Sir Keir Starmer has wished British Jews a happy Chanukah, as the festival coincides with Christmas for the first time since 2005. “Chanukah is a time for family, community and celebration. Chag ...

Thirty-eight people have died after an Azerbaijani plane crashed on Wednesday near the Kazakhstan city of Aktau, Kazakhstan officials said. Deputy prime minister Kanat Bozumbaev disclosed the death ...

The wife of deposed Syrian leader Bashar Assad is severely ill with leukaemia and has been given a 50/50 chance of survival, media reports have claimed. Asma Assad is being isolated to prevent ...

In his homily, Francis said the Holy Year is an opportunity to relieve the debt of poor countries and commit to protecting the planet.

The mildest start to Christmas Day on record has been recorded for Northern Ireland and Scotland. In Kinloss, Moray, temperatures reached 11.9C, while at Killowen, Co Down, it peaked at 11C for the 24 ...

Here is the full text of the King’s Christmas broadcast: “Earlier this year, as we commemorated the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, the Queen and I had the enormous privilege of meeting, once again, the ...

The King has used his Christmas address to pay tribute to the “selfless” doctors and nurses who provided “strength, care and comfort” during cancer treatment for himself and the Princess of Wales.

Israel and Hamas have accused each other of complicating ceasefire efforts as the two sides inch closer to a deal that could wind down the 14-month war in Gaza. The two sides appear closer than they ...

Hardy swimmers, including many in fancy dress, started Christmas Day around the UK and Ireland with an outdoor swim. Although Wednesday was forecast to be “dry and cloudy” with no snow or frost likely ...

The Bishop of Newcastle has criticised the Christmas Day sermon delivered by the Archbishop of York, describing his suggestion that the Church of England needs to change as “empty words”. Stephen ...

Pope Francis has used his traditional Christmas message to urge “all people of all nations” to find courage during this Holy Year “to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions”. The pontiff’s ...

The Princess of Wales has hugged and spoken with a cancer patient after attending the royal family’s traditional Christmas Day church service following her own “brutal” year with the disease. Kate, ...