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Families driving home for the festive period face travel misery with further rail strikes set to take place from 6pm on Christmas Eve.

Thousands of members of the Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) union at National Rail walk out on Saturday evening, causing train services to finish at 3pm.

An overtime ban is also causing major disruption to services by a number of operators on Friday, including Chiltern Railways, East Midlands Railway, and South Western Railway.

The lack of trains means many will switch to road transport, with analytics company Inrix expecting journey times by road to be around 14% longer compared with the same period last year.

Read more:
Who is striking when, and why?

A perfect storm of heavy rain and motorway collisions has further added pressure on the UK’s road networks.

Accidents on the M1 and flooding which has forced a partial closure of the M25 are among the disruptions causing major traffic jams on the Friday before Christmas, the AA has warned.

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The insurance company said it has attended 9,000 breakdowns throughout the day, with more expected as commuters continue to join the getaway traffic.

The RAC urged motorists to carry out pre-journey checks on their vehicles before setting off, to reduce the chance of suffering a breakdown.

National Highways said almost 98% of England’s motorways and major A-roads will be fully open until the end of January 2 due to it completing and lifting roadworks.

Further strikes on Christmas Eve

Strikes have taken place every day in December – and Christmas Eve is no different.

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are walking out in a long-running dispute over pay and Royal Mail’s modernisation plans.

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) on the picket line outside the Central Delivery Office and Mail Centre in Birmingham, as Royal Mail workers stage fresh strikes in the days before Christmas in the increasingly bitter dispute over jobs, pay and conditions. Picture date: Friday December 23, 2022.
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Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) on the picket line outside the Central Delivery Office and Mail Centre in Birmingham

Unison staff at the Environment Agency will refuse to volunteer to attend incidents and the National Highway workers’ strike continues in London and the South East

Anyone hoping to fly into the UK could face delays as Border Force officials at Birmingham, Cardiff, Gatwick, Glasgow, and Manchester airports, as well as terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 at Heathrow and the Port of Newhaven go on strike until the 26 December.

Operations at Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, continue to run “smoothly”, a spokesperson has said.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union take part in a border force workers strike action near Heathrow Airport
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Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union take part in a border force workers strike action near Heathrow Airport

They add there have been no flight cancellations and no excessive queueing in the immigration halls, despite the striking workers.

Nurses announce further strike dates

Meanwhile, thousands of nurses will go on strike again on the 18 and 19 January, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced.

The union said further strike dates will be confirmed in the new year.

Members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) on the picket line outside the Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool as nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland take industrial action over pay. Picture date: Thursday December 15, 2022.
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Members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) on the picket line outside the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool

It comes after nurses walked out on 15 and 20 December over a pay dispute, and just days after health sector bosses warned the government of the risk to patient safety due to the industrial action.

RCN general secretary Pat Cullen said: “The government had the opportunity to end this dispute before Christmas, but instead they have chosen to push nursing staff out into the cold again in January.

“I do not wish to prolong this dispute, but the prime minister has left us with no choice.”

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Royal Family ‘deeply saddened’ by Liverpool parade incident

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Royal Family 'deeply saddened' by Liverpool parade incident

The King and other members of the Royal Family have said they are “deeply saddened” after a number of people were struck by a car during Liverpool FC’s title parade.

The monarch said he and the Queen were “deeply shocked and saddened” by Monday’s incident in the city.

The head of state, who is currently on a two-day visit in Canada with his wife, said: “It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances.

“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.”

Liverpool parade latest: ‘All you heard was screaming,’ witness says

Fans left the area as police and emergency personnel deal with the incident.
Pic: AP
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Police and other emergency personnel at the scene of the incident in Liverpool. Pic: AP

The Prince and Princess of Wales have also issued a statement, saying they were “deeply saddened” by what happened in Liverpool.

William, who is patron of the Football Association, and his wife Kate said in a message shared by Kensington Palace on social media: “What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy.

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“Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders and emergency services on the ground.”

Meanwhile, the Princess Royal visited the Royal Liverpool University Hospital on Tuesday, where she met medical staff who treated some of the 47 people injured when a vehicle hit fans attending the parade.

The Princess Royal thanked medical staff from the hospital team. Pic: PA
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The Princess Royal thanked hospital staff. Pic: PA

Divisional medical director for surgery at Aintree University Hospital, Marc Lucky, told Princess Anne that medics were “very, very fortunate” that there were not more major injuries.

Consultant Jay Rathore added: “Most of the injuries were limb injuries. No life-threatening, we were able to manage them.”

The princess was already due to be in Liverpool on Tuesday to visit the MS Queen Anne after it arrived on Monday for Cunard’s 185th anniversary celebrations.

Read more about Liverpool incident:
What we know so far after dozens injured
Eyewitnesses describe shock and sadness

The royals attended an event showcasing the cultural heritage and diversity of Canada. Pic: PA
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The King and Queen are currently on a trip to Canada. Pic: PA

She expanded her itinerary to also meet nurses, consultants, and paramedics, as well as representatives from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the football club, in light of Monday night’s incident.

“We really appreciate you still coming, because it will mean a lot to the people of the city,” Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said as he thanked the princess for her visit.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The princess would like to share her heartfelt condolences and support for the families and communities affected.

“Her Royal Highness also wishes to acknowledge the courage of the emergency services, some of whom she met today, and all those providing care and comfort during this difficult time.”

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King says Canada will remain ‘strong and free’ despite facing ‘unprecedented’ challenges

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King says Canada will remain 'strong and free' despite facing 'unprecedented' challenges

King Charles says Canada will remain “strong and free” – in a speech viewed by many Canadians as a show of support for the country’s sovereignty following annexation threats by Donald Trump.

It comes after Mr Trump repeatedly suggested that Canada should become America’s 51st state.

Prime Minister Mark Carney later invited Charles, who is the head of state in Canada, to the state opening of parliament.

On Tuesday, Charles said in a speech, written by Mr Carney’s government to open Canada’s parliament, that the country would remain “strong and free”, quoting the national anthem, but did not directly refer to Mr Trump’s annexation threats.

“We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented,” the King told politicians in the Senate Building in Ottawa in French.

“Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them,” he added.

Mark Carney applauds the King. Pic: PA
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Mark Carney applauded the King. Pic: PA

King Charles speaks with former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. Pic: PA
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King Charles spoke with former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. Pic: PA

In the speech, he highlighted his admiration for “Canada’s unique identity, which is recognised across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values”.

He set out the government’s legislative agenda on the second day of his Canada visit, an honour usually reserved for the governor general.

King Charles is only the second monarch, after his mother Queen Elizabeth II, to do so. The late queen delivered the speech at the state opening of the Canadian parliament in 1957, her first visit to the country as head of state, and again in 1977.

King Charles and Queen Camilla ride in a horse-drawn landau, accompanied by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Pic: Reuters
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King Charles and Queen Camilla were riding in a horse-drawn landau. Pic: Reuters

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive ahead of the opening of parliament. Pic: PA
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured ahead of the opening of parliament. Pic: PA

Charles and Camilla laid a wreath at the national war memorial in Ottawa. Pic: PA
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Charles and Camilla laid a wreath at the national war memorial in Ottawa. Pic: PA

He said that it has been nearly 70 years since his mother first opened the Canadian parliament, and at the time, World War II remained a painful memory while the Cold War was intensifying simultaneously.

“Freedom and democracy were under threat,” the King said.

“Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect.”

‘So much more than a royal visit’

This trip was so much more than a royal visit, it was all about cementing Canada’s sovereignty.

And what we’ve seen is two short days, poignantly packed with spectacle and symbolism.

From an open-top carriage procession to a theatrical political ceremony – Canada wanted to put on a visual show of sovereignty, and this was a masterclass.

All the stops were pulled out.

The King must sit above politics, but this was a very political visit. He is King of Canada and head of state here.

But he arrives at a time of fractious relations between Canada and the US.

Putting him at the centre of Canada’s parliament sends a strong signal to President Trump.

During the speech, the King added his own warm words, speaking with deep affection about the country. He also spoke of how the crown brings Canada “unity” and represents “stability and continuity”.

And then, reading the words of his government, a punchy message to President Trump. Delivered by the King, the words hit home harder.

When he quoted the national anthem with the words Canada must stay “strong and free”, the applause rose up.

At a time when Canada feels threatened by the US, having the King on side matters.

The King has been walking a delicate diplomatic tightrope in Ottawa. Here to celebrate Canada, without causing offence to politicians south of the border.

President Trump can be unpredictable, but he affectionately holds the King and Royal Family in high regard, and that goes a long way.

The King heads home after just twenty-three hours.

Canada has been visibly boosted – the bond with its King has been renewed and strategically strengthened.

He added that since Queen Elizabeth II’s first Canadian parliament opening, the country “has dramatically changed: repatriating its constitution, achieving full independence, and witnessing immense growth”.

Addressing the protection of Canada’s sovereignty, Charles read out a promise by the Canadian government that it would rebuild, rearm and reinvest in its armed forces.

“It will invest to strengthen its presence in the north, as this region, which is an integral part of the Canadian nation, faces new threats,” he read.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are led by procession to open the first session of the 45th Parliament of Canada
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King Charles and Queen Camilla were led by procession to open the first session of parliament in Canada

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers on horseback ride towards the Senate of Canada  Building on the day of Britain's King Charles' visit, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Pic: Reuters
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Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers on horseback rode towards the senate building. Pic: Reuters

King Charles and Queen Camilla  visit the Senate.
Pic: Reuters
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King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Senate. Pic: Reuters

The speech, which was awarded a standing ovation by attendees, was largely written by officials working for Mr Carney’s government, with Charles adding his own comments about his love for Canada.

The King opening Canada’s parliament is a “clear message of sovereignty” and “not coincidental”, Mr Carney previously said.

Read more from Sky News:
Carney: Canadians facing ‘biggest crisis’ of their life
Canada will ‘never be part of US’, country’s PM says

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King’s Canada visit: Why is it important?

King Charles and Mark Carney
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King Charles and Mark Carney during the event

He also revealed that Canadians “weren’t impressed” by the decision of the UK government to offer Mr Trump an unprecedented second state visit to the UK.

Mr Carney said the invitation Sir Keir Starmer handed to the US president earlier this year “cut across clear messages” that the Canadian government was trying to send to the White House in response to their threats against Canada’s sovereignty, including Mr Trump’s idea for it to be America’s 51st state.

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‘I wish I’d never met him’: Peter Mandelson ‘regrets’ association with Jeffrey Epstein

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'I wish I'd never met him': Peter Mandelson 'regrets' association with Jeffrey Epstein

Peter Mandelson, the UK ambassador to the United States, has told Sky News he “regrets” his association with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Lord Mandelson‘s links to the late billionaire were exposed in a 2019 report by JP Morgan bank, filed in a New York court.

Epstein killed himself in August of that year while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors.

He had previously served an 18-month sentence after pleading guilty to procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution.

Whilst serving that sentence, the JP Morgan report suggests that Mr Mandelson stayed at Epstein’s Manhattan flat.

Epstein wrote to his private banker on 17 June 2009: “Peter will be staying at 71st over weekend…”

At the time, Lord Mandelson was the Business Secretary in the UK government under then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He was appointed UK ambassador to the United States in December 2024.

Jeffrey Epstein. File pic: New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP
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Jeffrey Epstein. File pic: New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP

Sky News asked him if he did, indeed, stay at Epstein’s flat while the disgraced financier was in jail.

He replied: “I’m not answering any questions about him. My knowledge of him is something I regret, I wish I’d never met him in the first place.”

Asked why he had an association with Epstein whilst he was in jail, Lord Mandelson replied: “Why did many people meet him? He was a prolific networker. And I wish I’d never met him in the first place.”

Read more from Sky News:
Manhunt after two people shot dead in US park
Kremlin accused Trump of ’emotional overload’

As US ambassador, Lord Mandelson represents Britain’s interests in Washington and has vowed to treat Donald Trump‘s administration with “respect, seriousness and understanding of where they are coming from politically”.

This comes after Lord Mandelson described the US president as a “danger to the world”, for which he apologised earlier this year.

He told the Alain Elkann Interviews podcast in 2019: “What Donald Trump represents and believes is an anathema to mainstream British opinion.”

President Donald Trump, center, with from l-r., Vice President JD Vance, and Britian's ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson, making remarks on a trade deal between U.S. and U.K. in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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US President Donald Trump, vice president JD Vance, and UK ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson. Pic: AP

Mr Mandelson added: “Even those who have a sneaking admiration for Donald Trump because of his personality, nonetheless regard him as reckless, and a danger to the world.”

But in January this year, Lord Mandelson said he now considered his remarks “as ill-judged and wrong”.

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