King Charles delivered his Christmas message this year from Westminster Abbey, invoking the spirit of wartime resilience to encourage unity amid growing divisions in society. In his address, recorded in the abbey’s historic Lady Chapel, he urged communities to “get to know our neighbours,” highlighting the importance of togetherness during challenging times. Marking the 80th… Continue reading King's speech 2025: Christmas message urges communities to pull together in divided world
Category: UK News
Thousands of jobs saved at North Sea oil and gas firm
An important development has emerged for the energy services company Petrofac as thousands of jobs are expected to be preserved following the purchase of a portion of the firm currently in administration. The American firm CB&I has declared that it will acquire Petrofac’s asset solutions division, with the transaction scheduled to be completed in the… Continue reading Thousands of jobs saved at North Sea oil and gas firm
Two men believed missing after Budleigh Salterton swimmers search
Two men are currently reported as missing off the coast of Devon following alerts about swimmers experiencing difficulty in the water, according to police. The emergency services were alerted at 10:25 GMT after concerns arose for individuals at Budleigh Salterton beach, triggering a large-scale response from rescue teams. Authorities have confirmed that several people were… Continue reading Two men believed missing after Budleigh Salterton swimmers search
Llanharan man travels to meet adopted brother in Australia
After more than six decades apart, Russell Gower and his older brother Peter finally met face-to-face, closing a 10,000-mile gap that had separated them since childhood. This long-awaited reunion took place earlier this month when Russell, 64, traveled from his home in south Wales to Brisbane, Australia, where 69-year-old Peter lives. Despite the lengthy absence,… Continue reading Llanharan man travels to meet adopted brother in Australia
Sign language interpreters say job can be 'emotional whiplash'
A seasoned sign language interpreter has described the emotional challenges that come with balancing the demands of her profession despite limited resources. Dr Sally Gillespie, who coordinates a new MA Interpreting program at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), highlighted the rising need for qualified interpreters in Northern Ireland. Although there are officially 44 registered Sign Language… Continue reading Sign language interpreters say job can be 'emotional whiplash'
Royal Family gather for Christmas Day service at Sandringham
King Charles and Queen Camilla participated in a Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales along with other members of the royal family. Many well-wishers gathered outside the Norfolk church, eager to see the royal family during this annual event. Prince William and Catherine… Continue reading Royal Family gather for Christmas Day service at Sandringham
Cold health alert and weather warnings issued for parts of UK on Christmas Day
On Christmas Day, parts of the UK are facing cold weather warnings and a health alert, with forecasters dampening hopes for snow across much of the country. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold weather alert for south-west England running from 6 pm on 25 December until midday on 27 December.… Continue reading Cold health alert and weather warnings issued for parts of UK on Christmas Day
Locals step in at Christmas after Whitchurch canal collapse
Just days before Christmas, a dramatic incident unfolded for several families living on narrowboats in Shropshire. In the early hours of Monday morning, a section of the Llangollen Canal experienced a catastrophic collapse, causing a massive hole and sending water rushing into a nearby field. This sudden embankment failure resulted in two boats plunging into… Continue reading Locals step in at Christmas after Whitchurch canal collapse
'I thought my autistic son would never tell me he loves me'
James Hunt never imagined his autistic son Tommy would be able to express his love verbally. Yet, three months ago, the 14-year-old—who is non-speaking—sent his father a text saying exactly that. “I immediately started crying,” James recalls. “I know we have a good relationship and he is affectionate towards me but it was so emotional… Continue reading 'I thought my autistic son would never tell me he loves me'
What is Christmas like for non-Christians?
Former Indian test cricketer Bobby Rao, now residing in Strabane, County Tyrone since 1980, plays a significant role on Christmas Day despite not celebrating it religiously. Born in Hyderabad and identifying as Hindu, Bobby embraces the festive season alongside his Christian wife Josephine. Their celebration includes attending midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, reflecting their mutual… Continue reading What is Christmas like for non-Christians?