General News - Daily Politics

The number of homicides in London has fallen to its lowest level in over a decade, according to new figures released by the Metropolitan Police. The data shows a year-on-year decline in killings across the capital, marking a significant milestone in long-term violent crime trends.

Police leaders said the reduction reflects sustained efforts in neighbourhood policing, targeted violence reduction initiatives and early intervention programmes. The figures also indicate falls in certain categories, including teenage and domestic homicides, though officers stressed that every loss of life remains a tragedy.

Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the figures point to progress but warned against ...

Potholes across England remain a widespread problem, with new analysis revealing major differences in how effectively local authorities repair and maintain roads. An interactive pothole map shows road conditions across England, rating councils using a traffic light system that highlights where surfaces are improving and where deterioration continues.

The data, published alongside government figures, shows that while some local highway authorities score highly for pothole repair and long-term planning, others struggle with worsening road conditions. Poor surfaces have been linked to rising vehicle repair costs for drivers and increased safety concerns, particularly during winter months.

The Department for Transport says councils in ...

Irish authorities have confirmed that thousands of passports are being recalled after a printing error was identified during routine checks. The issue affects a limited batch of recently issued documents and does not involve personal data inaccuracies, officials said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said affected passport holders are being contacted directly and will be offered free replacements. Travellers have been advised to check official guidance before using their documents, particularly if planning international trips in the coming weeks.

Officials stressed that Ireland’s passport system remains secure and that the recall is a precautionary measure to avoid potential problems at border controls ...

Newly released video and ongoing investigations are adding clarity and controversy to the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman who was shot and killed by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis earlier this week. Footage from multiple angles, including cellphone video from the scene, shows the moments leading up to the shooting during a federal immigration enforcement operation. The recordings depict an interaction between Good and federal officers as she sat in her vehicle; at one point she is heard calmly speaking to an officer before shots are fired.

Federal officials, including the Department of ...

A review into recruitment practices at the Metropolitan Police has found that vetting standards were relaxed in order to meet recruitment targets, with serious consequences for public trust and internal safety.

The report concluded that failures in background checks and oversight amounted to a “dereliction of duty”, enabling individuals who should not have passed vetting to join or remain in the force. In some cases, this led to officers with histories of violence or sexual offending being employed, including individuals later identified as serial offenders.

Investigators said pressure to increase officer numbers following earlier staffing reductions contributed to weakened processes, with insufficient ...

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former US president Ronald Reagan, has died at the age of 80, according to family statements and US media reports.

Reagan, who was adopted by Ronald Reagan and his first wife, Jane Wyman, was a conservative commentator and political activist for much of his life. He was known for publicly defending his father’s legacy and speaking about conservative values, often appearing on television and radio to discuss US politics.

While not holding elected office himself, Michael Reagan was a visible public figure, particularly within Republican and conservative circles. He also wrote several books, including memoirs that ...

Weather warnings for snow and ice have been extended across parts of the UK, with forecasters cautioning that a spell of disruptive conditions could bring travel problems and localised impacts.

The Met Office said further snowfall and freezing temperatures are expected before a broader “multi-hazard” weather event develops later in the week. This could include a combination of snow, ice, strong winds and heavy rain, increasing the risk of disruption.

Yellow warnings have been issued for several regions, particularly in southern England and higher ground, where snow accumulation and icy surfaces could make driving conditions hazardous. Transport operators and local authorities have ...

Skywatchers will see the January full moon appear as the Quadrantid meteor shower reaches its peak, a timing that is expected to limit how many meteors are visible. The moon’s brightness can wash out fainter streaks, making viewing conditions less favourable than in darker skies.

The Quadrantids are among the strongest annual meteor showers, known for producing brief but intense bursts of activity. Under ideal conditions, dozens of meteors per hour can be seen, though visibility varies depending on location, weather, and moonlight.

Despite the bright moon, observers may still catch some of the brighter meteors, particularly from darker locations away from ...

Britain’s media regulator, Ofcom, is facing increasing calls to investigate a GB News interview with U.S. President Donald Trump after numerous complaints that the broadcast contained misleading and inaccurate statements that went unchallenged by the presenter. Critics raised concerns about whether the interview complied with UK broadcasting rules on accuracy and impartiality.

In the November interview, Trump made assertions — including that human‑induced climate change was “a hoax” and that parts of London operate under “sharia law” and no‑go zones for police — that critics say were neither corrected nor probed during the broadcast. Observers argue these unchallenged remarks may ...

Weather forecasts indicate that parts of the United Kingdom may experience snowfall as colder air moves across the country in the coming days. Some regions are expected to see a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, particularly in higher elevations and northern areas.

Meteorologists say the shift is being driven by colder air masses moving south, increasing the likelihood of wintry conditions during overnight and early morning periods. Accumulations, if they occur, are expected to be limited and vary by location.

Forecasters have advised travellers to remain aware of changing conditions, as colder temperatures could lead to icy roads even where snowfall ...