UK retailers face a predicted £1bn shortfall in Boxing Day takings as consumer confidence weakens and fewer people hunt for bargains. Barclays expects about £3.6bn to be spent, down on last year. Critics blame Labour’s tax and economic approach; others cite squeezed household budgets.
A politics teacher faced a Prevent referral after showing Donald Trump videos to A‑level students. Safeguarding staff said the material resembled propaganda, prompting an investigation and raising questions about academic freedom and proportionality in safeguarding referrals.
Figures show about 25 people a day in Scotland died while on NHS waiting lists this year, over 7,000 in the first nine months. Charities call the toll “heartbreaking” and urge the SNP to act faster to cut delays and expand capacity so patients access specialist care sooner.
A decade after shared parental leave was introduced, experts say uptake remains minimal, particularly in the public sector. They blame low pay, complexity and weak promotion, and call for reform: simpler rules, better funding and a dedicated entitlement for fathers and partners.
Polls analysed by Sir John Curtice suggest politics is entering uncharted territory as Reform tops support and the Greens surge, pushing the combined vote of the two main parties to a record low. Labour faces losses on both flanks, with the Tories edging ahead and five parties above 10%.
King Charles’s Christmas message struck an optimistic note, praising shared values and community heroes of all backgrounds. He saluted service personnel and volunteers, urged kindness, unity and respect for life, and said common purpose can make the future more hopeful.
Readers have raised over £100,000 for Whizz-Kidz, funding around 20 personalised wheelchairs and other mobility aids for children. The Christmas appeal will shorten waiting times and help youngsters gain independence.
A long‑running rift in a high‑profile celebrity family overshadowed Christmas: the eldest son stayed away while his parents celebrated by singing a 90s pop hit. He appeared to post a pointed message online, fuelling talk that relations remain strained.
JL Partners polling for The Independent finds 38% of 2024 Labour voters think the party would perform better at the next election if the PM stepped down, versus 13% who expect worse results. 19% favour Andy Burnham as successor, though he is not an MP and cannot currently run.