Voters Turn to Labour in English Local Elections: Key Takeaways

Councillors are concerned over Ellen DeGeneres' extension on her £15million Cotswolds home, fearing it may have disturbed Roman remains. DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi purchased the farmhouse for £2.5million over asking price last year. Despite the extension meeting high standards, parish councillors raised issues regarding potential disturbance of historic remains and flood risk in the village due to a hedge and wire fence. Full Article

The MSC, dubbed "Davos with guns," has excluded AfD and BSW due to their Russia-sympathetic stances, sparking controversy in the polarized election campaign. Heusgen, the organizer, cited the AfD's extremist classification and historical context in banning them, while mainstream German politicians like Scholz and Merz are set to attend the conference amidst the ongoing tensions. Full Article

The Premium Bonds winning numbers are announced monthly, with 24 million participants and over £127bn saved in the government-backed scheme. Savers have a chance to win cash prizes ranging from £25 to £1 million, with a 22,000-to-one odds of winning for every £1 invested. The next draw is on Monday 3 February, with results released the following day, offering a risk-free investment option with a 4% 'interest rate' when factoring in all winnings, although most...

Your donation to The Independent supports their investigative journalism on topics like reproductive rights and Big Tech, providing balanced reporting accessible to all Americans. Keir Starmer's upcoming meeting with EU leaders will focus on defense and security post-Brexit, with pressure to reach agreements on issues like fishing and a youth mobility scheme. European allies are expected to maintain sanctions on Russia and support Ukraine amid escalating tensions. Full Article

Trade unions are pressuring Sir Keir Starmer not to backtrack on Labour's workers' rights package, citing the plight of hundreds of thousands of zero-hours workers stuck in insecure jobs. The Trades Union Congress emphasizes the urgent need for Labour's Employment Rights Bill, which aims to ban exploitative contracts and provide stability for workers. The prime minister faces criticism from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and the Fire Brigades Union, warning against weakening the reforms essential for...

Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted European leaders to increase defense spending, with the US potentially withdrawing support. NATO members are debating raising defense budgets to 5% of GDP, as the EU aims to enhance its defense capabilities and coordinate military resources. The meeting will address joint procurement, reducing dependency on the US, and handling President Trump's demands, including his interest in acquiring Greenland. Full Article