The Independent - January 01, 2025

In this issue

January 01, 2025

Starmer says there is 'much more' to do after rocky start

PM vows to fight to rebuild Britain in new year message

3 mins

Scammers drain £100m from NHS over five years

Fraudsters have stolen more than £100m from the NHS in the past five years, exploiting weaknesses in IT systems to commit crimes ranging from stealing credit card data to hacking supplier emails, The Independent can reveal.

4 mins

Pollsters warn Labour ‘lacks a coherent story' for voters

Reform ready to capitalise on Starmer’s falling popularity

4 mins

Spectacular displays bring in new year across the world

Revellers have cheered in the new year around the world including millions across the UK, despite bad weather forcing the cancellation of many celebrations.

3 mins

Johnnie Walker, legendary radio presenter, dies at 79

Popular radio presenter Johnnie Walker, a former pirate radio DJ who began his career with the BBC in 1969, has died aged 79. After a career spanning almost 60 years, the veteran DJ announced his retirement from the airwaves in October of last year. It followed his diagnosis with a terminal illness.

4 mins

Troops could be prosecuted over alleged crimes in Syria

Nine UK special forces troops could be prosecuted over alleged war crimes in Syria, Ministry of Defence MoD) figures show. The Service Prosecuting Authority SPA), is considering one case related to one individual and another involving eight.

1 min

Klass: There is a culture of blame around miscarriage

Presenter awarded MBE for campaigning on baby loss

3 mins

How 2025 could see Putin inch closer to his war aims

With a Russian apologist about to return to the White House, Keir Giles describes how he believes Putin will use the new US president to accelerate his goal of European domination

5 mins

Israel has destroyed Gaza healthcare system, says UN

Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza have devastated the Palestinian enclave’s health system and raised serious concerns about Israel’s compliance with international law, the UN Human Rights Office said in a report yesterday.

1 min

Taliban tries to stop women from being seen at home

Leader orders blocking of windows overlooking properties

3 mins

DOME. SWEET DOME?

Build it and they will come or perhaps not. The Millennium Dome was supposed to be an emblem of Britain's future, but it didn't exactly turn out as hoped, recalls Jonathan Glancey

5 mins

How rock stars helped put Carter in the White House

Jimmy Carter’s connection to the likes of Bob Dylan and The Allman Brothers forged his outlook on society and allowed him to grab the national spotlight

4 mins

'It's much more than just a run – it's a real way of life'

From humble beginnings in a London park to thousands of destinations worldwide, parkrun has attracted millions of loyal joggers to its weekly 5km events. Helen Coffey charts the 20-year success story of running’s most inclusive club

8 mins

British Airways wants you to join its club... at a price

The world’s favourite airline’ has upset many travellers with its revamped frequent flyer programme

3 mins

Nine signs you're trapped in a Harlan Coben mystery

Adaptations like Missing You’ are a perfect hangover watch, but they definitely require viewers to suspend their disbelief. Katie Rosseinsky unravels some of their most baffling cliches

6 mins

Amorim's jumbled United are flirting with the drop

It normally takes two years for a Manchester United manager’s reign to descend into crisis. It has only taken two months for Ruben Amorim to reach that point.

4 mins

A resurgent South Africa pump life into Test game

It was never going to be straightforward. South Africa's cricketers in a pressure game? Perhaps only amphetamines are as reliable in spiking the heart rate.

3 mins

The year of the heavyweight

From Usyk’s epic encounters with Fury to Dubois’s shocking and brutal win over Joshua, the sport’s biggest hitters served up a vintage 12 months in the ring

4 mins

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The Independent Newspaper Description:

The Independent has been at the frontline of journalism since 1986, with its mission to challenge and debate always ahead of its time. The Independent is free-thinking and free of bias in an increasingly fragmented world where communities locally, regionally and across continents are disenfranchised with traditional establishments. They want real facts and frank opinions delivered first-hand from a news source that is ready to stand for something, not everything.