National News

Russian security forces have raided gay clubs and bars across Moscow, less than 48 hours after the country’s top court banned what it called the “global LGBTQ+ movement” as an extremist organisation. Police searched venues across the Russian capital, including a nightclub, a male sauna and a bar that hosted LGBT+ parties, under the pretext of a drug raid, local media reported. Witnesses told journalists that clubgoers’ documents were checked

Leaders of developing nations have used the second day of the UN climate summit to press rich industrial countries to share their knowhow to fight global warming and ease the financial burdens they face. The annual United Nations Conference of the Parties, known as Cop28, in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates featured about 150 presidents, prime ministers, royals and other leaders who are presenting plans to cut heat-trapping emissions and

Flights have been suspended after UK temperatures dropped to minus 10C in some places overnight. Scattered weather warnings are in place across the country and Glasgow Airport said it had suspended all flights temporarily because of “heavier than forecast snow”. “Flight operations are currently suspended due to heavier than forecast snow,” the airport said on X, formerly Twitter, shortly before 7.30am on Saturday. “Our winter teams have been working through

Charles will tell leaders and climate delegates that the “hope of the world” rests on decisions taken at the international summit The King is expected to say that he hopes Cop28 will be a “critical turning point towards genuine transformational action” in a speech to world leaders at the climate summit on Friday. Charles will be giving an opening address where he is expected to tell leaders and climate delegates

Members of Aslef at 16 train operating companies will refuse to work overtime from today, and begin a series of strikes tomorrow Rail passengers are being warned to expect disruption over the next week because of strikes and an overtime ban by train drivers in their long-running dispute over pay. Members of Aslef at 16 train operating companies will refuse to work overtime from Friday until December 9 and will

Booking systems will close on 15th December The NHS is urging anyone still eligible for Covid and flu vaccines to book an appointment and get potentially lifesaving protection ahead of Christmas. Booking systems will close from December 15, making December 14 the last day to make a booking, with hundreds of thousands of appointments still available each week across England. Vaccination is the best way for people to ensure they

No areas of it's policing are currently inadequate, according to HMICFRS England’s third biggest police force has “significantly improved” its performance but still needs to do better at managing offenders, said the police inspectorate. In its report, published on Friday, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) judged that no areas of policing by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are currently inadequate. Stephen Watson replaced Ian Hopkins

They'll be in London, Swansea, Glasgow and Belfast People posting Christmas cards and letters are in for a festive surprise thanks to “singing” postboxes. Royal Mail said the special postboxes will be sited in London, Swansea, Glasgow and Belfast. The red and gold coloured postboxes, decorated with snowmen, snowflakes and gold stars, respond to post with festive tunes such as Jingle Bells, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Deck

Former chancellor and veteran Labour politician Alistair Darling has died aged 70. The long-serving MP died after spending time in hospital being treated for cancer, a spokesman for his family said. A statement issued on behalf of his family said: “The death of Alistair Darling, a former chancellor of the Exchequer and long-serving member of the Labour cabinet, was announced in Edinburgh today. “Mr Darling, the much-loved husband of Margaret