King ‘deeply touched’ by public reaction to cancer message

King Charles is “deeply touched” by the public’s response to his recent message regarding his cancer recovery, Buckingham Palace says.

The monarch had announced in a video message on Friday that his cancer treatment would be reduced in the new year.

He attributed the “good news” to an early diagnosis, effective care, and diligently following doctors’ advice.

Charles, who has received outpatient cancer treatment since early February 2024, also used the opportunity to encourage millions to undergo available screenings for the disease.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said on Saturday that they were “delighted by the scale and sensitivity of the worldwide media reaction”.

They added that they are “most grateful for the many kind comments we have received for the King, both from those working in cancer care and from the general public”.

“I know His Majesty will be greatly encouraged and deeply touched by the very positive reaction his message has generated,” the spokesperson added.

“He will be particularly pleased at the way it has helped to shine a light on the benefits of cancer screening programmes.

“It has long been the King’s view that if some public good can come from sharing elements of his personal diagnosis and treatment journey, then it would be his pleasure and duty to do so.

“His thoughts and warmest wishes will remain with all those affected by cancer and those who care for them.”

Delivering his message in support of the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, Charles said that early diagnosis had enabled him to “continue leading a full and active life, even while undergoing treatment”.

He went on to say he was “troubled” to learn that nine million people around the UK are not up to date with cancer screening that is available to them.

“That is at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed,” he said.

He added: “Too often, I am told, people avoid screening because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable.

“If and when they do finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part.

“A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes for most people when they are either told they don’t need further tests or, for some, are given the chance to enable early detection, with the life-saving intervention that can follow.”

Charles urged people to use the online screening checker, screeningchecker.co.uk, which enables them to discover if they are eligible for screening.

Trump says he will retaliate after three Americans killed in Syria

President Donald Trump promised “serious retaliation” against ISIS after two U.S. Army soldiers and one civilian interpreter were killed and three other soldiers were injured in an attack in Syria on Saturday.

Hours after the Pentagon announced the three Americans had been ambushed by a “lone ISIS gunman,” the U.S. president vowed to seek retribution against the entity believed to have conducted the attack on U.S. and Syrian forces.

“This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by [ISIS,] Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation.”

The attack on American forces occurred as U.S. soldiers were conducting a “key leader engagement,” as part of a counter-terrorism operation near the ancient city of Palmyra, Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesperson, said.

The motive for the attack remains unclear at this time, but the Pentagon is currently investigating, Parnell added.

U.S. Central Command said the gunman was killed.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.”

The Pentagon is withholding the names of the deceased soldiers as well as any identifying information about their units until next of kin notification, Parnell said.

Trump told reporters Saturday afternoon that the three soldiers injured “are doing well.”

The ambush comes just days after Admiral Charles Bradford “Brad” Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command, expressed optimism for the future of Syria approximately one year after the fall of the al-Assad regime.

In a video message, Cooper said U.S. troops were in Syria to combat ISIS as well as support the integration of Syrian Democratic Forces with the Syrian government. The Trump administration has embraced the new Syrian leader.

As of December 2024, roughly 2,000 U.S. troops were in Syria, but the Trump administration has been reducing the number of troops over the last 10 months. In April, they said they would draw the number down to 1,400.

Despite pulling some troops from Syria, the U.S. continues to fight back against ISIS – though U.S.-backed troops initially defeated the last holdouts of the caliphate in 2019. But ISIS still maintains a presence in the region and periodically carries out deadly attacks.

Syria’s interior ministry spokesperson, Noureddine al-Baba, told Syria’s state media Sana that the attack took place at the entrance to a fortified Internal Security Forces headquarters after the end of a joint patrol.

The Independent understands that the suspected killer used small arms fire.

The identity of the attacker or his affiliation hasn’t been confirmed. Baba appeared to give contradictory statements by indicating the attacker may have been part of a force affiliated with Syrian security forces who had extremist ideology.

But he also said that he “held no leadership position and was not affiliated with the Internal Security Forces Command.”

Baba defended the ISF, saying that there are more than 5000 personnel affiliated with their forces in the Syrian desert and that “these personnel undergo weekly evaluations”.

He claimed that in one of these evaluations a few days ago, the perpetrator of the attack had been flagged as possibly having extremist views. A decision regarding his case was expected to be made on Sunday, but the attack happened the day before Saturday which is an administrative holiday.

Baba also said that ISF had issued prior warnings to partner forces in the international coalition “regarding preliminary intelligence indicating a possible breach or attack by ISIS. However, these warnings were disregarded.”

Small boat crossings resume after longest pause for seven years

The UK has recorded the longest period without migrants arriving on small boats crossing the Channel for seven years, official figures show.

Before this weekend, no one had completed the perilous crossing for 28 days, since 14 November, according to the latest Home Office data.

No migrants were recorded arriving in the country up to and including 12 December – marking the longest uninterrupted run since autumn 2018.

A number of small boats were seen in the Channel on Saturday, breaking the long pause. Official figures for those arrivals will be released later.

December is traditionally one of the quietest months for Channel crossings, with a combination of low temperatures, poor visibility, less daylight and stormy weather making the journey particularly difficult.

The most arrivals ever recorded in December were 3,254 in 2024.

This year looks likely to see the second-highest annual number of migrants arriving in small boats since data was first reported in 2018. The all-time high is 45,774 arrivals in 2022.

The total for 2025 currently stands at 39,292, which is already more than in any other year except 2022, but would require 6,483 arrivals between now and the end of December to set a new record.

The latest pause is the longest spell without arrivals since the 48-day gap from 2 September to 19 October 2018.

The government has stepped up efforts in recent months to deter migrants from making the dangerous journey across the Channel, but the measures are not expected to have an impact until next year.

David Lammy, the deputy prime minister, met on Wednesday with ministers from member states signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), who all agreed to consider reforming the treaty and tackling illegal migration within the existing legal framework.

The move to work with European counterparts over Article 3 of the ECHR – the protection against torture and inhuman treatment – follows asylum reforms announced by Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, last month, in a bid to also make it easier to deport people from the country.

Ms Mahmood also confirmed changes will be brought forward seeking to make refugee status in the UK temporary, subject to reviews every 30 months, and to send refugees home if their country is deemed safe.

Meanwhile, the government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act became law earlier this month, which allows law enforcement agencies to use counterterror-style powers to crack down on people-smuggling gangs.

Wolves own goals can’t hide Arteta fury at Arsenal’s ‘horrible habits’

The face on Rob Edwards said it all as he applauded the Wolves supporters at the Emirates. The Premier League’s bottom side were moments away from just a third point of the season, away at the leaders, only to be denied as a second own goal of the night consigned themselves to a ninth straight defeat.

There was pride at how Wolves had scrapped and fought and ultimately hauled themselves level with Tolu Arokodare’s stoppage-time header. But there was pain, so much pain, at the sight of Yerson Mosquera glancing Bukayo Saka’s cross into his own net and the Wolves players collapsing to the turf as if the strings had been cut from them.

The late drama changed everything for Arsenal in a heartbeat. They were heading to a valuable three points at the end of a frustrating performance, fortuitously secured by Sam Johnstone’s own goal as Saka’s inswinging corner crashed off the post and deflected in off his back. Most people leaving the Emirates would have shrugged their shoulders, muttered something about a seventh game in 21 days, and moved on. Instead, blowing it, then winning it moments later gives Arsenal an immense boost heading into a free week and next Saturday’s trip to Everton.

“Today it went our way, so we’ll take the points and move forwards,” Saka said. “It was frustrating at times, I’ll be honest, but we got our reward. We’ve got a break now until next week and we’ll enjoy it.”

He had been the danger, the one player Wolves could not switch off from even as Arsenal stuttered and struggled for fluency. And when Arsenal needed it, Saka supplied the quality, owed to the consistency of his delivery from the set-piece and open play. Even as Arteta rattled through the substitutes in search of improvements, there was no question that Saka would remain.

Before Saturday night, Arsenal had won 10 of the 11 games played at the Emirates this season. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur were among those swept aside. Not, though, Wolves. Only Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City had been as effective in frustrating and slowing down Arsenal in the manner that the side rock-bottom in the Premier League managed here.

There was palpable frustration from Arteta, disappointment from his players as well. Martin Zubimendi, so integral to setting the tempo Arteta demands, covered his face immediately after he was hooked as part of a triple Arsenal change on the hour. Until then, Arsenal had lacked their usual zip and fluency. Arsenal didn’t have a shot on target until the 66th minute and the passes required to break Wolves down were hurried and inaccurate. Zubimendi couldn’t hide it.

The breakthrough came from the set-piece but the relief Arteta felt was almost spurned by what followed. Arteta was angered, in particular, by the two or three minutes before Wolves equalised, as Arsenal dropped deeper in response to the visitors starting to open up. The Premier League’s bottom side had offered no threat but Arteta was furious at how passive his players became when they had to defend the edge of their own box. “We made it harder for ourselves with how we conceded the goal and that was unacceptable,” Arteta said. “Horrible defensive habits. It was nowhere near the level required.”

And if this was a glimpse at how Arsenal will respond to the pressure of the title race, having conceded a late goal in the defeat at Aston Villa last weekend, then Arteta did not like it. “That is the big lesson we have to learn,” he concluded. But what happened? Arsenal retreated against a team whose confidence should have been on the floor.

Arteta felt Arsenal stopped trying to play. “The first time that they have the opportunity to do it, they scored the goal, and this is the problem,” he bemoaned. “We are relieved because we managed to score a goal at the end and go and win it, but we need to improve in that sense.”

Of course, the manner of it was cruel on Wolves, crushing for Mosquera. Gabriel Jesus looked to be on the end of Saka’s cross and Mosquera was caught as he headed into his own net.

“In the end luck decided the game and it was bad luck,” Edwards reflected. “The lads gave everything, and I am proud of a lot of it, but it hurts. It was bad luck, but they earn it. If someone said to me that at the beginning, we’re gonna score three tonight, I’d say I’d take that. It was bizarre circumstances.”

Only 1,000 people turn out to Tommy Robinson’s ‘Christmas service’

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s latest event drew far fewer numbers on Saturday, as he led what he called an effort to “put the Christ back into Christmas” in London.

Only around 1,000 people gathered in Whitehall on Saturday for the carol concert, according to reported estimates.

It marks a sharp drop off in attendance compared to the estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people. people who participated in a London protest led by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, in September.

Ahead of the event, Bishops at the Diocese of Southwark said they were “gravely concerned” about the use of Christian symbols to “justify racism and anti-migrant rhetoric”.

Writing for The Independent, Right Reverend David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester, also hit out at fake claims that “Christmas has been cancelled” and criticised those seeking to politicise Christianity.

After gathering outside Downing Street on Saturday afternoon, crowds listened to speakers on stage give readings and sing hymns.

Attendees received hymn sheets, while a vendor sold St George’s flags and Santa hats as chants of “Christ is King” and tributes to Charlie Kirk were heard.

Closing the event, Yaxley-Lennon said he used to “hate the church” but met a pastor in prison who taught him about the bible.

A priest sitting among the crowd shouted that Jesus had been a migrant.

“I’ve worked with lots of former offenders like Tommy Robinson,” she said, offering to speak to attendees about Christianity.

His Unite The Kingdom gathering was separated from a counter-protest organised by Stand Up To Racism in central London at the same time.

While previous confrontations between similar groups on Whitehall earlier this year resulted in police violence, Saturday’s demonstration appeared to proceed peacefully.

In September, Robinson organised a Unite The Kingdom rally in central London attended by between 110,000 and 150,000 people.

More than 150 reports of anti-Muslim hate were made to the Tell Mama charity monitoring the issue in the seven days following the rally.

Officers were assaulted as they faced “significant aggression” from protesters, the force said.

Projectiles were thrown by Robinson protesters towards the counter-demonstrators as thousands from both sides stared each other down on Whitehall.

Posting on X before the event on Saturday, Robinson said: “I want to remind everyone this is a religious celebration, this is not a political event.

“No face coverings, and no drinking please, as we have always done, let’s self police, behave respectfully and let’s make sure we honour our faith, our culture, and our heritage in the very best way we can.”

Two arrests were made overall. One person was arrested earlier in the day for an assault on a mounted officer in nearby Whitehall Place. The second arrest was for a man suspected of directing homophobic abuse towards an officer at a previous protest.

Education for all: How your skills could make you a great teacher

From construction and engineering to hospitality and beauty, Further Education teaching opens up doors to a wide range of careers. Encompassing a range of technical and vocational courses and qualifications for those over 16 who aren’t studying for a degree, it offers a more hands on, industry-led approach to learning.

Further Education offers a more focused, vocational approach and a fast-track into the workplace. It allows you to build on your existing skills and experience while shaping the next generation of professionals in your field. To find out more, we spoke to Further Education students and teachers about how it works and what they get out of it.

Further Education qualifications can be started from the age of 16. “It’s a step up from school but it doesn’t involve so much independent learning and research as many Higher Education degrees,” explains Susan Simmonds, 52, a Further Education lecturer in Land and Wildlife Management at Sparsholt College Hampshire. “During this time, learners gain so much maturity and a qualification that can take them out into industry,”

Sometimes this study might be full-time in college, while other Further Education opportunities offer apprenticeships, with students gaining qualifications while working on the job. Overall, the courses are generally more practical and directly linked to industry and preparing learners for their future careers. “These courses give students a wide range of relevant experience, knowledge and skills during a time when they’re maturing, and becoming ready to transition into the world of work,” Susan says.

There are often myths and misconceptions about the world of Further Education. From the learner side, many people don’t necessarily realise the opportunities available to them through Further Education, as Meri, 17, who is studying an Extended Technical Diploma in Land and Wildlife Management Level 3 at Sparsholt College, explains. “Many people I have spoken to don’t realise there are multiple ways to prepare for a career in industry, and that courses like mine can open those doors.”

For Meri, it’s been a really positive experience, and one that has helped prepare her for the workplace. “The college has a lot of contacts with industry and the assignments we do are similar to professional reports.” Meanwhile, Zach, 17, who is on the same course, has also thrived at the Further Education college: “I have been able to meet far more friends and great people and I feel as though it has helped me grow. It’s also provided many opportunities to experience real-world practical work.”

For those training or working as Further Education teachers, often after years spent in a specific industry sector, it’s the students that make their new career so rewarding. David Hobson, 54, who teaches the Motor Vehicle course at Stockton Riverside College, found that the job satisfaction he gets from sharing his personal know-how with the next generation of workers has kept him in Further Education teaching for 16 years. “The benefits of passing on my skills to young people keep me going. It’s an opportunity for me to equip learners with the industry skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers”

Susan, who teaches Further Education part-time alongside her work as a Community Ecologist, has had a similar experience: “I find the work really energising. Young people are so full of life and enthusiasm that I come home feeling uplifted.”

Whether it’s part-time alongside your current job or a switch to full-time teaching, Further Education teaching can be a really rewarding and valuable career move.

Teaching in a mixture of colleges (often General Further Education Colleges or Sixth Form Colleges) and Adult and Community Learning Centres, as well as workplace and apprenticeship settings, it can fit around your life and other commitments. While typical full-time contracts are around 35 hours a week, there are also some part-time or flexible options available.

Real world industry experience across a wide range of jobs can set you on a path to becoming a Further Education teacher, with opportunities in everything from construction and healthcare, to engineering, digital, hospitality, tourism and beauty. You don’t always need teaching qualifications to start teaching in further education, you can undertake training on the job which is often funded by your employer.

If, like Susan and David, you see the appeal of sharing the industry knowledge and skills you’ve developed with the next generation, exploring the option of becoming a Further Education teacher can be a great next step. As David points out, “You won’t know how enjoyable it is until you try it.”

Looking for a new role that’s rewarding, flexible and draws on your current career? Why not consider sharing your experience where it matters most – helping inspire the next generation of workers in the field you love? Visit the Further Education website to find out more

Meghan Markle has ‘no plans’ to see estranged father, report claims

The Duchess of Sussex has no plans to see her estranged father and has given up hope on reconciliation, reports have claimed.

Earlier this week, Meghan reportedly reached out to father, Thomas Markle, who is currently in a Philippines hospital after having his leg amputated.

The duchess is said to have written him a letter, but has no plans to see him, The Times has reported.

The paper claimed the letter included Meghan’s feelings about Mr Markle’s participation in several media interviews, and reported that she has not had any contact from her father after she sent the letter.

It also said she did not call her father out of fear their phone call would be overheard, and that his media interviews are a key reason for why they are unlikely to ever reconcile.

The pair have been estranged since the run-up to her wedding, when Mr Markle said he would not attend due to ill health after he admitted posing for paparazzi pictures.

Earlier this week, the duchess’ spokesperson accused the Daily Mail of breaching “clear ethical boundaries” by reporting from his bedside in hospital.

In a statement, her spokesperson said: “Given that a Daily Mail reporter has remained at her father’s bedside throughout, broadcasting each interaction and breaching clear ethical boundaries, it has been exceedingly difficult for the duchess to contact her father privately, despite her efforts over the past several days.

“With the support of reliable and trusted contacts, her correspondence is now safely in his hands.”

Mr Markle told the Mail on Sunday that he doesn’t want to die distanced from his daughter and wishes to meet his grandchildren, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, as well as her husband, the Duke of Sussex.

The paper has said “nothing has been published without his specific consent, and that of his son, and that “any suggestion we have ‘puppeteered’ Mr Markle is entirely false and strongly denied.”

The couple have brought numerous cases against media organisations since 2019, as part of what Harry calls a mission for truth and accountability after decades of press intrusion into his life.

In his latest court case, Harry and six others, including singer Elton John, are suing Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers over alleged unlawful information gathering dating back 30 years.

The trial will start in early 2026.

No probe into reports Andrew asked bodyguard to investigate Giuffre

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will not face a criminal investigation over claims he asked his taxpayer funded bodyguard to investigate his accuser Virginia Giuffre, police have revealed.

Reports claimed the disgraced royal passed his Metropolitan Police protection officer Ms Giuffre’s date of birth and social security number and asked them to dig up dirt on her in 2011.

The Met has been looking into the reports, which emerged in a series of leaked emails allegedly seen by the Mail on Sunday.

Andrew reportedly wrote in an email to Ed Perkins, Queen Elizabeth’s deputy press secretary: “It would also seem she has a criminal record in the [United] States. I have given her DoB [date of birth] and social security number for investigation with XXX, the on duty ppo [personal protection officer].”

Ms Giuffre, who does not have a criminal record and took her own life in April this year, claimed that she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times, including once in London, after being trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein. The prince has always vehemently denied the claims.

Following a review, Ella Marriott, the Met’s Central Specialist Crime Commander, has today announced that the royal will face no further action.

However Ms Giuffre’s family said they were “deeply disappointed” and feel “justice has not been served”.

In a statement, the commander confirmed the Met first received allegations of trafficking for sexual exploitation involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in 2015.

She said officers interviewed Ms Giuffre and contacted several other potential victims, and “this did not result in any allegation of criminal conduct against any UK-based nationals”.

“A decision was made in November 2016 not to proceed to a full criminal investigation,” she added.

“That decision was reviewed in August 2019 and again in 2021 and 2022; in each instance, the position remained unchanged, and Ms Giuffre and her legal representative were informed.”

A further review following the latest claims involving the bodyguard did not reveal any evidence of criminal acts and they will be taking no further action, she said.

Commander Marriott added: “Following recent reporting suggesting that Mr Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor asked his Met Police close protection officer to carry out checks on Ms Giuffre in 2011, the MPS has carried out a further assessment. This assessment has not revealed any additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct.

“The Met remains committed to thoroughly assessing any new information that could assist in this matter. To date, we have not received any additional evidence that would support reopening the investigation.

“In the absence of any further information, we will be taking no further action. As with any other matter, should new and relevant information be brought to our attention, including in any information resulting from the release of material in the US, we will assess it.”

In statement following the announcement, Ms Giuffre’s family said they were “deeply disappointed” in the decision.

“We emailed with a detective from the Metropolitan Police yesterday, Friday, Dec. 12th, who gave us no indication that this announcement was imminent,” the family added.

“Indeed, he asked us if we had any evidence we would like to present; we had not yet replied. With the Epstein files about to be released by Congress since the passage of the Epstein Transparency Act, we are surprised that the Metropolitan Police didn’t wait to see what further evidence might appear.

“While we have hailed the UK’s overall handling of the case of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor previously, today we feel justice has not been served.

“We continue to challenge the system that protects abusers, especially as more evidence comes to light that can hold people accountable. Our sister Virginia, and all survivors, are owed this much.”

This week, Andrew was one of a number of high-profile figures featured in photographs released by the Democrats, revealing Epstein’s links to the rich and powerful.

In October, Andrew, 65, was stripped of all his titles as the Palace attempted to draw a line under a string of scandals over his friendship with the disgraced financier.

Andrew paid millions to Ms Giuffre to settle a civil sexual assault claim in 2022, but has always denied any wrongdoing.

The King also served formal notice on his younger brother to vacate the sprawling 30-bedroom Royal Lodge in the grounds of Windsor Great Park.