What I learnt on board the 35-hour ferry trip from the Canaries to mainland Spain

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has threatened to reveal the name of the Chinese spy, known as H6, who had close ties with Prince Andrew and met former prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May. The spy was banned from the UK in 2023 for engaging in covert activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party. Farage stated that H6 should be named in the House of Commons using parliamentary privilege to prevent an "establishment...

In England, the Geminid meteor shower is currently peaking, offering stargazers the chance to witness dozens of shooting stars in just a few hours. The shower was visible from Northumberland to Somerset, with striking photos capturing the celestial scene. Photographer Lee Reid had a lucky viewing spot in Lindisfarne, Northumberland, and described the experience as exciting and rewarding. Full Article

Mohammad Khan, 29, was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for opening fire with a Skorpion submachine gun in Smethwick. The incident occurred following a dispute, with Khan firing in the direction of a man standing in a doorway, damaging property. No injuries were reported, and Khan was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life after being tracked down by West Midlands Police. Full Article

The Independent is seeking support to continue reporting on important issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. They rely on donations to fund their investigative journalism and documentary production. A pro-Labour tax expert has called on Sir Keir Starmer to reverse the decision to charge a death tax on family farms worth over £1m, suggesting a £20m threshold instead to target rich landowners. The expert's intervention has been praised by farmers and...

The residents of Britain's happiest places to live, such as Woodbridge in East Suffolk, praised the strong community spirit and lush green surroundings of their beloved homes. Woodbridge topped this year's list compiled by Rightmove, with last year's winner Richmond-upon-Thames coming in second. Residents highlighted factors such as pride in their hometown, sense of belonging, community spirit, and recreational opportunities as reasons for their happiness. Full Article

On December 13, 2024, a police officer shot a 19-year-old man in Wezembeek-Oppem, Belgium, after he threatened officers with an iron bar during a family dispute. The man was critically injured and hospitalized following the incident, which is under investigation by local authorities. The shooting has prompted an investigation by the Halle-Vilvoorde public prosecutor’s office to determine if the officer's actions were justified. Full Article