Unmanned craft posed a threat to coalition forces, Ministry of Defence says

Changes announced for businesses, schools and socialising in new ‘two-phase’ plan

European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic is expected to announce proposed new legislation on Friday.

The Lib Dems overturned a massive Conservative majority to take the safe seat of North Shropshire.

Businesses are being asked to return to table service and to introduce measures to limit crowds to help prevent further spread of the virus.

Cross-Channel rail operator Eurostar is urging people to avoid London St Pancras station unless they have a pre-booked ticket.

PM forced to scrap five-day restrictions amnesty and place huge swathes of country under tier four in December 2020 – as history threatens to repeat itself

The Office for National Statistics said retail sales volumes increased by 1.4% for the month, accelerating from a 0.8% increase in October.

Helen Morgan is new MP – follow the latest updates

Modern slavery tsar and migration advisory committee chair say ministers must provide evidence to back findings that asylum seekers should continue to be banned from employment

Services will be disrupted over the weekend because of industrial action by the RMT.

The Financial Conduct Authority issued the punishment over issues across an eight-year period.

The accident happened near to Foveran at about 3.20pm on Thursday.

‘The prime minister is an electoral asset for the Conservative party’, Oliver Downde insists - brushing off by-election battering

Wales has announced a return to more stringent coronavirus rules after Christmas in response to the outbreak of the Omicron variant.

A man, giving his name only as John, made the claim after phoning in to Nick Ferrari’s show on LBC.

In the end – astonishing as it may seem – the yellow victory was never really in doubt from the moment polls closed

Conservatives won seat with 23,000 majority just two years earlier

Helen Morgan thanked North Shropshire’s voters for telling Boris Johnson that ‘enough is enough.’

Beleaguered Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to come under vast pressure over the loss of the scandal-triggered by-election.

The Tories lost the constituency to the Lib Dems in a by-election triggered by a sleaze scandal and taking place in a torrid period for the PM.

In campaign that often focused on national issues, her passion for regional issues was key to winning voters

A loss of the ultra-safe seat for the Conservatives would be a major blow to Boris Johnson.

Friday’s front pages are dominated by the threat Omicron is having on Christmas, with even the Queen cancelling her usual celebrations.

Lib Dem spokesperson told reporters she was “confident” the yellows had “won comfortably”

The musician was a permanent fixture of the Philadelphia-based band from 1992 until 2007.

The Law Commission is launching a project to review how misconceptions surrounding sexual harm jeopardise justice for victims.

Firefighters tackle intense blaze throughout ground floor of terraced house at around 7pm on Thursday

It is believed it may contain evidence relevant to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Rishi Sunak has cut short a trip to the United States for talks with business leaders about the problems being caused by the latest coronavirus wave.

Money from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund will go to a variety of initiatives.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sheikh Nuru Mohammed, and the General Secretary of the Hindu Council are supporting the push to increase booster uptake.

A police officer who attended the 999 call discovered that the child was his nephew

The London Fire Brigade said eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were sent to Collingwood Road, Sutton just before 7pm on Thursday.

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were sent to Collingwood Road, Sutton, on Thursday.

Fears for farmers and anger over dropping of pledge to bind Australia to crucial climate temperature limit

Chancellor cuts short his California trip as desperate firms renew plea for state support

Vernon Vanriel and Eunice Tumi were refused citizenship and locked out of UK for years

International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said it was a ‘landmark moment’ but critics questioned the impact on farmers and the environment.

Justin Welby has said it is ‘clearly essential’ that a culture of honesty should come from the Government.

The Prime Minister rejected claims he was imposing a ‘lockdown by stealth’ but he urged people to be cautious about their activities over Christmas.

Other restrictions also being introduced from 27 December including social distancing in shops and businesses

European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic is expected to announce proposed new legislation on Friday.

A loss for the Tories in what should be an ultra-safe seat would be a major blow to Boris Johnson’s authority.

There have been a number of claims about Covid rule-breaking parties held in Westminster last year.

Victim says she woke to find a sailor she hardly knew assaulting her and a male colleague

Thames Valley Police said a warrant for further detention has been obtained, giving officers longer to question the 31-year-old suspect.

The Metropolitan Police has refused to investigate the quiz or other alleged government Christmas parties

Transport secretary had ‘absolutely no idea’ gathering took place, says spokesperson

Suspect Koci Selamaj appeared in the Old Bailey on Thursday morning

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been criticised for going on the trip at a time of mounting coronavirus concerns.

Campaigners ‘sickened’ at latest revelations, while Labour accuses PM of overseeing ‘culture of rule-breaking’

Survivors of historical institutional abuse were left feeling snubbed earlier in the week when a meeting was ended early due to the lack of MLAs.

Prosecutors said he is being detained for ‘gross negligence in maritime traffic, aggravated drunken seafaring’ and causing another person’s death.

Health chiefs aim to deliver 4,000 vaccines a day when the centre in east Belfast opens next week for booster jabs as well as first and second doses.

Metropolitan Police says it will not investigate Downing Street Christmas party unless new evidence emerges

Crossings resumed this week, amid cold conditions after a period of bad weather had prevented many from attempting the journey.

Rydon Homes Ltd has been excluded from the first-time buyer loan scheme after new evidence emerged at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The Knightsbridge-based department store is launching its sale on Friday December 17 – well ahead of the traditional Boxing Day event.

Caller, who gave his name only as John, said his stepfather had been taken in by conspiracy theories

The study, which is recruiting now, will quickly assess the effectiveness of a range of purpose-designed antivirals.

Spending grew to more than £50 billion as the pandemic hit, Audit Scotland said.

The Scottish Government has published new guidance for businesses in response to the Omicron variant.

‘It’s devastating because I am never going to get those 10 days of my life back,’ she said.

M&S has filed court papers which say that Aldi’s gold flake blackberry and clementine gin liqueurs are ‘strikingly similar’ to its Light Up gin.

To mark the milestone, Uber has awarded the passenger free rides for the next 10 years, worth up to £10,000.

Exclusive: During ban on indoor socialising, PM ‘told attendee they deserved a drink for beating back virus’

Robert Busby, of Abberley Wood, Great Shelford, later tried to flee on foot but was stopped and arrested.

The artefact’s upper estimate was £30,000.

Adverts featuring the outspoken comedian were dropped when offensive remarks about black American celebrities came to light.

The historian and author gave expert evidence on the history of slavery, and its ongoing impact on people of Afro-Caribbean descent in Britain.

The Honresfield Library, hidden for almost a century, will be divided up among different institutions for the British public to see

A nursing body condemned the nurse’s ‘inappropriate and potentially dangerous’ conduct

David Barnes has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Ean Coutts, whose remains were found at Whitehall industrial estate.

Lambeth, South Northamptonshire and Southwark are currently recording the highest rates.

The Duke of Cambridge answered questions on his festive favourites from young cancer patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Sales outside Europe rise over same period, suggesting EU withdrawal has hit business

South Yorkshire Police officers were called to Norman Crescent, Rossington at 12.15pm on Thursday.

The Scottish Labour leader said almost 30,000 Scots had died from cancer since the start of the pandemic in March last year.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has implored the nation to ‘get boosted now’ to help curb the spread of Omicron.

The school offered a refund when photos of the meal went viral on social media

Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell said the death of 12-year-old Louis Watkiss was ‘not only a tragedy, it was wholly avoidable’.

The Disasters Emergency Committee’s Afghanistan Crisis Appeal is raising funds to help children in the country.

The family of Mr O’Connor believe he was killed by the Provisional IRA.

Ministers have been warned ‘significant intervention’ may be required immediately after Christmas if Omicron proves to be as severe as Delta.

Investigators examining CCTV as efforts continue to identify victim

The Sinn Fein leader has said she will not call on Mr Adams to apologise for the controversial video, in which IRA slogans were used.

The Bank of England has become the first major central bank to raise rates since the start of the pandemic.

Plan could see hazardous material ‘fall through the cracks’, says environmentalists