The NHS is mounting a pre-Christmas push to vaccinate children against flu, fearing spread to older relatives. School visits are planned, with uptake low and cases rising nationwide. WHO says the UK has entered an early epidemic. Parents are urged to keep symptomatic pupils at home.
An intense flu wave is driving record infections, with the highest rates among schoolchildren and under‑5s. NHS leaders warn hospitals face severe pressure and urge vulnerable people to get vaccinated, noting protection takes about two weeks to develop.
Wes Streeting warns the NHS could collapse over Christmas if doctors’ strikes coincide with a severe flu surge. He urges compromise on pay and productivity reforms to avert a worst‑case scenario, while hospitals prepare contingency plans to protect urgent care during peak winter pressure.
Britain should not depend on the US for defence, a minister argues, urging higher spending and stronger industrial capacity to boost capability. The NATO chief separately warned allies to be ready for a more demanding security environment, pressing Europe to step up.
FIFA faces criticism after revealing World Cup final tickets will start at £3,119. Supporter groups say the pricing shuts out ordinary fans and undermines inclusivity, while organisers cite demand and logistics. Critics call for transparency and fairer pricing before the tournament.
With flu admissions surging, the Health Secretary has urged junior doctors to call off planned strikes, warning of a worst‑case winter for NHS capacity. Ministers say walkouts risk patient safety, while unions demand progress on pay and conditions. Hospitals prepare contingency plans.
A man evading police hid in a town’s Nativity display, posing as one of the figures. The mayor noticed him while passing by and alerted officers. He was detained without incident.
Armed Forces minister Al Carns says Britain is on a heightened defence footing, warning that the shadow of conflict is at Europe’s door. Nato chief Mark Rutte urges members to prepare for large-scale contingencies, prioritising investment and readiness.
Health chiefs warn the UK could face its worst winter flu crisis within a fortnight as cases and hospital admissions surge. Hospitals are already under severe pressure. Ministers and NHS leaders urge a settlement to the junior doctors’ dispute to prevent further strain.
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.