The Latest News from the UK and Around the World: December 2016

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Girl, 12, dies after hit-and-run in Oldham

A 12-year-old girl has died and another child is fighting for her life in hospital after a hit-and-run in Oldham.

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It's the final countdown! UK prepares for 2017

Jubilant crowds have gathered in towns and cities across the UK to ring in 2017, as final preparations are made for elaborate firework displays at the stroke of midnight.

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May quotes Jo Cox in New Year message

Theresa May has evoked the memory of Jo Cox in her New Year message, signing off the year by reminding Britons they have "far more in common than that which divides us".

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Celebrations across the world usher in New Year

From Sydney to Hong Kong, celebrations have begun around the world to bid farewell to a tumultuous 2016 and welcome the New Year.

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Will fog ruin New Year firework displays?

Fog is forecast to clear ahead of New Year's Eve fireworks displays, but heavy rain and gale-force winds in parts of Scotland threaten to put a dampener on Hogmanay celebrations.

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Friday, December 30, 2016

Concrete bollards to prevent London lorry attack

Concrete bollards will block traffic from crowds in central London on New Year's Eve to prevent a potential lorry attack.

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Trump: Putin 'smart' not to evict US diplomats

Donald Trump has praised Vladimir Putin for holding off on plans to expel US diplomats from Russia in a tit-for-tat retaliation against Washington.

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Putin: No expulsions in retaliation to US

Vladimir Putin has rejected plans to expel US diplomats in a tit-for-tat retaliation against Washington - and instead invited their children to visit the Kremlin.

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Ken Dodd knighted in New Year Honours List

Veteran comedian Ken Dodd has been knighted - amid a long and diverse list of celebrities named in the New Year Honours List.

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George Michael's music soars up the charts

George Michael's musical collection has soared up the single and album charts following his death earlier this week.

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George Michael's post-mortem 'inconclusive'

A post-mortem examination into the cause of George Michael's death has proved "inconclusive", according to Thames Valley Police.

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US hits back at PM May after Israel rebuke

The US has criticised Theresa May after her office rebuked US Secretary of State John Kerry for comments he made about Israel.

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Syrian ceasefire threat after fresh clashes

A ceasefire in Syria brokered by Russia and Turkey appears fragile after government forces and their allies clashed with rebels.

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Thursday, December 29, 2016

Seventeen injured as bus overturns in thick fog

Seventeen people have been injured as a coach veered off a motorway and overturned in thick fog.

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United States to expel 35 Russian diplomats

The US is to expel 35 Russian diplomats, and shut down two Russian compounds, in response to "harassment" of American diplomats in Moscow and alleged interference in the recent presidential election.

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Armed police on London's NYE Tubes after Berlin

Armed police will be deployed on London Underground trains for the first time on New Year's Eve following a review of security.

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Nationwide ceasefire agreed in Syria conflict

Syria's government has agreed a nationwide ceasefire with rebels in a deal brokered by key ally Russia and opposition-backing Turkey.

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Carrie Fisher's mother Debbie Reynolds dies

Film legend Debbie Reynolds has died aged 84 - a day after the death of her daughter Carrie Fisher, the beloved Star Wars actress.

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Health warning as UK temperatures plunge

A health warning has been issued for the elderly and ailing as temperatures plummet and freezing fog disrupts travel across the country.

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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

NICE cancer drug block 'is a huge setback'

Cancer charities and patients have urged health bosses to think again after they decided a life prolonging cancer drug is still too expensive to be routinely offered on the NHS.

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Debbie Reynolds 'died of a broken heart'

Debbie Reynolds, who shot to fame in Singin' In The Rain, has been described as "one of the last of Hollywood's royalty".

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Sir Bradley Wiggins retires from cycling

Sir Bradley Wiggins has announced his retirement from cycling, saying he had been "lucky enough to live a dream".

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US hits out at Israel on Middle East peace

The US Secretary of State has accused Israel of threatening peace in the Middle East in some of America's harshest-ever public criticisms of its key ally.

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Dense fog warning for drivers after fatal pile-up

Motorists are being warned to take extra care overnight and on Thursday morning with dense fog and freezing temperatures bringing difficult icy driving conditions.

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One dead as 20-car pile-up causes A40 'carnage'

A woman has died after a 20-car pile-up on the A40 in Oxfordshire.

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UK ambassador in charm offensive to Trump

Britain's ambassador to the US has attempted to mend fences with Donald Trump after the President-elect backed Nigel Farage for the job.

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Man held over phone link to Berlin attacker

A 40-year-old man has been arrested after police found his number on the phone of Berlin attacker Anis Amri.

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Pair arrested after man shot in the head

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was shot in the head in West Bromwich on Tuesday.

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Several missing after boat capsizes off Kent

Several crew members are missing after a fishing boat capsized off the Kent coast, the Coastguard has said.

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IVF clinic: 26 women may have got wrong sperm

An IVF treatment centre has launched an investigation after discovering that 26 women may have been fertilised by sperm cells from the wrong man.

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Who was busiest member of Royal Family in 2016?

Princess Anne was the busiest member of the Royal Family in 2016, with 179 days of engagements.

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'The force is dark today': Stars mourn Carrie Fisher

Stars, friends and family have paid tribute to Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher, who has died aged 60.

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Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Hospitals earn more than £120m from car parks

NHS hospitals made more than £120m from car park charges in the past year, according to new figures.

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Health of middle-aged reaches 'worrying levels'

Eight out of ten middle-aged Britons either weigh too much, drink excessively or are obese, according to new analysis from Public Health England.

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TV and film stars pay tribute to 'Princess Leia'

Stars of film and TV have paid tribute to Carrie Fisher after her death at the age of 60.

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George Michael's family 'touched' by tributes

The family of George Michael has been left "touched beyond words by the incredible outpouring of love" since his death, his publicist has said.

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Watership Down author Richard Adams dies aged 96

Watership Down author Richard Adams has died at the age of 96, according to a statement on the book's official website.

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'Stop using our beds' warning after baby dies

A manufacturer has urged people to stop using its beds "immediately" after the death of a baby.

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Israel reduces diplomatic ties over UN vote

Israel has announced it is reducing ties with countries that voted for a UN resolution demanding an end to the building of settlements on occupied territory.

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Fears for missing student Isabel Gayther

A university student has failed to turn up at her family's home on Christmas Day, sparking fears for her safety.

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Black box recovered from wreckage of Russian jet

A black box has been found in the wreckage of a military plane that crashed into the Black Sea with 92 people on board, Russian media is reporting.

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Farewell Nana: Royle Family star Liz Smith dies

The Royle Family actress Liz Smith has died aged 95, a spokeswoman for her family has said.

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Monday, December 26, 2016

Abe lays wreaths ahead of Pearl Harbor visit

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has laid wreaths at several cemeteries and memorials in honour of killed US servicemen and women in Hawaii ahead of his trip to Pearl Harbor.

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Prevent strategy referrals reach 7,500 a year

More than 20 people a day were referred to the Government's controversial anti-extremism Prevent programme according to latest figures - nearly half of them children.

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Berlin truck suspect travelled through Lyon

Surveillance footage has shown the Berlin truck suspect travelled through the French city of Lyon by train after the attack.

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History maker with a troubled personal life

George Michael enjoyed a remarkable chart career, selling more than 100 million records - but he also had a turbulent personal life.

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George Michael death: How music world reacted

Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley has led the musical world in expressing heartache following the death of George Michael.

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Sunday, December 25, 2016

Queen misses Christmas service due to cold

The Queen has not attended church at Sandringham because she is continuing to recover from a heavy cold, Buckingham Palace has said.

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Unsung heroes hailed in Queen's Xmas message

The Queen will use her Christmas Day broadcast to deliver an upbeat message with the theme of inspiration, highlighting the importance of learning from "ordinary people doing extraordinary things".

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Saturday, December 24, 2016

Russian jet carrying 91 crashes over Black Sea

A Russian military jet with 91 people on board has crashed shortly after take-off near Sochi, the Defence ministry said.

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Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt dies at 68

Status Quo's Rick Parfitt has died in hospital in Spain after suffering a severe infection, his manager has said.

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Archbishop: 2016 has left us 'awash with fear'

The Archbishop of Canterbury will say 2016 has left the world "more awash with fear and division" as he delivers his Christmas sermon.

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Rick Parfitt: A hard rocker with a soft centre

The last time I saw Rick was in September, three months after, in his own words, "I died for three minutes".

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Royal baby tragedy for Zara and Mike Tindall

The Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall has lost her baby, a spokeswoman for her and her husband has said.

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PM calls for Brexit unity in Christmas message

Theresa May draws on her Christian faith and upbringing as a vicar’s daughter in a Christmas message that is more religious than many of those of her predecessors as Prime Minister.

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Hunt for possible Berlin attacker accomplices

Germany is hunting for possible accomplices of the Berlin attacker after he was killed in a shootout with police in Italy.

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Friday, December 23, 2016

Brit tourist 'saw Berlin attacker in Chamonix'

A British woman has told Sky News she is convinced she saw the Berlin attacker in France, two days before he was shot dead in Italy.

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How could Berlin attacker cross two borders?

It is "really worrying" that the Berlin lorry attacker was able to travel across Europe amid a continent-wide manhunt, experts have told Sky News.

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UN demands Israel ends settlement building

The UN Security Council has passed a resolution demanding an end to Israel's settlement building on occupied territory.

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President-elect Trump: 'Let it be an arms race'

President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly spoken of an "arms race", the day after he said he wanted America to increase its nuclear capability.

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Storm Barbara 'making her presence felt'

Storm Barbara has begun to batter parts of the UK with gusts of more than 70mph.

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Berlin attack suspect shot dead in Italy

The Berlin attack suspect has been killed in a shootout with police in Milan.

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Germany holds suspects in shopping mall plot

German police have arrested two men suspected of planning an attack on a shopping mall – just days after a terror attack at a Berlin Christmas market.

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Libyan flight 'hijacked' and taken to Malta

An Afriqiyah Airways flight has landed in Malta after apparently being hijacked.

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Hospitality industry demands Brexit work permits

Britain's hospitality industry has asked the Government for more than 100,000 work permits post-Brexit, underlining just how difficult it will be for Theresa May to fulfil her pledge to cut net migration.

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UK 'living on Fantasy Island' over EU demands

Britain is "living on Fantasy Island" over its EU divorce demands, a group of experts have said.

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Thursday, December 22, 2016

Probe launched after mass unrest at Kent jail

A police investigation has been opened into a mass "disturbance" at a prison in Kent.

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Melbourne Christmas Day terror plot foiled

A plot to attack prominent sites in Melbourne with a series of bombs on Christmas Day has been foiled by Australian security services.

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Sixty inmates involved in Swaleside jail unrest

Unrest at Swaleside prison involving 60 inmates is now contained to one landing in its A wing, the Prison Service says.

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British jails: Five major incidents in 12 months

Reported rioting at HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent is the latest violent incident in British prisons.

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Armed police carry out raids over Berlin attack

Heavily armed police have carried out raids in Germany as a Europe-wide manhunt for the main suspect in the lorry massacre continues.

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Trump wants to expand US nuclear strength

President-elect Donald Trump wants the United States to "greatly strengthen and expand" its nuclear capability.

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Two guilty over fatal tipper truck crash

A haulage boss and a mechanic have been convicted of manslaughter after a 32-ton truck with faulty brakes killed four people.

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Berlin suspect's brother: 'Turn yourself in'

The brother of a Tunisian man being hunted over the Christmas market attack in Berlin has urged his sibling to hand himself in.

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'Eye-watering' salaries of PM advisers revealed

Theresa May's chiefs of staff are paid £140,000 despite the Prime Minister's pledge to curb the pay of special advisers.

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Trump: Attacks prove I was right on Muslim ban

Donald Trump has said Monday's attacks in Berlin and Ankara proved he was right to propose curbing Muslim immigration in the US.

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Putin pays respects to murdered ambassador

Russia's ambassador to Turkey, who was murdered by a man shouting "Allahu Akbar" and "Don't forget Aleppo", has been laid to rest at a ceremony in Moscow attended by President Vladimir Putin.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Extra 600,000 in line for superfast broadband

Around 600,000 extra homes and businesses are in line for superfast broadband services, it has been announced.

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Putin to attend funeral of murdered ambassador

Vladimir Putin will attend the funeral of murdered ambassador Andrey Karlov this morning, as investigators continue to probe whether his killer acted alone.

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Berlin suspect 'under surveillance for months'

The main suspect in the Berlin lorry massacre had been under surveillance for several months this year, German officials admit.

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'Heavy cold' delays Queen's Christmas plans

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have "heavy colds" and have decided not to travel today for the start of their Christmas break.

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Queen delays Christmas travel plans

The Queen appears to have delayed her plans to travel to Norfolk for the start of her Christmas break.

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Polish driver 'still alive' during lorry rampage

The Polish driver of the lorry that ploughed into the Berlin market was still alive after the attack and was shot dead just before the hijacker fled, say reports.

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EU judges rule against UK 'snooper's charter'

EU member states cannot force internet companies to keep email data on a "general and indiscriminate" basis, the European Court of Justice has ruled.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Huge explosion at Mexican fireworks market

At least 29 people have been killed in an explosion that ripped through a large fireworks market in Mexico, a chief state prosecutor says.

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Italian woman feared to be among Berlin victims

There are fears that a missing Italian woman could have been one of the victims of the deadly Berlin lorry attack.

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Security reviewed across UK after Berlin attack

One of London's most popular tourist attractions will be protected by strict road closures as police in the UK react to the attack in Berlin.

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Jo Cox's husband condemns Farage's Berlin tweet

The husband of the murdered Labour MP Jo Cox has hit back after Nigel Farage 'blamed' Angela Merkel's immigration policy for the Berlin attack.

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Security reviewed at UK Christmas events

Security at events in the UK over Christmas and New Year is being reviewed following the deadly attacks in Berlin and Ankara.

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Monday, December 19, 2016

Security expert: 'Markets should have been shut'

Authorities should have done more to protect people in Berlin if they had intelligence providing clear information about a threat, a security expert has told Sky News.

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'Everything went dark... there was screaming'

A British tourist has told Sky News she feels lucky to be alive after witnessing the moment a truck ploughed at speed into a Berlin Christmas market.

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Russia's ambassador to Turkey shot dead

Russia's ambassador to Turkey has been gunned down while speaking at an art exhibition in the Turkish capital, the Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed.

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UK cluster bombs used in Yemen war: Fallon

British-made cluster bombs have been used by a Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen conflict, the Defence Secretary says.

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FIFA fines home nations for displaying poppies

FIFA has fined England and Scotland after players wore poppies on their shirts during the World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium.

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Russia's ambassador to Turkey shot in Ankara

Russia's ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov has been seriously injured in a gun attack in the Turkish capital.

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Court finds IMF chief guilty of negligence

A special court in France has found International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde guilty of criminal negligence.

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Strikes show 'contempt' for people, No 10 says

Striking railworkers, post office employees and airline staff are showing "shared contempt" for "ordinary people", Downing Street has said.

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Saudi Arabia using UK-made cluster bombs in Yemen

The Government is to confirm Saudi Arabia is using British-made cluster bombs in Yemen, Sky sources say.

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Man admits murdering two Matalan workers

A man has admitted murdering a couple who were stabbed to death outside the Matalan shop where they worked.

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Sunday, December 18, 2016

Thousands of Post Office staff join wave of strikes

Post Office staff are the latest to join those taking part in a wave of strikes that will hit several industries in the run-up to Christmas.

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Several hundred allowed to escape east Aleppo

Several hundred people have been allowed to leave besieged east Aleppo after evacuations were held up for several days.

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Justice Secretary to face MPs over prisons crisis

Justice Secretary Liz Truss will face MPs later as prison officers warn of "simmering tensions" that could lead to further violence like that seen at HMP Birmingham.

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Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor has died, aged 99

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor has died at the age of 99.

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UN 'reaches agreement' on Aleppo observers

The United Nations Security Council has reached an agreement on a compromise resolution to send independent officials to monitor the evacuation of civilians from Aleppo.

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'Buses attacked' amid Syria evacuation stand-off

Convoys of buses set to evacuate people from two besieged villages in Syria have been attacked.

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Seven dead after gunmen attack Jordanian castle

Seven people, including a female Canadian tourist, have been killed in a shootout between police and gunmen in Jordan.

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IS training child bombers in special camp

A child suicide bomber who was ordered by Islamic State extremists to carry out an attack on a sports stadium in Iraq has told Sky News how he was trained with dozens of other children in a special camp.

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Travel warning as heavy fog cancels flights

Heavy fog in parts of England and Wales is causing major travel headaches, with flight cancellations or delays affecting several airports.

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Saturday, December 17, 2016

Donald Trump: Let China keep seized drone

Donald Trump has said the US should let China keep the underwater drone it seized in international waters.

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Oath of allegiance to British values considered

Every public office-holder may have to swear an oath of allegiance to British values, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has indicated.

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PM urged to 'crack down on unions' over Xmas strikes

The Prime Minister is reportedly coming under pressure to impose emergency laws in an attempt to curb a series of strikes over the festive period.

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Many still stuck in 'Aleppo hell' as world protests

Thousands of Aleppo residents are facing another night stuck in the besieged city's near-freezing temperatures, despite government assurances that they would be able to leave.

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People 'shot dead trying to flee Aleppo hell'

A White Helmet rescue worker in war-torn Aleppo has told Sky News how people were shot by pro-government forces as they tried to flee the "hell" of the Syrian city.

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Prisons boss blames drugs after riot

There are "serious issues" in jails across the country, the man in charge of prisons has admitted as he blamed a surge in violence on drugs.

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Is Chinese drone face-off a signal to Trump?

We talk a lot about rising tensions in the South China Sea, but generally in abstract terms.

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Trump: Chinese drone seizure 'unpresidented'

Donald Trump has hit out at the Chinese seizure of a US underwater drone in international waters as an "unpresidented (sic) act".

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First Lady says White House needs a 'grown-up'

Michelle Obama has said America needs a "grown-up" in the White House during an interview with Oprah Winfrey.

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Friday, December 16, 2016

Christmas of discontent looms amid strikes threat

Airport staff, British Airways cabin crew and and Virgin Atlantic pilots are among the latest workers set to strike over the festive period.

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Obama reveals Putin showdown over hacking

Barack Obama had a showdown with Vladimir Putin over an alleged bid to influence the US election, telling him: "Cut it out or face serious consequences".

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Airport staff and BA crew to strike at Christmas

More than 1,500 staff at 18 airports, as well as British Airways cabin crew, are to strike over the Christmas break.

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Birmingham prison riot 'not a surprise'

It may come as little surprise that the latest prison disturbance erupted at HMP Birmingham.

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Bird flu confirmed in turkeys at UK farm

An outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in turkeys at a farm near Louth in Lincolnshire.

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Bail decision delayed on murder case Marine

A decision on whether an ex-Marine who was jailed for the murder of a Taliban fighter will be granted bail has been delayed.

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FA challenged to fully probe abuse claims

The head of the national sex abuse inquiry is challenging the Football Association to investigate allegations of abuse in the sport with "rigour and integrity".

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Inmate 'badly injured' during riot at prison

A prisoner has been "badly injured" and inmates have set fires during a disturbance at a privately-run jail in Birmingham.

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Delays expected as UK drives home for Christmas

Today is predicted to be one of the busiest days for drivers in the run up to Christmas, with some journeys predicted to take up to four times longer than usual.

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Thursday, December 15, 2016

PM wants migration deal 'early' in Brexit talks

Theresa May has told European Union leaders that she wants to reach an agreement on the status of Britons living in the EU early on in Brexit negotiations - as well as the status of European citizens currently based in the UK.

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Aleppo evacuation 'could take days'

The operation to evacuate the 50,000 civilians and rebels left in the war-torn city of Aleppo could take days, the Red Cross has said.

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Putin 'involved in US election hacking'

Russia's President Putin knew about and was directly involved in hacking during the US election, claim senior intelligence officials.

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PM pledges another £20m in aid for Syria

Theresa May has said the UK will provide another £20m of aid for Syria, as she condemned Bashar al Assad and his Russian and Iranian backers.

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UK faces Brexit settlement bill of up to £50bn

The European Commission's chief negotiator is working on the basis the UK would have to pay a Brexit settlement fee of 50-60 billion euros (£42bn-£50bn) for outstanding liabilities, Sky sources say.

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Russian-backed Assad has never been weaker

It's not surprising that Bashar al Assad appeared a little smug when he announced victory over rebels in Aleppo.

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Assad: 'History' is being made in Aleppo

Bashar al Assad has said "history is being made" in a video message about "liberating" Aleppo from anti-government forces.

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'Isolated' May excluded from Brexit talks

Theresa May appeared a little isolated as she attended an EU leaders' meeting - perhaps offering a preview of future gatherings as Britain prepares to break with Brussels.

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Traces of explosives found on EgyptAir victims

Investigators say traces of explosives have been found on some bodies recovered from the EgyptAir plane that crashed last May.

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'Crazy bad' air pollution warning for Beijing

Beijing city authorities have issued a red alert for severe levels of air pollution across the Chinese capital.

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'Three-parent baby' treatment approved

Britain's fertility regulator has approved the so-called 'three-parent baby' treatment to prevent inherited diseases.

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'Wrong baby' warning after hospital inspection

Europe's biggest hospital has been told to improve security or risk mothers leaving with the wrong baby.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

One billion Yahoo accounts targeted in hack

Yahoo says it believes more than one billion user accounts may have had data stolen in a cyber attack in 2013.

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Terrorists 'hiding in plain sight among migrants'

Islamic State terrorists are “moving in migrant flows, hiding in plain sight”, the head of the Armed Forces has warned.

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Voices from war-torn Aleppo as truce agreed

People in eastern Aleppo, which has been bombarded by months of shelling, bombing and airstrikes, give Sky News an insight into their lives.

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Striking Southern drivers 'fear killing someone'

A Southern Railway driver has told Sky News that staff fear "we will kill someone" if they are forced to accept driver-only trains on which they control the doors.

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Assad: Aleppo truce aimed at 'saving terrorists'

Bashar al Assad has hit out at the fragile ceasefire in Aleppo - which has collapsed after less than a day.

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Aleppo civilians trapped as heavy fighting resumes

Airstrikes, gunfire and shelling have resumed in Aleppo despite a deal meant to halt the violence and allow civilians to leave, a war monitor and witnesses have reported.

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Aleppo suffering same fate as Srebrenica

When Bosnian men and boys were taken away by Serb forces and executed in the thousands in Srebrenica in 1995, the international community vowed "never again".

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Union boss 'barred' from rail strike talks

RMT leader Mick Cash has been barred from talks aimed at resolving the Southern Railway dispute, the union has said.

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European Commission to be chief Brexit negotiator

The European Commission is to be appointed as the chief negotiator with the UK over Brexit, under a draft deal to be discussed by 27 EU leaders at a dinner tomorrow.

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Ministers to allow 6% hike in council tax bills

Local authorities will be allowed to raise council tax bills by 6% over the next two years to help raise cash for social care in local communities, Sky News has learnt.

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'Have you no shame?' US envoy's Aleppo anger

The US ambassador to the UN has lashed out at the Syrian government, and its allies Russia and Iran, saying they bear the responsibility for the "carnage" in Aleppo.

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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

UK has worse mobile phone coverage than Albania

Albania and Peru have better mobile phone coverage than the UK, according to a report from the National Infrastructure Committee.

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Second day of travel chaos as strike talks start

Talks aimed at resolving the Southern Rail drivers’ dispute will take place today as hundreds of thousands of commuters endure a second day of travel chaos.

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Yemen's rebel PM accuses UK of war crimes

The new Prime Minister of the controversial rebel Houthi government which has just been set-up in Yemen has accused Britain of war crimes, in his first interview since taking power.

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Russian hackers 'probably swayed Brexit vote'

Russian hackers "probably" swayed the EU referendum vote in favour of Brexit, a former Labour minister has claimed in the Commons.

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Syrian rebels to leave Aleppo as truce agreed

Syrian rebels and civilians will be evacuated from the small part of Aleppo still under their control - as Russia claims all military operations in the city have ended.

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Four top London teams in football abuse probe

The Metropolitan Police says it has received 106 separate allegations of historical sex abuse connected with individuals at 30 of London's football clubs.

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Aleppo: 100 children in besieged building

More than 100 unaccompanied children are trapped in a building which is under heavy attack in eastern Aleppo, according to UNICEF.

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Argos drivers to strike days before Christmas

Drivers who deliver goods for Argos are set to go on strike just days before Christmas in a dispute over pay.

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Inflation climbs to two-year high of 1.2%

Inflation has risen to a two-year high as the impact of the fall in the pound starts to feed through to households.

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Oil baron will be top US diplomat under Trump

Donald Trump has chosen boss Rex Tillerson as his Secretary of State.

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Monday, December 12, 2016

Football boss: Reviewing abuse claims 'difficult'

All clubs connected with allegations of historical child sexual abuse will be asked to account for their actions, the Premier League executive chairman has said.

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Commuters face chaos as rail drivers strike

Hundreds of thousands of commuters face the worst rail disruption in decades this morning as three days of strikes begin on Southern Rail.

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Hammond: Brexit may take longer than two years

Philip Hammond says the UK's future relationship with the EU may not be fully determined by the deadline for Brexit.

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Knifeman shouted 'I want to kill me a Muslim'

A knifeman who reportedly stabbed a rail passenger in front of his wife in southeast London shouted "I want to kill me a Muslim", according to a witness.

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Men jailed for giving cash to Brussels suspect

Two British men who gave money to one of the main suspects in the Paris and Brussels atrocities have been sent to prison.

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Battle for Aleppo 'has reached its end'

The battle for control of Aleppo has reached its end, a UK-based monitor has said.

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'Vile' neo-Nazi group to be banned in UK

A neo-Nazi group set to be banned in the UK has been described by the Home Secretary as "racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic".

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Tram crash survivors take legal action

Survivors of the Croydon tram crash have launched legal action against Transport for London and the tram's operator, First Group.

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Six terror suspects held in dawn raids across UK

Six people have been arrested on suspicion of terror offences and police are searching six properties in London and the Midlands.

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Sunday, December 11, 2016

Scottish FA urged to launch sex abuse probe

The chief executive of the Scottish Football Association will meet police today as he faces mounting pressure to launch an inquiry into historical sexual abuse in the sport.

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Former FA chiefs call on MPs for major reform

The Football Association is ''out of balance'', filled with ''elderly white men'' and should be reformed, five former executives of the governing body have claimed.

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Anti-Semitism to be 'defined' as attacks rise

Theresa May intends to tackle hatred against Jewish people by introducing an official definition of anti-Semitism.

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EU nationals 'should be allowed to remain in UK'

EU nationals living in the UK before the formal Brexit process is triggered should be allowed to remain in the country permanently, a report has recommended.

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Blast near Cairo's Coptic cathedral kills 25

A bomb explosion near the Coptic Christian cathedral in Egypt's capital, Cairo, has killed 25 people and wounded dozens.

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FA suspends Crewe boss over cover-up claims

Crewe director of football Dario Gradi has been suspended by the FA after claims he "smoothed over" a player's sex abuse complaint.

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Turkey vows 'vengeance' after stadium blasts

Turkey has vowed vengeance for the victims of twin blasts outside a football stadium in Istanbul that killed 38 people and injured more than 150.

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Russian airstrikes 'force IS out of Palmyra'

Russian airstrikes have forced Islamic State to retreat to the outskirts of Palmyra, a day after the militants had stormed the historic city, Russian officials and activists said.

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Russia engaged in battle for its own history

It looks like a prison and in some ways, that is exactly what it has become.

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Twin blasts outside Istanbul stadium kill 38

Thirty-eight people have been killed in two explosions outside a football stadium in Istanbul, Turkey's interior minister said.

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Saturday, December 10, 2016

At least 60 dead after church roof collapses

The roof of a church has collapsed during a packed service in Nigeria, killing at least 60 worshippers and wounding dozens of others, authorities have said.

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Teenager charged with double murder in Ipswich

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a man and a teenager in Ipswich, Suffolk Police has said.

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Exxon Mobil boss 'to be US Secretary of State'

Exxon Mobil chief executive Rex Tillerson is to be selected by Donald Trump as his Secretary of State, NBC News reports.

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Syrian regime accused of chemical attack in Aleppo

Syrian activists say chemical gas was used in a district in Aleppo and put out video purporting to show children and adults being treated for breathing difficulties.

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IS re-enters historic Syrian city of Palmyra

Islamic State fighters have re-entered Palmyra in Syria nine months after they were expelled by pro-Assad forces backed by Russia.

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Human rights campaigner embarrasses Corbyn

Jeremy Corbyn had intended to embarrass Theresa May's government today.

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Protesters disrupt Jeremy Corbyn speech

Demonstrators led by Peter Tatchell have disrupted a speech by Jeremy Corbyn in protest at Labour's response to Syria.

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Brexit could harm fight against modern slavery

Brexit could harm the fight against modern slavery, making victims less likely to come forward because they fear being sent back to their home country, charities have said.

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Friday, December 9, 2016

Fly-tippers could have vehicles crushed

Vehicles used by fly-tippers will be crushed as part of local authority powers in a pre-Christmas crackdown across the UK.

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Church gunman laughed after confessing to FBI

A man accused of killing nine worshippers at an historic church in South Carolina laughed and made gun motions as he recounted the attack in a videotaped confession, it has emerged.

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Second Brexit legal case set for Irish courts

A second legal bid could soon be launched in a bid to derail Brexit, this time in the Irish courts.

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Doping scandal: Russian sport running out of road

The All-Russia Athletic Federation's annual meeting doesn't generally attract a great deal of attention - but this year's edition, held at Moscow's Soviet-era 'Aerostar Hotel', was somewhat different.

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21st Century Fox makes takeover bid for Sky

21st Century Fox, the international film and television giant behind hit shows like The Simpsons and Modern Family, has tabled a takeover bid for Sky, the owner of Sky News.

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Prince Andrew denies split with Prince Charles

Prince Andrew has denied reports of a rift with his brother over his daughters' role as members of the Royal family.

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Mum hailed for bravery after deadly dog attack

A mother has been praised for her courage in fighting off a dog that attacked her two young sons, leaving one dead.

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Terror suspect with loaded Kalashnikov held

A terror suspect with a loaded Kalashnikov assault rifle has been arrested in the Dutch city of Rotterdam.

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Russian doping cover-up 'helped 1,000 athletes'

More than 1,000 Russian athletes in 30 summer and winter Olympic and Paralympic sports benefited from a systematic doping cover-up, including many medalists from London 2012.

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Bin lorry crash: No private prosecution of driver

Families bereaved by the bin lorry crash in Glasgow that killed six people have been denied the right to launch a private prosecution against the driver.

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Football sex abuse: 83 potential suspects

More than 80 potential suspects have been identified in connection with allegations of historical child sex abuse in football.

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Cameron urges 'course correction' by West

The Brexit vote was part of a wider "movement of unhappiness" in the West that demands a "course correction" by political leaders, David Cameron has warned.

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Scandal-hit S Korea president impeached

South Korea's parliament has voted to impeach President Park Geun-hye and suspend her powers over a corruption scandal.

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Johnson faces testing tour after Saudi remark

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is facing a testing tour of the Middle East after he accused UK ally Saudi Arabia of "puppeteering" proxy wars in the region.

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Thursday, December 8, 2016

Russia faces scrutiny in second doping report

Russia and the International Olympic Committee face further embarrassment today with the publication of the second part of an independent investigation into state-supported doping.

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Hillary Clinton says fake news puts 'lives at risk'

Hillary Clinton has spoken out against the "epidemic" of fake news in one of her first public addresses since losing the US Presidential election.

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Social media behind 14% rise in teen self-harm

Social media is to blame for a rise in incidents of self-harm among children, a charity has warned.

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'Hazardous' tsunami risk after Pacific quake

"Widespread" and "hazardous" waves are possible after a magnitude 7.7 quake hit off the Solomon Islands , authorities have warned.

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Brexit challenger hits back at Leave voters

The businesswoman spearheading the Brexit legal challenge has told impatient Leave voters they should "go and knock on Number 10".

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'Hazardous' tsunami risk after Pacific quake

"Widespread" and "hazardous" waves are possible after a magnitude 8.0 quake hit off the Solomon Islands , authorities have warned.

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MP tells of 'shame' after she was raped at 14

An MP moved colleagues to tears as she revealed she was raped at the age of 14.

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MI6 boss: UK won't be safe until Syria war ends

The head of MI6 has warned Russian actions in Syria will have a tragic outcome and could put the security of Britain at risk.

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Watch: Footballer's message after plane crash

One of the Brazilian footballers who survived a plane crash that killed most of his team has appeared in a video to thank people for giving him strength.

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PM's slapdown after Johnson's Saudi criticism

The Prime Minister has distanced herself from remarks by Boris Johnson which accused UK ally Saudi Arabia of "abusing" Islam and "puppeteering" proxy wars in the Middle East.

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EU takes Britain to court over car emissions

The EU has announced legal action against seven nations over the way they handled the policing of car emissions, amid a backlash over the VW diesel scandal.

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Pitt's bid to keep divorce battle secret denied

Brad Pitt's request to seal court documents in his high-profile custody and divorce battle with Angelina Jolie has been rejected by a judge.

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Sports Direct lashes out as profits plunge

Sports Direct's chairman has accused the media, unions and politicians of a damaging "campaign" against the company amid its working practices and governance crisis.

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Wednesday, December 7, 2016

MPs back Article 50 timetable as court case ends

MPs have voted in favour of the Government's timetable to trigger the formal process for leaving the European Union by March 2017, as long as the Prime Minister reveals her plan for Brexit.

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Kids' junk food ads to be banned from all media

Junk food advertising is to be banned across all children's media in a landmark decision to help tackle childhood obesity.

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Government takes bite out of Brexit rebellion

Gavin Williamson, the Government Chief Whip, reputed to keep a pet tarantula in his Commons office, emerged from the voting lobbies with a beaming smile.

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Italian PM resigns after referendum defeat

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has formally resigned, three days after losing a key referendum on constitutional reform.

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Commons motion 'won't impact Brexit court case'

A motion calling on the Government to unveil its Brexit plans will not impact a court case over the Prime Minister's right to trigger Article 50, the Supreme Court has heard.

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Tata reveals plan to secure steel jobs future

Tata Steel has put forward plans to secure the future for jobs and production at Port Talbot and other UK sites.

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Tata commits to steel jobs future: union

Steel unions say they have secured a commitment from Tata Steel to safeguard the future of jobs and production at Port Talbot and other sites.

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Is your fiver worth thousands of pounds?

People with £5 notes in their pockets are being urged to check them carefully, in case they could fetch thousands of pounds more.

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Man arrested over threat to Brexit challenger

Police have arrested a man in connection with threats made to Gina Miller, the businesswoman spearheading the Brexit legal challenge.

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Trump is Time magazine Person of the Year

Time magazine has named President-elect Donald Trump as its Person of the Year.

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Plane 'burning' before crash in Pakistan

A plane was burning in the air before it plummeted into the ground after take-off in Pakistan, according to witnesses.

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Plane missing after take-off in Pakistan

Pakistan's national carrier revealed it is searching for one of its aircraft on Wednesday.

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Aleppo rebels call for five-day ceasefire

Rebel fighters have called for a five-day ceasefire for medical and civilian evacuations from eastern Aleppo.

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Brexit showdown as court challenge continues

Day three of the Government's Brexit battle in the Supreme Court is set to coincide with Theresa May ducking a showdown with up to 40 of her own MPs in the Commons.

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HMS Illustrious sets sail for the scrapyard

Britain's last serving aircraft carrier is leaving Portsmouth for the last time before being torn apart and sold off for scrap.

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Drug firms fined over 2,600% NHS price hike

A regulator has ordered two pharmaceutical firms to pay a record penalty, accusing them of overcharging the NHS through a 2,600% overnight drug price hike.

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Tuesday, December 6, 2016

At least 25 dead after quake hits Aceh province

At least 25 people have been killed and dozens injured after a strong undersea earthquake hit Indonesia's province of Aceh.

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Stricter laws to stop stalkers 'in their tracks'

Stricter laws on so-called "stranger stalking" are to be introduced by the Government in an attempt to help victims earlier.

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Pannick attack: QC tries to dismantle Govt case

The second day of the Brexit legal challenge was dominated by the appearance of superstar legal eagle Lord Pannick, the QC who had pulled off the shock High Court victory for his client Gina Miller in the High Court.

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Parliament is sovereign, Supreme Court told

The Supreme Court has been told that Parliament must have a say in any attempt to "nullify" the legislation that preceded Britain's entry into Europe, because citizens' rights could be compromised.

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Brexit judges warned not to cross the line

The Supreme Court has been warned it will step "over the line" and have a "new serious control" over Whitehall if it backs a High Court judgement against the Government.

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'Keep calm': EU sets 18-month Brexit deadline

A final deal on Britain's exit from the EU could be reached by October 2018, the European Commission's chief negotiator says.

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UK benefits scam may have funded Paris attacks

Two men from Birmingham have been convicted of raising money for international terrorism, which may have included partly funding the devastating attacks on Paris and Brussels.

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Rise in C-sections affecting human evolution

Human evolution is being shaped by the number of women giving birth by caesarean section, a study has found.

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Network Rail to lose complete control of tracks

Network Rail is to be stripped of its complete control of England's railway tracks under Government plans.

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Cazeneuve becomes French PM as Valls quits

French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve has been appointed the new prime minister after Manuel Valls stepped down to focus on running for president.

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Monday, December 5, 2016

PM facing Conservative rebellion on Brexit

Theresa May is facing a damaging Tory rebellion on Brexit in a Commons debate on Labour demands for the Government to reveal its plan for leaving the EU.

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Supreme Court hears Govt has Brexit powers

The powers invoked by the Government to begin divorce procedures from the European Union are not an out–of-date "ancient relic" but a pillar of the British constitution, the Attorney General has told the Supreme Court.

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How did day one of Brexit case go for the Govt?

After the first day in the historic Supreme Court case, we now know that the Government is essentially deploying a more elegant version of the same argument which lost at the High Court.

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BoE Governor in globalisation warning

The Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has warned that those left behind by the financial crisis need more help.

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Brexit appeal explained: What's at stake?

The Government is at the Supreme Court in the latest stage of the legal battle over Brexit.

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British woman dies from stab wounds in Lapland

A man has been arrested after his 26-year-old British girlfriend died from stab wounds while working at a remote holiday resort in Lapland.

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Tata close to deal on Port Talbot - sources

International conglomerate Tata Group is close to agreeing a deal which would safeguard the jobs of around 4,500 employees at its steel plant in Port Talbot, Wales, Sky sources say.

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Italian PM to resign after heavy referendum loss

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is resigning after losing a key referendum on constitutional reform.

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Sunday, December 4, 2016

Brexit appeal set to start at Supreme Court

The Government will take its battle to start the process of leaving the EU to the Supreme Court today, in what is seen as one of the most significant constitutional battles in decades.

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New Zealand PM announces surprise resignation

John Key has unexpectedly announced his resignation as New Zealand's prime minister, saying it was the "right time" to quit politics.

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Death toll rises to 30 after California fire

Thirty bodies have been found in a fire-destroyed warehouse after a party in Oakland, California.

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Far-right candidate concedes Austria election

The far-right candidate in Austria's presidential election conceded defeat to his independent rival shortly after polls closed on Sunday afternoon.

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Johnson reveals four-point Brexit blueprint

Boris Johnson has outlined the four-point blueprint the Government wants to achieve when it negotiates the UK's exit from the EU.

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Italy votes in referendum as nervous EU looks on

Italians are heading to the polls in a referendum which could have significant ramifications for the whole of Europe.

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Saturday, December 3, 2016

Up to 40 feared dead after fire at music event

As many as 40 people may have died in a massive fire at a warehouse party in California.

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Will Austria elect EU's first far-right leader?

Millions of Austrians will head to the polls today in a presidential race that is still too close to call.

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Corbyn's amendment set to delay Article 50

In a week when the Government appeared to be signalling a softer flavour of Brexit, the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has clarified some of Labour's plans - for the first time confirming the Opposition will seek to amend a likely Article 50 Bill being prepared by Government.

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Labour will seek amendment to Brexit bill

Labour will seek to amend the Government's Brexit bill if the Supreme Court allows a debate in Parliament, Jeremy Corbyn says.

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Seventeen new players claim they were abused

At least 17 more former footballers have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse within the game, according to the PFA.

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'How wars start': Why Trump's Taiwan call matters

It is difficult to overstate just how seriously China takes the issue of Taiwan.

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Attorney General poised for Brexit showdown

The Attorney General has said the judges who ruled against the Government on Brexit should not "relegate, almost to a footnote, the outcome of the referendum".

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Friday, December 2, 2016

Trump risks China rift with Taiwan phone call

President-elect Donald Trump has spoken with the president of Taiwan - a move that is likely to provoke a serious rift with China.

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UKIP inspired by Lib Dem victory in Richmond

UKIP believes it can win the by-election in Lincolnshire next week following the surprise Liberal Democrat victory in Richmond.

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Police chief reveals allegations in Heath probe

A police chief has defended a child sex probe focusing on Sir Ted Heath, saying a "significant number of people" had made claims.

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Body found in hunt for missing ferry passenger

Rescuers searching for a ferry passenger who fell overboard have said a body has been found.

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Body found in hunt for missing ferry passenger

Rescuers searching for a ferry passenger who went overboard say they have have found a body.

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Chelsea 'paid £50k hush money over abuse'

A former player claims Chelsea football club paid him £50,000 not to go public with allegations that he was sexually abused by its former chief scout.

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