Scientists who delivered the first effective COVID treatment are turning to a severe H3N2 flu strain that’s straining the NHS. Led by Prof Sir Peter Horby and the Recovery trial, they aim to find viable therapies, noting there are currently fewer treatment options for flu than for COVID.
The PM plans school programmes to counter misogyny, with targeted behaviour‑change courses for boys showing concerning conduct. Lessons will address coercion, harassment, sexting and harmful online content, piloted in secondary schools and potentially extended to primaries.
The PM faces criticism over plans to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus-style exchange programme, with costs projected to reach about £6bn over the decade, far higher than before. Ministers say it will expand study abroad and skills; opponents call it poor value and a step towards reversing Brexit.
A boom in German support is set to transform Alexandra Palace, with thousands expected as the World Darts Championship moves to a larger arena there next year. The rise of stars such as Martin Schindler has made the event a cult favourite in Germany, promising a louder, livelier Ally Pally.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged the PM to ban doctors’ strikes, saying ministers must “show backbone” as the NHS struggles with walkouts. Health chiefs warned of damaging disruption to care; she accused the government of failing patients.
Britain will rejoin the Erasmus student exchange, with costs put at about £8bn over the deal’s life. The PM signed up while declining to specify the long‑term bill. The scheme is intended to widen study placements and deepen links between UK and European universities and research.
Britain is preparing a peacekeeping contingent for a possible allied deployment. The MoD has begun notice-to-move steps, purchasing kit and planning troop movements. Ministers say the UK stands ready to support an emerging settlement and stabilise a fragile situation in Eastern Europe.
European intelligence says a hostile state is targeting EU finance chiefs and politicians to derail plans to use profits from frozen central bank assets. Leaders will decide whether to proceed, with legal backing and guarantees for Euroclear under discussion.
Warner Bros Discovery’s board rejected a $108bn approach from Paramount, calling it “illusory” and urging investors to spurn it. The directors said the bid lacked funding and regulatory certainty and was inferior to an $85bn transaction they are pursuing with Netflix.
The PM demands that £2.5bn from Chelsea’s 2022 sale be transferred to a UK‑run humanitarian fund, telling the club’s former owner to honour his pledge or face legal action. Officials say a licence under sanctions rules could authorise the payment after compliance checks.
BBC lawyers are preparing a robust defence to Donald Trump’s $10bn claim, expected to seek his testimony about his conduct around the Capitol unrest and a related speech. The approach could put him under oath in US proceedings, shifting focus from the broadcaster to his actions.
Pam White, a former PC injured in the 1983 Harrods incident, urges ministers to formally honour emergency workers harmed on duty. Marking 42 years, she calls for a dedicated award and recognition for colleagues and civilians who died in the incident.
Britain will rejoin the Erasmus programme, restoring EU student exchanges. Ministers plan to widen access, including apprentices and those from lower‑income backgrounds. Grants and fee waivers are expected, with placements across Europe resuming from 2027, aiding a practical reset with Brussels.
Ministers outline a BBC funding overhaul from 2028: free access for people on benefits, paid for by higher charges on other households. Ads and paywalls for big shows are being considered as the licence fee is phased out in favour of an iPlayer‑centred model.
Britain will rejoin the Erasmus programme from 2027, restoring funded study exchanges across Europe. UK students can spend a year abroad with reciprocal fee waivers for EU visitors. Ministers say it widens opportunity and skills; universities broadly back the move, with costs and implementation still to be set.
Ministers are weighing reforms to the BBC’s funding, with a consultation on options including advertising or subscriptions and free TV licences for benefit claimants. The plan aims to ease costs for low-income households while deciding the broadcaster’s future model.
Campaigners demand a ban on cutting engineered stone for kitchen worktops after UK cases of silicosis emerged. They urge mandatory workplace health tests, a national register of cases, stronger HSE enforcement and better protections for young tradespeople.
Neonatal nurse Sarah Alcock, a new mum whose daughter Chloe arrived 15 weeks early in March, is volunteering to work over Christmas to support an overstretched unit. In recognition of her dedication to families and colleagues, she and her family receive a festive getaway as thanks.
Labour’s workers’ rights overhaul cleared its final parliamentary stage, setting up implementation next year. Plans curb exploitative zero‑hours contracts, give day‑one rights to sick pay and parental leave, strengthen unfair‑dismissal protections and expand flexible working. Business groups warn of costs.
FIFA has performed a U-turn, reducing ticket prices for next year’s World Cup finals after criticism over affordability. Cuts will apply across categories, easing costs for travelling supporters and domestic fans, following pressure over pricing concerns.