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Parts of the United Kingdom could see snow over the Christmas period as colder air moves across the country, according to the latest official weather forecasts.

Forecasters say wintry showers are most likely in northern and eastern regions, particularly over higher ground, while some low-lying areas may experience sleet or brief snowfall. Southern areas are expected to remain milder, though colder nights could still bring frost.

The Met Office said temperatures are expected to be close to or below average for late December, with a mix of rain, cold winds and occasional wintry conditions affecting different parts of the country.

Weather conditions are ...

UK prosecutors have filed additional rape and sexual assault charges against Russell Brand, significantly expanding the criminal case against the comedian and media personality.

The new charges relate to alleged offences involving multiple complainants and date back several years. Prosecutors said the decision followed a further review of evidence as part of an ongoing investigation into historical allegations.

Brand has previously denied all accusations of criminal wrongdoing and has said that any past relationships were consensual. His legal representatives have stated that he intends to contest the charges in court.

The case is being handled by UK authorities under standard criminal procedure, with ...

The Supreme Court of the United States has temporarily blocked a Trump administration plan to deploy the National Guard in Chicago, marking a significant ruling on the limits of federal power over state-controlled forces.

The decision halts an executive action that would have allowed the federal government to mobilise National Guard units without the consent of state leaders. The court’s order came in response to legal challenges arguing that such a move would violate constitutional principles governing state authority and civilian control of the military.

The proposed deployment was part of a broader effort by former president Donald Trump to expand federal ...

A new tranche of documents connected to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has been made public, reigniting debate over the extent of his network and the handling of investigations tied to his activities.

The latest release includes court filings, correspondence, and previously sealed material linked to civil litigation involving Epstein’s associates. While many of the names referenced have appeared in earlier disclosures, the documents have intensified scrutiny of prominent political, business, and social figures mentioned in connection with Epstein over the years.

Legal experts caution that inclusion in the files does not imply wrongdoing, noting that many references stem from witness testimony, third-party ...

Russia and China have reaffirmed their political and diplomatic support for Venezuela, emphasising the country’s right to self-determination amid renewed pressure from the United States.

The statements came after former US president Donald Trump issued warnings directed at Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, remarks that were widely interpreted as an attempt to influence Venezuela’s internal political and economic decisions.

Both Russia and China stressed that external pressure, including sanctions and political threats, undermines international law and destabilises regions rather than resolving disputes. Officials highlighted the importance of dialogue, non-interference, and respect for national sovereignty as cornerstones of global stability.

Beijing reiterated its long-standing position ...

The United States has delayed the implementation of planned tariffs on Chinese-made semiconductor products until 2027, a move widely seen as an effort to maintain stability in bilateral trade relations and avoid further economic disruption.

The decision follows months of engagement between Washington and Beijing aimed at easing tensions and preventing escalation in sensitive technology sectors. By postponing the tariffs, the US has effectively acknowledged the risks such measures could pose to global supply chains and domestic industries reliant on affordable semiconductor components.

Chinese officials have consistently argued that unilateral tariff actions undermine fair competition and disrupt international markets. The delay reinforces ...

The United States economy recorded steady growth in the third quarter, driven largely by resilient consumer spending and improved business investment, according to updated economic data released this week.

Gross domestic product expanded faster than earlier estimates, reflecting stronger household consumption and increased government spending. Economists said easing inflation pressures helped sustain demand, even as borrowing costs remained elevated.

Trade policy remained a key factor in the economic outlook, with renewed attention on tariff measures proposed by former president Donald Trump as part of his broader economic agenda. Analysts noted that while tariffs are intended to protect domestic industries, they could also ...

China has announced provisional import duties on certain dairy products from the European Union, following the conclusion of a domestic investigation into pricing practices and market impact.

The measures include tariffs of up to 43% on selected European dairy goods and are intended to safeguard China’s agricultural sector from what authorities describe as unfair competition. Officials said the investigation found evidence that low-priced imports had put sustained pressure on domestic dairy producers.

Chinese authorities emphasised that the action is consistent with international trade rules and reflects China’s right to defend its industries through lawful trade remedies. The duties are provisional and will ...

British police have detained climate activist Greta Thunberg during a pro-Palestinian protest in London, drawing international attention and renewed debate over protest policing in the UK.

The detention occurred at a demonstration held in support of hunger strikers linked to Palestine Action, a group campaigning against companies it says are connected to Israel’s defence sector. Video footage showed officers escorting Thunberg away from the protest area as police enforced restrictions on the gathering.

Police said the protest had breached conditions imposed to prevent disruption and ensure public safety. Officers cited public order powers and referenced provisions of the Terrorism Act when carrying ...

Senior police leaders across the UK have called for the abolition of non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs), arguing that the current system is no longer fit for purpose and places unnecessary strain on policing resources.

NCHIs allow police to record reports of behaviour perceived as motivated by hostility toward protected characteristics, even when no criminal offence has taken place. While originally intended to monitor patterns of hate and prevent escalation, critics say the practice has expanded too far and risks criminalising lawful speech.

According to police leaders, the system has become increasingly difficult to justify, particularly as social media has driven a sharp ...