Police sexual offence convictions soar by more than a third since murder of Sarah Everard

Plus: New equalities boss warns against 'demonisation' of migrants in UK

Monday, December 22, 2025 Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent.   Police sexual offence convictions have soared by more than a third since the murder of Sarah Everard, the health secretary has warned taxes are too high, and Labour falls short of its 1.5m homes target. Top stories 1 | 'Frightening' surge in police sex offences since Sarah Everard murder Read more 2 | Streeting says taxes too high as he calls for closer trade with EU to help economy Read more 3 | Labour's pledge to build 1.5m new homes set to fall short by 500,000 Read more 4 | New equalities boss warns against 'demonisation' of migrants in UK Read more 5 | Kremlin rejects changes to Ukraine peace plan – without even looking at them Read more Editors' picks Jane Green: The brutal truth about my first post-divorce Christmas The anti-Farage Tories who want Labour to win How Google overtook ChatGPT – and why the AI race may already be over Your Views Your Views 'The UK got what it wanted': Readers on long waits at EU borders The EU has taken back control. The new EU–UK treaty that takes Gibraltar into Schengen and a customs union is now also agreed text. Brexit has failed. Egregiously.   wolfie Get involved and share your views here. Don't forget to complete your registration You haven't completed your registration with The Independent. It's free, quick, and helps support our journalism while tailoring your experience. Register now to enjoy benefits including access to limited Premium articles, The Independent app, more than 20 newsletters and commenting on independent.co.uk. Complete your registration today to unlock access. WATCH  Sky News journalist swears live on air during David Walliams report STAT OF THE DAY 803 The number of people who crossed the channel in small boats on Saturday, which is thought to be a record number for a day in December Read more QUOTE OF THE DAY AI cannot account for factors that can significantly alter a young person's appearance after fleeing conflict and persecution Kamena Dorling, director of policy at the Helen Bamber Foundation, said in the government's plans to use AI age checks for migrants are concerning and need significant safeguards in place. Read more Other stories you might like The West Bank brewery battling Israeli blocks to export rare Palestinian beer to the UK Trail hunting to be banned under new animal welfare push  Have Christmas stockings become embarassing now? Choosing The Independent as one of your preferred sources ensures that you'll see our coverage more prominently displayed in your searches. That way, you can be sure you're accessing the latest headlines from a trusted source. SOURCE PREFERENCES Don't miss today's deals on Amazon, featuring discounts on homeware, beauty, tech and more. Join the conversation and follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Evening Headlines newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy policy and cookie policy