15 h. ago Germany plans rapid bunker expansion amid fears of Russian attack

Civil protection agency chief says country is ill-prepared for conflict and calls for urgent upgrades to cold war sheltersGermany is drawing up plans to rapidly expand its network of bomb-proof bunkers and shelters, the government’s most senior civilian protection official has said, warning the state needs to be prepared for an attack from Russia within the next four years.Ralph Tiesler, the head of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), said Europe’s largest economy needed to wake up to the reality of conflict, and that in its current state Germany was inadequately prepared. Continue reading...

Events

19 h. ago A top Taliban official offers amnesty to Afghans who fled the country and urges them to return

A top Taliban official says Afghans who fled the country can return home, offering a a general amnesty to those who left after the collapse of the former Western-backed government

Politics

46 h. ago Russia bombards Kyiv after Putin vows revenge for Operation Spiderweb

Four people killed and 20 wounded as missiles and drones strike Ukrainian capitalEurope live – latest updatesRussia launched an intense missile and drone barrage at Kyiv overnight, killing four people, after Vladimir Putin had vowed to respond to Operation Spiderweb.Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Friday that Russia had launched more than 400 drones and more than 40 missiles at the country, as he urged allies to build pressure on the Kremlin to end its war. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Voices: ‘Raising taxes is political suicide’: Readers tackle uncomfortable truth behind UK’s growth slump

Our community is sharply divided over how Rachel Reeves should fix the country’s finances. While some urged spending cuts over tax rises, others insisted ‘we really can’t afford to support the lifestyles of the mega wealthy’

Politics

2 w. ago North Korean defectors urge the UN to hold the country's leader accountable for rights abuses

Two women who fled North Korea have been telling the United Nations about the plight of people still living in the country and urging the world body to hold North Korea’s leader accountable for gross human rights violations

Politics

2 w. ago Brits urged to take shorter showers to avoid hosepipe bans as country's dry spell sparks drought fears while water bills soar

It is the driest spring so far in more than a century, which has prompted warnings of a drought in England this summer without sustained rainfall.

Politics

2 w. ago Brits urged to visit beautiful country that's 'better' than Thailand with less tourists

While Thailand is experiencing a major tourist boom thanks to the 'White Lotus Effect', those wishing to avoid the crowds should consider visiting this equally stunning and exciting Southeast Asian gem

Politics

3 w. ago Taps in homes 'across the country' could be riddled with dangerous bacteria, expert warns

Bacteria which is plaguing North Yorkshire's water supply could infect taps all over the country, experts have warned. Residents were issued with an urgent 'do not drink' warning from Yorkshire Water.

Events