Urgent safety warning issued over water beads gifts for children

Counterterrorism police failed to recognize the risk of radicalization in Southport killer Axel Rudakubana, who received a life sentence for murdering three young girls at a dance class. Despite his obsession with extreme violence, officers deemed him not at risk in a Prevent learning review. Home secretary Yvette Cooper ordered a public inquiry to investigate missed opportunities in identifying Rudakubana's intent, including reviewing his referrals to the Prevent scheme and calls to the police. Full...

In a speech at the “Stars and Stripes Union Jack” party, Nigel Farage expressed optimism about winning the next general election, hoping it would happen while Donald Trump is still president. There was a strong anti-Keir Starmer sentiment among Trump's supporters and advisers, with terms like communist and Marxist being used to describe the Labour government. The unanimous hatred towards Starmer's policies and worldview was evident, possibly fueled by a void left by Justin Trudeau's...

The Independent relies on reader support to cover important stories like reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. Donations help fund on-the-ground reporting and ensure quality journalism is accessible to all. As Storm Eowyn continues to cause chaos in the UK and Ireland, weather warnings for snow, wind, and rain persist, with potential flooding, travel disruptions, and power cuts expected in affected areas. The Met Office warns of further impacts from the storm and a...

Rachel Reeves is betting on a commuter town boom to stimulate UK growth, with plans for more houses near train stations and streamlined planning processes. Amid concerns over her future in the Treasury and economic indicators signaling a crisis, the chancellor is set to announce major planning reforms. Despite promises to boost infrastructure projects and home ownership, questions remain about her position as borrowing costs rise and business leaders worry about upcoming tax hikes. Full...

Laura Sugden, a woman whose partner was killed in a crossbow attack while she was pregnant, is calling for tougher laws following the murders of BBC commentator John Hunt's wife and daughters. Sugden, who survived being shot in the head, has become an advocate against crossbows after the tragic incident in January 2018. The assailant, Anthony Lawrence, lived next door and was found dead after a police manhunt, highlighting escalating tensions between neighbors leading up...

UN spokespersons express deep concern over the heightened risk of an attack by the M23 armed group on Goma, DRC, warning of catastrophic impacts on civilians, particularly women and girls subjected to sexual violence. Since MONUSCO's withdrawal from South Kivu, clashes in North Kivu have displaced 400,000 people, with attacks on camps causing casualties and new waves of displacement, prompting UNHCR to provide limited aid amid challenging access. UN Secretary-General urges M23 to cease offensive...