72 minutes ago Archbishop of York’s Christmas Day sermon ’empty words’, Bishop of Newcastle says

Stephen Cottrell said the Church should ‘kneel in penitence’ during his sermon at York Minster.

Politics

86 minutes ago French flirting, flute fusion and love flowin’ free: the best old music we discovered this year

A little crate-digging can yield buried treasure – as our music writers found this year when they discovered everything from Taiwanese pop star to Cher’s disco eraThis year I completed Duolingo in French, but found myself no closer to being able to carry out what I would call a conversation. (Exchanging likes and dislikes doesn’t count.) I decided to go Paris to practise on some unsuspecting locals, procured via Hinge. One man proved surprisingly game: he not only spoke excellent English but was a self-described anglophile, more up to date than I am on UK politics and truly passionate about Marks & Spencer. Continue reading...

Politics

1 hour ago Scots medics charity for victims of violence sends Christmas gifts to 100 kids

Medics Against Violence was set up 15 years ago by a group of medics who wanted to do something practical to reduce injuries sustained through violence in Scotland.

Events

1 hour ago Claims downed Azerbaijan Airlines plane has 'strange marks consistent with gunfire or explosion'

The 100-seater Azerbaijan Airlines flight circled Aktau Airport several times before crash landing in a fireball on the ground, with 67 passengers and five crew said to be on board at the time

Events

2 hours ago England's Euro heartache, Jurgen Klopp farewell and Erik ten Hag sacked

It was an eventful year in football as England got to the Euro 2024 final before losing to worthy winners Spain, while there were big managerial changes as Jurgen Klopp departed and Erik ten Hag was finally sacked

Politics

3 hours ago Bilderberg Group changes itself for the modern world – and return of Trump

Once the apex of conspiracy theories, the influential group signals a shift by naming ex-Nato chief as new co-chairThe former head of Nato, Jens Stoltenberg, has been named the new co-chair of the influential Bilderberg Group, which convenes a yearly transatlantic policy conference and has long been the subject of conspiracy theories around the extent of its power to shape global events.After a turbulent decade at the helm of the alliance’s military, Stoltenberg now takes over at its pre-eminent discussion forum: a fiercely private four-day event frequented by prime minsters, EU commissioners, bank bosses, corporate CEOs and intelligence chiefs. Continue reading...

Politics

3 hours ago Jedi knights, cartwheels, poo and vomit – The best sporting quotes of 2024

From Roy Keane quips to British icon Andy Murray's emotional moments and a frustrated Tyson Fury, there have been no shortage of memorable quotes throughout an eventful 2024

Politics

3 hours ago Sainsbury's and Matalan urgently recall stocking filler item as they issue warning over serious health risk

Both retailers issued warnings saying that the product could be dangerous due to an 'elevated value' of high nickel content.

Events

3 hours ago Cristiano Ronaldo sports matching pyjamas with his family in Lapland while Chrissy Teigan and John Legend jet off to London as they lead the celebrities celebrating Christmas Day

Leading the way was Cristiano Ronaldo, who gushed that 'the most important part of Christmas' is family, as he shared a cosy snap with his girlfriend and children.

Politics

4 hours ago 10 sports stars who could shine in 2025 including Man Utd transfer target and Luke Littler

The next 12 months will be packed full of major sporting events, including the women's Euros, the World Darts Championship and the World Athletics Championships

Sport