France to intercept small boats after pressure from UK

Talks between the UK and the EU regarding the UK's participation in the EU defence fund have collapsed, primarily due to disagreements over a fee that would enable UK defence firms to access a larger portion of loans. This breakdown in negotiations highlights ongoing tensions between the two sides following the UK's departure from the EU.

Asda has reported a 3.8% decline in total sales to £5.1 billion for the three months ending September, attributing the drop to both government actions that have undermined consumer confidence and internal IT issues that led to product shortages. Comparable store sales also fell by 2.8% during this period.

Prostate cancer screening is not expected to be made widely available in the UK, with expert advisers likely to recommend testing only for a select group of men aged 45 to 61 who carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic variants. This decision reflects ongoing debates about the effectiveness and necessity of broad screening programs.

UK energy bill payers will contribute £2 billion annually to EDF, the French government-owned company, for the construction of two nuclear power stations, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, as per government figures. This funding will commence once Hinkley Point C begins operations in 2030 under a contracts-for-difference system that ensures fixed payments for low-carbon energy generation.

France is set to enhance its maritime security by enabling authorities to intercept suspected migrant taxi boats in the Channel, a move aimed at curbing illegal crossings. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the safety of migrants attempting to cross the busy waterway, which has seen numerous tragedies in recent years.

French authorities apprehended a 32-year-old man who escaped from Dijon prison alongside another inmate by sawing through their cell bars. The second escapee, a 19-year-old suspected of attempted murder, remains at large, prompting an ongoing manhunt. This incident raises serious concerns about prison security in France, particularly in overcrowded facilities.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the reintroduction of a voluntary national military service, targeting young individuals aged 18 to 19, which will last for approximately 10 months and provide a monthly stipend of 800 euros. This initiative marks a significant shift in France's defense strategy, occurring 25 years after the end of compulsory military service.

Irish author Sally Rooney informed the High Court that she may be unable to publish new books in the UK and might have to withdraw existing titles due to the government's ban on the activist group Palestine Action, which has been classified as a terrorist organization.