Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at the Estadio San Mames in a Spanish top-flight match. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, leaving the Frenchman firmly in the lead in the scoring charts.more

The EU proposes that at least 70 per cent of critical goods, including cars, should be manufactured in Europe, which is intended to reduce the Community's dependence on China, the “Financial Times” reported yesterday, citing officials familiar with the draft EU regulation on the matter.more

A 3.3-magnitude earthquake has shaken homes in England with residents describing it as feeling like an “underground explosion”. The tremor struck shortly after 11.23pm on Wednesday and was felt across Lancashire and the southern Lake District, including the towns of Kendal and Ulverston, within 12 miles of the epicentre, according to the British Geological Survey (BGS).more

The budget carrier is scrapping its fee-paying Prime membership after discounts outweighed subscription revenue, even as rivals double down on travel subscriptions.more

British adults are hiding their outgoings on things like beauty products, gambling and cryptocurrencies from their partners as part of a pattern of "secret spending", a new report has found.more

The National Park Service is introducing a digital annual pass for foreign tourists throughout the federal recreation system at a cost of $250. US residents will pay $80.more

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) intends to expand the scope of VAR in next year's World Cup, according to reports in The Times. Video would also be analysed in the case of corner kicks and red cards for two yellow cards.more

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