Scaredy cat Brits aren't irrational in their fears as they're based on ancient survival instincts, according to a brain boffin. Skittish Brits' fears of heights, snakes and spiders aren't unfounded, with many rooted in evolutionary traits to survive in the wild, a psychologist claims.more

Net migration to the UK could rise to about 300,000 by the end of the decade, a leading government adviser has said. Prof Brian Bell, the chair of the migration advisory committee, said the overall migration figure would jump “in the medium term” from the current level of 204,000 as the numbers of overseas students and workers rose againmore

The weather may seem particularly dull and overcast at the moment, but there have been enough clear skies over the past 12 months for 2025 to rank as the UK’s sunniest year on record.more

Defending champions Newcastle United advanced to the semi-finals of the English League Cup, defeating Fulham 2–1 at home. In yesterday's other quarter-final, Manchester City beat Brentford 2–0.more

The Government is considering offering free TV licences to benefits claimants as part of proposed reforms to the licence fee. More than half of Britain’s poorer households were falling behind with payments, according to a review of the BBC’s Royal Charter.more

The ITAKA Foundation – Center for the Search for Missing People, at the request of the family and in cooperation with the police, is conducting a search for the missing Angelika Drewicz.more

A British citizen fighting in the Ukrainian army has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for ‘mercenary activities’ by a court in Russian-occupied Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, AFP reported today.more

In its judgment issued today, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that the Polish Constitutional Tribunal violated several fundamental principles of EU law by failing to respect its judgments. It ruled that the Constitutional Tribunal is not independent due to irregularities in the appointment of three of its members and its former president.more

Dentists in England will be paid more to see patients in need of urgent treatment under new reforms published by the Government. It comes as a report suggests dental vouchers worth £150 a year should be introduced in a bid to “end the postcode lottery” of care.more

Paris Saint-Germain footballers triumphed in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, a tournament featuring the best teams from each confederation. In the final in Al-Rayyan, their only match in Qatar, they defeated Brazil's Flamengo 2-1 on penalties. After 90 minutes, the score was 1-1.more

Every third 8-year-old child in Poland is overweight, and almost half have high cholesterol, according to experts from the Institute of Child Development in Warsaw. They emphasise that as a society, we must take responsibility for what children eat, how they spend their time and what their journey to school looks like.more

The final hearing in the extradition case of Michał Kuczmierowski, former head of the Government Agency for Strategic Reserves (he has consented to the disclosure of his name), began today at 10:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. in Poland) at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, where the trial is taking place.more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned yesterday that Russia is preparing for another ‘year of war.’ Earlier that day, Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow would achieve its goals ‘by diplomatic or military means.’ He called the US's European allies ‘little pigs.’more

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday before the House of Commons that he is prepared to release the frozen assets of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, former owner of Chelsea FC, in order to help Ukraine. This was in response to a question from a Member of Parliament regarding the United Kingdom's support for Ukraine.more

69% of Poles intend to reduce their Christmas spending, most often by taking advantage of promotions, foregoing the purchase of new decorations and clothes, and preparing meals themselves, according to a survey by ANG Odpowiedzialne Finanse.more

American pop star Mariah Carey will perform at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, organisers announced on Monday.more

London has been named the kindest city in the UK at Christmas, outranking Liverpool and Manchester, according to new research. A study of 2,000 adults commissioned by Santander found that one in three Britons say they are more inclined to carry out random acts of kindness during December.more

Falls in food, alcohol, and clothing prices last month helped drive inflation to its lowest level in eight months in November. The inflation rate fell to 3.2% from 3.6%, a larger fall than analysts expected.more

This year’s Christmas getaway is expected to be the busiest on record, new figures suggest. The AA forecast that traffic for all journey purposes in the run-up to December 25 will peak on Friday when about 24.4 million cars are expected on the UK’s roads.more

Barcelona defeated third-division side Guadalajara 2-0 away to advance to the round of 16 of the Spanish Cup. German Marc-Andre ter Stegen started for the visiting side for the first time in nearly seven months. Wojciech Szczęsny was a reserve, and Robert Lewandowski was absent.more

The Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom, Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, said in an interview with LBC radio that work is underway to create Iron Dome, an integrated air and missile defence system. As he explained, this is related to the ‘evolution of threats from Russia’.more

The United Kingdom will rejoin the Erasmus student exchange programme, the government in London announced today. In December 2020, the UK left the programme as part of its post-Brexit trade agreement with the European Union.more

Resident doctors across England began a five-day strike today, demanding, among other things, higher wages. With the flu season in full swing, hospital directors are warning of overcrowding in medical facilities and numerous difficulties that may affect patients.more

According to a survey conducted by BIG InfoMonitor, the average Pole will spend PLN 1,122 on this year's Christmas celebrations, which is one third less than last year. Respondents declared that they would spend the most on gifts (PLN 447) and food (PLN 413).more

The British government has pledged £600 million for air defence systems for Ukraine, British Defence Minister John Healey announced yesterday. The support is intended to help repel Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy network during the winter.more