Finance Secretary John Swinney warns of "tough choices" facing Scotland as he prepares to set out his budget.

France's far-right National Front seeks to boost its gains in the second round of regional polls, battling against the Republicans and Socialists.

Councils warn of fees and charges rising despite some authorities already increasing such revenue by more than 100% in three years.

Spanish police arrest a Colombian man accused of performing more than 100 forced abortions on women fighters with the Farc rebel group.

The UK's last Guantanamo Bay detainee, released in October after being held for 14 years, calls on extremists to "get the hell out" of the country.

The climate deal reached in Paris is "the best chance we have to save the one planet we have", US President Barack Obama says.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan says anyone found running an illegal backstreet school in England will face fines or a prison sentence.

Environment Secretary Liz Truss sets up a group to work on new flood protection measures for Cumbria in the wake of Storm Desmond.