Weak regulation is to blame for disastrous failures in relation to pollution. But there are solutions if people get behind them

A study suggesting that as many as 168m light-up Christmas ornaments and similar items could be thrown out in a single year, in the UK, is concerning if not surprising in light of longstanding challenges around recycling rates and waste reduction. Even if the actual figure is lower, there is no question that battery-powered and electrical toys, lights and gifts are proliferating as never before. Despite a great deal of commentary aimed at dialling down consumption over the festive season, especially surplus packaging and rubbish, strings of disposable lights and flashing figures have gained in popularity. Homes, front gardens and shopping streets grow sparklier by the year.

Batteries and electrical devices present particular difficulties when it comes to disposal, because they cause fires. But they are just one part of a more general problem of excessive waste – and weak regulatory oversight. British plastic waste exports rose by 5% in 2024 to nearly 600,000 tonnes. A new report on plastics from the Pew Charitable Trusts warns that global production is expected to rise by 52% by 2040 – to 680m tonnes – outstripping the capacity of waste management systems around the world.

Weak regulation is to blame for disastrous failures in relation to pollution. But there are solutions if people get behind them

A study suggesting that as many as 168m light-up Christmas ornaments and similar items could be thrown out in a single year, in the UK, is concerning if not surprising in light of longstanding challenges around recycling rates and waste reduction. Even if the actual figure is lower, there is no question that battery-powered and electrical toys, lights and gifts are proliferating as never before. Despite a great deal of commentary aimed at dialling down consumption over the festive season, especially surplus packaging and rubbish, strings of disposable lights and flashing figures have gained in popularity. Homes, front gardens and shopping streets grow sparklier by the year.

Batteries and electrical devices present particular difficulties when it comes to disposal, because they cause fires. But they are just one part of a more general problem of excessive waste – and weak regulatory oversight. British plastic waste exports rose by 5% in 2024 to nearly 600,000 tonnes. A new report on plastics from the Pew Charitable Trusts warns that global production is expected to rise by 52% by 2040 – to 680m tonnes – outstripping the capacity of waste management systems around the world.

Weak regulation is to blame for disastrous failures in relation to pollution. But there are solutions if people get behind them

A study suggesting that as many as 168m light-up Christmas ornaments and similar items could be thrown out in a single year, in the UK, is concerning if not surprising in light of longstanding challenges around recycling rates and waste reduction. Even if the actual figure is lower, there is no question that battery-powered and electrical toys, lights and gifts are proliferating as never before. Despite a great deal of commentary aimed at dialling down consumption over the festive season, especially surplus packaging and rubbish, strings of disposable lights and flashing figures have gained in popularity. Homes, front gardens and shopping streets grow sparklier by the year.

Batteries and electrical devices present particular difficulties when it comes to disposal, because they cause fires. But they are just one part of a more general problem of excessive waste – and weak regulatory oversight. British plastic waste exports rose by 5% in 2024 to nearly 600,000 tonnes. A new report on plastics from the Pew Charitable Trusts warns that global production is expected to rise by 52% by 2040 – to 680m tonnes – outstripping the capacity of waste management systems around the world.

First lady seen making sexist and derogatory reference to women who had disrupted theatre show by Ary Abittan

Brigitte Macron was facing criticism on Tuesday after video emerged of her using a slur to denounce feminist protesters.

The scene filmed on Sunday showed France’s first lady in discussion backstage at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris with Ary Abittan, a French actor and humorist previously accused of rape, before a performance he was about to give. The previous night, feminist campaigners had disrupted his show with shouts of: “Abittan, rapist!”

First lady seen making sexist and derogatory reference to women who had disrupted theatre show by Ary Abittan

Brigitte Macron was facing criticism on Tuesday after video emerged of her using a slur to denounce feminist protesters.

The scene filmed on Sunday showed France’s first lady in discussion backstage at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris with Ary Abittan, a French actor and humorist previously accused of rape, before a performance he was about to give. The previous night, feminist campaigners had disrupted his show with shouts of: “Abittan, rapist!”

First lady seen making sexist and derogatory reference to women who had disrupted theatre show by Ary Abittan

Brigitte Macron was facing criticism on Tuesday after video emerged of her using a slur to denounce feminist protesters.

The scene filmed on Sunday showed France’s first lady in discussion backstage at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris with Ary Abittan, a French actor and humorist previously accused of rape, before a performance he was about to give. The previous night, feminist campaigners had disrupted his show with shouts of: “Abittan, rapist!”

⚽ Champions League updates from the 8pm GMT kick-off
⚽ Live scores | David Squires on Salah | Follow us at Bluesky

‘A meltdown worthy of Saturday Kitchen’

We interrupt the news cycle to bring you news of an actual football match: Internazionale v Liverpool in the Champions League. Liverpool’s miserable season took another twist when Mo Salah torched a load of metaphorical bridges at Elland Road on Saturday night. He isn’t in the squad for tonight’s game and may have played his last game for the club. At this rate, given the difficulties their new players have had settling in, Liverpool’s end-of-season DVD will be called Mo Money Mo Problems.

⚽ Champions League updates from the 8pm GMT kick-offs
⚽ Live scores | Follow us at Bluesky | And you can mail Niall

Which Chelsea will we see tonight in Bergamo? Last time out in the Champions League, they dispatched Barcelona 3-0 in a high watermark for Enzo Maresca’s reign. They followed that up with a creditable draw at home to Arsenal – then went to Elland Road and were well beaten.

Saturday’s dour draw at Bournemouth means they arrive in Italy with momentum sapped, and face a dangerous opponent sitting level on points in Uefa’s big league ladder. Atalanta lost their opener 4-0 at PSG but are unbeaten in Europe since, defying their deeply mid-table league form.

⚽ Champions League updates from the 8pm GMT kick-off
⚽ Live scores | Follow us on Bluesky | And email Sarah

Hello and welcome to the Women’s Champions League match between Arsenal and FC Twente. A win is crucial for each club this evening but for very different reasons.

Three points for the visitors FC Twente would see them close in on a play-off spot as they are currently 14th, if they stay in their current position they will be out of the European competition. This is one of their last chances to boost the optics of them progressing as after this evening there is just one round left of the league stage.