1. Amber Rudd warns that Brexit could 'get stuck'
Brexit is “in danger of getting stuck” and MPs of all parties should “abandon outrage” and attempt to “forge a consensus” over the matter, Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has said. Meanwhile, the FT says Theresa May has threatened to “crash” her Brexit deal unless fellow European leaders agreed to discuss changes to the withdrawal package to help her sell it at Westminster.
2. Fraud connected to Grenfell disaster fund 'is unprecedented'
Fraud in the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster was unprecedented in British history with more than £1m of public funds thought to have been stolen, reports The Times. So far, 14 people have been convicted for stealing more than £650,000 through fraudulent claims to the Grenfell Tower relief effort. The fraud was made easier because the council had no up-to-date records of who lived in the building, survivors and relief workers have said.
3. Texas court rules Obamacare is 'unconstitutional'
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that a key part of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, is unconstitutional. Taking to Twitter, Donald Trump, who promised to dismantle Barack Obama's landmark 2010 healthcare law, said the ruling was great news for America. But the decision is almost certain to be challenged in the US Supreme Court.
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4. Australia to recognise West Jerusalem as Israel's capital
Australian has confirmed that it will recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia's embassy would not move from Tel Aviv until peace is achieved. Morrison said Australia also recognised the aspirations of the Palestinians to a state with a capital in East Jerusalem. US President Donald Trump recognised the ancient city as Israel's capital last year.
5. Just five train operators to offer Boxing Day services
Only five train operators plan Boxing Day services this year. The government has been accused of betraying passengers after it emerged that promises of more train services on Boxing Day have been dropped. Only five out of 30 operators will run even partial services this year on December 26 and not a single train will run in England outside the southeast.
6. High Street stores slash prices by 80% in Xmas 'bloodbath'
Stores are slashing prices by up to 80% in what the Daily Mail describes as a “high street bloodbath”. As retail analysts expect footfall at stores to be 4% lower than last year, price tracking of 800,000 products by accountants Deloitte shows the average discount on sale items is already 44%. It is the “toughest retail market anyone has ever seen”, according to retail analyst Richard Hyman.
7. Trump names Mulvaney as his acting chief of staff
US President Donald Trump has named Mick Mulvaney, the director of the office of management and budget, as acting White House chief of staff. Mulvaney replaces General John Kelly. Writing on Twitter, Trump described Kelly as a “great patriot”, who had served the country with distinction. Just months ago, General Kelly was forced to deny he had called Trump an "idiot".
8. Jennifer Lawrence denies Weinstein's claims of liaison
Harvey Weinstein claimed he had slept with Jennifer Lawrence while trying to force himself upon a woman in his office. Court documents suggest he boasted of a sexual relationship with the Oscar-winning star while abusing another young actress during a meeting in 2013. The unnamed actress says he told her: “Do you even want to be an actress? I slept with Jennifer Lawrence and look where she is; she has just won an Oscar.” Lawrence denies his claim.
9. Freezing rain and black ice to hit UK this weekend
Shoppers have been warned they face freezing rain and black ice this weekend. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for parts of England and Scotland. “Tomorrow is going to be treacherous day for many areas. We are going to see widespread freezing rain events, which is fairly unusual,” said forecaster Mark Wilson. Freezing rain is very rare in the UK.
10. Brits will have to pay €7 to travel to EU countries
British holidaymakers will have to pay €7 to travel to EU countries after Brexit, the European Commission has confirmed. UK citizens will have to pay the fee (which is just over £6) every three years to visit member states but will not need a visa. Instead, they will need to apply for and buy another document called an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). It is expected to come into force in 2021.
