Hundreds of schools appeal ‘cuts’ to learning support hours – The Irish Times

The Kremlin has expressed support for Donald Trump's criticism of Ukraine, as tensions between Russia and the US escalate over Biden's approval for Kyiv to use long-range missiles against Russia. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for Vladimir Putin, stated that Russia agrees with Trump's views on the situation but remains cautious about his future decisions regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump has criticized the use of US-supplied weapons against Russia, promising to end the war within his...

A group of scientists have issued a warning about the potential devastating impact of "mirror bacteria" on life on Earth, as it poses an unprecedented risk due to its unique properties compared to life as we know it. The capability to create mirror bacteria in a lab is at least a decade away, but concerns have already been raised about the lack of immunity to these organisms in humans and other animals, as well as...

During a recent episode of BBC Question Time, a guest criticized politicians for their handling of the NHS, expressing frustration with the lack of input from NHS England's CEO, Amanda Pritchard. Health secretary Wes Streeting defended Labour's contributions to the health service, leading to a heated political debate on the panel. Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine called for a cross-party approach to focus on improving healthcare rather than political agendas. Full Article

Your support helps The Independent cover important stories, from reproductive rights to climate change. Donations fund journalists to report on critical issues and provide unbiased analysis accessible to all. As cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) rise, parents are advised to watch for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and decreased appetite in newborns. NHS guidance suggests handwashing, avoiding close contact with infants, and vaccination for high-risk groups to prevent the spread of RSV. Full Article

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves faces disappointment as the UK economy shrinks by 0.1% in October, following a similar decline in September. Labour's focus on economic growth is emphasized, with Reeves stressing the importance of delivering higher living standards through long-term growth policies. The opposition criticizes the government's decisions, attributing the economic downturn to the Chancellor's actions and negative rhetoric, warning of potential negative impacts on families. Full Article

A Christmas fairground in Birmingham was sealed off after a ride 'failed and crashed', with two women taken to the hospital and 11 others injured. The 'Star Flyer' ride, described as 180ft high, collapsed, resulting in broken glass and injuries. Emergency services responded, with no serious injuries reported, and the area remains cordoned off as investigations continue. Full Article