Italy reports a record 189,109 new cases; Dutch authorities announce more than 24,000 new cases; Turkey reports record 66,467 casesMacron rebuke to unvaccinated citizens incurs anger in parliamentChina’s locked down cities pay price of zero-Covid strat…
Combine classes in case of Covid staff shortages, DfE tells teachers in England
Tories criticised for failing to tackle Omicron earlier as Covid infections are still highCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe government has told headteachers in England to start preparing for staff shortages by using suppor…
‘Time to party’: roving revellers cross Welsh border to escape Covid rules
Fun-seekers criticise Welsh restrictions on New Year’s Eve celebrations but say they’ll be carefulThey arrived at Bristol Temple Meads train station clutching cans of booze, a change of clothes and this year’s most essential New Year’s Eve accessory – …
English cricket is in disarray – and it’s a metaphor for the whole country | Martin Kettle
Cricket is ruled by upper-class white men, deluded about their abilities. It’s hard not to see a parallel between the Ashes shambles and BrexitIt has been years since football surged past cricket to become England’s favourite sport. Even so, more than …
Decision on stricter Covid rules for England may come on Monday
Ministers expected to assess latest data given to Sage and decide on possible return to step 2 restrictionsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageMinisters could meet as soon as Monday to determine whether new restrictions are need…
Chance of white Christmas in parts of north Wales and northern England
Met Office says temperatures set to plunge to -2C in areas of the UK, with warnings for snow and strong windsA white Christmas may be on the way for the uplands of north Wales and northern England, while festive flurries and bracing temperatures will s…
Covid live: people in Scotland urged to cancel Christmas parties; UK reports another 50,867 cases and 148 deaths
People and businesses in Scotland been urged not to go ahead with parties; UK daily case tally remains above 50,000South African Covid cases up 255% in a week as Omicron spreadsStricter measures than plan B may be needed to stop Omicron in UKItalian w…
‘Trying to hide heartache merely leads to more grief’: Geoff Hurst at 80 on highs, lows and the boys of ‘66
England’s World Cup final hero endured family tragedy, unemployment and rejection after he retired. But football’s renaissance reminded everyone of the scale of his achievement“Life is such a lottery,” Sir Geoff Hurst says as his face creases with emot…
‘I’ve done 332 so far’: man aims to visit England’s 10,449 civil parishes
Andy Smith, who documents his travels on YouTube, estimates task will take ‘best part of 25 to 30 years’When Andy Smith moved from the Lincolnshire countryside where he grew up, to Rotherham, he immediately longed for a return to his rural life.“For th…
Teachers reject plans to have pupils learn 1,700 words for language GCSEs
Making pupils in England ‘grind through list of words’ will not encourage uptake, DfE toldProposals to make pupils in England learn a set of up to 1,700 frequently used words as part of government reforms to French, German and Spanish GCSEs have been r…