47 m. ago Germany election: Europe must boost defence capabilities quickly, says Merz

Leader of victorious conservative alliance says transatlantic alliance will be difficult with Trump’s ‘America alone’ mottoThe man expected to be Germany’s next chancellor has said Europe must act swiftly to increase its defence capability in the face of a US administration whose motto is moving towards “America alone”, adding: “This is really five minutes to midnight for Europe.”In a wide-ranging press conference after his conservative alliance’s victory in Sunday’s federal election, Friedrich Merz made it clear his focus was on the turbulent geopolitical landscape, saying that although he would seek good ties with the US he was also ready for “the worst-case scenario”. Continue reading...

Politics

59 m. ago Trump says Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine and twar could end ‘within weeks’ – live

US president says Zelenskyy may come to Washington to sign mineral deal this week or next; Russia open for economic cooperation with US, Putin envoy saysThe EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas earlier said that she would be travelling to the US tomorrow to meet with US secretary of state Marco Rubio, adding that what she called the “Russian narrative” is “strongly represented” in comments being made by the second Donald Trump administration.She told reporters “I think it’s good that we have as many interactions with the new administration in US as possible. I’m also travelling tomorrow to the US to meet Marco Rubio and others there to discuss these issues, because it’s extremely important.” Continue reading...

Politics

76 m. ago Trump says Zelensky could visit ‘this week or next week’ to sign mineral deal

Trump has effectively shifted U.S. policy to favor Russia over Ukraine since taking office last month

Politics

1 hour ago Blenheim Palace £2.8m gold toilet 'was stolen in just five minutes in audacious heist'

The raid on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, happened during an exhibition in 2019 showcasing the expensive artwork, called 'America'

Economics

1 hour ago Girl, 14, found in holdall in car boot trafficked to UK after being handed over to French police, report says

Officers using pain-inducing techniques on a detainee among report’s shocking findings

Events

2 h. ago Man United are showing true Rasmus Hojlund transfer colours as laughable £81m statement made

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund may need to be part of a summer overhaul at Old Trafford with the striker showing very little to be worth persisting with.

Economics

2 h. ago Apple announces $500 billion investment in US amid tariff threats that could affect the iPhone

Apple announced Monday that it plans to invest more than $500 billion in the United States over the next four years, including plans to hire 20,000 people and build a new server factory in Texas

Economics

2 h. ago England cricket hero announces decision to retire as he reveals next move

Moeen Ali will quit the domestic game after this year's Vitality Blast campaign with Warwickshire with all-rounder keen on move into coaching following spell turning out for T20 franchises abroad

Politics

2 h. ago First eggs, now coffee: The price of roast beans hits highest mark in 50 years

Climate change and US ‘geopolitical uncertainty’ are making staple groceries more expensive for Americans

Events

2 h. ago Huge Manchester Therme water resort update issued as costs rise to £400million

Bosses have an issued an update to explain where they're up to on creating the massive 28-acre wellness resort next to the Trafford Centre

Economics

3 h. ago Who will be the next Pope as six Cardinals in the frame amid fears for pontiff's health

Pope Francis, 88, developed pneumonia in both lungs over the weekend and is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days as he receives treatment

Science

3 h. ago How much fees and charges for council services in Merthyr could increase next year

A standard 2.5% increase looks set to be implemented but some areas are under review

Politics

4 h. ago Breast cancer diagnoses and deaths expected to surge worldwide, says WHO

Cases in UK set to rise by 21% and deaths by 42%, while globally one in 20 women will be diagnosed with diseaseBreast cancer diagnoses and deaths are projected to surge worldwide by 2050, the World Health Organization’s cancer agency has said, with cases in the UK to rise by 21% and deaths by 42%.Globally, one in 20 women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, with cases up 38% and deaths up 68% over the next 25 years, according to an analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Continue reading...

Events

4 h. ago Merz strikes urgent tone in calling for more European independence from US

Stance of German alliance’s leader could herald closer ties with France but ‘debt brake’ poses obstacle to spendingGerman election live – latest updatesFriedrich Merz marked his conservative alliance’s victory in Germany’s election by urging Europe to make itself more independent from the US – a project that will be music to the ears of Emmanuel Macron but may turn on whether Merz can build a Bundestag majority to lift the so-called debt brake that slows increases in defence spending.One possibility for the CDU/CSU alliance leader, who is on course to become Germany’s next chancellor, is to claim that the country is in an emergency, to try to force the change through the Bundestag before its dissolution. Continue reading...

Events

4 h. ago Three years of war in Ukraine: Ask our world affairs editor anything

The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley explains what the latest developments mean for Ukraine, Russia, and the wider global order – and to answer your questions on where the war goes next

Events

4 h. ago Next's 'fashionable' £50 trainers shoppers say they 'will be wearing all summer'

Get ready for summer by upgrading your footwear with the retailer's popular Forever Comfort Chunky Platform Trainers.

Economics

4 h. ago WWE Raw preview: matches and segments announced and current Elimination Chamber card

It’s the final WWE Raw on Netflix before the company’s next big event - the Elimination Chamber in Toronto 🥊📺🥊

Politics

4 h. ago Shaun White's new league to head to Aspen and mountain in China where he closed out his career

After opening in Aspen, Colorado, next week, Shaun White’s new halfpipe league will travel to the mountain in China where he closed out his career at the 2022 Beijing Olympics

Events

4 h. ago What does white or black smoke from the Sistine Chapel mean?

The smoke of the Sistine Chapel can either be black or white - but what does each colour indicate?

Events

5 h. ago Teenager Nicholas Prosper admits murder of his mum and two siblings

He will be sentenced next week

Events