Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/484 concerning restrictive measures in view of Türkiye’s unauthorised drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean

Ministers have ordered an urgent probe into the substation fire that caused Heathrow airport to close for 15 hours, affecting up to 300,000 passengers and grounding over 1,300 flights. Despite the airport being declared "fully operational" with additional staff, more than 100 flights were still cancelled. Criticism has been mounting, with experts calling the incident an embarrassment for Britain and highlighting planning failures by Heathrow. Full Article

In a historic moment for Britain, the country was placed into lockdown five years ago due to the novel Covid-19 virus, with businesses and public spaces closed and citizens ordered to stay home to slow the spread of the deadly illness. While the lockdown was successful in achieving its goal, it had unforeseen consequences on society, affecting mental health, education, work habits, and even pet ownership. The impact of the pandemic on everyday life was...

The federal government in Belgium plans to establish specialized consumer courts to handle legal claims, particularly in the construction industry, as revealed by Vooruit Minister of Consumer Protection Rob Beenders in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws. These courts aim to simplify legal processes and provide quicker resolutions for consumer disputes, updating the Breyne Law to enhance consumer protection in developer-contractor conflicts. The initiative comes in response to a history of consumer complaints in the...

Ministers have pledged to address trade barriers with the EU after Brexit cost UK businesses £37bn annually, with total trade 5% lower than pre-Brexit levels. Trade minister Douglas Alexander criticized the previous Conservative government's Brexit deal, stating it is not working effectively. Labour is negotiating a reset of relations with the EU to benefit future generations by tearing down unnecessary trade barriers and improving the UK's trade and investment relationship. Full Article

Hidden Figures sheds light on the untold stories of Black female mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA's success during the Space Race. These brilliant women broke through barriers, paving the way for future generations in STEM fields and showcasing the importance of diversity in science. Katherine Johnson's pioneering calculations were instrumental in ensuring the safety of astronauts and redefining the contributions of women in mathematics and space exploration, leaving behind a lasting legacy...

Rachel Reeves has rejected the idea of implementing "tax and spend" policies ahead of her upcoming spring statement, aiming to address a £20 billion deficit in public finances caused by higher-than-expected borrowing and slow economic growth. Despite facing pressure to meet her own financial rules, Reeves indicated she will not increase taxes and instead plans to make significant cuts to government departments. The chancellor is expected to cite Liz Truss's problematic ‘mini-budget’ as a cautionary...