Hostages freed before Saturday’s exchange have expressed relief and joy, while descriptions of the torment they endured are trickling out.

Moody’s changes outlook on firm from stable to negative as financial plans ‘do not provide attractive risk-return balance’ Thames Water’s debt has been downgraded as the struggling utility company seeks to secure £3bn in emergency funding to stave off collapse, after it emerged that the government has approached potential administrators. The rating agency Moody’s downgraded…

Mazen al-Hamada, who returned to Syria from the Netherlands, had publicly testified on the torture he faced while in prison.

Axel Rudakubana, who murdered three girls in a stabbing spree last year, had been referred to Britain’s counterterror program, Prevent, three times before his attack last July.

Child poverty plan must address the 70% of families with at least one parent in work, Resolution Foundation says Labour must offer extra support to working parents, including with childcare and commuting, if it is to fulfil its promise of cutting child poverty, the Resolution Foundation thinktank has argued. The government’s manifesto promised an “ambitious…

The former Bank of Canada and Bank of England chief has long been considered a contender for Liberal leader.

Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, enjoys a commanding lead in the polls as Canadians look to the next general election.

The singer and actress wrote “forever begins now” as she posted an engagement ring picture on Instagram.