Germany expands border checks to tackle irregular migration

In sweeping welfare reforms, long-term sick individuals may be required to find jobs or face reduced benefits, with work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall aiming to make it harder for those claiming mental health benefits. The Labour government plans to implement reforms to ensure that sick and disabled individuals have the opportunity to work with proper support, while also reducing financial incentives that exceed jobseeker payments. Ms. Kendall has criticized the Conservatives for failing to...

British-Israeli woman Emily Damari, held captive by Hamas in Gaza for 15 months, revealed in a call with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that she was detained at a UN facility and denied medical treatment, receiving only an outdated bottle despite losing fingers and being shot. Damari and her mother urged Starmer to pressure Hamas and UNRWA to allow Red Cross access to the remaining 82 hostages, while expressing gratitude to the UK for campaigning...

Police in London will increase their presence this weekend due to protests both for and against Tommy Robinson, who was sentenced to prison for breaching a court injunction. Stand Up To Racism is organizing a counter-demonstration against Robinson's supporters, aiming to bring an anti-racist stance to the streets of London. The 'Stop the Isolation' protest in support of Robinson will start at Waterloo Station and march to Parliament Square, with a static assembly planned. Full...

Rachel Reeves' hopes to regain business confidence suffered a blow as AstraZeneca cancelled a £450 million investment in a vaccine plant in Merseyside, amid concerns over promised subsidies. This setback came after failed attempts to attract major investments and job losses at companies like Lloyds Bank and Tesco, with criticism focused on national insurance hikes and new employment rights. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith criticized Labour's handling of the situation, highlighting the impact of tax...

Milder weather has given Britons relief from recent storm damage, but the UK is cautioned to prepare for more wet and windy conditions leading up to spring, with northwestern areas likely to experience heavy rain and strong winds from 4-13 February. Southern England will see fewer weather disruptions, with periods of dry weather expected, although some rain may occur. After 14 February, brief cold spells are anticipated between weather systems, with the south facing potential...

Residents and officials in Ghent have been hearing intermittent Tarzan cries in the city centre since January 12, 2025, sparking curiosity and speculation ranging from pranks to promotional stunts for upcoming musicals. The mysterious sounds, reminiscent of the "Over The Edges" art project from 25 years ago, have been reported in key areas like Vlaanderenstraat and Sint-Anna, with theories suggesting they could be related to an upcoming musical premiere or an artistic initiative. This phenomenon...