Ministers will scrap mandatory disclosure of “facility time”, so NHS bodies and schools need not report how much is spent on union reps’ paid time off. Government says this cuts red tape; critics warn it hides taxpayer costs and weakens transparency.
The King has been judged the year’s hardest‑working royal, clocking 552 engagements while receiving cancer treatment. More than 300 were in person, with regional visits across the UK. He topped tables of royal duties, outpacing other senior royals.
Former councillor Philip Young is due in court charged with multiple offences against his ex-wife over 13 years, including assault and administering a substance. Five other men face related charges. The complainant has waived anonymity. The case will first be heard by magistrates.
Chris Rea has died aged 74 after a short illness. Tributes are pouring in for the Middlesbrough-born singer-songwriter, renowned for Driving Home for Christmas, The Road to Hell and On the Beach. Days earlier he shared a festive message reflecting on his hit.
The Post Office plans a major revamp, expanding branches to plug gaps left by bank closures. New hubs will offer access to cash, small-business support and community services, including prescriptions, to draw people back to town centres and boost high streets.
Families of activists on hunger strike are urging David Lammy to meet them as their health worsens. Several prisoners have required hospital treatment. The justice secretary faces growing pressure to intervene and address concerns over policy on hunger strikers after weeks of protest.
Ministers will scrap the recording of non-crime hate incidents, saying the practice chilled free speech and wasted police time. A new common-sense system will log only credible threats or vulnerability, with guidance to focus resources on genuine offences and public safety.
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.
Binance continued to process suspicious crypto flows despite a $4bn US plea deal, according to internal data and compliance alerts. Analysts flagged transfers linked to sanctions and illicit finance risks. The exchange says it has strengthened controls and blocks suspect activity.