close confidants and trained medics are yet to break the news, but for her, power is a fading memory, a shrinking image in the rear-view. As the voters of South West Norfolk ensured last July, she is now an ex-politician. Yet in British political culture, she is the great undead. No other prime minister since the Brexit vote so haunts curre...

Economics

11 hours ago ‘We were domestic slaves – now we save other victims from abuse and rape in the UK’

Real Britain this week meets the former victims of modern slavery who have united to save other women from the same fate and escape their wealthy abusers

Events

12 hours ago Government reverses new visa requirement for Heathrow transit passengers

Heathrow jubilant as ministers back down on plans to require visa from every passenger changing planes at Britain’s busiest airport

Politics

27 hours ago DWP Cold Weather Payment checker as hundreds of new postcodes to get £25

Eligible households in 625 areas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are due a payment

Economics

12 hours ago Sean Brown murder has left ‘indelible stain’ on British state, court hears

A barrister for the GAA official’s family urged judges to reject a Government bid to overturn a court order compelling it to hold a public inquiry.

Events

12 hours ago DWP announces Cold Weather Payments for another 160 postcode areas in England

Areas of the Home Counties, Norfolk, Essex and Kent are now due the £25 payments

Politics

28 hours ago Amazon shoppers swap Dyson and Shark for 'game changing' £70 cordless vacuum

The vacuum is a number one best-seller on Amazon and has had thousands of five-star reviews.

Economics

13 hours ago Social media giants given 'final deadline' to stop kids accessing harmful content

Media regulator Ofcom has ordered online services to take urgent action to stop kids seeing content relating to pornography, suicide, self-harm and eating disorders

Events

12 hours ago 'A Thousand Blows' trailer: 'Peaky Blinders' creator takes viewers to 1880s London

'A Thousand Blows' trailer: 'Peaky Blinders' creator takes viewers to 1880s London  UPI News

Politics

13 hours ago UK snow maps show ‘3cm per hour’ storm will batter major cities including London this month

More snow is on the cards for millions of Brits later this month, weather maps from WXCharts show, as the Met Office warns of a chance of colder weather returning and bringing snow showers with it

Events