Eurostar asked travellers to postpone trips after a power supply fault closed the Channel Tunnel, halting services between London, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels. Some trains later ran with heavy delays. LeShuttle also faced queues, and flights rose towards £500.
England’s Lionesses headline the New Year Honours after retaining the European crown. Manager Sarina Wiegman receives an honorary damehood; captain Leah Williamson a CBE, with Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone awarded MBEs.
Trump says a peace deal is “within reach” after meeting a European counterpart in Florida. A whistleblower chemist warns a state may be developing new banned agents, prompting renewed UK and allied vigilance on chemical security as talks continue.
Ministers plan a voluntary Army gap‑year for under‑25s from March 2026. Paid recruits receive basic training and life skills, with an option to leave or progress to service and operations. Starting with 150 places and modelled on Australia’s scheme, it aims to boost recruitment to over 1,000 a year.
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%.
Newly unsealed US files detail emails between Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and addresses linked to Andrew, including messages from Balmoral and an alias “The Invisible Man,” discussing introductions to friends. A victim urges a UK investigation into the matter.
Luke Bunker, 29, developed silicosis, COPD and emphysema after cutting quartz‑engineered kitchen worktops. He calls for urgent safety checks and a ban on the material to protect workers from silica dust, amid rising cases reported in the trade.
Nearly 7,000 care home residents in England got 28 days’ notice to leave last year, a 200% rise since 2018. Providers cite underfunding and councils refusing to meet fees once savings run out. Campaigners say forced moves risk residents’ wellbeing, and families warn of possible ‘revenge’ evictions.
Rachel Reeves says she can’t rule out tax rises in 2026, citing global volatility, though she hopes further changes won’t be needed. She says fiscal headroom has improved and signals housing support, including easing mortgage rules for first-time buyers.
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.