Britain’s new spy chief is warning of the acute threat to Europe from an “aggressive, expansionist, and revisionist” Russia under Vladimir Putin. Blaise Metreweli accused the Russian president of “exporting chaos” with his war in Ukraine, air incursion into eastern Europe and hybrid warfare including against Britain.more

Manchester United took the lead three times, but also trailed for over a quarter of an hour and ultimately drew 4–4 with AFC Bournemouth in front of their home crowd in the last match of the 16th round of the Premier League.more

US President Donald Trump announced yesterday that he had held long and productive talks with the leaders of Ukraine, European countries and NATO. We are closer than ever to resolving the war in Ukraine, he added.more

Electric flying taxis may become available to London airport passengers from 2028, a UK company has announced. Vertical Aerospace hopes its Valo aircraft, which has a capacity for up to six passengers, can get regulatory approval in three years – with the first planned commercial routes to include airport-to-city centre connections.more

Istanbul has ranked as the world’s most congested city for the second year in a row. Transport analytics company Inrix found that traffic delays rose by 12% in the Turkish city over 2024, with the average driver losing 118 hours to traffic. The findings come from Inrix’s 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard which analysed congestion and mobility trends in more than 900 cities across 36 countries.more

The leader of the overall Ski Jumping World Cup standings, Slovenian Domen Prevc, who triumphed twice again during the weekend, this time in Klingenthal (previously in Wisła), is the undisputed number one on the payroll and is the only one to have already exceeded 100,000 euros.more

With Brits rewatching their favourite Christmas films, they might be left wondering if there’s anywhere quite like the quaint villages taking centre stage in festive classics. One village in particular stands out - Shere in Surrey.more

The festive season is among the most turbulent periods for travel, with thousands of Britons taking planes or trains to reconnect with loved ones, whether domestically within the UK or internationally. Given that travel chaos is already expected in the lead-up to Christmas, it's crucial to grasp your rights concerning refunds and compensation should you encounter any delays or cancellations.more

Reform UK claims it is now the largest political party in Britain, following reports Labour has lost more members. According to the Times newspaper, internal figures show Labour's membership has fallen below 250,000.more

Lens won 2–0 at home against Nice in the 16th round and returned to first place in the French top flight. Before the Christmas and New Year break, they are one point ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, who won 3–2 away against Metz on Saturday.more

Thousands of people are set to endure a bleak Christmas sleeping rough, following record numbers of people counted on the streets for this period of the year. 2,195 people were counted sleeping rough in London in September.more

The municipal authorities of London, Paris, Berlin and New York have tightened security measures in connection with the start of Hanukkah, following yesterday's attack on the Jewish community celebrating at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.more

Real Madrid defeated Alaves 2–1 away. After 16 rounds of the Spanish top flight, Los Blancos are in second place, four points behind leaders Barcelona.more

A popular high street chain is due to enforce a number of closures. River Island says a total of 33 stores will be shut by the end of January. The news comes as part of a major restructuring plan to save the high street brand, which has been approved by the High Court.more

A special Christmas Eve dinner for people experiencing homelessness, loneliness and difficult life situations was organised on December 13 by the Barka Foundation for Mutual Help Ireland, in cooperation with the Consular and Polish Diaspora Section of the Polish Embassy in Dublin.more

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held talks on Saturday about the US peace plan for Ukraine, according to a spokesperson for the British Prime Minister's Office.more

Inter Milan won 2-1 away at Genoa and took the lead in the Italian top flight for the first time this season, taking advantage of the slip-ups of local rivals AC Milan, who drew 2-2 with Sassuolo at San Siro, and Napoli, who lost 1-0 to Udinese.more

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), at the request of President Donald Trump, is creating its own fleet to deport unwanted foreigners. It has ordered six used Boeing 737s worth $140 million for this purpose.more

In a televised address on Friday evening, British monarch Charles III stated that thanks to early diagnosis and following his doctors' recommendations, his cancer treatment plan could be completed in 2026.more

Piotr Zyla finished 20th, Paweł Wąsek 21st, and Dawid Kubacki 28th in Sunday's Ski Jumping World Cup competition in Klingenthal, Germany. Slovenian Domen Prevc won. Japanese riders Ren Nikaido and Ryoyu Kobayashi also finished on the podium.more

At least 16 people were killed yesterday in a terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, according to Australian authorities. The attack took place as Australian Jews gathered on the beach to light Hanukkah candles. More than 40 people, including children, were taken to hospital. One of the perpetrators was killed at the scene, while the other was seriously injured and detained.more

Pub landlords are banning Labour MPs from entering their pub due to increased business rates that allegedly threaten their survival. Around 50 pubs across Britain have put up a sign saying "No Labour MPs" to show their disapproval, according to restaurateurs behind the rallying cry. more

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts that airline profits will grow to $41 billion in 2026 from $39.5 billion this year, according to the association's report.more

Manchester City, thanks largely to two goals from Erling Haaland, defeated Crystal Palace 3-0 in London in the 16th round of the English Premier League, leaving them two points behind leaders Arsenal. Aston Villa continued their winning streak, with Matty Cash's side defeating West Ham United 3-2 in the capital.more

Waterstones would stock books created using artificial intelligence, the company's boss has said, as long as they were clearly labelled, and if customers wanted them. However, James Daunt, a veteran of the bookselling industry, said he personally did not expect that to happen.more