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New Year Roundup: Wales power rifts and leaders’ messages, South Korea’s separated-family push, vegan resolutions, royal praise, London weather snag, Brexit deal starts, January health notes, sports buzzer-beater, road closures, birthdays and 2025 notable deaths

Released archives reveal Labour divisions over expanding Wales’s powers

Released archive material shows turmoil in Labour over extra powers for Wales, as newly opened National Archives files detail internal conflict after the 2004 Richard Commission urged stronger legislative authority for the National Assembly and reforms including more members and STV elections. Tony Blair’s cabinet and many MPs resisted immediate primary law‑making powers, while First Minister Rhodri Morgan pushed at least for the ability to amend devolved laws to shield Wales from future Westminster Conservative policies. Documents described by former Welsh Labour minister Leighton Andrews point to prolonged negotiations involving Peter Hain, leading to a compromise system allowing Assembly laws with Westminster approval and a pathway to primary powers via referendum—eventually endorsed in 2011.

South Korea to Prioritize Confirming the Fate of Relatives of Separated Families in North Korea

South Korea’s Unification Ministry said it will prioritize efforts to confirm the fate of relatives of separated families in North Korea if strained inter-Korean relations begin to improve.

Welsh political leaders issue New Year messages

Welsh political leaders have shared New Year greetings, with First Minister Eluned Morgan highlighting hope and pledging action on NHS waiting lists, housing, and public transport while calling for unity and an end to global conflicts. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar said the new year should bring change, using his message to promote his party’s plans on taxes and public services ahead of upcoming Senedd elections and to criticise Labour and other parties.

Charity Promotes Veganism as the Ultimate New Year’s Resolution

Charity reveals the ‘Ultimate New Year’s Resolution’ by urging people to go vegan, arguing it can spare up to around 200 animals per person each year, cut diet-related greenhouse gas emissions, and improve health. The campaign also criticises intensive poultry farming in Wales for animal welfare harms, river pollution, and increased avian flu risk, while pointing to growing availability of vegan options in Welsh restaurants and shops.

Queen praises the Hunt family’s bravery after three murders

Queen praises the Hunt family for their bravery following three murders, speaking with John and Amy Hunt about violence against women and sharing her own experience of assault.

BBC Weather predicts a pleasant New Year’s Day in London, with one drawback

BBC Weather says New Year’s Day in London should be ideal for a winter walk, offering encouraging conditions overall, though there is one catch that could affect plans.

Famous birthdays for Dec. 31 include Hunter Schafer and Diane von Furstenberg

Dec. 31 marks birthdays for several notable figures, including actor Hunter Schafer, who turns 26, and fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, who turns 79.

Brexit Trade Agreement Takes Effect on Dec. 31

On Dec. 31, 2020, the Brexit trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union entered legal force in Britain just hours before the transition period officially ended.

Experts explain why your period may be heavier in January

noting that many people report heavier, more painful periods after the Christmas season. They attribute the change to factors linked to the holidays.

Diane Keaton, Pope Francis, and Ozzy Osbourne among notable deaths in 2025

Diane Keaton, Pope Francis, and Ozzy Osbourne are listed among the well-known figures reported to have died in 2025.

Rookie VJ Edgecombe Hits Late Shot to Lift 76ers Past Grizzlies

Rookie VJ Edgecombe scored with 1.7 seconds left in overtime to give the Philadelphia 76ers a dramatic win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Hillingdon road closures in January, including one lasting three months

Hillingdon will see several road closures in January, including one scheduled to remain shut for three months, to allow roadworks in Harefield, Ickenham and Ruislip.

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