CATEGORIES

'It's always 5%' Chancellor's call for civil service savings will sound very familiar

Experienced Whitehall officials would have been forgiven for experiencing a sense of deja vu when listening to the chancellor Rachel Reeves this month as she laid out her plans to drive efficiencies from the civil service as part of her spending review.

Water firms urged to step up bills help for vulnerable people

Water companies should spend more on helping vulnerable customers, according to consumer groups, as households in England and Wales brace for steep bill increases to be announced this week.

Man dies after falling from balcony at Birmingham's Bullring centre

A man has died after falling from a balcony at the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham, police said.

Silt and sea air expected to make brussels sprouts 25% bigger this year

In a development likely to inspire both joy and dismay round the Christmas dinner table, farmers are forecasting brussels sprouts will be 25% bigger this year.

Foreign Office £50m pledge to aid most vulnerable across region

The UK has announced £50m of humanitarian aid for vulnerable Syrians across the Middle East after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Syrian asylum seekers call on Home Office to end its 'cruel' pause on decisions

Syrian asylum seekers, left in limbo after the home secretary said the government was pausing their claims, have called the decision \"cruel\" and urged officials to resume processing their cases.

Israel strikes dozens of sites inside Syria despite rebel chief's peace pledge

Israel struck dozens of sites in Syria overnight on Saturday, despite the Syrian rebel leader, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, saying his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group was not interested in conflict with Israel.

'We fear a new oppression' Alawites worry as uncertain future unfolds

To prepare khubeiza, the leaves of the kale-like plant must be roughly chopped and sauteed with onions, garlic and a dash of salt.

Daily life Schools, bars and shops in Damascus reopen while petrol shortage eases

Damascus appeared to be adjusting to a new normality a week after Islamist-led rebels forced President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country, with schools and universities reopening on the first day of the working week.

Woman dead and man in hospital after shooting in London

A woman has died after a triple shooting in Brent, north-west London, on Saturday night.

Hundreds feared dead after Cyclone Chido wrecks French territory

At least several hundred people are feared to have been killed after the worst cyclone in almost a century ripped through the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on Saturday, uprooting trees, tearing houses apart and pounding the archipelago's already weak infrastructure.

'A light that shines': McCausland helps Strictly regain entertainment crown

It has been a difficult year for Strictly Come Dancing. Just six months ago, questions were mounting about whether it should be axed after a string of allegations of bullying during rehearsals, amid fears controversy would hang over its 22nd season when it launched in September.

One in four babies delivered by caesarean in England last year

One in four babies born in NHS hospitals in England last year were delivered by caesarean section, official figures show.

Cates to leave Sky to replace Lineker on Match of the Day

The football presenter Kelly Cates is understood to be leaving Sky Sports to replace Gary Lineker on the BBC's Match of the Day.

Experts tell Reeves not to let City off the leash

Fifty economists and policy experts have issued a stark warning to Rachel Reeves that encouraging the City to expand could threaten financial stability and jeopardise growth.

MPs threaten to name Chinese 'spy' linked to Prince Andrew

Allegations raise calls for caution in UK over bid to re-establish China links

Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland

Israel announced the closure of its embassy in Ireland yesterday, citing Dublin's decision last week to support a petition at the international court of justice accusing Israel of genocide.

Amorim 'never' spoke to City about replacing Guardiola

New Manchester United head coach is preparing for his first derby tomorrow against the wounded champions

Latest figures show UK economy shrinks again

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the unexpected fall in GDP was driven by declines in construction and production, while the dominant services sector stagnated.

Manager is 'sad' for his players as toll mounts

Pep Guardiola is feeling the pain of Manchester City's crushing loss of form but insists \"the soul and the spirit of this team is there.\"

10 things to look out for this weekend

A Manchester derby at a bad time for both teams, managers with shared values and Forest's European dream

Tuchel to sound out 'gentleman' Southgate for qualification tips

New England coach to seek out predecessor and Carsely for 2026 World Cup guidance

I'm not going to worry about bruised egos - we're in a fight

Ange Postecoglou Spurs manager says Werner blast a call to arms

Littler sets sights on glory after 'crazy' year

Teenage superstar hopes to go one better after his remarkable run to the final of the World Championship

Phil Vickery: 'I'm not angry, I'm not bitter, but I will need help

The former England captain on CTE, legal action and a 21-year reunion for the 2003 World Cup winners

'Multiple bids' for stakes in Hundred sides, ECB chief says

The England and Wales Cricket Board is increasingly confident of selling lucrative stakes in all eight Hundred teams, harnessing money it believes will safeguard the county game for the next quarter of a century.

Can billionaire media moguls be trusted in America?

If we want to know what news organisations will look like under the second Trump administration in America, well, we are beginning to get an idea.

Money hacks How to declutter your home before Christmas

The kitchen might not be the first place that springs to mind, but as Vicky Silverthorn, a professional declutterer, says, it's where you're most likely to need a bit of space in the next few weeks.

Cut the red tape What industry leaders would like from a Brexit 'reset'

Earlier this week, the chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was hoping talks in the New Year could lead to an extensive \"reset\" of post-Brexit relations.

Underground fares to rise by 4.6% next year

Fares on London Underground and rail services in the capital will increase by an inflation-busting 4.6% next March, while bus and tram fares will remain frozen.