Newspaper
The Independent
'Dim Philby'? No, Witkoff is actually a skilled negotiator
If anyone has had more negative press than Donald Trump in the latest flurry of US efforts to end the war in Ukraine, it is Steve Witkoff, the man he appointed his special envoy at the very start of his second term. One Western critic even dubbed him “Dim Philby”. But the knives have been out for Witkoff in Washington pretty much from the start, and the charge sheet against him is long.
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
The lessons the forgotten ‘Winter war’ can teach us
As fears grow of an advance on Finland by Russian forces, Robert McCrum reviews a new book about a 1939-40 war in which Stalin's Red Army was thwarted by Finnish soldiers
4 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Hong Kong's fire must spell end of bamboo scaffolding
Experts say that traditional materials helped the blaze spread through seven apartment blocks, killing at least 75. Pressure for safety changes is mounting
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Why Europe's officials must take blame for UK fan chaos
French police's violent treatment of Newcastle supporters on Wednesday is hardly new, but experts believe they should look at their conduct and take responsibility for the trouble
4 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Asylum hotel numbers rise again despite Labour pledge
More than 36,000 asylum seekers were being housed in Home Office hotels in September, a rise of 2 per cent year on year despite a pledge by Labour to curb their use, new data shows.
2 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Blistering intterrogation of Le Carre's Cold War classic
'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' transfers well to the stage in this engrossing production
2 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
Rosalia has achieved what no other pop star has – received the Vatican's blessing for her chart-topping, experimental and deeply religious fourth album writes Fiona Sturges
4 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Starmer denies breaking Labour manifesto pledge
As economists sound dire warnings over Budget tax plans
4 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Axing a Happy Meal classic has made mums like me sad
McDonald's has axed the child favourite Fish Fingers Happy Meal this week - and it has left mums like me absolutely furious.
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Net migration to UK drops by two-thirds year on year
Net migration to the UK has fallen by 445,000 in the year to June, driven by fewer people arriving for work or study, new figures show.
4 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Is nonstop London-Perth flight really a good idea?
Ask Simon Calder
1 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
This cowardly Budget marks the death of New Labour
There was a time not too long ago when it looked like the influence of New Labour on Keir Starmer’s government looked strong.
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Is this really the ‘change’ that Britain voted for?
Fundamentally, the Budget was sound enough. Rachel Reeves did at least make the numbers add up. The reaction of the gilts market suggests that lenders to the government believe that the chancellor has a credible plan to prevent debt from running out of control.
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
A crippling benefits bill is the only growth Reeves delivered
Buried in the OBR’s assessment of the Budget is this: the official analysis concludes that none of the 88 measures announced are likely to have a “material effect” on boosting economic growth.
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
France to bolster military with young volunteers
French president Emmanuel Macron unveiled a new national military service plan yesterday as France seeks to bolster its armed forces to address growing concerns over Russia's threat to European nations beyond the war in Ukraine.
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
It's not fair that pensioners are treated as a special case
“What a lot you got!” That’s the Reeves Budget headline for pensioners.
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
KINKY BEAUTS
Harry Lighton's self-assured gay biker romcom 'Pillion' does what 'Fifty Shades of Grey' couldn't – it tenderly humanises a misunderstood subculture writes Clarisse Loughrey
2 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
‘I’ve killed the arrival fallacy – it is all about the pursuit’
‘Dragons’ Den’ investor Steven Bartlett says his life changed when he realised the chase made him happier than the goal
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Putin offers a sliver of hope for long-running peace talks
But Russian president refuses to give up maximalist demands
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
No 10 backtracks on key employment rights vow
Starmer U-turns on reforms led by ex-deputy Rayner
3 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Why net migration is down but asylum numbers rising
Net immigration fell to 204,000 in the year to June, according to the latest estimate from the Office for National Statistics.
2 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Son of jailed Iran couple urges officials to do more
The son of a British couple who have been detained in Iran on espionage charges has accused the UK government of failing to do enough to secure their release.
1 min |
November 28, 2025
The Independent
Liverpool humiliated again as PSV deliver hammering
Arne Slot’s excellence against Dutch clubs propelled him to Liverpool.
4 min |
November 27, 2025
The Independent
The lure of solid-gold dross
Kim Kardashian's new series 'All's Fair' has been panned but still picked up for a second season. Helen Coffey asks why truly dreadful TV programmes get so many 'hate-view' hits?
3 min |
November 27, 2025
The Independent
GOTHIC REVIVAL
The third instalment of the Knives Out franchise pays tribute to the school of classic crime authors, from Poe to Christie
3 min |
November 27, 2025
The Independent
Passenger fashion runways
The US transport secretary wants passengers to dress with respect. Simon Calder went to Heathrow to see if people are
3 min |
November 27, 2025
The Independent
Gunners demolish Bayern with set-piece masterclass
Another victory of outstanding quality, that may yet set up more to come. And maybe a new Champions League winner.
3 min |
November 27, 2025
The Independent
Who will pay more? Key elements from the Budget
After months of speculation and briefings, Rachel Reeves has unveiled £26bn worth of tax rises in her much-anticipated Budget.
6 min |
November 27, 2025
The Independent
Starmer and Reeves have put party before country
Rachel Reeves would have been forgiven for shedding a tear again when she stood up to deliver her Budget speech.
3 min |
November 27, 2025
The Independent
'I was in agony after cancer surgery, but no one helped'
A patient has suffered nightmares after being left without pain relief for hours at the under-fire Salford Royal Hospital
3 min |