Avanti West Coast workers to strike over New Year after latest deal rejected

A 30-year-old man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a young boy died in a hit-and-run crash in Smethwick, near Birmingham. The grey Porsche Cayenne collided with a Toyota Auris carrying four adults and the two-year-old boy, leaving two adults in serious condition in the hospital. Sharjeel Shahzad faces multiple charges including driving while disqualified and failing to stop after a collision, and is set to appear in Birmingham Magistrates’ Court...

Despite a series of "precursor" events escalating tensions, police failed to anticipate the threat of far-right disorder after the Southport stabbing, leading to widespread unrest following the killing of three schoolgirls. His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke emphasized the need for better preparedness to tackle future outbreaks of violence, praising officers' dedication and bravery in ending six days of disorder, during which 302 officers were injured and 54 hospitalised. A rapid review by...

The government has refused to compensate 3.8 million women affected by changes to the state pension age, with Liz Kendall stating that a flat rate payment would not be fair or proportionate. This decision has sparked criticism from MPs and campaigners, including within the Labour party. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's investigation into the Department for Work and Pensions' handling of the issue was highly critical, leaving many women without the financial support they...

Tusk acknowledges historical tensions between Kyiv and Warsaw, emphasizing the importance of not letting past conflicts interfere with Polish-Ukrainian solidarity. Despite previous threats from Poland to block Ukraine's EU accession, Tusk now confirms support for accelerating talks and backing Kyiv's NATO membership. Zelenskyy praises Poland's efforts and expresses optimism about progress in addressing historical issues, highlighting cooperation between the two countries. Full Article

When thinking about Iran, one may wonder if it is Sunni or Shia, as this distinction is central to political, cultural, and religious debates in the region. Sunni Muslims believe in choosing leaders by consensus, while Shia Muslims believe in leadership by descent from Prophet Muhammad. Iran is predominantly Shia, with over 95% of the population adhering to Shia Islam. This Shia identity is integral to Iran's political, cultural, and foreign policy, as it influences...

Your support helps The Independent cover critical stories on reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, ensuring accurate reporting and analysis. Donations enable journalists to report from the ground and provide quality journalism accessible to all. Keir Starmer faces challenges over the Chagos Islands deal as Mauritius seeks to renegotiate, raising concerns about sovereignty, security, and international agreements. Full Article