Have you ever wondered what it must be like to join Santa and his reindeer riding high in the sky on Christmas Eve? Now, it might just be possible to experience the next-best thing as for the first time ever, the London Eye has opened a Christmas Grotto where visitors can meet Santa and his merry band of elves 135 metres above London's rooftops.more

The government is set to craft a new strategy to reduce the number of 'forever chemicals' polluting the environment. Labour's updated Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025, published on Monday, sets out over 90 commitments to improve the quality of England's natural environment, air and water.more

Norwegian Erling Haaland made history as the fastest player to score 100 goals in the Premier League, achieving this feat in 111 matches. On Tuesday, he found the net in London in the 14th round match against Fulham. His Manchester City team won 5–4, despite leading 5–1.more

Nigel Farage told donors to his Reform UK party that he is seeking a merger or agreement with the Conservative Party ahead of the UK general election, the “Financial Times” reported, citing sources close to the matter. The leader of the populist group denied these reports.more

Children who arrive in the UK on small boats could be searched to check if they are concealing phone sim cards in their mouths under new Home Office rules. New measures will allow immigration enforcement officials to seize phones at the border if it is believed they contain useful intelligence about people-smugglers.more

Yesterday, Denmark's Saxo Bank published a tongue-in-cheek report containing ‘shocking’ economic forecasts for 2026. Some of them sound downright grotesque, but there are a few that may well become more likely in the longer term.more

Around half of women plan to avoid their Christmas parties over safety fears, a poll has found. A shocking 49 per cent of women said they would stay in and miss the celebrations due to worries they are unsafe while travelling home.more

Russian leader Vladimir Putin assured yesterday that he does not want war with Europe, but if Europe starts it, Russia is ready to fight immediately. He told reporters in Moscow before meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff.more

A Royal Air Force (RAF) RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft conducted a reconnaissance flight around the Kaliningrad Oblast, according to the UK Defence Journal. Patrolling the Baltic Sea region by British forces is part of routine missions, the number of which has increased since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.more

Robert Lewandowski missed another penalty kick. Lamine Yamal has better statistics than him this season, commented the Spanish media after Barcelona's 3-1 win over Atlético Madrid.more

During his first official visit to Ireland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the United States may be losing interest in the peace process, although, as he emphasised, Ukraine is now closer than ever to ending the war with Russia. He also called on the West to maintain pressure on Moscow.more

Justice Secretary David Lammy has said 12 prisoners have been accidentally released in the past three weeks, two of whom are still at large. It comes on top of the 91 prisoners who were freed by mistake between April and October in England and Wales.more

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced yesterday that the government, together with the European Space Agency, has signed a letter of intent to locate a dedicated ESA center in Poland. The Prime Minister said Poland is becoming a leader in the space sector, and the planned center will become its driving force.more

Poundland is preparing to shut three more branches this December, adding to the dozens already shut in recent months, as it continues a wide-ranging restructure under its new owners.more

Wizz Air has resumed operations at Warsaw–Modlin Airport, opening its sixth base in Poland. The carrier last based aircraft at Modlin in 2012. It is now returning with two Airbus A321neo aircraft and a network of 11 new routes, the Hungarian airline announced.more

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has been granted a leave of absence to prioritise his mental health. The 26-year-old is receiving professional support and treatment, and has requested a few days off to "take care of himself emotionally".more

The UK's most underrated city has been named, and it's a surprising choice. The city is packed with history, beautiful architecture and is surrounded by stunning countryside - it's Worcester.more

Anyone clearing out before Christmas has been issued a stark warning over a HMRC raid. HMRC can now see online selling activity, and non-compliance with tax rules could lead to in-depth investigations or large fines that exceed your earnings.more

The lights are up and the baubles are out: with trees across the country already decorated and on display, there has been some traditional grumbling about whether commercialism means it gets earlier every year. more

The Polish national basketball team defeated the Netherlands 85-83 in The Hague in the second round of Group F of the first stage of the Qatar 2027 World Cup qualifications. This is the second victory for the Polish national basketball team, whose next matches will be against Latvia in February and March.more

The number of 999 calls in London has risen over the past week, with London Ambulance Service (LAS) reporting its three busiest days of 2025 in a row. The service said the 20% increase included more calls from people with breathing difficulties due to viral infections and respiratory illnesses such as the flu.more

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that China poses "national security threats" to Britain, but defended his government's decision to step up engagement with the country, saying closer business ties are in the national interest.more

The cost of a pint of beer in London pubs is to rise as they are hit with a triple blow on tax, business rates and staff costs, hospitality chiefs are warning.more

Two former heads of all UK Special Forces suppressed evidence of possible SAS war crimes, a former high-ranking officer has told a public inquiry in closed evidence sessions. The officer, who was among the most senior in special forces, said he had passed what he called "explosive" evidence suggesting "criminal behaviour" to the then-director special forces in 2011.more

Resident doctors in England have announced new strike dates, following the continuing failure of the Government to make a credible offer on jobs or pay. The strike will run from 7am on 17th December to 7am on 22nd December. more