A poll finds 1.8m people expect to spend Christmas Day alone. Ministers urge the public to check in on neighbours and friends, and are considering measures to tackle loneliness. Charities call for visits, phone calls and community events to support isolated people.
At Ally Pally, a darts player swatted a wasp that landed on his face mid-match, briefly halting play, then went on to win. The insect is regarded by some attendees as a venue good luck symbol. Officials restarted the game without issue and the player advanced.
Ministers plan to postpone May’s local elections in parts of England during local‑government reorganisation, extending terms for sitting councillors and affecting millions of voters. The move, billed as avoiding duplicate polls during mergers, faces opposition, with Reform alleging it shields incumbents.
The Bank cut the base rate to 3.75% and signalled inflation should fall faster, heading towards 2% next year. Lenders are preparing a spring 2026 mortgage price war, with deals near 3%. Reeves says cheaper borrowing could save first‑time buyers about £100 a month.
Rory McIlroy has been named Sports Personality of the Year after a standout season on tour. The award recognises his sustained excellence, consistency and leadership in golf, rounding off a year that reaffirmed his status among the sport’s elite.
Ministers plan to let 63 councils postpone May’s local elections, affecting over 10m voters. Supporters cite administrative changes; opponents say it favours Labour-run areas and shields the PM from a key test. In some places, votes could be delayed for up to seven years.
Kemi Badenoch argues only the Conservatives have the competence and resolve to face down a hostile regime, urging a firm, deterrent stance over concessions. She calls for stronger UK defences and closer work with Western allies, warning against complacency in government.
Bridget Phillipson has halted guidance for public bodies on expanding single-sex facilities after a Supreme Court ruling on female-only lavatories. She argues the judgment is trans-exclusive, pausing plans to tighten rules on women-only spaces and prompting a political row.
BoE cut Bank Rate 0.25pp to 3.75% as inflation cools. Bailey struck a cautious tone on further easing amid signs of a slowing economy. Reeves welcomed the decision, saying it should help households and businesses, while investors see scope for more, gradual reductions.
Labour set out a strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, aiming to halve cases within a decade. Led by Jess Phillips, it focuses on education on healthy relationships, stronger support and training for professionals, tougher action on offenders, prevention funding and celebrity-backed public awareness.