EU bans products made with forced labour across markets

Sir Keir Starmer is seeking a "sherpa" to guide the UK's post-Brexit reset with the EU, appointing a second permanent secretary in the Cabinet Office for this purpose. The £200,000-a-year role will focus on rebuilding ties with the EU amid increasing public scrutiny and political attention. With Donald Trump's return to the White House, the UK faces a crucial decision between aligning closer with either the EU or the US economic models. Full Article

Poland's prime minister Donald Tusk warns that the war in Ukraine is reaching a critical point, as Vladimir Putin launches a new ballistic missile, escalating the threat of global conflict. Nato and Ukrainian officials hold emergency talks after Putin's hypersonic missile strike on Dnipro, which he claims was in retaliation for Ukraine using British and American missiles on Russia. Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky calls for a serious response to Putin's actions and increases air defences...

At the Royal Variety Performance, King Charles enjoyed a comedian's impression of Donald Trump, laughing as Matt Forde poked fun at the US president-elect by referencing his unfounded claims about illegal immigrants eating pets. Forde imitated Trump's voice, jokingly warning the King to be careful as they might "eat him alive." Charles attended the event alone as Camilla remained at home due to a chest infection, showing his sense of humor and ability to enjoy...

Tens of thousands of passengers at London's Gatwick airport faced disruptions after a security scare led to the evacuation of the South Terminal due to a "suspected prohibited item" found in a passenger's baggage. While some flights departed with fewer passengers, others were forced to leave the building and seek shelter in car parks or walk to the North Terminal. Check-in at the South Terminal was suspended for over four hours, causing severe problems for...

Your support enables The Independent to report on critical issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, providing in-depth coverage and investigations. At Cop29, a draft text proposed a $250bn annual target for climate finance, which was criticized as insufficient by developing countries and campaigners, who argue for more grants and public funding to support vulnerable populations. Despite negotiations running overnight, the outcome may still fall short of the trillion-dollar goal, with calls...

The energy price cap will increase by 1.2% in January for the second consecutive time, raising bills to an average of £1,738, £21 more than the previous cap. This rise comes as millions of people lose access to winter fuel payments, with campaigners criticizing the decision as a blow to vulnerable individuals, especially amid sub-zero temperatures. The new cap will last from January to March 2025 and is £190 cheaper than the cap during the...