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Benjamin Zephaniah, a pioneering British poet and author known for his work on social justice issues, has passed away at the age of 65 after battling a brain tumor. Zephaniah's powerful poetry, infused with humor and a strong social message, inspired a generation of poets and was widely taught in classrooms in England. His death has left the literary world mourning the loss of a true pioneer and innovator.
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BBC news presenter Maryam Moshiri apologizes after being caught giving the middle finger on live television.
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Prince Harry has lost his attempt to dismiss the Mail on Sunday's defence in a libel case over an article about his legal challenge against his security arrangements. The judge ruled that the newspaper's honest opinion defence had a real prospect of success and should go forward to trial.
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Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces questioning at the Covid inquiry regarding his government's handling of the pandemic.
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The UK government has accused Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) of carrying out a sustained cyber-espionage campaign, targeting high-profile politicians, civil servants, journalists, and NGOs in an attempt to interfere in UK political processes.
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The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, to determine if it constitutes a merger and if it could impact competition in the AI market. The CMA is inviting comments from interested parties and will launch a probe if necessary.
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Rishi Sunak, the UK Prime Minister, has faced backlash for taking a separate private jet to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, along with Foreign Secretary David Cameron and King Charles. The decision has been criticized as sending the wrong signals about the UK's climate commitments. Sunak defended the use of separate jets, stating that the government is not anti-flying and is investing in sustainable aviation fuel. The controversy comes amidst concerns over the UK's net-zero targets and its commitment to tackling climate change.
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Scammers are taking advantage of the holiday season to target consumers with various fraudulent schemes, resulting in significant financial losses.
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A retired professor is being investigated by police for a social media post suggesting someone should 'blow up' a Jewish Labour Movement conference in the UK.
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Nigel Farage, the former leader of the Brexit Party, is considering a return to frontline politics with Reform UK, according to party leader Richard Tice. Some senior Tories have suggested that Farage join the Conservative Party, but Tice believes Farage is keen to take up a prominent role in Reform UK. The party has gained support and is now in third place in recent polls. Farage's appearance on the reality TV show 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' has raised speculation about his political comeback.
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Train drivers in England continue their strike action over a long-running dispute with train operators regarding pay and working arrangements.
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Labour leader Keir Starmer faced protests and heckling from pro-Palestinian activists during his visit to Glasgow.
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The UK government has successfully blocked controversial gender reforms in Scotland, which would have made it easier for people to change their legal sex. The Court of Session ruled that the UK government's veto of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill was lawful, rejecting the Scottish government's appeal. The ruling has disappointed LGBTQ+ campaigners and raised concerns about the impact on transgender rights in Scotland.
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Passengers on a stranded Elizabeth line train in London were subjected to a sexual assault during a major disruption caused by damage to overhead cables. Thousands of commuters were left stranded on dark, cold trains for several hours, with some passengers reporting incidents of sexual touching. The incident has raised concerns about passenger safety and the reliability of the Elizabeth line.
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A 42-year-old woman was shot dead in Hackney, east London, in a suspected case of mistaken identity. Two others, a 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, were also injured in the shooting.
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A review of the UK's financial services reforms, known as the Edinburgh Reforms, has found that they have had little impact on the country's economy. The review, conducted by the Treasury Select Committee, concluded that none of the achievements to date will make a substantial difference. The reforms, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt a year ago, were aimed at boosting growth in the financial sector post-Brexit.
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French luxury fashion house Chanel held its annual Métiers d’Art fashion show in Manchester's Northern Quarter, paying homage to the city's musical legacy and creative energy.
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Recent cases of prostate and gynaecological cancer diagnoses emphasize the importance of routine testing and improved healthcare for men and women.
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Train passengers in the UK faced significant disruption as a result of strikes by train drivers and damage to power lines. Thousands of people were trapped on trains for hours without information or communication. The strikes by the Aslef union affected various train operators, leading to cancellations and reduced services. The power line damage caused severe disruption, particularly affecting Elizabeth line trains. The incidents have raised concerns about the lack of communication and slow response time from authorities.
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The children of the Prince and Princess of Wales joined their parents at a carol service at Westminster Abbey. The service celebrated those supporting youngsters and families and reflected on the princess' early years Shaping Us campaign. The royal children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, were introduced to the Dean of Westminster and paused to post Christmas cards for children in need. The service featured musical performances and readings, and highlighted the importance of the formative years of a child's life.
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Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has faced criticism from the UK government and child safety campaigners after announcing the rollout of automatic encryption for all messages on its Facebook and Messenger platforms. The move to end-to-end encryption means that only the sender and receiver will be able to access the content of the messages, raising concerns about the ability to detect child sexual abuse and other illegal activities on the platforms.
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A young Jewish woman was violently assaulted and robbed in London, with the Metropolitan Police investigating the attack as a possible hate crime.
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The US housing market is facing challenges as high mortgage rates continue to impact affordability and dampen demand.
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Edinburgh lost to Clermont Auvergne in the Challenge Cup, while Glasgow Warriors were defeated by Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup.
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Recent news articles shed light on the challenges faced by teachers in the UK, including overwork, stress, and budget cuts.
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Frasers Group, the parent company of Sports Direct and House of Fraser, has reported a decline in sales in its premium division, which includes luxury brands such as Flannels. The CEO, Michael Murray, attributed the decline to a softer luxury market and the cost of living crisis. Despite the challenging market conditions, Frasers Group remains confident in its unique proposition and plans to continue investing. The company also hinted at potential acquisitions or building stakes in premium and luxury brands.
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Steve Wright, known as the Suffolk Strangler, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Victoria Hall, a 17-year-old girl who went missing in 1999. Wright is currently serving a whole life sentence for the murder of five women in Ipswich in 2006.
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Alfie Barbeary, a young rugby player, made a significant impact with his fearless playing style. He rejected a recommendation to switch positions and was even considered for the British & Irish Lions tour. Barbeary's fearlessness and impressive skills have garnered attention and praise.
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Kate Forbes, former finance secretary of the SNP, has called on the party to govern as a minority party and end its power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens. She believes that the SNP has lost momentum and that the Rutherglen by-election result highlights the need to repeal the deal. Forbes argues that the Greens' policies on overregulation and tax hikes are detrimental to the economy and rural communities. She suggests that forming a minority administration would help regain the trust of the Scottish people.
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Everton has formally submitted an appeal against their ten-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profit & Sustainability rules. The team is currently in 19th place in the table and faces a tough challenge to climb out of the relegation zone.
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Former finance secretary Kate Forbes has called on the Scottish government not to appeal a court decision upholding the UK government's block on gender reform. The Scottish government has three weeks to decide whether to appeal. The ruling highlights tensions between devolved administrations and the central UK government.
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Scotland's new chief constable, Jo Farrell, has apologized for using a police car to travel home to England during Storm Babet when train services were cancelled. The incident has raised concerns about the use of police resources and has been referred to the Scottish Police Authority for investigation.
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Laura Citarella's four-hour film Trenque Lauquen is a domestic epic and a meandering shaggy dog story with a hint of Borges or AS Byatt's Possession.
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Sian Doyle, former chief executive of Welsh language channel S4C, has been sacked following allegations of bullying and a toxic culture within the organization.
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The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has decided to stop publishing data on the number of male-bodied transgender inmates serving sentences in women's jails, citing the risk of identifying individuals. This decision has sparked allegations of secrecy and an attempt to avoid scrutiny over the controversial issue of housing transgender prisoners. The new policy allows trans criminals with a history of violence against women to serve their sentences in female jails if they are deemed to not present an unacceptable risk.
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The Met Office has issued 10 new weather warnings for heavy rain across large parts of the UK. Southern, central, and northern England, as well as Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, are expected to experience downpours following days of ice and snow. Flood warnings and alerts have been issued, with the possibility of flooded roads, power cuts, and travel delays.
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Fortnite has launched a new survival game mode in collaboration with Lego, drawing inspiration from Minecraft.
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Ukraine's plea for financial support intensifies as the US Congress debates the approval of a $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other national security priorities. The White House warns that without additional funding, Ukraine's military efforts against Russia's invasion may grind to a halt. However, some Republicans are demanding changes to US border policy as a condition for approving the aid. The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the fact that the US will run out of resources to send weapons and assistance to Ukraine by the end of the year.
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Vladimir Putin has officially announced his candidacy for a fifth term as Russian president in the upcoming elections in March 2024. With no genuine political opponents remaining, Putin's victory is widely expected, solidifying his grip on power until at least 2030.
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Christmas trees in different locations have sparked controversy and mixed reactions.
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The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, despite growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The US and Israel argue that a ceasefire would only benefit Hamas and could lead to future conflicts. The veto has left the US diplomatically isolated on the Security Council, with 13 members voting in favor of the resolution and Britain abstaining.
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OPEC+ and Saudi Arabia are facing challenges in controlling oil prices as US oil production reaches record highs. The group has implemented production cuts, but prices have continued to decline. The surge in US oil output, driven by the shale boom, has put pressure on OPEC+ to regain control over crude prices. Some experts warn that Saudi Arabia may reverse course and flood the market with supply to depress prices, while others believe OPEC's strategy is fragile. The outcome of OPEC+'s meeting to discuss production cuts is eagerly awaited.
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Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, has been indicted on multiple counts of tax evasion. The charges include failing to file and pay taxes, evading tax assessment, and making false or fraudulent tax returns. He is accused of engaging in a four-year scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in federal taxes. The indictment alleges that Biden spent the money on personal expenditures, including luxury hotels, cars, clothing, and drug rehabilitation. This is the second indictment against Hunter Biden this year and comes amid ongoing scrutiny of his business dealings.
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North Korea successfully launched its first spy satellite, Malligyong-1, into orbit, claiming to have captured images of the White House, Pentagon, and other US military bases. The launch has drawn condemnation from Western powers, Japan, and South Korea, who argue that it violates UN Security Council resolutions. North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, reviewed the images and vowed to increase surveillance from space. The launch has further strained relations between North Korea and the US, with the US calling for a return to diplomacy and North Korea rejecting the offer.
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Six teenagers have been found guilty in connection with the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty in France in 2020. The teenagers, aged 13 to 15 at the time, were convicted of various charges including stalking the teacher and making false accusations about the classroom debate. Paty was killed after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a discussion on freedom of expression.
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The Chinese coast guard, together with suspected militia ships, repeatedly blasted water cannons to block three Philippine fisheries vessels from a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The assault caused significant damage to one of the Philippine ships and resulted in severe temporary discomfort and incapacitation to some Filipino crew members. The Philippines and its treaty ally, the United States, separately condemned the assault and are conducting joint air and maritime patrols in the South China Sea. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, but the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have competing territorial claims.
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Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon have come under scrutiny, with accusations of war crimes and deliberate attacks on journalists.
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Tesla is embroiled in a labor dispute in Sweden as unions demand a collective bargaining agreement for its mechanics.
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Agnes Chow, a prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong, has announced that she will not return to the city, citing concerns for her safety. Chow, who was arrested in 2020 and released on bail, was required to report to the police this month but has decided not to comply. She has been studying in Canada and fears surveillance by the Chinese territory's police. Chow's decision reflects the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong since the imposition of the national security law by Beijing. Her refusal to return has drawn criticism from Hong Kong's leader, John Lee.
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Oil-producing nations and the OPEC oil cartel are at odds with over 80 countries backing a proposal to phase out fossil fuels at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai.
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Health authorities in Ohio have reported a surge in pediatric pneumonia cases, with 145 cases reported since August. The outbreak is not linked to China, contrary to recent media reports. Medical experts attribute the rise in cases to the flu season and the easing of COVID restrictions. The cases are not caused by a new or novel virus, but rather strains of pneumonia that already circulate in the US.
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A diplomatic row has erupted between the UK and Greece over the return of the Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, which were removed from Greece by Lord Elgin in the 19th century. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called for their return, comparing their presence in the British Museum to cutting the Mona Lisa in half. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled a meeting with Mitsotakis, accusing him of grandstanding. The British Museum's chairman, George Osborne, is exploring a potential loan deal to display the marbles in Greece.
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The upcoming Taiwanese presidential election is gaining momentum as the three candidates prepare for a televised debate. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for relations between China and the United States, as Taiwan is a major flashpoint in their relationship. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate, Vice President William Lai, is favored to win, which would likely maintain high tensions with China. However, the smaller Taiwan People's Party, led by former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je, has gained traction by advocating for talks with China. The election is of global significance as it will determine whether Taiwan continues on its path of democracy or aligns more closely with China.
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected calls from his coalition partners to cut social benefits as the government faces a budget crisis. The coalition, consisting of the Social Democrats, the Greens, and the Free Democrats, has been struggling to resolve the crisis triggered by a court ruling that annulled a decision to repurpose funds meant for pandemic relief. The immediate challenge is to plug a €17 billion hole in next year's budget. Scholz has vowed to find a good solution and ensure no dismantling of the welfare state.
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Chinese private aerospace company LandSpace successfully launched its Zhuque 2 Y-3 rocket, powered by methane and liquid oxygen, carrying three satellites into orbit. The launch marks a milestone in the company's mission to test the viability of methane as a rocket fuel and its readiness for commercial liftoffs. The success of the launch could boost investor confidence in methane as a potential rocket fuel, which is considered to be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The satellites were put into a 460km sun-synchronous orbit, but no further details about them were provided.
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Changes to UK immigration rules have left couples planning a new life in the UK devastated. From April 2024, British citizens or people already settled in the UK will need to earn £38,700 before their overseas partner can live with them. The increased income threshold aims to cut immigration levels but has caused heartbreak for couples who are now unable to be together.
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Sheffield United have sacked Paul Heckingbottom and appointed Chris Wilder as their new manager. The decision comes after the team's poor performance, with only one win in 14 Premier League games, leaving them at the bottom of the table. Wilder, who previously managed the club and led them to promotion, is determined to help Sheffield United improve their current situation.
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Pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop blockbuster weight loss drugs, with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly leading the way. The market for obesity drugs is expected to be worth over $100 billion by 2030. Novo Nordisk currently dominates the market with its drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, while Eli Lilly is fast catching up with its drug Mounjaro. Other companies, including Pfizer, Merck, and Amgen, are also trying to enter the market. The drugs work by imitating a hormone called GLP-1, which stimulates insulin production and suppresses appetite. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal troubles.