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%.