UK - The Independent

*Please note: The news links below will open a new window.

1. Starmer’s digital ID U-turn shows a prime minister in survival mode

   By watering down his plans to make digital ID compulsory in yet another policy U-turn, the prime minister is showing that he’s lost control of his government’s agenda, writes political editor David Maddox

2. Moment killer drink driver’s web of lies exposed as camera catches him dancing, playing rugby and carrying beers

   A drink-driver who exaggerated the extent of his injuries in an attempt to avoid prosecution after causing a fatal car crash was later caught on camera dancing, playing rugby and buying drinks in pubs.

3. I stayed in the new Saint-Tropez White Lotus hotel — and predicted it would appear in season 4

   The Independent's travel team shared their predictions for the location of the next White Lotus hotel last year — and US Travel Editor Ted Thornhill correctly prophesied Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez. Here he recalls his blissful family stay at the property

4. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in Beijing for landmark four-day visit to China

   Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in Beijing, aiming to repair relations with China

5. The eye-watering numbers behind BTS’s marathon comeback tour

   The comeback, estimated to generate more than $1bn in revenue, will mark the K-pop boyband’s first full tour since before Covid-19 disrupted the live music industry worldwide, Shahana Yasmin reports

6. Majority of Americans do not support Trump’s Greenland plans, poll suggests

   17 per cent of those polled said they back Trump’s efforts to acquire the territory

7. Plan to include pregnant women in drug trials ‘a generational change’

   The World Health Organisation will this year start to work with scientists and drug developers to gather more information about the safety of medicines in pregnancy. Rachel Schraer reports

8. Britain’s Got Talent finalist Letitia Cuney dies after car crash, aged 53

   Cuney appeared on ITV series as part of choir NSO (Northants Sings Out)

9. Kate Garraway reveals her teeth fell out before Good Morning Britain broadcast

   Kate Garraway has revealed that her teeth began falling out right before a Good Morning Britain broadcast.

10. Starmer slams ‘disgraceful’ Grok AI as he vows to stand up to Elon Musk