United Kingdom

    David Davis has been dragged into renewed war of words with Brussels over the Brexit transition period, accusing the EU of having a fundamental contradiction in its approach and wanting to have it both ways after a week of fruitless talks. Relations between Britain and the European Commission sank to a new low on Friday after Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, casually claimed at a press conference the UK had cancelled an important meeting due to a diary clash. UK officials behind the scenes took offence to the claim and said the meeting had not been cancelled at all and instead took place in the afternoon. Mr Barnier sealed the state of mutual incomprehension, telling reporters in Brussels that he had problems understanding the UK’s position on the transiti...

    Human eggs have been fully grown in a laboratory setting for the first time, potentially paving the way for new fertility treatments. The eggs were removed from ovary tissue as early as possible and grown in a laboratory up until the point they were ready for fertilisation, according to research published in the journal Molecular Human Reproduction. If the eggs were healthy it could allow women who were undergoing medical treatments that damage their eggs, such as chemotherapy, to store and save them for future fertilisation. However, scientists have cast doubts on whether the study proved that the eggs were fully grown in good health. Lead researcher Professor Evelyn Telfer, of the University of Edinburgh's school of biological sciences, said: Being able to fully...

  The Labour leader allegedly made the comment in a meeting with Michel Barnier earlier this week. It was recorded in an EU memo and reported in Friday's Daily Telegraph. But a spokesperson for Mr Corbyn talked down the claim. We have been clear all the way through that you can't be in the customs union if you are not in the EU. All member states are by default part of the EU's customs union. That is the system which permits goods trading without customs checks inside the bloc. In exchange, countries agree universal tariffs being on goods being imported from outside the EU. But Labour wants the current terms of the customs union to be replicated during the transition period. And it is leaving the door open on forming a new customs union with the EU in the future In con...

    One person has died and 10 people have been injured in a crash on the M5 in Somerset. Several vehicles were involved in the incident which happened shortly before 06:20 GMT, police said, resulting in the motorway being shut. A closure is in place between junctions 25 for Taunton and 26 for Wellington with diversions in operation. Avon and Somerset Police said it expected the carriageways to be closed "for a significant amount of time. Three people had to be cut free from vehicles, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said. Media captionMotorist Adam Lowe filmed one of the air ambulances landing Image caption Traffic was turned around from the crash site by police Image caption The M5 is expected to remain shut for a significant amount of time About 15 para...

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Goldsmiths Hall in London, to celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have taken part in sporting Prince Harry is scheduled to go on his official visits after Valentine’s Day without his fiancée, Meghan Markle. Kensington Palace released the prince’s schedule for Feb. 15 and 16 on Thursday. Harry and Meghan's fun night out A day later, he will be attending the England Rugby team open training session at the Twickenham Stadium. The palace did not mention anything about Markle attending both sports events, but the couple is scheduled to go to Edinburgh on Feb. 13. They will also be gracing a reception that celebrates youth achievement to mark the Scotti...

    Theresa May has admitted you get used to negative comments and have to develop a thick skin as she was interviewed by a teenage vlogger. The Prime Minister, who was questioned by 13-year-old Nikki Lilly, also talked about her own teenage years as a “shy” girl who liked reading. Mrs May also suggested she would rather appear on Strictly Come Dancing than the Great British Bake Off, although admitted the inability to dance could be an impediment. Ms Lilly, who has the rare medical condition arterial venous malformation (AVM), questioned the PM in Downing Street for a show on CBBC. Asked how she coped with negative coverage, the Prime Minister said: “I guess in politics you develop quite a thick skin. I suppose you just get used to  it.” She told Ms Lilly: “It is di...

    Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from the South Western Railway service to Woking, after it burst into flames from an electrical fault during this evening. The blaze is believed to have been sparked by an electrical fault. Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from the South Western Railway service to Woking, after it burst into flames from an electrical fault during Wednesday evening. Firefighters rush onto the platform at Berrylands, near Surbiton, south London after an electrical fire this evening. South Western said 'specialist teams' were dealing with a 'side fire' on its Twitter account. One shocked resident, who lived nearby to where the train stopped at Berrylands, south London, told the Sun: 'It shook my living room. Three big booms.' Dramatic pict...

    A fresh set of weather warnings have been issued to almost every region in the UK as the Big Freeze continues to sweep across the country. As we head towards the end of the week, it's still cold, but a bout of rain and sleet, quickly followed by heavy snow showers could cause problems for commuters. Yellow warnings for snow and ice are in place across the entirety of Scotland, Northern Ireland, North West England, North East England, Wales, the West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber. Northern Ireland and western Scotland could see around 2cm to 5cm of snow on higher levels, with a covering on lower levels. Ice has been deemed the main hazard across Northern England and Wales at the end of this week. And when the wintry weather finally desists, there are some wet ...

    The former Suits actress, who presented an award at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London last week, opted against a gown for a slim-fitting outfit, consisting of cropped cigarette trousers, worn with high stiletto heels and an off-white cream blouse. Here at HELLO! Online, we spoke to body language expert Judi James about the reason behind Meghan's monochrome style. Apart from the confident approach which I think is being reflected in her clothes, she tends to stick to monochrome, says Judi. The tailoring in the masculine shaped jacket, teamed with tight trousers does two jobs, she added. Commenting on the muted tones, Judi explained: It's not too attention-seeking. She's not doing the royal thing yet, which will be to wear something really loud and outlandish. So s...