98 m. ago ‘You’re barred!’: Labour’s battle with pubs promises a new year headache

A protest barring MPs from pubs is exposing deeper tensions between politicians and the communities they representLabour MPs heading back to their constituencies this weekend will do so with a sense of relief that another turbulent term in British politics is over. But those hoping to pitch up at their local pub for a restorative pint with colleagues and constituents may find festive cheer is in short supply. In fact, some may not be allowed through the door.For the past few weeks, pubs across the country have been putting up signs declaring “No Labour MPs” in protest at changes to business rates announced by the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in her latest budget. Continue reading...

Events

98 m. ago ‘I’m going to scream!’: how to survive (and maybe even enjoy) your family Christmas

From preparing safe topics to taking silly games, we ask the experts how to avoid falling out with your nearest and dearest – before, during and after the big day• I threw a potato. Mum brandished a knife – would whole-family therapy save our Christmas?Plan breaks in your schedule Spending time with difficult family members requires careful planning, says Katie Rose, a therapist registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the founder of TherapEast. “If you’re going to stay with somebody for three or four days, find ways to politely give yourself a break. Go for lunch with friends who live locally, or book a ticket to a museum or a National Trust place so that you have ways of getting yourself out of the house.” Tamara Hoyton, a senior practitioner for Relate at Family Action, agrees that scheduling breaks is a good strategy. “Arrange a trip out, or offer to cook so that you’re away from the living room where everyone else ...

Events

98 m. ago 'The town that taught the world a lesson in humanity': Lockerbie marks the 37th anniversary of bombing

Lockerbie looks to the past on the 37th anniversary of the atrocity that killed 270 people - but also the future, in a sense of hope and honour.

Events

99 m. ago Lewis Morgan lifts lid on San Diego switch, Scotland World Cup dream and brutal Lionel Messi lesson

The former Celtic and St Mirren ace has moved over 2500 miles across the States from New York Red Bulls but hopes the switch can help him book a spot back on the east coast with Scotland next summer.

Events

1 hour ago What Heathrow Airport's third runway means for London, the environment and rival European hubs

Heathrow's third runway is back on the table, and this time, this time, the government says it's serious again

Society

2 h. ago Pat Cummins is in rare air as an Ashes captain. Can his Dad's Army go around again? | Geoff Lemon

He’s achieved an Ashes feat that few others have. But he’s still missing an outright win in EnglandStarc breaks England hearts again as Australia retain the AshesWhile it took longer than expected on the fifth day in Adelaide, eventually it was done. A series won, the Ashes retained for another year and a half until they next go up for grabs in England. For Pat Cummins, this makes three consecutive Ashes series captained without giving up the urn. The feat leaves him in sparse but fine company: the others to do it are Joe Darling, Don Bradman, Richie Benaud, Mike Brearley, Allan Border and Mark Taylor.It made things neater that Steve Smith missed this third Test, having captained the first two wins in Cummins’ absence, so that it didn’t feel like the full-time captain was swooping in to hoover up the stand-in’s lunch. Those situations can be odd, like Adam Gilchrist filling in to lead what was very much Ricky Ponting’s team, captaining two wins in India in 2004 before Ponting return...

Politics

2 h. ago I compared Aldi, Tesco and M&S Christmas biscuits with Fox's — 1 came in last place

There's still time to get a box.

Politics

2 h. ago Spain’s ruling party faces crunch regional poll amid corruption and harassment claims

Results of Sunday’s snap election in Extremadura are seen as key test of Pedro Sánchez and his PSOE partySpain’s beleaguered prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, faces a key test on Sunday when voters in the south-western region of Extremadura cast their ballots in the first major election to be held since a series of corruption and sexual harassment allegations enveloped his inner circle, his party and his administration.Extremadura, once a stronghold of Sánchez’s Spanish Socialist Workers’ party (PSOE), has been in the hands of the conservative People’s party (PP) since 2023, when the latter managed to form a short-lived coalition government with the far-right Vox party, despite finishing just behind the socialists. Continue reading...

Events

2 h. ago Violent brawl sees three players ejected as Eagles vs Commanders descends into chaos

The Eagles held a 29-10 lead at the time but a brutal fight broke out shortly after Saquon Barkley scored a two-point conversion for Philadelphia.

Sport

3 h. ago Dominant Australia defeat England in third Test to retain Ashes – live reaction

Australia win by 82 runs as England fall short of record run chase in Adelaide Ashes top 100 | Get the Spin newsletter | Email James66th over: England 214-6 (Smith 9, Jacks 11) Smith pushes a single off Lyon. It’s the only run off the over. Oohs and ahhs from the Aussie fielders, I wouldn’t say Marnus is quiet exactly.65th over: England 213-6 (Smith 8, Jacks 11) Smith drives Cameron Green for three more but it was uppish and not too far away from the bowler’s gargantuan wing span in his follow through. Jacks then nearly nicks off with a loosey goosey drive. Gah. To channel Ray Winstone in The Departed – I’m here to tell you there are ways to get out and ways to not get out, getting out caught and bowled to a loose drive is not a way to get out. Continue reading...

Politics

4 h. ago I ate Aldi, Tesco and M&S Christmas biscuits — one is better than Fox's

There's still time to get your hands on a box.

Politics

4 h. ago Ukraine war briefing: Russian oil rig hit in Caspian Sea over 700km from Ukraine

Kyiv continues campaign of attacks on Russia-linked maritime targets; latest US idea is three-way peace talks. What we know on day 1,397 Ukrainian drones hit an oil rig at Russia’s Filanovsky field in the Caspian Sea – more than 700km (435 miles) from Ukraine’s nearest border, as well as the military patrol ship Okhotnik and other facilities, Ukraine’s military general staff said in a statement on Saturday. It said the ship was patrolling near the platform. The extent of the damage was being assessed. The attack continues Kyiv’s recent campaign of strikes on Russia-linked maritime targets far from Ukrainian territory.Ukrainian drones struck a radar system in the Krasnosilske area of Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed two Russian fighter jets were also destroyed at an airfield in occupied Crimea.Since Thursday, Russian forces have at least five times hit a bridge on the Dniester River near the village of Mayaky, south-w...

Events

5 h. ago How much hosting this Christmas will add to your energy bills

This comes on top of extra spending at this time of year

Science

5 h. ago Angela Rayner should come clean on her house scandal in memoir, says Lord Ashcroft

The former deputy Prime Minister confirmed last week that she has signed a deal to write an 'authentic' book about her rise from working class roots to the Cabinet - and then her resignation

Politics

7 h. ago From cosying up in idyllic rural retreat to foodies’ delight – two dreamy couples’ getaways

HAS party season left you craving some one-on-one time? Book a dreamy couples’ getaway. The Challoners, East Sussex Deputy Editor Gayle Schoales, husband Nick and their Jack Russell Dixie cosied up in an idyllic rural retreat. THE PAD It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting than The Challoners: two timber-clad cabins in a lush...

Events

7 h. ago MAIL ON SUNDAY COMMENT: A season of good cheer? Not when Reeves can't rule out more tax rises

The two already do not get on very well, as we have seen several times lately, but the problem appears to be getting worse rather than better.

Politics

8 h. ago Mikel Arteta has ‘belief and confidence’ in Arsenal’s Premier League title bid

The Gunners lead the Premier League on December 25 for the fifth time, but they have yet to convert that into a title win.

Politics

8 h. ago The Trump administration spends $3,500 every time an immigrant self

The Department of Homeland Security has branded self-deportation a ‘dignified’ route out of the country. But advocates warn those who choose to do so may not be able to return for years — or at all. Kelly Rissman reports

Events

8 h. ago 'Wow!' Prince George's reaction as he signs homeless shelter year book

At The Passage homelessness charity, George, 12, followed in the footsteps of Princess Diana and his father Prince William after their first visit in 1993.

Politics

8 h. ago Strictly's Amy Dowden says she and 'brother' Carlos Gu had 'many emotional nights' in Karen Carney tribute

Amy returned to the BBC dancing competition's dancefloor for the first time sine her recent surgery

Politics