Sally Guyoncourt

The i Paper’s readers responded to an appeal to revive postcard writing by sending messages from destinations across the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. The campaign follows English Heritage research showing that only 8 per cent of adults send a postcard annually, while more than half never send one. English Heritage has distributed more than 10,000 limited-edition cards designed by Nick Sharratt and Quentin Blake, and historical figures show how postcard use once reached hundreds of millions of annual dispatches. Despite digital communication, postal costs and declining habits, readers describe postcards as personal keepsakes, social history and a way to slow down.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has temporarily banned the sale and supply of disposable barbecues in shops and online across Britain amid extreme heat, drought and more than 1,000 recorded wildfires in 2026. The measure follows a major blaze near Stourbridge that affected about 500 acres and destroyed 19 homes. Burnham has also deployed 100 military personnel to support firefighting in South Wales, appointed a fire minister and plans to hold a summit on longer-term support, including possible permanent aerial resources. The ban will remain under review and may be lifted when weather conditions substantially reduce wildfire risks. Although cooler and more unsettled weather with some rain is forecast, the Met Office warns that it will not fully offset the summer rainfall deficit.

Skywatchers across the UK and Europe gathered to observe the 2026 solar eclipse, with most of the UK experiencing more than 90 per cent solar coverage. Crowds attended viewing events and gathered at landmarks, while shortages of certified eclipse glasses led to long queues and creative safety equipment. Spain experienced a total eclipse, producing spectacular views of the solar corona, while Greenland, Iceland and other European locations also saw total or partial phases. The event was described as a rare opportunity, with the next total eclipse visible from southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East in 2027, and the next comparable eclipse in the UK not expected until 2081.

Disabled PIP claimants describe the current assessment process as traumatic, degrading, inaccessible and biased against fluctuating or less visible conditions. Claimants say PIP helps them work flexibly, remain financially secure and pay for essential equipment and support, while warning that tighter rules for conditions such as ADHD and autism could remove vital assistance. Disabilities minister Stephen Timms’s review has found the system unfit for purpose and is considering a fundamentally different assessment model, potentially designed to support employment more effectively. Claimants broadly support fairer reform but fear that political pressure to reduce rising welfare spending will turn disabled people into targets for cost-cutting.

Andy Burnham is considering an affordable energy guarantee to reduce household bills, potentially within his first 100 days in government. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation proposal would provide a discounted unit rate for basic energy consumption, saving an estimated £225 a year for a typical middle-income household and £270 for the poorest households, at a possible cost of £7bn. Similar subsidy or support schemes operate in Japan, South Korea and India. Funding options include tax changes, industry levies, consumer bills or borrowing, while Burnham has ruled out increases to the main rates of income tax, VAT and national insurance.

Broadcaster and former Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan has died at 68 at his North London home after living with stage 4 prostate cancer. His family said he died peacefully and thanked the medical teams who cared for him. Colleagues and public figures, including David Cameron, Beth Rigby and John Ryley, praised his broadcasting career and his efforts to promote prostate cancer awareness and screening. Murnaghan presented programmes for Channel 4, ITV, the BBC and Sky News, including Eggheads, and is survived by his wife Maria and four adult children.

Luke Hollowell spent a year unsuccessfully applying for jobs and apprenticeships after leaving school, before securing work as a Groundwork “green doctor” in Blackpool. The role improved his confidence, provided qualifications and led to speaking opportunities and volunteering with Youth Employment UK. His experience is set against a report by Alan Milburn warning that the number of 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training has reached almost one million and could rise to 1.25 million by 2031. Youth employment advocates are calling for earlier support, better careers education, more apprenticeships, work experience and a stronger Youth Guarantee.

The UK’s record-breaking heatwave is expected to end as cooler Atlantic air, rain and more unsettled weather move across the country. Temperatures should return to near-average levels in early June, although Met Office forecasts suggest warmer and drier conditions could return from the second half of the month, with a possible late-season heatwave in southern areas during September. The extreme heat has worsened drought conditions, disrupted water supplies in Kent and Sussex and prompted health and water-safety warnings. Twelve people reportedly died in water-related incidents while attempting to cool off, highlighting the dangers of cold water shock and drowning.

Alan Norton, who contracted polio at three and has used a wheelchair since his teens, says the Motability Scheme gave him independence and enabled him to live a full life. Changes taking effect in July will halve standard annual mileage allowances from 20,000 to 10,000 miles and reduce the five-year allowance for wheelchair-accessible vehicles from 100,000 to 50,000 miles. New leases will also become more expensive after government tax changes, although Motability Operations says it has limited the average increase to £400 and protected insurance, servicing and breakdown cover. Disabled people’s campaigners warn that the changes could force users to ration essential journeys, give up jobs or abandon the scheme, particularly in rural areas. Motability Operations and the Department for Work and Pensions say the reforms are necessary to keep the scheme sustainable and save taxpayers £1bn over five years.

New HMRC road fuel scale charges came into force on 1 May and apply until 30 April 2027. VAT-registered UK businesses reclaiming VAT on fuel used privately in company cars must either reclaim no VAT, keep mileage records and claim only business-use VAT, or reclaim all VAT and pay the applicable scale charge. The charge depends on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions, or engine size for older cars, and the length of the VAT accounting period; 12-month charges range from £657 for vehicles emitting under 120g of CO2 per kilometre to £2,297 for vehicles emitting 225g or more.

Donald Trump says he is dissatisfied with Iran’s latest peace proposal, which reportedly seeks to postpone nuclear discussions, secure guarantees against renewed US and Israeli attacks, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US blockade. Washington insists any agreement must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while Iran rejects imposed terms and says a renewed war is likely. US officials are reviewing options ranging from short strikes on infrastructure to ground or special-forces operations, and the US military is seeking to deploy the longer-range Dark Eagle hypersonic missile. Israel is also preparing for a possible collapse of negotiations, raising fears that the ceasefire could give way to renewed regional conflict.

Crude, gasoline, diesel and jet-fuel inventories could reach critical levels by late May or June if the Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz blockade continue. Analysts warn that prices could surge further, industrial activity could be disrupted and recession risks could grow. Airlines are preparing for fuel shortages, cancellations and route changes, while the UK may relax fuel rules and encourage domestic holidays. The Bank of England expects the conflict to raise food, energy and household costs, with a worst-case inflation rate of 6.2 per cent next year. Even if the strait reopens or a US-Iran deal is reached, officials and industry leaders expect the economic effects to persist.

A series of highly profitable and unusually well-timed trades on Polymarket, Kalshi and traditional financial markets appeared shortly before major Trump administration announcements, including tariff pauses, military action involving Iran, a reported Venezuela operation and changes in oil prices. Research by Columbia law professor Joshua Mitts identified roughly $143 million in profits from trades with anomalous characteristics, but he cautions that the evidence does not prove Trump, his family or White House officials supplied or used confidential information. Regulators face significant obstacles because prediction-market traders can remain anonymous and proving the misuse of material non-public information is difficult. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission says it is investigating potential cases and will pursue fraud or insider trading, while the White House denies involvement. Any proven connection to Trump’s inner circle would create serious legal and political consequences, though experts stress that suspicious market patterns can also arise without insider knowledge.

A 30-day US waiver allowing sales of Russian oil already at sea generated billions of dollars in additional Russian revenue as global oil prices surged after disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that the extra income can support Russia’s war in Ukraine, recruitment efforts and military spending, while also restoring some of Putin’s influence in global energy markets. The boost is constrained by Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, export bottlenecks, labor shortages and a continuing budget deficit. Despite criticism from Democratic senators and others, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is considering extending the waiver to contain energy-price pressures.

Climate change, drought, floods and worsening soil degradation are expected to push up UK food prices in 2026, with beef, chocolate, coffee, olive oil, grapes and figs among the most vulnerable products. Experts say degraded soils are less resilient to extreme weather, while geopolitical instability and reliance on imports add to the risks. Save Soil estimates that about 40 per cent of UK agricultural soils are degraded and that this costs the economy £1.2bn annually. Farmers and growers warn that poor harvests, labour and energy costs will be passed on to consumers, while the government says its farming schemes are improving soil health and resilience.

Donald Trump has repeatedly amplified or appeared to believe viral misinformation, including AI-generated footage of the USS Abraham Lincoln allegedly on fire, fabricated images suggesting Taylor Swift supporters backed him, the false claim that Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Springfield, a spoof video alleging that USAID funded celebrity trips to Ukraine, and debunked claims of a white genocide in South Africa. Experts argue that confirmation bias, identity-based reasoning and heavy consumption of low-quality social media content make people more vulnerable to hoaxes. The episode involving the aircraft carrier highlights the danger of AI disinformation reaching a head of state, while the broader consequence may be the erosion of shared reality and reduced trust in genuine evidence.

Ian Huntley, who was serving a life sentence for murdering 10-year-old Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham in 2002, has died in hospital after being attacked by fellow inmate Anthony Russell at Frankland Prison in County Durham. Huntley suffered severe head injuries after reportedly being struck repeatedly with a metal bar and was later taken off life support after tests indicated he was in a vegetative state. His death follows earlier attacks in prison, including a serious assault in 2010. The article also recounts the investigation, Huntley’s conviction, and the controversial background checks surrounding his employment as a school caretaker.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to consider legislation removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession after police investigations into his links with Jeffrey Epstein conclude. Andrew, who has been stripped of his titles and removed from royal duties, remains eighth in line and is still listed as a Counsellor of State, although only working royals are expected to serve in that role. Parliament would need to pass an Act of Parliament, with convention requiring the consent of the other Commonwealth realms. MPs differ on whether removal should follow immediately or only after a criminal conviction. The legislation’s effect on Andrew’s daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, is uncertain.

The UK Government is considering standardising rail delay compensation so that passengers would receive refunds only when trains are more than 30 minutes late, ending the current payouts for delays of 15 to 29 minutes. The proposal would also introduce automated claims, with the aim of making the system revenue-neutral. Campaigners warn that reducing compensation could unfairly penalise commuters and fail to improve punctuality, although they support a reliable automated process. The changes form part of wider railway reforms intended to establish Great British Railways, simplify fares, expand pay-as-you-go ticketing and bring operators into public ownership. The Department for Transport declined to comment on the specific proposal but said it was working to improve reliability, ticketing and access to compensation.

The North East avoided the worst of Storm Chandra’s flooding but faces snow, sleet, ice and sharply colder temperatures, with up to 15cm possible on higher ground in northern England and Scotland. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings, while snow and flooding have already disrupted roads and local events. Further heavy rain is forecast across Wales and central, southern and south-western England, where 78 flood warnings and 162 flood alerts are in place. Persistent wet weather follows exceptionally wet conditions in January, including record rainfall in Cornwall and County Down, raising the risk of renewed flooding in vulnerable areas.

A study involving more than 600 men and 200 women found that women rated taller, more V-shaped male figures with larger penises as more sexually attractive. Men also judged figures with larger penises as more threatening sexual rivals and fighting opponents, although height and body shape had stronger effects. The researchers suggest that the human penis may have evolved partly as a sexual ornament, while also signalling status or competitive ability.

Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a confrontation in Minneapolis. Federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Donald Trump, say Good blocked agents, refused orders and tried to run over an officer, framing the shooting as self-defence and domestic terrorism. Video reviewed by the i Paper appears to show her car initially reversing and then moving away from agents, while another angle suggests the vehicle may have lightly struck the officer just before he fired. Minneapolis officials and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reject the federal account, accusing the administration of misleading the public. The FBI and state authorities are investigating, while the shooting has prompted protests in Minneapolis and other US cities amid wider opposition to intensified Trump-era immigration enforcement.

Storm Goretti was named by France’s Météo-France because northern France is expected to experience the strongest winds. The storm is forecast to bring snow, heavy rain and strong winds to southern parts of the UK, with warnings issued for England and Wales and possible snowfall of up to 20cm over higher ground in Wales. The UK, Ireland and Netherlands jointly compile annual storm-name lists, using public suggestions and names proposed by their meteorological agencies. Storms are named to provide a consistent public warning system and encourage people and businesses to prepare. The 2025–26 list includes Amy, Bram, Chandra, Dave, Eddie, Fionnuala, Gerard, Hannah, Isla, Janna, Kasia, Lilith, Marty, Nico, Oscar, Patrick, Ruby, Stevie, Tadhg, Violet and Wubbo; names beginning with Q, U, X, Y and Z are omitted.

A US air strike on three suspected narco-trafficking vessels travelling in convoy in international waters killed three people on 30 December, according to US Southern Command. The Coast Guard was searching for survivors. The Trump administration says the vessels were operated by designated terrorist organisations and had transferred narcotics, while the campaign against suspected drug boats has killed at least 110 people since September. The strike coincided with new US sanctions on four companies and several tankers linked to Venezuela’s oil trade. Washington is escalating pressure on President Nicolás Maduro, while his government denies criminal involvement and accuses the US of seeking regime change and control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.

London welcomed 2026 with a large fireworks and light display around the London Eye, attended by more than 100,000 people and featuring music, voiceovers and highlights from 2025, including England’s sporting successes. Cities around the world also marked the New Year, although celebrations were subdued or altered in some places because of terrorism, natural disasters, fires and security concerns. Sydney held a minute’s silence and projected a menorah onto the Harbour Bridge after the Bondi Beach shooting, while parts of Indonesia cancelled fireworks following deadly floods and landslides. Hong Kong scrapped its harbour fireworks after a fatal fire, and Moscow cancelled public celebrations amid security fears. Other major cities, including Auckland, Tokyo, Dubai, Paris, Berlin, Athens, Nairobi and Edinburgh, staged fireworks, light shows or cultural events.

The UK Government is considering changing business-rates eligibility so that some second-home owners who let properties to holidaymakers would instead pay council tax, potentially including a second-homes premium. Liam Grover of Wessex Quarters calls the proposals punitive and argues that existing eligibility rules should be enforced rather than treating the system as a loophole. He emphasizes the economic contribution of genuine holiday-let businesses, which support local spending and employment, while the Treasury says it wants to prevent Small Business Rates Relief from being used primarily to reduce tax liabilities. The financial impact on property owners remains unclear, but some are reportedly already selling their properties.

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky held talks at Mar-a-Lago on a proposed settlement to Russia’s war in Ukraine, with Trump saying substantial progress had been made but that one or two difficult issues remained. The central unresolved dispute appears to concern the Donbas, which Russia wants Ukraine to cede and Kyiv refuses to relinquish. Zelensky said the 20-point plan was about 90 per cent complete and that an agreement on security guarantees had been reached, while Trump put the guarantees at roughly 95 per cent and said European countries would take a major role with US backing. Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen supported continued negotiations and robust guarantees. Trump also spoke with Vladimir Putin, whose government rejected a ceasefire before a final settlement and insisted that Ukraine decide on the Donbas without delay.

The UK is expected to welcome 2026 with colder-than-average conditions, overnight frosts, wintry showers and periods of rain, particularly across northern and eastern areas. New Year celebrations may be affected by chilly winds, cloud, poor visibility and possible wintry hazards, although some sunshine is expected in the south and west. The final days of 2025 should remain mostly dry and settled under high pressure. The Met Office also reported that 2025 was the UK’s sunniest year on record, with 1,622 hours of sunshine recorded by 15 December, driven by persistent high-pressure systems and exceptional sunshine during spring and summer.

Russia launched a major overnight barrage against Kyiv and other Ukrainian targets as Volodymyr Zelensky prepared to meet Donald Trump to discuss a proposed 20-point peace plan. The main obstacle is control of the Donbas: Moscow demands that Ukraine surrender the remaining territory it holds, while Kyiv rejects that condition and wants any special economic or demilitarised zone to be decided by referendum and protected by international forces. Other unresolved issues include the duration and legal force of US security guarantees, the future management of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and the possible deployment of a European-led multinational force. Zelensky said a US guarantee was nearly ready, but Trump indicated that no proposal would be final until he approved it.

Lucy Foyster was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her thigh at seven after developing severe leg pain. Following chemotherapy, surgery and the fitting of a growing prosthetic limb, she went into remission and began playing wheelchair tennis. She is now ranked eighth in the world in junior wheelchair singles and hopes to become a professional player. Support from Young Lives vs Cancer and the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust helped Lucy and her mother Helga cope with the financial, emotional and practical consequences of treatment. Lucy is also planning a book about her experience and is helping raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer through the i Paper’s Christmas appeal.

Aaron Budu-Forson initially believed groin pain and urinary symptoms were caused by a football injury, but scans revealed extensive bladder tumours and he was diagnosed with aggressive rhabdomyosarcoma at 15. He underwent a year of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and is now in remission, although he requires regular scans. Young Lives vs Cancer provided his family with specialist social-work support, grants, travel and food assistance, and accommodation near treatment. The family’s experience highlights the financial and emotional pressures of childhood cancer and the charity’s appeal for £100,000 to expand tailored support for affected families.

Teenager Jake Lee was diagnosed with an astrocytoma after problems with his balance, coordination, headaches and vomiting. Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he experienced severe disability and later a recurrence of the tumour. Young Lives vs Cancer social workers Jess and Lydia supported Jake and his mother, Bal Sandhu, with hospital care, benefits applications, accessible housing, travel arrangements, employment leave and bereavement support. Jake died aged 22, and the charity continues to support Bal. The i Paper’s Christmas Appeal seeks to raise £100,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer’s specialist social work, accommodation and financial assistance for families affected by childhood cancer.