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.
European intelligence says a hostile state is targeting EU finance chiefs and politicians to derail plans to use profits from frozen central bank assets. Leaders will decide whether to proceed, with legal backing and guarantees for Euroclear under discussion.
Britain will rejoin the Erasmus programme, restoring EU student exchanges. Ministers plan to widen access, including apprentices and those from lower‑income backgrounds. Grants and fee waivers are expected, with placements across Europe resuming from 2027, aiding a practical reset with Brussels.
Sydney residents held a dawn vigil at Bondi after an incident that killed 15 people. Flowers and tributes lined the beach as the community supported survivors and bereaved families. Authorities are investigating and have urged calm, patience and solidarity.
A deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi beach killed at least 16 and injured many. The PM condemned it as antisemitic. Police are investigating; a suspect was disarmed and detained. Vigils are planned as security is reviewed nationwide.
The PM criticised planned strikes by junior doctors amid a severe flu surge, calling the timing “beyond belief” and warning of risks to patients as the NHS faces intense winter pressure. The BMA defends the action, citing chronic staff shortages and pay erosion.
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.
US authorities plan to make Esta applicants from visa‑waiver nations submit five years of social media identifiers, phone numbers and emails, plus relatives’ details. Officials say it’s for enhanced screening; privacy groups and tourism bodies warn of data risks and a potential hit to visitor numbers.
Starmer urged European leaders to tighten human rights rules to allow tougher migration controls, arguing reforms to the ECHR are needed to stop claims blocking removals and to counter populism. He rejects quitting the convention; critics warn the plan risks diluting protections.
European leaders met at No 10 to reinforce support for an ally facing aggression, seeking a breakthrough on stalled US funding. The PM and counterparts pledged sustained security and economic aid and ruled out any settlement requiring territorial concessions, stressing unity and resolve.
Healthwatch England says about one in seven GP referrals is lost, rejected or delayed, leaving people off waiting lists unless they chase. It blames poor communication between practices and hospitals and warns this risks slower diagnosis and treatment and avoidable harm.
A former Dulwich College pupil, Yinka Bankole, alleges Nigel Farage made a racist remark to him when they were 17. He spoke out after the Reform leader’s press conference denying racism and antisemitism. Farage rejects the claim and criticises broadcasters for reporting earlier allegations.
Nigel Farage rejected new claims from former classmates that he used racist language at school, calling them vindictive. He attacked broadcasters and the Guardian over coverage as his party slips in polls, bringing renewed scrutiny of his conduct and leadership.
The police watchdog has closed its 14‑year Hillsborough investigation, ruling no officers will face discipline. It found serious failings and efforts to shift blame, but cases were time‑barred or individuals had retired or died. Families condemned the outcome as a bitter injustice.