What does UK want to change about human rights law – and will it happen?

The European Commission is expected to announce a significant reduction in the scope of its 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, according to a senior Member of the European Parliament. This decision has sparked concerns among environmental campaigners, who argue that it undermines the EU's green deal and its commitment to combating climate change.

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.

Otters, once rare in urban areas of the UK, are increasingly spotted in cities like Lincoln and London, showcasing a remarkable conservation success story. Recent sightings include an otter dragging a large fish along a river-boat dock in Canary Wharf, highlighting their return to urban environments after decades of conservation efforts.

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.

Crystal Palace secured a significant victory against Shelbourne in their first European campaign, with Christantus Uche scoring and Eddie Nketiah continuing his scoring streak. This win places them in a strong position for the Conference League playoffs, despite missing key players like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Muñoz.

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.