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.