CATEGORIES

Leading group that overthrew regime not a direct threat to UK, say officials

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the leading group that overthrew the Assad regime in Syria, is not a direct terror threat to the UK, according to western intelligence assessments.

Mazen al-Hamada Activist who survived to tell story of torture found dead in notorious prison

When he spoke to lawmakers and lecture theatres around the world, Mazen al-Hamada's face told the story of the brutal torture enacted by the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

'This is a happy day' Fighters return home to reunite with families and start rebuilding their lives

This time, the doors of the Syrian state broadcaster were held open for Mohammed Abu al-Zaid. The rebel commander strode into the building, camo-clad and with a pistol on his hip, and greeted the channel's staff. The warm welcome was a far cry from his entrance on Sunday morning, when he stormed the building and announced live on air that Bashar al-Assad's regime had officially fallen.

Rebels and NGOs keen to prosecute over war crimes but lawyers warn challenges await

The rebel leader now running much of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has offered rewards for senior army and intelligence officers involved in war crimes, as the Assad regime's sudden fall brought hopes of justice for the many atrocities of one of the world's most brutal dictatorships.

Diplomacy HTS could be removed from UN's terrorist list

The UN would consider taking the Syrian rebel group that toppled the regime of Bashar al-Assad off its designated terrorist list if it passes the key test of forming a truly inclusive transitional government, according to a senior official at the world body.

Vodafone 'left store managers suicidal'

Vodafone \"unjustly enriched\" itself at the expense of scores of vulnerable small business owners by slashing commissions to franchisees running the mobile phone group's high street stores, according to allegations filed yesterday in the high court.

Care homes to be used for asylum seekers

Asylum seekers will be housed in disused care homes and student digs under a Home Office plan to find 800 new accommodation sites and cut a bill that has risen to £8m a day.

Israel strikes military targets and seizes territory in Syria offensive

Air attacks hit hundreds of sites including naval fleet and missile stores

New Syrian PM named as outside powers move to shore up their interests

Syria's leading rebel group has named a new prime minister at the head of the country's transitional government, as outside powers moved to shore up their interests in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse.

TV review It feels like a spoof: Prince Harry's show on the super-rich's stupidest sport

Back in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan signed a $100m deal with Netflix to produce - as they put it - \"content that informs but also gives hope\" utilising \"powerful storytelling\" through a \"truthful and relatable lens\". What this meant in practice was that they made one reality show about how hard they had it, and then they stuttered.

Outrage in Spain as the winner of Scrabble title doesn't speak the language

Representing 20 countries from across the globe, more than 150 players battled it out at the Spanish world Scrabble championships.

Labour faces clash with unions over 2.8% public sector pay rise

The government is set for a clash with unions after ministers recommended a 2.8% pay rise for teachers, NHS staff and other public sector workers.

Thousands penalised after failure to overhaul carer's allowance

Hundreds of thousands of unpaid carers were hit with ruinous penalties for minor breaches of carer's allowance rules in the five years after senior welfare officials promised to fix the scandal-hit benefit, an official audit has revealed.

O'Gara open to England job but rules out leading Wales

Ronan O'Gara has declared his interest in taking a top international coaching role in the foreseeable future but will not be a contender for the Wales job should it fall vacant.

Red card for referee Coote sacked over Klopp rant and white powder allegations

David Coote's contract as a Premier League referee has been terminated after an investigation into his off-field behaviour.

Ratcliffe left with bloody nose after Ashworth farce

The sporting director's exit further tests United fans' faith in the direction of travel under Ineos owner

Bowen relieves West Ham to turn up heat on O'Neil

Pitted against the incompetence of Wolves' defending, the mediocrity of West Ham's performance was not enough to bring about the end of Julen Lopetegui's unhappy reign.

Postecoglou's story of hard luck hints at deeper Spurs issues

Likable manager points to injuries and refereeing errors but the club's underlying approach may be the problem

European routs lead to thorny questions around new format

If Paris Saint-Germain take an early lead at Red Bull Salzburg tonight they may wonder whether to stick or twist.

Emery urges Villa to 'break our limit' in top-eight push

Unai Emery has urged Aston Villa to \"break our limit\" by enhancing their chances of advancing automatically to the Champions League last 16 with victory against RB Leipzig.

Slot confirms 'outstanding' Alisson ready to face Girona

Alisson could make his Liverpool return against Girona in the Champions League at Montilivi tonight after Arne Slot confirmed that he is ready to start again.

Five takeaways from England's series success in New Zealand

Pressure tells Unless you're Australia, New Zealand is not an easy place to win a Test series.

'Best in the world' Brook keeping feet on ground

England batter is determined to stick with his aggressive approach even if it puts his sky-high statistics at risk

Wolff shares heartfelt final farewell with Hamilton

Toto Wolff has bid Lewis Hamilton a heartfelt final farewell with what the Mercedes team principal called the most important message he has ever sent, as Hamilton prepares to join Ferrari next season.

'This is mad': 17-year-old Littler stunned by Spoty nomination

Luke Littler will have a shot at becoming the youngest winner of the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award for more than 60 years after being named on a six-strong shortlist headed by the Paris 2024 Olympics stars Keely Hodgkinson and Alex Yee.

Lost in the desert Gerrard's drift into grim-faced obscurity shows true nature of soulless Saudi league

Occasionally, at various opportune or triumphant moments in his career - posing for a photograph, say, or receiving a medal or trophy - Steven Gerrard has been called upon to smile. This is a challenge that has almost invariably proved beyond him. Take his famous goal against Olympiakos in the Champions League, 20 years ago last Sunday. We all remember what happens: header, ball drops, Gerrard smashes it in from distance and tears off in celebration, fists flying, teammates in pursuit.

An investability problem' Legal ruling leaves motor finance industry in a spin

A cloud of anxiety was hanging over the British Motor Museum. Alongside showrooms featuring the 1988 Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJR-9 and the Land Rover Defender used in the opening scenes of the James Bond film Skyfall were conference rooms filled with worried lawyers, bankers and compliance staff from across the motor lending industry.

Ashley has the right critique of Boohoo. But appointing him to the board defies common sense

Make-your-mind-up-time approaches for Boohoo's shareholders in the great showdown with Mike Ashley. The Sports Direct maestro wants a seat on the Boohoo board for him and a mate, to go with the 27% shareholding his Frasers Group holds in the struggling online retailer.

Average home in England, Scotland and Wales 'is now unaffordable'

Only the richest 10% of households can afford to buy an average-priced home in England, according to official figures laying bare the scale of Britain's broken housing market.