EU Council appoints new special representatives for key regions

The UK government has announced plans to merge and eventually close down resettlement schemes for Afghans coming to the UK, citing the need for value for money and an end to endless processes. Defence secretary John Healey stated that the new single pathway will streamline the process, but no specific timeline was given for the closure. Refugee charity Safe Passage has requested more details to ensure the safety of Afghans who may be left in...

Belgian celebrity Zita Wauters, daughter of Valerie De Booser and Koen Wauters, was convicted of drink driving and driving an uninspected vehicle, resulting in a 10-day driving ban, a 480 euro fine, and a repeat practical driving test. The court criticized her for ignoring government warnings about drink-driving and stated she cannot safely drive yet. Wauters' case is part of a series of drink driving incidents involving Belgian VRT personalities, including Tom Waes and Ruben...

South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, branded the “worst in the UK”, will close at the end of December due to years of allegations of animal welfare failings and dangerous workplace conditions, including avoidable animal deaths and neglect. The zoo faced scrutiny following the death of a keeper mauled by a tiger in 2013, a hefty fine for health and safety breaches, and a report revealing 486 animal deaths in three years. Despite denying claims...

Andrew and Tristan Tate will have over £2m seized by police after being accused of tax evasion on £21m in revenues, with Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruling their actions as a "straightforward cheat of the revenue". Devon and Cornwall Police brought a civil claim against the brothers, alleging they paid no tax on their online businesses and OnlyFans accounts between 2014 and 2022, with Sarah Clarke KC stating they are "serial tax and VAT evaders"...

French President Emmanuel Macron will not attend the European Council meeting in Brussels to visit Mayotte, an overseas territory in the Indian Ocean hit by Tropical Cyclone Chido. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will represent Macron at the meeting. The cyclone caused significant damage, with 22 dead and 1,373 injured, though the death toll could rise significantly according to local authorities. Full Article

In November, the rate of price rises in the UK increased to 2.6 per cent, driven by higher tobacco duty and petrol costs, according to the Office for National Statistics. The inflation level rose above the Bank of England's 2 per cent target due to increased household energy bills and taxes on tobacco products, leading to concerns about the economy not working for working people. Additionally, food and alcohol prices rose ahead of the festive...