UN to hold emergency meeting over Russian missile attack

The Ministry of Defence has announced it will develop new tactical ballistic missiles for Ukraine, code-naming the initiative “Project Nightfall”.

Defence secretary John Healey said the UK was determined to arm Ukrainians with advanced weapons to fight back against Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

The new missiles will have a conventional 200kg warhead and be capable of striking targets at a range of 500km – deep inside Russian territory.

Healey said last week’s hypersonic missile strike on western Ukraine showed “how Putin thinks he can act with impunity, targeting civilian areas with advanced weaponry”.

The defence secretary was in the Ukrainian capital when that attack took place, and heard the air raid sirens at the time.

Later on Monday the UN Security Council is due to hold an emergency meeting to discuss Russia’s use of its Oreshnik hypersonic missile just 60 miles from the border of Nato member Poland.

Russia has claimed the Oreshnik strike was retaliation for an attempted Ukrainian drone attack on one of Putin’s residences, an allegation Kyiv denies.

Three teenagers killed in ‘devastating’ head-on crash in Bolton are named locally

Three teenagers and a taxi driver have been killed in a head-on crash in Greater Manchester.

A red Seat Leon collided with a Citroen C4 Picasso taxi on Wigan Road in Bolton in the early hours of Sunday morning, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

The driver of a red Seat Leon and two passengers, believed to be three men aged between 18 and 19, as well as the driver of a Citroen C4 Picasso taxi, thought to be a man in his fifties, died in the incident at 12.45am.

Formal identification of the teenage victims is still taking place, said police at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, although they have been named locally by the Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM) as Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, Farhan Patel and Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali.

Mosrab Ali was also named locally and is believed to be the taxi driver.

Five wounded passengers were also taken to hospital, where they are still being treated.

A police cordon remained in place at the scene as officers continue their investigation.

At the press conference, Chief Inspector Helen McCormick said: “The families of those we believe have been fatally injured in this incident have been informed and have specialist family liaison officers supporting them at this current time.

“Five other people have been taken to hospital where they are currently being treated.

“This was a devastating incident for all those involved, none more so than the families of those deceased.

“This was a particularly challenging scene for colleagues in the emergency services and I want to thank first responders from our Bolton District and Roads Policing Unit at GMP as well as the fire service and ambulance service for all their hard work through the night and into today.”

Pictures from the scene show the wreckage of the two vehicles, with debris strewn across the road.

One resident on Wigan Road said they were woken by a “loud bang”.

The woman, who did not want to be named, looked from her bedroom window and saw “quite a bit of debris” on the road. She also saw a red car that was “really damaged”.

Another resident did not see what happened, but heard a “car accelerating”.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said on Sunday: “At around 12.50am this morning, three fire engines and the technical response unit attended a crash involving a taxi and a car on Wigan Road, Bolton.

“Firefighters arrived quickly to make the area safe and used cutting equipment to help remove people from the vehicles before passing them into the care of North West Ambulance Service. Greater Manchester Police assisted with cordoning the area. Crews were in attendance for roughly two hours.”

Ayyub Patel, councillor for Rumworth, said the “community is very saddened by the tragic news”, adding that the authorities should be left to carry out their investigations.

GMP is urging any witnesses to come forward with information.

Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 111 of 11/01/2025. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

UK could send military to Greenland as Trump ratchets up rhetoric

Sir Keir Starmer is considering sending British troops to Greenland as Donald Trump’s rhetoric over snatching the Danish territory continues to ratchet up.

It comes just days after the prime minister committed to sending troops into Ukraine as the core of the coalition of the willing to guarantee the peace, with former senior military top brass questioning whether the UK has enough personnel.

The revelation comes after former Obama assistant secretary of state Frank Rose told The Independent that Mr Trump’s actions threaten to undermine US defence in the region and lead to allies turning on him.

President Trump has insisted he wants control over Greenland and has not ruled out the prospect of using military force to seize the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander insisted that discussions about securing the High North against Russia and China were part of Nato’s “business as usual” rather than a response to the US military threat.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch lambasted the discussions, warning that there is a danger the Nato alliance could collapse and arguing that Greenland is a “second-order issue”.

She told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: “Right now, what I am really concerned about is if there is going to be a Nato. We need to keep America on side.”

Meanwhile, former UK ambassador to the US Lord Peter Mandelson insisted that he does not believe Mr Trump will send US troops to take control of Greenland, accusing critics of the US president of “wanting to clutch at their pearls” rather than face reality. However, the Labour peer was also critical of the prime minister, who sacked him as ambassador, for not producing the promised spending increase on defence.

The Telegraph reported that military chiefs are drawing up plans for a possible Nato mission to Greenland, which could involve British soldiers, warships and planes being deployed to the island.

Ms Alexander downplayed the suggestion, telling Ms Kuenssberg the report “possibly reads something more into business as usual discussions amongst Nato allies than there actually are”.

She said the UK agreed with President Trump that the Arctic Circle “is becoming an increasingly contested part of the world with the ambitions of [Vladimir] Putin and China”.

“Whilst we haven’t seen the appalling consequences in that part of the world that we’ve seen in Ukraine, it is really important that we do everything that we can with all of our Nato allies to ensure that we have an effective deterrent in that part of the globe against Putin.”

Mr Trump has said he wants to get control over Greenland, which has a strategic location and natural resources, and “if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way”.

But Lord Mandelson said he did not believe Mr Trump would use the military against a Nato ally.

“President Trump is not going to land on Greenland, take Greenland by force,” he said. “He’s not a fool. What’s going to happen is there’s going to be a lot of discussion, a lot of consultation, a lot of negotiation and at the end of the day, we are all going to have to wake up to the reality that the Arctic needs securing against China and Russia.

“And if you ask me who is going to lead in that effort to secure, we all know, don’t we, that it’s going to be the United States.”

He argued that Mr Trump “believes we live in a world of conflicts and hard power… and sometimes nettles need to be grasped. We have to understand that.”

He was also critical of Sir Keir over not matching his commitment with promised increases in defence spending.

“I’m sorry, but the money’s got to follow,” he said. “I think the principle [of extra defence spending] is accepted. I think that the funding is embraced, but I haven’t seen the financial plans. Not for the future, not in the way that they need to build up and unfold in the years to come.”

Downing Street sources noted that the prime minister shares President Trump’s view that Russia’s growing aggression in the High North must be deterred, and Euro-Atlantic security strengthened, and the UK takes the threats from Russia and China in the region “extremely seriously”.

They confirmed that “Nato discussions on reinforcing security in the region continue and we would never get ahead of those, but the UK is working with Nato allies to drive efforts to bolster Arctic deterrence and defence”.

Just last year, UK commandos took part in Exercise Joint Viking in Norway – one of Nato’s biggest High North drills in sub-zero temperatures– alongside 7,000 allied troops, Royal Navy patrol boats and RFA Lyme Bay.

This year, 1,500 Royal Marines will deploy for Exercise Cold Response across Norway, Finland and Sweden, training with allies to defend key terrain and demonstrate Nato unity.

But in the last week, senior retired military top brass have warned that the UK is overstretched even with Sir Keir’s commitment to Ukraine.

In a report for Policy Exchange, retired air marshal Edward Stringer warned that increased defence spending in the UK is being “eaten up by the Ministry of Defence [MoD]’s overdraft” with the UK’s military footprint shrinking at a critical moment.

His report, entitled “The Say-Do Gaps in Defence”, notes that the British army now has just 14 howitzers in total; the Royal Navy has been unable to put more than one attack submarine to sea for a while; and the RAF had to send training unit pilots to sea to guarantee certification of the F35 Force on the carrier.

Meanwhile, another Policy Exchange report earlier in the week from another retired air marshal, Lord Stirrup, outlined how the UK had become too reliant on possessing nuclear weapons for deterrence, which he warned was not scaring Vladimir Putin.

It came as Sir Richard Shirreff, who served as Nato’s deputy supreme allied commander in Europe between 2011 and 2014, said allied forces would need at least 50,000 troops in Ukraine to deter an attack from Russia, while the army currently has less than 75,000 personnel.

Starmer hails parental leave changes as putting ‘dignity back at work’

The Prime Minister has hailed upcoming changes to parental leave as putting “dignity back at the heart of work”.

These reforms, a central part of Labour’s flagship workers’ rights package, will introduce unpaid parental leave from an employee’s first day in a new job. The Government states this will offer an additional 1.5 million parents increased flexibility to share childcare responsibilities.

Separately, bereaved partners are also set to gain further paternity leave rights from April under new laws. This means fathers and partners who lose their partner before their child’s first birthday will be eligible for up to 52 weeks of leave.

Some 390,000 people are estimated to be out of work because of caring responsibilities, including parents, but want a job, according to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

The changes will be laid in Parliament on Monday after the Employment Rights Act received Royal Assent in December, the Government said.

In a statement, Sir Keir Starmer said: “The changes we’re bringing in will mean every new parent can properly take time off when they have a child, and no one is forced to work while ill just to make ends meet.

“This is about giving working families the support they need to balance work, health and the cost of living.

“We’re delivering a modern deal for workers.

“Stronger sick pay, parental leave from day one, and protections that put dignity back at the heart of work.

“Because when we respect and reward those who keep Britain running, we build a stronger economy for everyone.”

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “No one should have to worry about whether they can take time off when their baby arrives, or lose pay simply because they’ve fallen ill.”

“They will ensure our drive for growth reaches everyone through providing secure, fair-paying jobs and giving support to people when they need it most,” he added.

Day-one rights to statutory sick pay, a ban on zero-hour contracts and new protections for new mothers and pregnant women are also included under the landmark Employment Rights Act.

The Government previously abandoned day-one workers’ rights against unfair dismissal in a bid to get the legislation through Parliament.

It now intends to introduce the right after six months of service instead.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Employment Rights Act will deliver vital common-sense reforms for millions of people across the country – including sick pay for all workers and better leave for parents.

“Britain will now be brought into line with other countries where workers already have better protections. And crucially, the legislation will give working people the higher living standards and secure incomes that are needed to build a decent life.

“Good employers will also welcome these changes – the Act protects them from competitors whose business models are built on low-paid, insecure employment.”

Meanwhile, the Conservatives criticised the legislation saying it “piles on red tape” and would “destroy jobs, not protect them.”

Andrew Griffith MP, shadow business and trade secretary, said: “Whilst we support hard-working families and parental leave rights, the 330-page Employment Rights Bill goes far beyond protecting parents.

“It piles on red tape, taking Britain back to the 1970s and risks dragging thousands of small businesses into costly employment tribunals.

“The impact is already clear, with new surveys showing employers are holding back on hiring because of Labour’s choices, creating uncertainty and higher costs.

“This is an Unemployment Bill that will destroy jobs, not protect them. By opening the door to widespread strikes and giving unions greater control over workplaces, Labour is damaging growth. Only the Conservatives will get Britain working again.”

Man Utd’s nightmare season reaches new lows with premature FA Cup exit

For those, certain former managers perhaps included, who think Manchester United occupy too much space in the discourse, it is more than a century, world wars excepted, since they last took up so little room in the fixture list.

For Darren Fletcher, who had spoken of the honour of managing United, it has been accompanied by their latest historic low, another marker of failure. The team with no manager have no cup run and will get no trophy.

Because 11 January became the earliest point in a season since 1971 to ensure United would end it without silverware. United fell at the first hurdle of the FA Cup, just as they had in the League Cup, an unwanted double they had not mustered since 1982. They guaranteed they will play just 40 games, their fewest in a full campaign since 1914-15.

And if more of the blame for that rests with Ruben Amorim, whose League Cup exit to Grimsby was embarrassing, then Fletcher, as United chalked up their annual loss at Old Trafford to Brighton & Hove Albion, it suggested his short-term reign will not be extended.

The Scot won the FA Cup as a United midfielder; he will not as an interim manager. He may head back to the Under-18s now. “Someone will come in and lead the team,” he said, an indication it will not be him.

The boos at the final whistle told a tale. “Bitterly disappointed,” Fletcher added. “It is not a great moment to be out of the cups early. It is not Manchester United level or what is expected.”

So only one ex-United player could enjoy the day; it was not the smartly dressed man in the technical area. What proved the decisive goal was hammered in by Danny Welbeck, a former teammate of Fletcher’s.

For United, trapped in the past, it was a reminder that their alumni can be a blessing or a curse. For the latest academy product, a bright cameo was ruined by petulance, Shea Lacey’s second appearance for United ending with a red card and he departed in tears. A second caution in three minutes came for throwing the ball away. As a club, they have thrown away too many points, along with too much money.

“We are a club with ambition,” said a manager; but it was telling it was the victorious Fabian Hurzeler. It may be Albion’s fate to be overshadowed on days such as this, but they were deserving winners. Call this belated revenge for the 1983 FA Cup final or simply another sign that Brighton are often better than United now.

They could overcome them with a weakened team. Hurzeler made six changes, but there was a level of understanding among his team, a cohesion that spoke to his coaching. United, though, were too easy to beat, too simple to cut open.

A defeat came with a back four, though the defensive problems of a team with a solitary clean sheet in 15 games can transcend formation. They were outmanoeuvred in the midfield time and again and were carved open on their right flank – Mason Mount, who repeatedly failed to track Ferdi Kadioglu, was particularly culpable – which led to Brajan Gruda’s first goal since August.

After Welbeck crossed and Lisandro Martinez cleared Georginio Rutter’s header off the line, the German converted the rebound. United tried to concede a second before they did, Senne Lammens saving from Welbeck only after presenting him with a golden chance.

The 35-year-old did not afford them a second reprieve, lashing in a shot after Gruda found him. “A great finish,” said Welbeck. “It was nice to get that clean connection.” But United presented precious little resistance. Rather damningly, Welbeck has as many goals at Old Trafford this season as Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko; but he left United in 2014.

Of the current class, Kobie Mainoo started, for the first time since Grimsby, but the outcome was the same and he disappointed again. United, fresh from having 30 shots against Burnley, at least began brightly. Cunha sent Diogo Dalot through on goal after 90 seconds, but Jason Steele saved well.

Yet their response to conceding was unconvincing. “The goal knocked the stuffing out of us,” admitted Fletcher. A side with too little spirit struggled to find the final pass or make the right decision. As ever, they looked over-reliant on Bruno Fernandes. He offered late hope of a comeback, with a corner Sesko headed in for his third goal in two games. Then Lacey was ejected, and United eliminated.

For United, who played 60 games last season, the workload will be reduced by 50 per cent now. For Fletcher, a season could be salvaged or squandered. It is up to the players.

“It’s over to them, they need to make sure that they have got a lot to play for this season,” he added. “There’s still a Champions League place to fight for. That should be their mindset. Don’t waste the season.” The danger is that it is a wasted year. Another one.

Your dream cruise formula: From Caribbean islands to European cities

If your ideal holiday is one that blends fuss-free adventure with great culinary choices and sumptuous relaxation, then book yourself onto a cruise immediately. From experiencing rich cultures, visiting breathtaking beauty spots, and dining on delicious delicacies – cruising has become one of the most luxurious ways to travel.

This dream-holiday formula is something that Virgin Voyages has perfected with its multi-award-winning, adult-only cruises, which sail across Europe, North America and the Caribbean. From entertaining onboard experiences and modern facilities to exciting escapades on land, these are the types of trips that are worth writing home about, and why Virgin Voyages has been named Travel + Leisure ® World’s Best #1 Mega Ship for an impressive three years in a row.

Here’s what would-be Sailors can expect from a Virgin Voyages cruise…

Whichever of the 150-plus destinations you choose to sail to, one thing remains guaranteed, you’ll get an unforgettable journey, and leave with happy stories to share with loved ones back home. Why not make those memories on Virgin Voyages’ impressive Lady Ships, with Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady each offering a distinct personality which is encapsulated in everything from decor to destinations. Expect enough amenities and activities to entertain a small city: from tequila tasting to spa days and over 20 premium eateries serving menus curated by Michelin starred chefs. There’s a whole holiday’s worth of experiences before you’ve even docked at your first port.

Be gone any thoughts of pokey, old-fashioned interiors and get ready to embrace charming cabins with a super-yacht aesthetic. No matter which of the Virgin Voyages sleeping quarters you choose from, you’ll be met with super comfortable beds, a roomy rainshower, mood lighting, free Wi-Fi and a large flat-screen HDTV. Want to really push the boat out? Opt for luxury suites that promise five-star comfort and opulence, with champagne tables, sun loungers, handwoven terrace hammocks and in-room bars. Virgin Voyages ‘RockStar’ Sailors can also enjoy everything from VIP entrances to private access to rooftop terraces.

Whether your spirit is one of a dancing queen or a sophisticated theatre-goer, Virgin Voyages has nightlife and entertainment options to suit every taste – developed with the help of the world’s most-talked-about directors, choreographers, and artists. Choose from 80s parties, festival acts or classic stories like Romeo and Juliet – reinvented with a circus twist. Each ship offers something different, so if you’re a Virgin Voyages regular, you’ll never see the same thing twice. Save your vocal chords for the private karaoke rooms, while the casinos and gaming arcades could elevate an already winning mood even further.

Don’t want to leave your full-on fitness regime behind when you go on holiday? Or are you just curious to try a new healthy group class? Whatever your wellness wishes, there’s plenty to keep you busy onboard with workouts for every level. There’s yoga, HIIT, weight training, boxing, meditation and more, plus running or walking the signature 255-metre-ish Virgin red running track, which curves around the top of the ship in a halo shape. If relaxation is your main goal, head to the spa for everything from steam room and sauna to hot stone massage and seaweed wrap. The beauty salon offers a range of professional treatments, from manicures, pedicures and nail art to IV therapy, Botox and fillers.

While you’re free to enjoy port cities at your own leisure, Virgin Voyages also curates an array of land excursions or ‘Shore Things’ for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture. Why not enjoy a barefoot fish cookout on the Mexican island of Cozumel, a late night party on the Greek Island of Mykonos or visit the historic halls of Harvard University when sailing through Boston, Massachusetts. If you’re cruising the Caribbean, choose from a beach day in St Vincent and The Grenadines; explore the private island of Mustique or visit the colourful buildings of the capital Kingstown. Do as much or as little as you like – you’re always in charge!

Proving that there really is a cruise for everyone, Virgin Voyages’ child-free cruises visit almost endless destinations that span Europe, North America and the Caribbean. Choose a five-night cruise from New York to Bermuda, taking in the paradise pink-sand beaches, maritime history and cafe culture of the island, or maybe a seven-night voyage starting in Los Angeles and sailing to Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan in Mexico. For a trip closer to home, soak in the Mediterranean sunshine while visiting Europe’s most famous cities and islands starting in the homeports of Greece and Spain. Tick off an array of bucket list destinations with the Idyllic Ibiza cruise aboard the Valiant Lady; set sail from Rome to Barcelona with stop offs at the superluxe Amalfi Coast, Cannes and Ibiza – now, that’s what you call an A-list adventure.

With so many incredible destinations to visit and on-board luxury to explore, a cruise with Virgin Voyages is a holiday you’ll never stop talking about.

Discover Virgin Voyages luxury range of cruises and plan your next adventure today

Mandelson refuses to apologise over his friendship with Epstein

Lord Mandelson has refused to apologise to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for his friendship with the convicted paedophile and financier.

The former US ambassador and cabinet minister had described Epstein as his “best pal” in what he admitted were “toe-curling” emails, but claimed that he was “on the fringes” of the financier’s life.

Speaking in his first interview since getting sacked as the UK’s ambassador to the US on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the Labour Party grandee would only apologise for “a system” that let down the victims of Epstein.

He said: “I want to apologise to those women for a system that refused to hear their voices and did not give them the protection they were entitled to expect.”

Pressed on whether he would apologise for his friendship with Epstein after his conviction, Lord Mandelson said: “If I had known, if I was in any way complicit or culpable, of course I would apologise… but I was not culpable, I was not knowledgeable for what he was doing, and I regret, and will regret to my dying day, the fact that powerless women were not given the protection they were entitled to expect.”

He described his relationship with Epstein as “a terrible mistake”, which “I will regret until my dying day”.

He went on: “I believed his story and that of his lawyer that he had been falsely criminalised in his contact with these young women. Now I wish I had not believed that story.”

In an awkward moment, he challenged Ms Kuenssberg over suggestions that he knew of allegations around Epstein.

“Do you really think that if I knew what was going on and what he was doing with and to these vulnerable young women, that I’d have just sat back and moved on and said, ‘Okay, that’s his that’s his life’? I’d have done that? Do you think I’d have written emails like that if I had any knowledge or suspicion of what he was doing?”

He said: “I can say this absolutely, I can say it to you categorically, I never saw anything in his life when I was with him, when I was in his hands, that would give me any reason to suspect what an evil monster this man was.”

The Labour peer also strongly implied that he disagreed with his sacking as ambassador to the US, which was done because of emails and texts emerging with new information about his relationship with Epstein.

Asked if he deserved to be sacked, Lord Mandelson said: “I understand why I was sacked.”

He added: “The emails that were published came as a huge surprise and a huge shock to me, not just to them. They no longer existed on my server I have long since disused. I was unable to share emails with them that I didn’t recall.”

The interview was met with anger by the government, with transport secretary Heidi Alexander saying that she thought that Mandelson should have apologised to the victims of Epstein.

She went on: “I think the breadth and the nature of the relationship that Peter Mandelson had with Jeffrey Epstein only became clear at the point at which those emails were published in September of last year, and that’s why the prime minister acted swiftly, took immediate action to remove him as the ambassador to the United States.”

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn demanded that Mandelson lose his seat in the Lords.

He said: “Says he had no knowledge of what Epstein was doing when he maintained he friendship with his ‘best pal’. Yet knew that Epstein had been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor. Why are Labour continuing to allow this man to sit in the House of Lords?”

One veteran Labour MP was furious that the BBC had given Mandelson more publicity.

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: “When Keir Starmer appointed Mandelson, I said publicly it was a serious error of judgement. I’ve always been a supporter of the BBC in its role as a public broadcaster, but the decision to invite Mandelson onto the Kuenssberg programme calls into question once more its own judgement.”

Ex-Labour adviser Baroness Ayesha Hazarika said: “Disappointed with the BBC for that Mandelson interview. A slap in the face to Epstein victims. He was part of the system of male power which enabled and dismissed abuse. The media went after Mandelson correctly in my view.”

Lord Kempsell, Boris Johnson’s former adviser, added: “In editorial terms – if a Conservative or right-winger had been forced to resign as US ambassador over links to Epstein, there is no way they would be back on a prime political programme in three months for an interview largely not about that scandal. Only Mandelson can achieve that.”

Five teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder after man found dead

Five teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead inside a house in County Durham.

Cleveland Police were called to an address on Egglescliffe Close in Stockton at around 6:50pm on Saturday 10 January, where a 49-year-old man was found dead.

A 19-year-old man, two 18-year-old men and two 17-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody, a spokesperson said.

A witness told TeessideLive that four police vehicles were spotted at the scene.

The force said footage relating to the incident had been circulating on social media, and asked people not to share it further.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of footage relating to this incident circulating around social media sites.

“Please do not share this footage any further, as this could impact on legal proceedings. You can upload footage anonymously here.

“Anyone with information, CCTV or doorbell footage is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference SE26005815.”

Egglescliffe Close is a residential street in the Hardwick area in northern Stockton. It connects with Elton Close and is found near Durham Road, the A177.