Three schoolchildren seriously injured after falling out of a bus
Three high school pupils from Wigan were seriously injured after falling from the top window of a double-decker bus in Ashton-in-Makerfield. The incident prompted an emergency response that included police, paramedics, and an air ambulance. All three children were taken to hospital with serious injuries, though police later confirmed that none are believed to be life-threatening. Roads in the area were temporarily closed to allow emergency services to respond and conduct initial enquiries, but have since reopened. Greater Manchester Police described the incident as deeply concerning but said it appears to have been a tragic accident. The incident has understandably caused shock within the local community and raised questions around safety on public transport for young people.
Churches urged to support alcohol-free January
Churches across the UK are being urged to support Dry January 2026, as an estimated 17.5 million adults commit to a month without alcohol. The initiative, led by Alcohol Change UK, invites people to pause drinking for 31 days to reflect on habits and wellbeing. Research linked to the campaign notes benefits including improved sleep, better concentration, increased energy, and financial savings. Christian anti-addiction charity Hope UK wants churches to recognise Dry January as a pastoral opportunity, particularly for those quietly struggling with alcohol. One trustee has warned that alcohol-centred socialising remains common in church life, potentially excluding or harming vulnerable individuals, and says that alcohol-related struggles often remain hidden due to shame or fear of judgement. Hope UK encourages practical steps such as offering alcohol-free communion options, choosing non-drinking venues for gatherings, and speaking openly about alcohol with compassion. The charity believes Dry January aligns closely with the Church’s calling to provide safe, supportive spaces where people can pursue healthier choices and honest conversations about addiction and wellbeing.
Ukraine: UK and France agree to send troops if a peace deal is reached
The United Kingdom and France have agreed in principle to deploy troops in Ukraine if a peace deal with Russia is reached, marking a significant step in European security planning. Keir Starmer said the declaration of intent would allow British, French and partner forces to operate across Ukraine to deter future aggression, while Emmanuel Macron suggested thousands of troops could be involved. Allies meeting in Paris broadly agreed on the need for robust security guarantees, with the USA expected to lead monitoring of any ceasefire. However, major questions remain unresolved, particularly over territory occupied by Russia and the precise terms of enforcement. Moscow has warned foreign troops would be legitimate targets and has so far remained silent on the proposals. Volodymyr Zelensky, who said on 1 January that a peace deal was ‘90% ready’, welcomed the talks as progress but stressed that guarantees would only matter if they truly ended the war, as pressure grows on all sides to compromise.
Greenland: Trump’s ambitions expose serious weakness in NATO
Debate over Donald Trump’s apparent interest in taking over Greenland from Denmark has exposed a serious weakness within NATO. While diplomacy may yet prevail, the situation highlights how dependent European allies have become on American military power. Decades of reliance on the USA have left the alliance vulnerable if Washington ever withdraws support or acts independently. The UK illustrates this clearly. Despite presenting itself as Europe’s strongest military force, Britain relies heavily on the United States, particularly through its nuclear partnership and key battlefield 'enablers' such as satellite intelligence, electronic warfare protection and logistics. Successive governments have underinvested in these costly capabilities, assuming American backing would always be guaranteed. This dependence extends across NATO. Many members operate US-built equipment and plan defence around American leadership. Even as allies try to do more, the alliance still assumes a dominant US role. The Greenland debate sharpens a question NATO already faces: what if America is no longer fully on board?
