17 h. ago Tech companies’ access to UK ministers dwarfs that of child safety groups

Exclusive: Amazon, Meta and X among firms holding hundreds of meetings with people at heart of government, data showsTech companies have been meeting government ministers at a rate of more than once per working day, enjoying high-level political access that dwarfs that of child safety and copyright campaigners, who called the pattern “shocking” and “disturbing”.Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Elon Musk’s X, whose Grok AI image generator has sparked outrage with its sexualised images of women and children, were among the US tech companies holding hundreds of meetings with people at the heart of government, a Guardian investigation has found. Continue reading...

Politics

22 h. ago BBC Gladiators star supported by colleagues after suffering heart

Gladiators star Zack George, known as Steel, was inundated with support after his baby son died last year

Sport

5 d. ago Shock number of pubs & restaurants that may have to shut EVERY DAY unless Labour reverses business rates hike revealed

AN average of six pubs, ­restaurants or hotels will shut every day from April unless the Government reverses its business rates hike, industry leaders warn. Figures suggest 2,077 hospitality venues face being wiped out. They have survived in recent years due to government schemes giving them relief on business rates. But discounts are due to...

Events

5 d. ago Six hospitality firms a day could close without rates help, warns trade group

UK Hospitality estimates that 2,076 firms could close in 2026 as a result of rising property taxes.

Events

5 d. ago BBC Countryfile's Matt Baker sparks concern after suffering from 'years of pain'

The Countryfile presenter has been flooded with support after sharing a candid Instagram post about dealing with years of pain

Politics

6 d. ago BBC Radio 1 star Reggie Yates reveals he's suffered a cancer scare as he undergoes surgery to remove a tumour from his hand

BBC presenter Reggie Yates has revealed he has undergone surgery to remove a tumour from his hand as he gave a health update on Sunday. 

Politics

1 week ago England big guns cut loose to highlight folly of Australia’s bowling choices | Geoff Lemon

Playing without a spinner is one thing, but Webster and Green are only good enough to be the fifth bowlerIn the end, it was a relief. Not to say that a lot of Australians would exactly have been tuning into the Sydney Ashes Test hoping to hear that England were doing well, but at least seeing a couple of sessions yield a score of 211 for three felt normal. The run rate was trending towards the adventurous, but it was a day within the accepted frame, and that is a template that not many days this series have been able to match.In the context of this current England team, a fast opening stand of 35 from 40 balls was normal. The wickets of both openers in quick succession to follow was normal. When first drop Jacob Bethell nicked off on 10 though, having looked in excellent early touch both defensively and in attack, the score of 57 for three put a little tremor through onlookers. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago F1 presenter 'partially paralysed on bathroom floor' as flu led to something much worse

It has been three years since beloved Formula 1 pundit Jennie Gow suffered a stroke and the BBC F1 favourite admits 'some days are a struggle' even after returning to full-time work

Politics

2 w. ago Minutes of latest Federal Reserve meeting reveal deep divide over interest rates

In an unusual turn, the central bank’s board debated over monetary policy before the latest quarter-point cutThe US Federal Reserve agreed to cut interest rates at its December meeting only after a deeply nuanced debate about the risks facing the US economy right now, according to minutes of the latest two-day session.Even some of those who supported the rate cut acknowledged “the decision was finely balanced or that they could have supported keeping the target range unchanged”, given the different risks facing the US economy, according to the minutes released on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Jordan James completes double over Derby to lift sour mood at Leicester

Doing a December double over Derby may have offered Leicester fans some festive cheer but it is unlikely to brook the festering resentment against a board whose treatment of staff over Christmas has only exacerbated the ill will around the King Power Stadium.First-half goals from Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Jordan James sandwiched Rhian Brewster’s equaliser to earn Martí Cifuentes, the manager, some respite after successive defeats. Leicester are four points off the playoff zone going into Thursday’s visit to Sheffield United but there are still plans for fans to boycott next Monday’s televised game with West Brom. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago "Christmas brings out the worst in some": Greater Manchester bar issues defiant message after staff met with abuse

'Be nicer and grow up'

Sport

2 w. ago Turkey and leek pie recipe described as 'utterly delicious' for leftover Christmas meat

A leftover turkey pie is a delicious option to use up any roast remaining after the big day. This highly-rated recipe has been praised as 'fabulous' by reviewers and is easy to adapt

Politics

3 w. ago 'Coffee machines we actually use and love from a team who drinks multiple cups a day'

We all have a cup of coffee at least once a day - these are the espresso, latte and cappuccino machines we rate

Politics

3 w. ago Swimmer describes 'worst conditions ever' as two remain missing after Christmas swim

Two men remain missing after getting into difficulty during a Christmas Day swim where witnesses reported 6ft waves and 65mph winds

Events

3 w. ago BBC suffers 'worst Christmas Day TV ratings ever' as viewers turn their backs on corporation's festive offerings

Viewing figures were almost two thirds lower at their peak this December 25, with almost 4.6 million people tuning in to watch King Charles III's annual Christmas message.

Politics

3 w. ago Survivor describes 'worst conditions' as two men swept out to sea in Christmas swim

Two men remain missing after getting into difficulty during a festive swim

Events

3 w. ago Christmas Day swim survivor says 'it was a mistake to get in' after he was rescued from 'worst ever conditions' in festive event believed to have killed two

Two people are believed to have been killed after disaster struck during the annual event off the coast of Budleigh Salterton in Devon on Thursday.

Events

3 w. ago Used pyjamas for Christmas: Britons name their most disappointing gifts

More than 20 per cent of people received an unwanted or unsuitable present

Politics

3 w. ago Worst days to travel AFTER Christmas are revealed as 22m Brits hit roads today alone

BOXING Day sparks a post-Christmas surge on Britain’s roads, with close to 20 million cars expected today as families head out for visits and sales. Fresh AA survey data shows the crunch arrives immediately after, with the heaviest traffic on December 27, 29 and 30 December - three peak days set to bring the biggest...

Events

3 w. ago Hibs vs Hearts: Get £50 in free bets for huge Edinburgh derby with Betfred

HIBS host runaway leaders and bitter rivals Hearts in a festive Edinburgh derby cracker on Saturday. And Betfred are offering brand new customers a wonderful £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the Celtic Park contest. Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here Hibs vs Hearts: Get £50 free bets...

Economics