Legal migrants who arrived in UK from 2021 face long wait for settled status under tough new proposals

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has stated that some migrants in the UK may face a wait of up to 20 years for settled status. Mahmood emphasized that becoming part of the UK is a privilege that must be earned, not a right. This announcement reflects a significant shift in the government's approach to immigration and asylum policies.

US non-farm payrolls increased by 119,000 in September, exceeding forecasts after a surprising job loss in August. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.4%. This growth indicates a rebound in the job market despite previous setbacks.

Musician Joy Crookes has expressed concern over the rise of far-right politics in the UK and Ireland, describing the current climate as a 'dark time.' She noted that the recent display of national flags during her visits to London and Dublin made her feel unsafe, drawing parallels to the 1970s when the National Front was prominent. Crookes recently performed two sold-out shows at the O2 Academy in Brixton.

The UK is experiencing severe winter weather, with significant snowfall, ice, and freezing temperatures affecting various regions. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings, indicating potential travel disruptions and power outages. Hundreds of schools are closed, and many roads are hazardous due to the adverse conditions, marking the first major winter blast of the season.

The UK Ministry of Justice plans to remove the right to trial by jury for thousands of cases, aiming to prevent criminals from delaying proceedings. Courts minister Sarah Sackman stated that this change is necessary to address the backlog in the justice system, as some defendants exploit the jury system to prolong their trials, leading to significant delays.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces a delicate situation regarding a peace plan to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The plan, reportedly drafted by U.S. and Russian officials, may require significant concessions from Kyiv, including territorial cessions. This situation is further complicated by the potential for a Trump ultimatum, which could pressure Zelenskyy into making decisions that may not align with Ukraine's interests.

Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly planning a trip to China in the new year, as confirmed by Sky News. This visit is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic relations and addressing key issues between the UK and China.

Nearly 1,000 people have been evacuated from their homes as an Indonesian volcano erupts, covering nearby villages with hot ash. The eruption has raised concerns about the safety of residents in the affected areas, prompting immediate evacuation efforts.