Reform politician's racist Chinese slur 'caused a lot of hurt'

Severe flooding in Sri Lanka, exacerbated by Cyclone Ditwah, has led to a humanitarian crisis, with community kitchens and fishing boats mobilizing to deliver food and relief supplies to affected areas. The cyclone has resulted in significant loss of life, with the death toll nearing 200 and many individuals reported missing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted U.S. negotiators, including representatives from the Trump administration, at the Kremlin for five hours of discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin officials characterized the talks as 'constructive,' although they acknowledged that substantial work remains to be done to reach a resolution.

Rape victims in England and Wales will be protected from being labeled as 'serial liars' in court, as part of a significant legal reform aimed at addressing the injustices faced by complainants. This change, announced by Justice Secretary David Lammy, seeks to prevent victims from being questioned about previous reports of rape without warning, thereby enhancing their dignity and rights during legal proceedings.

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, delivered a heartfelt Christmas message emphasizing the significance of time, care, and compassion for others as she prepares for her annual carol concert. This message comes during a period marked by uncertainty and challenges for many individuals and families.

The UK government has expressed concerns regarding China's new mega-embassy in London, which some believe could serve as a center for espionage activities. The embassy's significant presence in the capital raises alarms about potential security risks associated with Chinese diplomatic operations.

Eleanor Hague, a 16-year-old sixth form student, tragically lost her life in a minibus crash when the vehicle she was traveling in collided with a car on Monday. The incident occurred near a school in North Yorkshire, prompting an immediate investigation by local police into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The UK government has announced plans to eliminate jury trials in England and Wales for crimes that carry a likely sentence of less than three years. This decision is part of a broader reform aimed at addressing significant delays within the Crown Court system, which has been struggling with a backlog of cases.

Plaid Cymru has confirmed that it is engaged in budget talks with Welsh Labour, focusing on critical issues such as the NHS and local councils, as it aims to address the challenges faced by Wales, which it attributes to Labour's governance.