Zelenskyy says peace talks could have reached final stage but Russia ‘dragging out negotiations’ – Europe live
News agencies, citing officials, are reporting that the latest peace talks – held in Geneva – have now endedThe peace talks ended abruptly today after about two hours, according to reports, in contrast with yesterday’s negotiations that apparently took place over six hours.Neither side have offered any public sign of progress, but instead said the talks were “difficult” with Russian news agencies quoting sources describing the negotiations as “very tense”. Continue reading...
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Boss of BAE Systems urges ministers to publish delayed military spending plan
CEO of UK’s biggest defence company says delay is holding back investment as BAE posts record salesThe boss of Britain’s biggest defence company has urged ministers to publish a long-delayed blueprint for military spending as soon as possible, as it posted record sales driven by a global increase in demand after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Charles Woodburn, the chief executive of BAE Systems, said companies want clarity on how the money would be spent, adding that the defence investment plan (DIP) – due in late 2025 – was holding back investment. Continue reading...
Starmer urged to stick to manifesto pledge amid reports of delay to youth minimum wage rise – UK politics live
GMB union tells Labour delaying or halting equalisation to adult rates would be unacceptableAt the start of the year Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, said that he was seriously considering getting rid of the Office for Budget Responsibility. He said in an interview:I have questioned the need for it. The question we have to ask ourselves is ‘is the OBR serving any useful purpose?’ We have to discuss whether we would be better off without the OBR. I am giving that very serious thought.With the OBR I worry once again that we have a Blairite-style quango effectively dictating to elected politicians what they should or should not do. It seems that in too many areas of our public life the power has moved to judges and quangos and not the government the people choose.Everything Reform promise will be fully costed. And because we’re confident about the approach we will take, we’re happy to have our homework marked.The OBR is far from perfect. But the impetus for its creation was a desire to instill fiscal discipline, and that is something we wholeheartedly endorse.The United States supports the decision of the United Kingdom to proceed with its agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos archipelago.Starmer must urgently clarify whether the UK will be represented at these US-Mauritius discussions and if not, tell us why. It is vital for our defence and security interests that the US Government does not conclude any agreement about British territory without our input. The Conservatives have led the charge against the Chagos Surrender and we will continue to fight it every step of the way. Continue reading...
Ryanair may let dual nationals board UK flights without a British passport
Airline statement will reassure Britons abroad anxious about new immigration rules coming into effect next weekBritish dual nationals may be able to board Ryanair flights in Europe to the UK even if they do not have a current British passport when new immigration rules come into force next week, the airline has said.The airline is complying with controversial rules being introduced by the Home Office but has said that alternative documents that prove a person is a British national may be accepted. Continue reading...
UK police force assessing Stansted Airport private flights over Epstein ties
Essex Police says it is assessing information in relation to private flights into and out of the airport.
T20 World Cup: South Africa beat UAE before India showdown
South Africa continue their pursuit of a first ICC title as they beat UAE by six wickets at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Syrian government closes al-Hol camp after chaos and unrest
Syria’s government has been relocating families after announcing the closure of the notorious al-Hol camp.
Mourinho and Benfica under fire after Real Madrid’s Vinicius alleges racism
Former Real boss Jose Mourinho criticised for his response to alleged racism by his Benfica player towards Vinicius.
Ski Mountaineering Makes Its Olympic Debut at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games
Ski mountaineering tests strength and endurance as athletes race uphill on skis and on foot before going back down.
Botswana’s ‘Corn Lady’ Finds Fame With Food Stands
Tshephiso Marumo has had success selling traditional village food in Botswana. But as she has risen, she has become more outspoken, inviting backlash.