Ministers ban phrase ‘free childcare’ as anger over nursery fees grows

The Independent relies on reader support to cover critical stories, from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech. Your donation helps fund investigative journalism, like exploring Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC and producing documentaries like 'The A Word.' With reporters on the ground, The Independent provides unbiased reporting accessible to all, without paywalls. Brentford boss Thomas Frank praises Chelsea as the best team in the Premier League, expressing confidence in his team's ability to compete...

Cesar Hernandez is a staff soccer writer for ESPN.com, covering the resignation of Mexico Football Federation commissioner Juan Carlos Rodríguez amid discussions of a $1.25 billion league investment from Apollo Global Management. The FMF announced that Liga MX president Mikel Arriola will serve as interim commissioner and form a committee to continue negotiations. The investment deal would require unanimous support from all 18 Liga MX clubs, with the aim of centralizing decision-making in key areas...

In Week 15, Sal Vetri provides key fantasy football advice for dominating matchups. He highlights Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s challenging matchup against the Ravens, advising caution due to Baltimore's strong defense. On the other hand, Brian Robinson Jr. is in a favorable spot facing the Saints' weak run defense and is a must-start. Rico Dowdle continues to impress and is recommended as a must-start against the Panthers. Sean Tucker emerges as a sleeper option if Bucky...

The Independent relies on reader support to cover important stories like reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. Your donation helps fund investigative reporting and documentaries, ensuring that quality journalism remains accessible to all. Meanwhile, new England head coach Thomas Tuchel plans to consult with Gareth Southgate and Lee Carsley as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, aiming to build on England's recent successes and establish a strong international presence. Scotland and...

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé will miss a Spanish league game due to a leg injury, but coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful he will recover in time for the Intercontinental Cup final next week. Mbappé's left-thigh injury will sideline him for the La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, but he will travel to Qatar with the team for the final. Ancelotti mentioned that Mbappé's injury occurred after scoring his 50th Champions League goal and expressed optimism...

British number one Jack Draper spoke to BBC Sport's Laura Scott during a Memory Walk to bring attention to Alzheimer's disease, a condition that his grandmother is battling. Alzheimer's leads to dementia and a decline in cognitive function. Draper is raising awareness after seeing the devastating impact of the disease firsthand. Full Article