Mark Rutte warns Europe faces its gravest security test in decades, urging NATO states to raise defence spending and readiness to levels not seen since our grandparents’ era. After drone incursions into alliance airspace, he calls for rapid deterrence to protect Britain and allied nations.
Talks on the OECD global minimum tax are close to collapse as China and several EU countries oppose a US carve‑out meant to ease compliance for multinationals. Officials warn failure could upend the pact and revive threats of retaliatory tariffs, leaving cross‑border tax rules in limbo.
Police are seeking a gang after a 1am raid on a museum warehouse. More than 600 items, including coins and cultural artefacts linked to Britain’s colonial era, are missing. CCTV shows four suspects carrying boxes. Officers are cataloguing losses and appealing for information.
UK close to rejoining Erasmus from January 2027, in a Brexit reset for universities. A deal could be sealed before Christmas, with optimism on both sides and an EU route for UK institutions to apply next year. London seeks a better price after being offered a 30% discount.
Campaigners have launched legal action to halt an NHS-backed trial of puberty blockers involving about 220 participants. A senior Conservative has criticised the plan and urged ministers to stop it, while supporters say the study is regulated and designed to assess safety and outcomes.
Official modelling suggests the drive to hit net zero by 2050 could add about £500 a year to the average household, reflecting higher spending on energy networks and heating upgrades. Ed Miliband faces warnings to reassess timelines and funding to avoid a heavier burden than a slower pathway.
A report by the Runnymede Trust and Reprieve says the UK runs a two‑tier approach to revoking nationality, with over 200 citizenships removed since 2010—well above France. It finds people of colour up to 12 times likelier to lose status, leaving some stranded in detention overseas with cases unresolved.
Labour pledges £3.5bn to tackle homelessness, aiming to halve rough sleeping and stop families being stuck in B&Bs. Housing minister Steve Reed says the plan will make homelessness rare and brief. A shelter estimates 382,600 people are without a secure home this Christmas.
A darts champion is reportedly kept grounded with just £50 a week in pocket money, a leading promoter says. Despite recent title success and earnings, the player’s family insists on normality and discipline.
Critics accuse the PM of edging towards a closer EU relationship after the Chancellor signalled openness to a customs union. Opponents say this defies the 2016 vote; supporters argue it could reduce trade friction and aid growth. The government faces mounting pressure to clarify its stance.