National News

Trump says UK soldiers in Afghanistan were among the greatest of all warriors

Donald Trump has said UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan were “among the greatest of all warriors” after previously drawing criticism for his claims Nato troops stayed away from the front lines during the conflict.

Burnham says he plans to stand in by election

Andy Burnham has announced that he intends to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election, setting up a potential return to Westminster for the Greater Manchester mayor.

Trump remarks about British troops insulting and appalling Starmer says

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Donald Trump’s remarks about British troops in Afghanistan were “insulting and frankly appalling” and signalled the US President should apologise.

Husband pleads guilty to drugging and raping ex wife over 13 years

A husband has admitted drugging and raping his now ex-wife over a 13-year period.

Health Secretary promises improved cancer care in deprived areas

Wes Streeting vows to end the postcode lottery of cancer care with more training and technology

Increase in workers on a four day week research shows

More than 50 organisations employing over 1,400 workers moved to a four-day working week in 2025, according to new figures.

Late Queens strong and complex personality to feature in national memorial

An acclaimed artist, known for her depictions of Second World War heroines, is to design a sculpture “portraying the strong and complex personality” of Queen Elizabeth II as part of the national memorial to the late monarch.

Asylum seekers moved into military barracks amid pressure to end hotel use

The first asylum seekers have been moved into a former military barracks in East Sussex as ministers face pressure to end the use of hotels.

Ex Labour minister says he is standing down as MP for medical reasons

A former Labour minister has announced he will stand down as an MP for medical reasons, paving the way for a potential Westminster return for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Jessie Buckley scores Oscar nomination while Sinners makes history with 16 nods

Irish actress Jessie Buckley has been nominated for an Oscar, while vampire drama Sinners has made history as the first film to score 16 nods.

Keir Starmer and Danish PM discuss vital steps towards Arctic security

Sir Keir Starmer said he will discuss how to “take the vital steps” towards strengthened security in the Arctic with Denmark’s prime minister, who thanked him for the UK’s support during “quite a difficult time” for the country amid Donald Trump’s demands to annex its semi-autonomous territory Greenland.

Harry returns to court after giving evidence in trial against Mail publisher

The Duke of Sussex has returned to a court in London for the fourth day of the trial of his legal action against the publisher of the Daily Mail.

One in four children starting reception not toilet trained survey finds

Around one in four children who started reception in 2025 were not toilet trained, a survey of teachers has found, amid warnings more children are struggling with basic life skills.

Sean Bean to host birdwatching podcast

Hollywood star Sean Bean is to host an award-winning podcast for birdwatchers.

Substantial increase in ADHD prescriptions driven by women study

There has been a “substantial increase” in the proportion of people using medicines for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the UK, driven by a rise in prescription rates among adults, in particular women.

33 Russell Bromley stores at risk after Next buyout

Next has bought Russell and Bromley after the footwear and handbag retailer fell into administration.

Mother of 10 found guilty of keeping house slave for 25 years

A teenage girl was forced to work as a “house slave” for a woman and her 10 children for more than 25 years, a court heard.

Inflation bounces back in December as Christmas travel fuels price rises

UK inflation bounced back in December as tobacco duty hikes and Christmas getaways helped push up the cost of living, official figures show.

Donald Trump doubles down on Greenland threat but rules out using force

Donald Trump has doubled down on his threats to annex Greenland, saying only the US could secure the Arctic territory, but ruled out using force.

Reeves UK will not be buffeted around amid Trump tariff threats

The UK will not be pushed around by Donald Trump’s tariff threats, Rachel Reeves said as she defended Sir Keir Starmer’s attempts to cool tensions over Greenland.