Reports emerge of customers refusing to pay optional service charge “probably because their disposable income has gone down”

The findings came from hospitality network Countertalk — but few in London the Standard spoke to verified the claims

Mark Cavendish and his wife ‘very distressed’ after knifepoint raid, court told

Balaclava-wearing intruders broke into Olympian’s home as slept upstairs with his wife Peta and their three-year-old child, court is told

Tributes paid to teacher killed in avalanche on Ben Nevis

Mark Bessell, from Bristol, died on the UK’s highest mountain on December 30.

Bird populations boosted when 10% of farmland devoted to nature measures – study

Research led by the RSPB estimates that a third of the farmed landscape needs to be in agri-environmental schemes to boost bird numbers.

Sony and Honda unveil Afeela electric car brand

The technology giant said it hopes to have electric cars from the new firm on the road by 2026.

Film-making award launched for man who died climbing Ben Nevis

Rob Brown, 33, died last year after he tragically fell on Ben Nevis and a new award recognising amateur filmmakers will be launched in his honour.

Film set and made in Glasgow to receive UK premiere at city’s festival

Girl tells the story of a mother and daughter trying to make a new life for themselves and will open this year’s Glasgow Film Festival.

‘The fever’s got to break’: When will there be a House speaker?

Members-elect from across GOP agree there’s no plan how to get past impasse and future looks uncertain

France's African ex-soldiers win last battle – over pensions

Some of the last survivors in France from a colonial-era infantry corps that recruited tens of thousands of African soldiers to fight in French wars around the world will be … Continue Reading →

‘Red wall’ in Britain’s spending habits revealed by consumer data

Adults in the North are more likely to shop at Iceland and Asda – while those in the South head to Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.

Technological invention and disruption has slowed down dramatically, scientists warn

The pace of scientific disruption and technological invention has slowed down considerably, scientists have found.

Damar Hamlin’s family friend gives update on Buffalo Bills star’s condition

Family friend Jordon Rooney has also confirmed that the 24-year-old was only resuscitated once, despite earlier reports he was resuscitated twice

Joe Marler reiterates apology to Jake Heenan and Harlequins after RFU suspension

The prop was charged with conduct prejudicial to the game.

Hundreds of London tech employees face the sack as Salesforce slashes jobs

Salesforce employs over 2,500 people in the UK, according to its most recent filing with Companies House

Serial arsonist who absconded from hospital tracked down after police hunt

Johnny Brady, 19, was sentenced to a hospital order in September last year after committing a wave of attacks on schools and churches.

DWP corrects pension underpayments: Who is eligible, what could you get and when?

Many thousands of pensioners are due to receive payments over the next year

How Matt Gaetz and AOC cleared the air on their positions over Kevin McCarthy vote

AOC shoots down suggestions from her opponents that Democrats are making a deal with McCarthy

Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid confident of securing teenage star’s signature

Borussia Dortmund’s asking price for the England midfielder is £130m, with Liverpool among the interested Premier League clubs

Mild weather set to continue in London before weekend downpour as Europe bakes and US freezes

Mild weather is set to continue in London for the rest of the week with wet and blustery conditions forecast for Saturday.

Drunk man urinates on elderly woman in flight and evades arrest: ‘Crew was not proactive’

Aviation regulator and Delhi police say they are looking into ‘traumatic’ experience

When are the London bus strikes and which routes will be affected?

Industrial action is planned throughout January

Netflix codes: How to access hidden movies and TV shows on streaming service

There are thousands of Netflix titles tucked away in secret which you can unlock with these codes

Paul Gustard in contention for Wales defence coach role

Wales have a coaching vacancy following Gethin Jenkins’ departure.

What financial support is available to breast cancer sufferers?

Help is out there for those battling disease and cost of living concerns together

Breast cancer symptoms: What are the early signs you should look out for?

Check yourself regularly

James Bond: The 14 actors rumoured to take over from Daniel Craig, from Aaron Taylor-Johnson to Idris Elba

Here’s a list of the stars who could be the next 007…

Frank Lampard confident he can turn things around at Everton after Brighton loss

The Toffees have won one and lost seven of their last 10 Premier League matches

'Varsity Blues' mastermind faces sentencing for college scam

The mastermind of the nationwide college admissions bribery scandal is set to be sentenced in federal court

World Braille Day 2023: What is braille and how does it work?

Louis Braille, inventor of the tactile alphabet, is honoured each year for devising the system

Asian stock markets gain ahead of Fed update

Asian stock markets are higher ahead of the release of minutes from a Federal Reserve meeting that investors hope might show the U.S. central bank is moderating its plans for … Continue Reading →

EXPLAINER: What to expect on Day 2 of House speaker election

The House will convene Wednesday as Republicans try again to elect a speaker for the new Congress

48% of disabled adults have had to cut back on energy use, think-tank finds

Around two-fifths of people with a disability said they could not afford to keep their home warm, the Resolution Foundation said.

Sam Bankman-Fried fights through media scrum for first US court appearance

The FTX founder is facing fraud charges in federal court

Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction

Follow all the action from Goodison Park

The Leader podcast: ‘Worst week of rail disruption in 30 years’

Around 16 million journeys could be affected by what is expected to be the worst week of rail disruption for 30 years.

Ukraine can ‘count on’ UK support in 2023, Sunak says

Rishi Sunak reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine, in an early January call with Volodymyr Zelensky.

How Spotify could use your Apple Health data for music recommendations

With Spotify rumoured to be integrating Apple Health data, here’s what the update could mean for your playlists and privacy.

The Masked Singer: Who is Jellyfish?

From clues to judges guesses and more

Beat the booze: From tracking apps to quit lit books — this is your Dry January 2023 survival guide

A record number of us are going sober this month. Here’s how to do it right, from trendy alcohol free alternatives to the troupe of influencers providing a guiding light

Sunak’s healthcare arrangements not in ‘public interest’, says Downing Street

Questions over Sunak’s own medical care arose as warnings grow about the current “intolerable” situation for patients and staff in the NHS

China hits out at ‘unacceptable’ Covid restrictions imposed on its travellers

Beijing says measures ‘lack scientific basis’ and threatens retaliation

London’s best vegan restaurants, from Gauthier Soho to Neat Burger

The must-visit spots for your plant-based pleasure

What dates are the DWP cost of living payments in 2023?

Millions of households on low incomes will receive fresh cost of living support worth up to £1,350

5.7m people have less than a month left to submit their tax return

People who miss the January 31 deadline could face an initial £100 fixed penalty.

‘Arrogant’ thug who knocked blind man’s glasses off his face is jailed

Jake Boothman, 29, attacked the man and his girlfriend as they waited for a taxi outside Preston train station on Tuesday, December 13

‘Fit and healthy’ mother who fought thyroid cancer at 27 shares 4 symptoms she ignored

Christina McKnight, now 35, thought little of her symptoms and was only diagnosed after her husband ‘forced’ her to see a doctor

British pair among four killed in helicopter collision in Australia

Queensland Police said the 57-year-old woman and 65-year-old man were travelling from the UK.

New York becomes sixth state to legalise composting of human remains

Process releases less greenhouse gasses than cremation

Average adult hasn’t decluttered their house for two-and-a half years, study finds

Research of 2,000 adults revealed 67 per cent confessed they’ve got plenty of clutter but refuse to get rid of it

January 6 panel leaders fear GOP will leak names of national security personnel who testified

Select committee leaders fear the incoming Republican majority could jeopardise the safety of national security personnel who work at the White House

Robin Roberts announces she’s marrying longtime girlfriend Amber Laign

Roberts has been in a relationship with girlfriend Amber Laign since 2005

Ukrainian refugee’s fears for mother, 78, stuck in Kyiv as he struggles to find UK home

Ukrainians who have come to the UK face a postcode lottery of support as help varies between councils in different parts of the council

Texas Roadhouse customer says she paid $4 for mac and cheese that turned out to be Kraft

‘That should be illegal,’ commented one TikTok user

Jeremy Renner accident – as it happened: Marvel star recovers in hospital after being crushed by snow plough

Marvel actor in critical but stable condition after accident

Israeli army kills 2 Palestinians in West Bank confrontation

Palestinian health officials say Israeli forces have killed two Palestinians during a confrontation that erupted when troops entered a village in the occupied West Bank

India and Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations that cannot be targeted

Lists exchanged under three-decades-old agreement

Jenna Bush Hager’s daughter confirms mother’s underwear habit live on-air

The nine-year-old shared some embarrassing “truth bombs” about her mom during a December broadcast

Adults ‘four times more likely to be estranged from their fathers than mothers’

A new study found 26 per cent of fallouts involved fathers, compared to just six percent with mothers

NHS pressure ‘unbearable’, medics warn Rishi Sunak as PM told to take action

Royal College of Emergency Medicine chief warns government may attempt to ‘discredit’ figures suggesting up to 500 deaths a week from delays in care

Pharma executive found dead hours after Supreme Court weighs in on sentence for killing autistic son

Her death is being investigated as possible suicide

Frank Lampard hoping Everton can give fans feel-good factor against Brighton

Everton suffered a stoppage-time defeat to Wolves in their last home match before drawing at champions Manchester City.

Northampton snap losing run with emphatic victory against Harlequins

Despite retaining their place among the top four, Quins were way off the pace as Saints dominated

MP proposes bill to force government to comply with ministerial code

Proposed law would put bill on statutory footing to ‘take it out of a political arena’

Tottenham 0-2 Aston Villa: Miserable stat underlines abject performance to start 2023

Tottenham suffered a terrible start to 2023 with a New Year’s Day 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa.

Urgent police appeal as teen arsonist escapes Northampton mental health facility

Police urge people not to approach him, and to instead call 999 if they see him

Pelé brought renown to Santos, Brazilian port city and team

Pelé

Frank McGarvey: Former Celtic and Scotland striker dies aged 66

McGarvey was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year

Manuel Akanji backs Man City to quickly move on from Everton draw

City were held to a 1-1 draw as they handed Premier League leaders Arsenal a chance to extend the gap

Archbishop of Canterbury calls for action to fix ‘broken’ care system in new year message

The Most Rev Justin Welby said carers should be properly valued by society

UFC rankings: The Independent’s pound-for-pound fighters list

Here are our top 10 men’s fighters in the UFC, in a list to be updated monthly

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction

Everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League fixture

Charity shops are not a dumping ground for ultra-fast fashion, says Traid boss

Maria Chenoweth said charity shops are still full of gems from up to 70 years ago, including designer treasures.

How to cure a hangover: What to eat in the morning on New Year’s Day

You won’t even think about ordering a McDonald’s breakfast ever again after you’ve mastered these MOB Kitchen dishes, writes Lucas Oakeley

No. 1 Georgia rallies to beat No. 4 Ohio State 42-41 in semi

Stetson Bennett capped No. 1 Georgia’s comeback from a two-touchdown, fourth-quarter deficit with a 10-yard, last-minute scoring pass to Adonai Mitchell in a 42-41 victory over No. 4 Ohio State … Continue Reading →

No. 3 TCU upsets No. 2 Michigan 51-45 in wild CFP semifinal

Max Duggan accounted for four touchdowns, TCU returned two interceptions for scores and the third-ranked Horned Frogs withstood a frenetic second-half surge by No. 2 Michigan to win the Fiesta … Continue Reading →

BBC Two reveals nation’s favourite Take That song

Never Forget, Back For Good and Rule The World were voted the ultimate top three Take That tracks.

Pep Guardiola left to rue dropped points against Everton as Frank Lampard praises ‘character’

Demarai Gray cancelled out an Erling Haaland strike with a stunning equaliser at the Etihad Stadium.

Sir Grayson Perry says he never considered turning down knighthood

The 62-year-old Essex-born artist, who calls himself a ‘tranny potter’, has been made a Knight Bachelor for services to the arts.

Elle Edwards murder: Man arrested over Christmas Eve pub shooting released on bail

The 26-year-old was killed at the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village, Wirral, on Christmas Eve

Charity fundraiser Gary McKee completes 365th marathon of the year

Gary McKee ran 365 marathons in as many days to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

Huge crowds of Palestinians mark Fatah anniversary in Gaza

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have thronged a Gaza City park to mark the 58th anniversary of the founding of the Fatah party

Small boat crossings surge 60 per cent to new record in 2022 and ‘could get worse’ this year

‘All the Conservatives have done this year is ramp up the rhetoric while making the problem worse,’ Yvette Cooper says

The year 2023: when Keir Starmer must answer hard questions about Labour in power

We have as yet little idea of what the priorities of a Labour government might be, and how they might differ from those of a government led by Rishi Sunak

Scottish archbishop recalls ‘honour’ of close work with Pope Benedict

Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, worked with the late pope between 2009 and 2013.

North Korea fires three missiles as regional tensions rise

North Korea fired three short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters in its latest weapons display on Saturday.

Thor’s day: Wandering walrus delights locals after appearing in seaside town

The marine mammal arrived in Scarborough on Friday night and has drawn huge crowds to the harbour.

Fulham vs Southampton LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction

Follow all the action from Craven Cottage

New Year Honours List 2023: Stephen Graham and Brian May among celebrities recognised

Artists, TV presenters and comedians also made the list

David Harewood: I accept my OBE for people whose work has gone unnoticed

The Homeland actor has been honoured for his services to drama and charity.

Our most memorable meals of the year

After a particularly good – and often difficult – year for hospitality, Hannah Twiggs and the IndyEats team reflect on the food they just can’t stop thinking about

North Korea kicks off New Year’s Eve by firing short-range ballistic missiles near South Korea

The North has test fired nearly 80 missiles in 2022

Opioid overprescribing ‘putting lives at risk’ amid warning excess pills could end up on black market

One woman said she was sent ‘bags full’ of unneeded drugs and a former addict reveals he exploited the system to obtain four times his prescribed dose

Labour takes huge lead over the Tories in new poll after chaotic 2022

Voters downbeat about government’s ability to manage economy and ease cost of living crisis

Marathon man Gary McKee ready to cross the finish line of year-long challenge

Gary McKee, 53, is set to complete his 365th marathon of the year on New Year’s Eve.

Manchester City vs Everton LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction

Here’s everything you need to know about the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium

Arrest of suspect in killings ‘a relief’ to Idaho campus

The arrest of a suspect in last month’s fatal stabbings of four University of Idaho students has brought relief to the small college community of Moscow, Idaho

Just Stop Oil: How has the group grown this year and what is in store for 2023?

Who is behind the campaign group, what are their demands and what have they got planned for the year ahead?

Electric car demand faces hit from high prices and lack of chargers

Consumer website Electrifying.com estimated that around 350,000 new electric cars will be sold in the UK next year

TikToker mocks Zillow listing for ‘party house’ with urinals in kitchen

‘If you’re drinking so much you cannot take 30 seconds to relieve yourself in the bathroom, then you’re drinking too much,’ the woman said on TikTok.

Sir Grayson Perry ‘not quite ready’ for news he has become a knight

When the artist became a CBE in 2014, he wore what he called his ‘Italian mother of the bride’ outfit for the ceremony

David Harewood made OBE after raising awareness of mental health and racism

The actor has explored both issues in documentaries.

DJ Spoony says BEM ‘is as much for our community as it is for me’

The radio DJ and presenter is being recognised for his services to charity through music.

NFL quarterback riding jetski rescues Florida helicopter crash passengers

Blaine Gabbert was out on water when helicopter went down in Tampa’s Hillsborough Bay

Covid: Travellers from China to need negative test to enter UK in government U-turn

France also imposes restrictions as cases soar in Beijing

NHS staff on annual leave urged to help health board facing ‘extreme pressure’

NHS Grampian officials have said they are under an ‘extreme level of pressure’.

Tua Tagovailoa officially out with concussion at New England

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game at New England after suffering a concussion last week against Green Bay

Sir Anthony Hopkins celebrates 47 years sober and says ‘be kind to yourself’

The actor posted a touching new year message on Instagram.

Antonio Conte warns World Cup winner Cristian Romero of heightened expectations at Tottenham

The defender returned to training on Tuesday and is set to play his first Spurs match since 26 October

Far-right activist Ammon Bundy threatens another armed standoff in response to defamation lawsuit

Bundy gained notoriety for two armed standoffs in Nevada and Oregon in 2014 and 2016 respectively

Idaho murders – update: Suspect Bryan Kohberger arrives at court for extradition hearing

Follow for live updates on the investigation into the murders of four University of Idaho students in Moscow

Christmas tragedy as toddler found dead hours after being sent home from hospital

Investigation has been launched after her parents complained her case was not taken seriously enough

Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page take relationship to next level as he gifts her ring

The couple spent the festive period with Andrew’s family in Guernsey

Kim Kardashian subtly replies to claims family Christmas pic was ‘photoshopped’

Keyboard detectives claimed that the photos taken at their annual Christmas Eve party had been heavily-edited

From corsets to conservation: How Vivienne Westwood broke boundaries in fashion

The designer was known for her focus on the environment and subversion of gender norms.

Spain slaps Covid controls on arrivals from China as UK holds off for now

Travellers arriving in Spain from China will be required to either prove they are fully vaccinated from Covid or have tested negative for the virus, it has been announced by … Continue Reading →

Five of London’s best chefs share their top tips for New Year’s Eve

Looking for last minute inspiration? Here’s how to keep everyone fed, watered, merry and bright this New Year’s Eve

Andrew Tate: Everything you need to know about the controversial influencer arrested in Romania

Tate was arrested by Romanian authorities over human trafficking and rape charges on 29 December

Best mattress deals in the January sales 2023: Discounts on Simba, Emma, Silentnight and more

If you’re looking to upgrade your bed at a low cost, you won’t want to miss these discounts

Cambodia’s death toll from massive fire at casino hotel complex climbs to 25

Rescue efforts were paused overnight as building was dangerously damaged

Andrew Tate detained in Romania over human trafficking and rape investigation

The former kickboxer was held alongside his brother and two other suspects while his house was raided in the capital, Bucharest.

Bitcoin’s price down 0.18%

As of 9:11am today, the price of Bitcoin (BTC) is £13,706, according to CoinMarketCap. That’s down 0.71% on yesterday’s figure of £13,803, 4.35% on last week and 2.32% on one … Continue Reading →

Consumer spending jumps 10.6% in 2022 amid surging inflation

Spending was largely driven by higher utilities bills and customers returning to pubs, restaurants and shops.

All the UK strike dates confirmed for January 2023

More misery for commuters and businesses likely in new year as pay disputes go unresolved and strikes continue into 2023

Shared Prosperity Fund should be fully devolved, says Scottish minister

It was set up to replace EU structural funding following Brexit.

More than 225,000 days lost among NHS staff due to mental health issues

The figures were obtained from health boards by the Scottish Liberal Democrats using freedom of information laws.

Maresco review: A new London tapas bar bringing seafood simplicity to Soho

The seafood is pincer-wavingly fresh, but this ice-packed specialist could do with a dose of warmth, writes Lucy Thackray

Missing fisherman found clinging to signal buoy off coast of Brazil two days after falling from his boat

‘It’s really an enormous weight of water, there was no way to swim against it’, he says. He has gone back to work the next day

Winter storm Elliott – latest: Driving ban lifted in Buffalo as blizzard deaths hit 38

Buffalo region worst affected in US with at least 38 deaths after blizzard dumped 50 inches of snow on city

Influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews defends controversial decision to shave newborn daughter’s head

‘I find shaving it makes it grow faster, thicker and so much more even,’ Matthews said on Instagram.

Influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews defends controversial decision to shave newborn daughter’s head

‘I find shaving it makes it grow faster, thicker and so much more even,’ Matthews said on Instagram.

England unlikely to hit smoke-free target – report

Ministers said that they were aiming for fewer than 5% of the population to be smokers by 2030.

Turtle population thriving in Cyprus thanks to MoD and civilian volunteers

A total of 172 Green and Loggerhead turtle nests were identified in 2022 within the Western and Eastern Sovereign Base Areas

Taylor Swift set to have biggest vinyl sales in 2022, says record industry

The US singer-songwriter’s tenth studio album Midnights, released in October, has broken a string of records.

Steps star Ian ‘H’ Watkins appears block ‘over 300,000’ people on Twitter

Many were left questioning what they did to be caught up in the mass cull

Racist thug who hurled boiling water at Ealing police officer avoids jail

Outrage at “shocking” lenient sentence for Astrit Mala who injured officer

BBC helpline sees decrease in demand from viewers

BBC Action Line received more than 850,000 calls and online visits in 2022.

World’s richest tech execs lose over $400 billion in 2022

Elon Musk’s wealth has been the hardest hit this year, losing over $140 billion

‘Hungry kids cannot learn’: Leon co-founder Henry Dimbleby backs free school meals campaign

Feed the Future: Henry Dimbleby joins calls for the government to give meals to all schoolchildren living in poverty

One-bedroom Airbnbs in Doha soar to £5,600 a night during Qatar World Cup

Fans will flock to Doha to watch England’s first game – against Iran – in November