Ostend’s Thermae palace: Council pauses renovation amid conflicts

Civilian staff at the Metropolitan Police have voted for the first time to strike due to being told they cannot work from home as often. Around 2,400 support staff have been instructed to increase their office attendance frequency, sparking backlash from the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union. The union highlighted concerns that the changes would disproportionately impact women, part-time workers, and individuals with disabilities, leading to 85% of members voting for strike action and...

The European Parliament re-established the Intergroup on Freedom of Religion or Belief to protect individuals facing persecution due to their faith, co-chaired by Bert-Jan Ruissen and Miriam Lexmann, aiming to raise awareness and advocate for religious freedom globally. The intergroup, supported by various political factions, plans to appoint a new EU envoy for religious freedom and prioritize religious persecution in diplomatic discussions, ensuring that voices of minority religions are heard and rights protected within Europe...

Fans of McDonald's in the UK are excited as the popular blueberry-flavoured Grimace milkshake has returned to all 1,450 stores for a limited time. Priced at £2.69 for a medium and an additional 30p for a large, the shake is inspired by the mascot Grimace and is a lilac purple color. The shake is part of the new winter 2024 menu, which also includes a Terry's Chocolate Orange pie and the Cheesey McCrispy sandwich. Full...

During a meeting with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, S&D leader in the EU Parliament Iratxe García emphasized the critical geopolitical period the West is facing and reiterated her group's full support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. García called for the EC to use €200 billion of frozen Russian state assets to arm and reconstruct Ukraine and expressed commitment to assisting Ukraine in reforms for EU accession. The S&D delegation, including key MEPs, met...

Detectives are investigating staff at Fujitsu and the Post Office for perjury and perverting the course of justice in wrongful prosecutions of sub-postmasters, with a nationwide taskforce of 100 officers examining over 1.5 million documents. Trials may not occur until 2027, pending the public inquiry's report on the Horizon IT system, while dozens of persons of interest, including legal professionals, are being questioned under caution for potential crimes, with senior executives also under scrutiny for...

The U.K. review found unreliable studies on gender dysphoria treatment and a lack of attention to patients wanting to halt or reverse gender transition. New legislation will extend the ban indefinitely and be reviewed in 2027, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasizing caution and care for young people seeking gender identity services. The policy will apply nationwide, with plans for more services and a trial on puberty blockers next year. Full Article