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.