Two men who smuggled half a tonne of cocaine into UK jailed

Sir Keir Starmer delivered a Christmas message expressing solidarity with those feeling lonely, while also hoping for peace amid Middle East instability. He thanked NHS workers and the armed forces, emphasizing a vision for a better future despite economic challenges. The government's "Plan for Change" aims to improve living standards, but recent flatlined growth figures pose a setback for Sir Keir's economic mission. Full Article

Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28, has been charged with murder and affray after allegedly attacking 61-year-old Elizabeth Line assistant Jorge Ortega in east London on 4 December. Originally charged with grievous bodily harm, the charges were amended, and Mr Jamgbadi is set to appear in court on 7 January. Mr Ortega, a member of the RMT union, suffered severe head injuries and later died, leaving behind a family who described him as a kind and loving soul....

Your donation to The Independent helps support their reporting on critical issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. The publication is known for its investigative journalism, covering stories like Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC and the documentary 'The A Word' highlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights. Your support enables The Independent to send reporters to cover all sides of the story, providing trustworthy news to Americans without paywalls. Additionally, an 18-year-old died...

The family of 15-year-old Ryan Marshall, who tragically died in a collision with a car in Andover, Hampshire, have described him as a "lovely, caring boy" with a cheeky sense of humor. The incident occurred on December 21, and Ryan passed away from his injuries the following day. A 29-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs and is under investigation. Ryan's family is heartbroken by their loss, and police are...

A charity in the north of England has provided hundreds of beds to vulnerable families, improving the education and well-being of dozens of children who were previously sleeping on the floor. The Independent's Christmas appeal raised over £150,000 last year to purchase more than 900 beds through the Leeds-based organization Zarach, benefiting nearly one million children living in bed poverty. One mother, Cherieann Pickering, and her three children now have their own space to sleep...

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, foreign fighters from the Islamist group Ansar al-Tawhid were involved in an incident. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) detained these fighters, and a religious leader from HTS promised to restore peace. The protests occurred after the toppling of President Assad's regime, with European leaders supporting the new leadership to protect Syrian rights and prevent terrorism. Full Article