74 m. ago Why a Chinese ‘mega embassy’ is not such a worry for British spies

Politicians are raising the alarm, while MI5 quietly welcomes the prospect of Beijing’s new London facilityWhile there has been no shortage of politicians eager to raise concerns about China’s proposed “mega embassy” near the Tower of London, the espionage community quietly takes a different view, arguing that concerns about the development are exaggerated and misplaced.The domestic Security Service, MI5, is already quietly welcoming the prospect of rationalising China’s seven diplomatic sites to one, but a more significant argument is that modern technology and the nature of the Chinese threat means that, in the words of one former British intelligence officer, “embassies are less and less relevant”. Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago Why the Lumie Bodyclock Glow sunrise alarm clock is the best wake

Our reviewer loved this wake-up light more than any other he’s tested – it’s even knocked his previous best sunrise alarm off the top spot• Read the full ranking in our sunrise alarm clock testSince I first tested sunrise alarm clocks last winter, I’ve come to suspect that there’s no such thing as getting up on the wrong side of bed. What we ought to be worried about is waking up on the wrong side of dawn.During summer (and other times of the year, for late risers), the sunrise begins to rouse us before we wake up. The brain kicks into gear and sends signals to initiate all sorts of bodily processes, from metabolism to hormone release, which helps us to feel ready for the day. It’s a fundament of our circadian rhythm – and we miss out on it whenever we wake before it gets light. Continue reading...

Events

4 h. ago 'I can't put into words what he did to me': Will the Nordic model safeguard women in Scotland?

A Nordic model of prostitution could be ‘game changing’ for Scotland - but supporters fear the clock is ticking down

Politics

9 h. ago Iran dubs Donald Trump a 'criminal' for supporting protests that killed 'thousands'

In a speech broadcast by state television on Saturday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei admitted the death toll in the first indication from an Iranian leader of the extent of the casualties in the wake of the December protests that led to a bloody crackdown.

Events

12 h. ago UK arms makers sound alarm over orders as spending fears mount

Tory defence spokesman James Cartlidge said it was the 'direct result of Keir Starmer's decision to prioritise higher welfare spending over properly funding defence'.

Events

16 h. ago RFK Jr’s new diet guidelines pose risks for health and the environment, experts say

US health department’s new food pyramid places red meat and cheese high in saturated fats over plant-based proteinsThe new food pyramid rolled out in US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) places animal-based proteins, including cheese and red meats high in saturated fats, above plant-based proteins, which has raised alarm bells among health and environmental experts.This rejiggered food pyramid is in line with Kennedy’s previous signals that he will recommend increasing saturated fat in US diets as part of the “Make America healthy again” movement. Continue reading...

Events

17 h. ago Olivia Attwood sparks alarm with black eye while on holiday in Germany

Love Island star Olivia Attwood has startled fans by sharing a video clip of herself sporting a huge black eye - which she only casually mentioned in passing while promoting her latest projects

Events

17 h. ago Masked man who caused 'distress and alarm' to Metrolink users and 'duped' criminal among those jailed this week

The Manchester Evening News looks back on the cases before the courts this week

Events

20 h. ago I have a contract with two other women to share my husband – now he chooses what time we wake up, eat and wear

A WOMAN has opened up on signing a contract with two other women to share her husband. But not only has Brenda now let Samantha and Aydriana come into her relationship, but the three women all have to follow very strict rules. Scott and Brenda were married for 10 years before they opened up their...

Politics

21 h. ago Horses leap through flames and pets go to church in Spanish animal rituals honoring St. Anthony

In Spain, hundreds of people watched horses gallop through flames as part of Las Luminarias, a centuries-old tradition

Politics

22 h. ago Mark Carney issues stark warning on Canada security in wake of Trump threats

Canada's Mark Carney made a major move away from the US and towards a rival, amid increasing hostility from the nation's closest ally - the US

Events

25 h. ago Why don't snorers wake themselves up? Expert reveals how your partner stays asleep while making an infuriating racket

There's nothing more infuriating as your partner snoring away while you struggle to drift off to sleep. Now, scientists have revealed why snorers don't wake themselves up.

Politics

29 h. ago Trump's Twin Cities immigration crackdown has made chaos and tension the new normal

Work starts around sunrise for the federal officers carrying out the immigration crackdown in and around the Twin Cities, with people in tactical gear streaming from a bland office building

Events

38 h. ago I tried Claudia Winkleman’s favourite facial tanner – here’s what happened

The Traitors presenter swears by these glow-getting facial pads

Politics

38 h. ago Do SAD lamps really work? Experts explain how they can help you beat the winter blues

Light therapy has grown in popularity, with plenty investing in SAD lamps and wake-up alarm clocks

Politics

40 h. ago Celtic transfer special: Striker search latest, silence on Paul Tisdale and is this the club’s worst ever window?

WE'RE now more than halfway through January and the clock is ticking on Celtic in what could be their worst ever transfer window. Just one player has been brought in so far in the form of Bournemouth's Julian Araujo on loan. But fans are clamouring for more signings as they glance over at what their...

Events

40 h. ago Former councillor jailed for stalking former MP Penny Mordaunt

Edward Brandt sentenced to 20 weeks in prison after behaviour left former Tory minister ‘in fear of sexual violence’A former councillor has been jailed for 20 weeks after stalking Penny Mordaunt, which the former cabinet minister said left her fearing “sexual violence”.Edward Brandt, a professional sailor, had been found guilty of the offence but was acquitted of a more serious charge of stalking involving serious alarm or distress. Continue reading...

Events

41 h. ago Cops treating taxi fire as 'wilful' after black cab engulfed by flames in Glasgow

Emergency services were called to Stronend Street in Possilpark, Glasgow, after the alarm was raised at around 2.35pm on Thursday.

Events

41 h. ago Igor Thiago: ‘The only thing I know how to do in my life is score goals’

Brentford’s record-breaking Brazilian has overcome a torrid childhood, racism and injuries – but is dreaming of Brazil’s No 9 shirt at the World CupIgor Thiago had dreams that seemed impossible. His impoverished childhood and the early death of his father forced him to grow up fast while still a teenager. To eat, he had to start working as a child. He was a bricklayer’s assistant, a fruit carrier at the market and a car washer so many jobs that could have prevented him from becoming the Brazilian to make Premier League history with the most goals in a single season.Igor Thiago has 16 goals in 21 games for Brentford. There are still 17 more matches to go, the first against Chelsea on Saturday, but he has already surpassed such Brazilian luminaries as Roberto Firmino, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli, all of whom scored 15 league goals in their most prolific season. How to describe this turnaround in his life? Igor Thiago has an easy explanation. “I would describe it as a lot of h...

Politics

41 h. ago I was skinny all my life... then ballooned at 50. I never thought it'd happen to me 

'I did not wake up one morning suddenly 10kg heavier. It happened discreetly, the way midlife weight gain so often does,' writes Faye James.

Politics