24 minutes ago French president abandons electricity tax rise amid pressure from far right

Michel Barnier may still face vote of no-confidence as a result of political paralysis over €60bn in proposed taxationThe French government has promised to scrap proposed tax increases on electricity as it scrabbles to calm its far-right rivals and prevent a political crisis that could see the prime minister, Michel Barnier, toppled in a no-confidence vote as early as next week.“I’ve decided not to raise taxes on electricity,” Barnier told Le Figaro on Wednesday, in a major concession to political opposition groups who are threatening to bring down the unpopular government over its belt-tightening budget. Continue reading...

Politics

25 minutes ago Agriculture funding change sent shock waves through Scottish farming, says NFU

Hundreds of farmers, crofters and agricultural workers protested outside the Scottish Parliament on Thursday

Events

27 minutes ago Protesters block entrances of government departments in London, demanding full arms embargo on Israel

Protesters block entrances of government departments in London, demanding full arms embargo on Israel  Middle East Monitor

Politics

27 minutes ago London stocks close in green as takeover flurry drives FTSE 250 higher

London’s top index finished 6.47 points higher to end the day at 8,281.22.

Politics

28 minutes ago UB40: Singer Ali Campbell reveals he was turned away from Scottish hotel due to his name

EXCLUSIVE: The Red Red Wine hitmaker thought they were ‘kidding’ when he was forced to go elsewhere

Politics

29 minutes ago London trio tracked journalists and dissidents as part of Russian spy ring, trial hears

Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, deny conspiring with a Russian agent to pass information to the country

Politics

38 minutes ago Fact check: The number of people seeking asylum in Ireland dropped in October

Data from October shows that international protection applications were around half in October compared to May, but only 25% lower than in June.

Events

42 minutes ago Footballer Kevin Van Veen 'made his ex stand naked during arguments and shoved her off bed when she was pregnant'

The Dutch striker has appeared in court over claims he conducted a three-year campaign of abuse against his former partner.

Sport

46 minutes ago Doughnut Time founder faces backlash after black business owner accuses him of 'stealing' her brand's identity with his new flower venture (and even Stormzy has waded in!)

Eni Awoyemi is the founder of Feyi Flowers, a bespoke bouquet service with outlets based in Hackney Wick, and formerly Oxford Street, in London.

Events

46 minutes ago Things to do in London this weekend, from Yunè Pinku to Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

From a South Korean superstar to Christmas at the Albert Hall, here’s everything to get up to in town this weekend

Politics