44 m. ago Zelenskyy joins EU leaders’ meeting over €800bn defence plan after Macron’s stark Russia warning – Europe live

Leaders gather to discuss €800bn plan to boost military capacity and help Ukraine as French president says Europe has to be ready to defend itself without US helpSee all our Ukraine war coverageFrance is offering intelligence to Ukraine, French defence minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Thursday, with Paris stepping in to help and fill the void left after the US suspended its intelligence sharing with Kyiv.Speaking to France Inter radio, he also said that president Macron asked him to accelerate the French aid packages “to compensate” for the suspended US aid.In a famously cautious political culture, Mr Merz’s bid to bypass legal restrictions on government debt represents a seismic shift. It would permit a step-change in defence spending for years to come, putting Germany in a leadership position as Europe seeks strategic autonomy from the United States.Mr Merz, a former investment banker, has been a deficit hawk and economic liberal throughout his career. It is an irony of fate tha...

Events

2 h. ago Jose Mourinho: Born in Portugal. Made in Largs. What are the Special One's links to a quaint Scottish seaside town?

Having promised himself that he'd do everything in his power to improve his chances of climbing the ladder, Jose Mourinho enrolled in an SFA coaching course at Largs and packed his bags.

Politics

14 h. ago Paracetamol urgently recalled by major high street shop as it 'may contain another drug'

Boots has placed a 'do not take' alert on a batch of its 500mg paracetamol packets and has advised customers who have that particular pack at home to return it to their nearest store

Events

15 h. ago ‘A risky bet’: Friedrich Merz criticised over plan to lift Germany’s debt rules

Chancellor-in-waiting accused of taking part in ‘debt orgy’ after proposing loosening rules to boost defenceGermany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, is facing a barrage of criticism from opposition politicians over his radical proposals to loosen rules on running up debt to allow for higher defence spending and boost the economy.The CDU/CSU leader’s proposals for a multibillion-euro package, agreed with his potential coalition partners the Social Democrats, have been described as everything from a “bazooka” to “an extremely risky bet” by economists. He himself has called them vital “in light of the threats to our freedom and peace on our continent”. Continue reading...

Events

16 h. ago I want to host more parties, but I’m worried nobody will come

Throwing a party can be nerve-racking. How do we get over anxiety so we can get together?It’s Saturday night and the entire back half of the tapas restaurant is packed for my friend Ivy’s birthday dinner.Ivy is queenly at the centre of the table, bouquets and little gift bags crowding her elbows. Multiple lines of conversation flow above the small plates, and drinks and desserts keep coming, because no one wants to call it a night. It’s an unequivocal success. Continue reading...

Politics

16 h. ago M&S shoppers say 'ditch the packaging' as retailer announces major change to popular item

Some shoppers are praising the change, whereas others are asking for more

Politics

18 h. ago Packed Pacs: how billionaires in the US are bankrolling Republicans at the state level

Republicans are relying on ‘nameless’ donors who want to push a rightwing agenda and gain long-term hegemonyBillionaires are increasingly bankrolling Republican candidates in state legislative races across the US to push a rightwing agenda and gain long-term hegemony.The concerted effort shows that Donald Trump ally Elon Musk, currently throwing his weight behind a candidate for Wisconsin’s state supreme court, is far from alone in seeking to build influence at the grassroots. Continue reading...

Politics

19 h. ago The Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies release time – countdown to the latest expansion pack

The city of Nordhaven opens its doors to budding creatives and entrepreneurs this week so whether you're seeking to make a ton of Simoleons or learn some new skills, here's what you need to know.

Economics

21 h. ago How China will end up the biggest winner from UK and US foreign aid cuts

As countries lose vital foreign aid from the UK and US, some fear governments could turn to China to seek funding packages saddled with unsustainable debts. Alicja Hagopian reports

Politics

22 h. ago Judd Trump reveals one snooker rival he'd 'rather avoid' at World Grand Prix

The Ace in the Pack is determined to put on a show in front of his adopted home crowd at Hong Kong but faces a difficult last 16 match

Politics

23 h. ago Home Bargains shoppers buzzing after spotting two new Fanta flavours on shelves

Home Bargains customers are very excited about two new Fanta flavours, which are priced at £3.49 for a pack of eight cans. So would you be interested in trying them?

Economics

24 h. ago Boots issue urgent Paracetamol recall over 'safety' fears as people warned 'do not take'

The high street retailer has issued a recall notice for one batch of paracetamol tablets after a packaging error was noticed.

Events

27 h. ago White chocolate, raspberry and pretzel cookie dough – the ultimate skillet dessert

Crispy on the outside, gooey in the middle, and packed with sweet-salty goodness, this giant cookie dough skillet from ‘The Batch Lady: Rapid Dinners’ is the perfect dessert to share – or not

Events

27 h. ago Herby chicken, leek and mushroom casserole – the ultimate no

This one-pot wonder from ‘The Batch Lady: Rapid Dinners’ is packed with flavour, preps in minutes and can be made fresh or straight from the freezer – no stress, no mess

Politics

28 h. ago The Leopard review – this sultry Italian drama will leave you swooning

Netflix’s adaptation of the classic novel isn’t just a steamy, sumptuous treat that’s packed with nice food. It’s also a sharp look at how the ruling classes survive social upheavalFirst the Americans came for British period drama. Now the Brits are getting their mitts on Italy’s heritage. In 2020, the US producer Shonda Rhimes sexed-up Regency England with lusty intrigue, soapy storylines and orchestral covers of pop hits to create Netflix’s smash-hit Bridgerton. This year, British screenwriters Benji Walters and Richard Worlow (The Serpent) and director Tom Shankland (SAS Rogue Heroes) are collaborating with the streamer on a bit of pop cultural colonisation of their own.You can see why they would want to: The Leopard – the trio’s adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s seminal 1860s novel, set in Sicily – is sumptuous, sensuous, emotionally tempestuous and full of nice food; all qualities our homegrown costume drama tends to lack. But this sweaty, steamy series is far more t...

Events

32 h. ago Cadbury makes huge change to popular £7.45 chocolate for first time ever

Easter is approaching, meaning that our favourite retailers will be stacking up their shelves with chocolate treats. Cadbury has taken a major step, changing their packaging to be more environmentally friendly

Economics

36 h. ago Boots issues urgent recall on paracetamol after packaging error as retailer warns 'do not take'

The retailer has removed packs ofthe painkiller from sale after disovering they contain tablets labelled as aspirin.

Events

40 h. ago Virat Kohli steers India past Australia and into Champions Trophy final

Australia 264 all out; India 267-6 in DubaiVeteran’s 84 takes his team to four-wicket victoryMany changes of personnel, one simple change of sequence. The World Cup final in 2023 began with Pat Cummins choosing to give Australia’s bowlers the chance to choke out India’s batting. A year and a half later, in the Champions Trophy, Steve Smith as injury substitute decided that a very different Australian team should bat first. Late-career struggles or no, Virat Kohli remains one-day cricket’s greatest chaser. And while a miniature tournament semi-final in Dubai is not an equal trade for a World Cup decider in a packed house at home, there will be partial catharsis for this Indian side beating Australia in a global tournament knockout.The target was 265, at a ground where scoring in this tournament has been modest, but after an early stutter the pursuit rarely looked a challenge in a win that felt much safer than margins of four wickets or 11 balls. Australia anticipated turn, leaving ou...

Sport

40 h. ago Woman reveals horror after a VERY unexpected guest arrives in her Asda delivery

Taking to TikTok, UK-based Ashlea, who goes by @juicycolouring on the platform, shared footage of her finding what appears to be a 'giant cockroach' nestled in her fresh packet of bananas.

Events

40 h. ago Boots paracetamol recall update issued as hundreds of thousands of packs affected

An update has been issued by MHRA

Politics