Hightailing along city streets and raiding ponds: otters’ revival in Britain

The Metropolitan police have agreed to pay £7,500 in damages to Aisha Jung, a 53-year-old woman from south London, who was arrested during a Gaza protest for holding a placard that read: 'Apartheid Israel, what a cuntry.' Jung was detained until 4am after police deemed her sign offensive during the November 2023 demonstration in Trafalgar Square.

The UK has imposed sanctions on four senior commanders of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) due to their alleged involvement in mass killings of civilians in El Fasher. These sanctions include asset freezes, while the UK has refrained from taking action against the RSF's key backer, the United Arab Emirates, or its chief commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.

The UK economy unexpectedly contracted by 0.1% in October, primarily influenced by the ongoing repercussions of a cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and uncertainty surrounding the government's budget. This decline highlights the fragility of economic recovery in the UK amidst external shocks and internal challenges.

Kim Leadbeater, the MP leading the assisted dying bill, has criticized the House of Lords for proposing over 1,150 amendments, which she describes as unnecessary and cruel, aimed at delaying the legislation. One particularly contentious amendment suggests that terminally ill individuals should be filmed during the assisted death process.

The UK government has announced a new strategy aimed at addressing violence against women, with a focus on changing attitudes among boys and young men. This initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence and promote healthier relationships from a young age.

A London music venue, the Roundhouse, has issued an apology after antisemitic imagery was allegedly displayed during a Primal Scream concert. A video reportedly showed the Star of David intertwined with a swastika projected behind the band during their performance in Camden on Monday.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced that tube and some train fares will increase starting in March, a decision that has drawn criticism from various quarters. This fare hike is part of broader financial strategies aimed at addressing the city's transportation funding needs.

The Trump administration has proposed a policy requiring visa applicants from 42 countries, including the UK, Australia, and Germany, to disclose their social media, phone, and email histories for vetting before entering the US. Critics have labeled this move as a form of censorship that undermines civil liberties and could deter tourism, particularly ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.