The Independent - November 25, 2024

In this issue

November 25, 2024

PM promises crackdown on cheats to tackle benefits bill

Sir Keir Starmer has promised \"zero tolerance\" for benefits cheats as Labour seeks to tackle Britain's ballooning welfare bill.

3 mins

Will Labour Party Mps Get Behind Pm's Welfare Blitz?

Labour's blitz on benefits comes with some eye-catching language from the prime minister, announced in The Mail on Sunday. He has warned of Britain's "bulging benefits bill blighting our society" as he vows to cut the £137bn cost.

2 mins

Cop29 deal criticised as a 'death sentence for millions'

Campaigners have hit out at a \"woefully inadequate\" financial package for developing nations agreed at Cop29 - with one charity condemning it as a \"death sentence for millions\".

4 mins

Body found in dog walker search as Bert brings floods

A body has been found in the search for a dog walker who went missing in floodwater as Storm Bert brought nearly a month's worth of rain in less than 48 hours and winds of up to 82mph.

3 mins

Scores of experts lineup against assisted dying bill

Leading academic experts in the fields of health, end-of-life care and the legal system have joined together to sign an open letter opposing the assisted dying bill which MPs are due to debate on Friday.

4 mins

Budget tax rises will hinder growth, CBI chief warns

Tax rises in the autumn Budget are undermining investment in companies, the head of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) warns.

3 mins

Reeves warned 'charity tax' will hurt antisemitism fight

The Jewish Leadership Council has hit out at the so-called \"charity tax\" measures in the Budget and has warned the chancellor that the tax hikes will damage the fight against antisemitism.

2 mins

Former British soldier held in Ukraine by Russian army

A British man who was fighting for Ukraine has been captured by Russian forces, according to reports.

1 min

Spiking drinks to be made criminal offence, says PM

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to make spiking a drink a specific criminal offence as he demanded joint action from police and hospitality chiefs to crack down on violence against women and girls (VAWG).

2 mins

How collapse of building firm left Labour's plans for schools and jails in tatters

Dozens of schools and prisons around England and Wales face higher bills and delays to new buildings worth billions of pounds after the collapse of one of the UK's biggest contractors. ISG, the sixth-biggest builder in the UK, collapsed in September, leaving 2,200 workers immediately redundant and many subcontractors out of pocket. At least one firm working for ISG has gone under.

5 mins

Lab test monkeys are flown to UK 'injured and terrified'

Monkeys flown into the UK for laboratory testing were so badly injured that their crates were smeared with blood, photographs suggest.

3 mins

Three held after prominent Israeli rabbi killed in Dubai

Emirati police question men as Iran denies any involvement

2 mins

The Extremism Of Trump's Pick For Intelligence Chief

Tulsi Gabbard made the journey from anti-war Democrat to Moscow-friendly Maga warrior. Rich Hall looks at how

9 mins

Far-right populist leads in Romanian presidential vote

A far-right populist took the lead in Romania's presidential election yesterday and will probably face leftist prime minister Marcel Ciolacu in a runoff in two weeks, an outcome that rocked the country's political landscape.

3 mins

Have I got time to get a new passport for trip to Europe?

Q My passport expires in July 2025. Is the Passport Office doing renewals quickly these days? If not, when is the best time? I intend to go to Europe before March.

1 min

Amorim kicks-off United role with lacklustre draw

Ruben Amorim can at least remind himself that Manchester United’s best managers have had worse starts.

4 mins

Treasure's chest! Salah stars for Reds in comeback win

Liverpool moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League yesterday as Mohamed Salah scored twice to help them come from behind to beat Southampton 3-2 at St Mary’s.

2 mins

Verstappen pulls up next to F1 elite with his fourth title

Dutch driver seals championship under lights of Las Vegas

3 mins

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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.