spain

A NATIONWIDE strike in Spain is expected to disrupt travel across the entire country tomorrow – and it includes UK flights.

The industrial action will ‘bring the country to a complete standstill‘ as staff are set to walkout from airports, public transport, shops, restaurants and museums.

The shutdown will begin tomorrow morning as major trade unions in Spain stage a 24-hour walkout.

The strike is protesting the escalating housing crisis – and it will be the country’s first joint general strike in almost 15 years.

Flights across both mainland Spain and the Canary Islands are expected to see cancellations or delays.

Iberia has warned that journeys might be affected on November 11 and has put alternatives in place for those who experience disruption.

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It adds that anyone travelling from a Spanish airport tomorrow should arrive earlier than usual with the strike causing delays at check-in, security and passport control.

However, the good news is that there’s a minimum flight service requirement in place.

Business Travel News Europe reported that there must be at least 57 per cent of international flights at Madrid and 56 per cent at Barcelona.

Passengers should still check for updates from their airline before travelling tomorrow.

Anton Radchenko, Aviation Expert and CEO of AirAdvisor, said :”If my flight were cancelled, my first question would be how the airline could get me there, rather than how quickly it could refund me. The original ticket price may not cover a replacement bought at short notice.

“If another airline can get you there significantly sooner, ask about that option rather than assume you must wait for your original carrier’s next flight.”

For anyone who is already in Spain and needs to stay overnight while waiting for replacement travel, Anton says travellers should ask the airline to arrange accommodation and meals.

If the airline can’t provide that, then passengers are advised to keep receipts for expenses.

Anton adds: “Those costs are separate from fixed compensation, and passengers should not abandon a legitimate expenses claim simply because they have been told the strike was outside the airline’s control.”

The strike won’t just affect flights – on the ground, public transport will be impacted including high-speed lines, the city metro, and buses.

However, the government has guaranteed that at least 72 per cent of the AVE and long-distance trains will operate on November 10-12, with 65 per cent of Renfe’s regional services set to run as scheduled.

For anyone already on holiday there at the time, the walkout could see some restaurants, museum and shops close.

If they’re not shut, the opening hours could be reduced to holiday hours.

There could be demonstrations in large cities, so monitor local media for updates and disruption.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

TIRED of the cold weather already? Check out these 10 destinations that are the hottest resorts for summer holidays next year with cheap pints and waterparks.

Jet2 has revealed the most popular resorts for holidays in 2027 with plenty of bookings already – and leading the charge is a firm favourite for Brits.

In number one spot is Benidorm, the resort city in Alicante well-known for cheap food and drink, party strips and golden beaches.

With the price of a pint as high as £5.50 in the UK, it’s no wonder Brits flock to the boozy destination where it can be as little as €1.80 (£1.50) – and there’s plenty of deals to be had at happy hour.

One man even moved from the UK to Benidorm after one visit, claiming it’s like “paradise” with its “laid-back vibe”.

One-way flights in the summer to Alicante can be as little as £28 and take less than two and a half hours.

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Holiday resorts most-loved by Brits – from Greek 2* hotel to Turkish all inclusive

With loveholidays, breaks to Benidorm cost from £289pp – this is for a seven-night holiday in the Camposol Hotel which comes with its own pool and includes flights from London Luton.

Other Spanish resorts that made the list of being the most-booked include Salou and Benalmadena.

Salou which sits on the Costa Daurada coastline came in eighth position.

The destination is popular particularly with families as it’s near one of Europe’s largest theme parks, PortAventura World.

The theme park has record-breaking rollercoasters in Ferrari Land as well as lots of attractions and live shows.

Meanwhile, Benalmadena is a coastal town in Southern Spain and is another spot near a theme park, this time it’s Tivoli World.

It’s also known for its popular Puerto Marina which is lined with seaside restaurants, bars and clubs.

Two destinations in Tenerife are also amongst some of the most popular which isn’t too surprising considering its short flight time and high summer temperatures.

From the UK, the island can be reached in four and a half hours and temperatures sit at 30C during between July and September.

The coastal resort areas of Costa Adeje on the southwestern coast came in second place on the most-booked list.

Any waterpark fans will love it as Costa Adeje is home to Siam Park – a Thai-themed waterpark with huge racing slides, waterfalls and a wave pool.

If you head 12-minutes up the coast by car to Playa del Duque, you’ll be in a spot loved by celebrities thanks to its beautiful beach and upmarket shops.

It’s been reported that singers Shakira, Mariah Carey and Queen’s Brian May have all stayed in a nearby hotel.

One-way flights in the summer start from £44 and with loveholidays, breaks start from £329pp.

This is for a seven-night stay at the Duque Nest Hotel which has a private swimming pool and includes flights from London Stansted.

Also in Tenerife is Playa de las Americas which came in sixth spot.

The purpose- built holiday resort has bars, nightclubs, restaurants and beaches with either golden or black volcanic sand.

The third most-booked resort for summer next year is Alanya in Turkey.

The historic beach city on the coast can be as high as 34C in the summer and when its time to cool off, visitors can head to the biggest waterpark in the region.

Called Water Planet Aqua Park, it has 24 water slides, a wave pool, splash parks for younger children and even a man-made rafting course.

When it comes to beaches, Kleopatra Beach is considered one of the best in Turkey.

The 1.2 mile stretch of sand has clear blue waters – and it is named after the Queen of Egypt.

Other spots to make it onto the list include Marmaris along the Turkish Riviera and Cyprus which has around 320 days of sunshine per year.

Another is Palma Nova in Majorca which has three pretty beaches all connected by one long promenade lined with souvenir shops and hotels.

The 10 most-booked resorts for Summer 2027…

1. Benidorm, Spain
2. Costa Adeje, Tenerife
3. Alanya, Türkiye
4. Paphos, Cyprus
5. Marmaris, Türkiye
6. Playa de las Americas, Tenerife
7. Protaras, Cyprus
8. Salou, Spain
9. Palma Nova, Majorca
10. Benalmadena, Spain

Fermin Lopez brace has Barcelona come from behind to win 2-1 at Atletico Madrid to go three points clear in La Liga.

Fermin Lopez scored twice as Barcelona overcame an early deficit at Atletico Madrid to win 2-1 and go three points clear at the top of La Liga.

Barca’s win takes them three points clear of second-placed Real Madrid and five ahead of Atletico, in third, after 12 games.

Giuliano Simeone opened the scoring in the 10th minute for the home side, turning home a close range volley from Julian Alvarez’s cross from the left.

The home side had a series of early chances as they sought to register an eighth straight win, but Fermin swept in an equaliser on the cusp of halftime after a ball broke to him in the box.

Lamine Yamal set up Fermin’s second goal in the 66th minute with an incisive pass, and Lopez fired past Jan Oblak with a first-time finish to silence the Metropolitano and secure a fifth straight away league win over Atleti for the first time.

“It was a very difficult match. The first half was tough, but we managed to come from behind and secure the win,” Barcelona midfielder Lopez told La Liga TV after the match.

“I think we were not being clinical enough. After the goal, we gained more confidence.

“Lamine [Yamal] has been very good. His pass for the second goal was half the goal itself. I’m very happy,” Lopez said.

“We wanted to go into the break as league leaders and get three points. The equaliser lifted a weight off our shoulders, and we had more control.

“We knew at halftime that we had to continue playing the way we finished the first half. I think the team produced an incredible second half, both defensively and offensively. We’re very happy.”

El Hierro asks Spanish government for help after more than 3,300 people arrived on boats since start of November.

Authorities of El Hierro, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, have declared an emergency and asked the government in Madrid for help after a surge in migrants and refugees arriving on boats.

“We are very concerned… by this sharp increase in arrivals,” Alpidio Armas, head of the governing council for El Hierro, one of Europe’s main entry points for migrants and refugees from West Africa, told Spanish television on Saturday.

“This is precisely what has led us to declare an emergency in order to ensure a framework of cooperation with higher-level institutions.”

More than 3,300 people have arrived on the island in about 30 boats since the start of November, according to local authorities. El Hierro has about 11,400 residents.

Officials are seeking temporary accommodation for the new arrivals, while conditions at the island’s hospital have become “undesirable”, Armas said.

The situation is “absolutely unsustainable”, the Reuters news agency quoted Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader of the Canary Islands, as saying on Friday.

Maritime rescue services rescued 3,261 migrants and refugees off the coast of the Canary Islands in the first six days of November.

Clavijo said the numbers were approaching the record levels seen in 2024, and on some days, the current pace was even higher.

Buses have been diverted to migration operations, and medical staff have been brought in from other islands, he said.

Deadly route

The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the world’s deadliest migration crossings.

Two people were found dead on a boat heading for the Canaries this week, and five others are believed to have died during the voyage, according to the AFP news agency, citing survivor accounts.

At least nine migrants or refugees have died off the islands in recent weeks.

Arrivals reached a record of more than 46,000 in 2024, then fell sharply due to tighter surveillance and greater cooperation with countries of origin and transit.

Between January and October, 13,327 irregular migrants and refugees arrived by sea, 5.5 percent fewer than in the same period last year, according to Spain’s Ministry of the Interior.

Patrols off Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco have pushed departures further south, from The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea, making crossings longer.

Senegalese police said on Saturday that they intercepted 142 migrants, including women and young children, off Dakar.

Valverde and Guler’s first-half goals put Madrid in the driving seat, and Mbappe added a third in the second half.

Kylian Mbappe scored for the seventh match running as Real Madrid pulled provisionally level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona after a 3-0 win at 10-man Valencia.

Reigning champions Barca visit Atletico Madrid, third, on Sunday, aiming to move back clear of the chasing pack.

Jose Mourinho’s Madrid largely dominated at Mestalla Stadium on Saturday, securing an eighth win in a row across all competitions.

Federico Valverde and Arda Guler’s first-half goals put Madrid in the driving seat, and Mbappe added a third in the second half.

Los Blancos were without winger Vinicius Junior, who was serving the final game of a four-match ban.

Madrid have thrived in his absence, putting heavy pressure on Barca, whom they beat in the Camp Nou Clasico on October 25.

In the ninth minute, the match stopped for players and fans to pay tribute to Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who tragically died on Tuesday.

Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a smart save to deny Aaron Mayol, who had picked Aurelien Tchouameni’s pocket in a dangerous area.

Valencia’s Guido Rodriguez had a goal disallowed for offside before Mourinho’s side took control.

Valverde drilled Madrid ahead from outside the area after Mbappe’s free kick was blocked by the Valencia wall and fell to the Uruguayan.

Guler soon doubled the lead after Jude Bellingham’s cross was deflected kindly into his path.

Guler had a good chance for the third early in the second half, but Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski grabbed the ball as the midfielder tried to round him.

Minutes later, Dimitrievski saved well from Mbappe, as the French striker ran through and tried to dink the ball over him.

Bellingham powered through the defence and was also denied by the goalkeeper, as was Mbappe, who followed up with an overhead kick, as Madrid tried to find a third to kill off the game.

Eventually, Mbappe produced it, bursting onto a dangerous pass by Guler to dart past Dimitrievski and squeeze home his 13th league goal of the campaign.

It was the forward’s 17th goal in 16 games across all competitions. Mbappe has netted in his last seven appearances for Madrid.

Valencia’s Jose Gaya was dismissed with about 10 minutes remaining for a late sliding foul on Mbappe to further spoil Javier Aguirre’s team’s night.

Earlier, new Espanyol coach Eder Sarabia’s side were held to a goalless home draw by Deportivo A Coruna.

Osasuna snatched a late 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao, while Racing Santander came from behind to beat Malaga 2-1.

The EU office carries out probes at Spanish rail network administrator, safety agency and state auditors.

The European Union’s public prosecutors have launched a probe into possible fraud in the financing of Spain’s rail network after a high-speed train crash killed at least 69 passengers last month.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) said on Friday that it had carried out investigations ‌at the headquarters of Spain’s railway infrastructure manager, its railway safety agency and its court of auditors to determine possible fraud in the financing of the ⁠Madrid-Seville high-speed line.

“Today, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Madrid (Spain) is conducting investigative measures at the Administrator of Railway Infrastructure (ADIF), the State Railway Safety Agency (AESF) and the Court of Auditors in Spain,” a statement from the prosecutors said.

“This comes after the opening of an investigation into possible fraud affecting EU funds allocated to the renovation and upgrading of safety, signaling and communications systems on the Madrid-Seville high-speed railway line,” the EPPO added.

Spain’s rail infrastructure manager, Adif, confirmed the visit from the EPPO to the Reuters news agency, stating that it complied with the search and provided any requested information. The other two organisations did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

The October 28 train collision in Urda, Toledo province, was the second fatal crash this year and led to the resignation of Transport Minister Oscar Puente.

Resignations

The EPPO had already carried out a probe into the Spanish rail network in March, after a high-speed train crash in the Adamuz region killed 46 passengers in January.

There are no updates on this investigation, which looks into how the EU funds for track maintenance were used on the network line.

EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas expressed concern at a news briefing on Wednesday over the proximity of the two fatal accidents, calling it “very worrying” and “not something we want to see”.

Tzitzikostas also noted that Spain reached out to the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) to assist with an ongoing national investigation.

Puente resigned on Tuesday, in what he described as a “matter of political dignity”, and Adif President Luis Pedro Marco de la Pena quit the next day. Spain’s Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo will fill in for Puente’s role until the elections in Spain later this month, which could be hampered and influenced by last month’s tragedy.

At the end of October, soon after the crash in Urda, survivors from three of Spain’s most fatal train crashes gathered to demand better safety procedures and larger investment into network maintenance to avoid further tragedies.

“Now we have seen three dreadful crashes in Spain, at Angrois, Adamuz and Urda. They will keep happening if we do not act,” train crash survivor Cristobal Gonzalez told Al Jazeera.

“At Angrois, the driver was going too fast; at Adamuz, an investigation said there was a problem on the track; and at Urda, it might have been human error and a problem with the control system. Whatever, we must stop these crashes happening by investing more in safety,” he added.

The Angrois accident in 2013, which killed 79 people, is Spain’s deadliest rail crash in modern times.

Who: Valencia vs Real Madrid
What: La Liga
Where: Mestalla Stadium, Valencia, Spain
When: Saturday, November 7, at 9pm (20:00 GMT).
How to follow: Al Jazeera Sport will bring you all the build-up from 17:00 GMT ahead of our live text commentary stream

Jose Mourinho’s Madrid visit Valencia knowing that a win will provisionally draw them level with league leaders Barcelona.

Madrid have had some wobbles so far this season, but have won their last seven games in all competitions – including four in the league and an El Clasico win over Barca since a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in September.

Mourinho’s side are currently third in the La Liga table, three points behind the leaders Barcelona, with the Catalan side set to play second placed Atletico on Sunday.

Valencia will be hoping to inject some life into their season as they go into the weekend second bottom of the table, having taken just nine points from 11 games.

Madrid’s coach lavished praise on Jude Bellingham after the midfielder scored a brilliant back-heeled goal against AEK Athens in the Champions League on Wednesday.

On a night when Bellingham became the youngest player to make 60 appearances in European club football’s top competition, the England midfielder scored and was named player of the match as Madrid rallied to a 3-2 win.

“He is a unique player. Today, there is no midfielder in world football like Jude, who is complete on all levels,” Mourinho said.

“I don’t have many words because, for me, he is an absolutely extraordinary player. Even on a day when he doesn’t have a great match, one of those jaw-dropping performances, he still brings work, leadership, ambition, quality, and goal-scoring ability. He is an extraordinary player.”

Bellingham, who was also the youngest player to make 50 appearances, reached his latest landmark at the age of 23 years, 128 days, overtaking iconic former Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

He struck in the 32nd minute by connecting with Marc Cucurella’s cross and flicking a first-time shot past goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli.

“It was just instinct really,” he said. “I found myself in a good position and managed to do the only thing that came naturally in that position. It was a nice one.”

Valencia get ‘very important’ win at Elche

Coach Javier Aguirre said his Valencia side needed the win over Elche last weekend, which came courtesy of a second half goal by substitute Nigerian striker Sadik.

“It’s a very important win for us, because we’d come off three matches without a victory, and now we have Real Madrid CF coming up. We couldn’t afford to get cut adrift,” he said.

“Getafe CF and RCD Espanyol both won, so if we hadn’t done likewise, a rather large gap would have opened up.”

“It’s a very significant win, both in terms of the result and the performance.”

What have the coaches said about the match?

Mourinho, Real Madrid: “This match is one of the toughest matches in the entire Spanish league. Valencia’s coach is extremely difficult, he has great experience, he knows what he wants, and he has a clear philosophy in working with teams, so it will be a very difficult match.”

Aguirre, Valencia: “You don’t need extra motivation for that game. We’ll be playing against one of the best sides in the world, and I hope that we have a good game.”

Prediction

The Opta supercomputer has made Real Madrid the clear favourites, with a win probability of 70.4 percent. Valencia were given a 12.7 percent chance of winning, while a draw was estimated at a 16.9 percent likelihood.

Head-to-head

• Previous matches: 216
• Real Madrid wins: 114
• Valencia wins: 59
• Draws: 43

Last five encounters:

• February 8, 2026: Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)
• November 1, 2025: Real Madrid 4-0 Valencia (La Liga)
• April 5, 2025: Real Madrid 1-2 Valencia (La Liga)
• January 3, 2025: Valencia 1-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)
• March 2, 2024: Valencia 2-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)

What happened in their last encounter?

Real Madrid won 2-0 at Valencia in February as second-half goals by Alvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappe settled a largely uneventful contest.

Real dominated possession but found chances hard to come by, with Valencia keeper Stole Dimitrievski rarely called into action as the visitors struggled to turn control into threat.

It took them until the 65th minute to break the deadlock through Carreras before Mbappe wrapped up the points in stoppage time.

Valencia’s team news

Sergi Canos, Diego Lopez and David Otorbi will all be unavailable due to injuries, while Jose Manuel Copete is a doubt as he continues to struggle with a knee issue.

Loanee Harvey Elliott returns from suspension, and striker Sadiq looks to have regained full fitness after a hamstring injury and is likely to start.

Predicted starting XI:

Dimitrievski (goalkeeper); Martinez, Tarrega, Pepelu, Gaya; Rodriguez; Maffeo, Mayol, Guerra, Rioja; Sadiq

Real Madrid’s team news

Rodrygo, Raul Asencio, and Ferland Mendy remain unavailable due to injuries, while Vinicius Junior will miss out as he serves the final game of a domestic suspension.

Predicted starting XI:

Courtois (goalkeeper); Valverde, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouameni, Bernardo; Guler, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappe

Spain’s national football team coach and the president of Real Madrid joined family, friends and teammates on Thursday at the funeral of Jesus de Miguel, the Tenerife player who died after an on‑field collision earlier this week.

The service was held in Navahermosa, a town of about 3,000 people in central Spain, where De Miguel’s parents were reportedly born.

A hearse covered in flowers moved slowly towards the church as dozens of mourners, some carrying candles, walked behind. The town hall declared three days of mourning, with flags at half-staff.

De Miguel, 30, suffered cardiac arrest after colliding with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono while challenging for a high ball during a second‑division match on Monday. He died in hospital the following day.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez attended the funeral, with De la Fuente saying the game’s community “stands united” in grief.

Police have opened a routine investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter to assess whether the challenge went beyond normal play.

Tributes have poured in from clubs across Europe, with De Miguel’s death described as a rare and shocking tragedy in professional football.

IF YOU are heading to one popular Spanish spot you better be on your best behaviour as a load of new rules are being introduced.

Tourists behaving badly by littering or spitting in public could now get hefty fines in the city of Valencia.

The rules, which if broken could get you fines of up to €1,500 (£1,251.29), also include not dropping cigarette butts, chewing gum or paper.

More serious offences such as spitting or urinating in public, could get you a fine of up to €3,000 (£2,502.57).

It comes as the city also revealed plans to cap tourist cycling groups to a maximum of 10 people.

Cycling is popular in Valencia with both tourists and locals and has surged over the recent years.

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The previous limit was 15 people and now groups of more than 10 will have to split into smaller groups and be at least 50 metres apart.

The new rule applies to both bikes and e-scooters.

Other new rules crackdown on stag and hen parties as well, where if thy take place on public streets between 10pm and 8am from Sunday to Friday – and Saturday until 9:30am – groups could be faced with a fine between €750 (£625.64) and €1,500 (£1,251.29).

There are also new limits on wearing items representing human genitalia, and carrying inflatable dolls and other sexual props through public spaces.

These offences could be fined up to €750 (£625.64).

Authorities have said that the new rules are not meant to limit tourism, just to “better manage its activities and ensure that we can all share the streets in appropriate conditions”, reports Olive Press.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed hope that Democratic gains in the United States midterm ⁠elections will bring ⁠more help for Kyiv, as European officials urged the new US Congress to ramp up pressure on Russia to end Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II.

Zelenskyy’s comments on Wednesday came after American voters rebuked US President Donald Trump and his Republican Party, handing control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives to the Democratic Party.

In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Zelenskyy said the Democratic gains could work to Ukraine’s advantage.

“I am also grateful to the Republicans, but the Democrats speak very clearly about supporting Ukraine and providing assistance to Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.  “They speak about renewing the connection between the United States and Europe… Therefore, there is hope that a balance of power will emerge, and that we will receive more support.”

Zelenskyy said more US aid could have an effect ‌on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“If Congress now speaks of strong financial support or military assistance, as Europe is doing and demonstrating today, then that will be something positive that will have an impact on Putin,” he told ZDF.

Zelenskyy has worked to repair a rocky relationship with Trump since an Oval Office meeting in February 2025 at which the US president accused his Ukrainian counterpart of being “ungrateful” for Washington’s aid.

Pressure on Russia

In recent weeks, Trump has made several moves favourable to Russia, including a deal to import Russian diesel.

Last month, he waived sanctions on Russia that Congress had overwhelmingly approved as part of legislation supporting Ukraine.

Ukraine has also accused Washington of delaying deliveries of interceptor missiles.

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, said she hoped the new Congress would “continue supporting Ukraine and also putting more pressure on Russia”.

“Europe as well as US, we are much stronger together,” Kallas said, expressing hope that joint pressure would force Moscow to end the war.

In Germany, leaders were divided. Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed scepticism on Wednesday that Trump would change course despite the Democrats’ sweeping victory.

“Quite frankly, over the last two years, Trump has largely governed by bypassing Congress. Why should that be any different now?” Merz said at an event in Berlin, a day after US voters handed Republicans a historic defeat.

His foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, was more hopeful. He said the “very clear” Democratic victory could create “a new opportunity to launch a fresh initiative” to end the wars in Ukraine and Iran. He added that he was “quite optimistic” that aid to Ukraine, which has been slashed under Trump, would get “more discussion” from US lawmakers of both parties.

Scepticism

Others in Europe cautioned that with Trump in office for two more years, Washington’s foreign policy was unlikely to change quickly.

The US president has berated European leaders, roiled their economies with tariffs, threatened to pull the US out of NATO, and said he wants to take over Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark.

“Our security and prosperity in Austria and Europe must not depend on how people in Kansas or Iowa vote,” Austria’s foreign minister, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, said. “That’s why we are strengthening our own defence capability and our own competitiveness.”

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia hoped Trump “will continue his peacemaking efforts”, regardless of the election result.

Democratic aides have told US media that helping Kyiv would be a priority when the party takes control of the congressional agenda in January. But diplomacy is moving faster.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy, said Washington would bring Ukrainian and Russian delegations together in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11 to discuss ending the war and security arrangements for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that he has had detailed conversations with Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, ahead of the meeting.

“The negotiations must move forward at full throttle to bring this war to an end as quickly as possible. Ukraine is ready to take the necessary steps,” he wrote on X.

Eurocamp has announced a major change affecting its popular Spain holiday parks from 2026 but it could be good news for Brits looking for a sunny getaway

Eurocamp parks (or parcs, as they call them) are already a firm favourite with Brits looking for cheap and cheerful getaways in the summer, with sites across plenty of popular destinations including France, Italy and Spain. Now, the holidays giant has announced it will be making a major change to a number of its Spanish locations, in what could be good news for holidaymakers.

That’s because for the first time ever, Eurocamp is going to be offering winter sun holidays, kicking off in 2026. While typically Eurocamp sites close for the winter, this year there will be three parcs remaining open throughout the colder months; Alannia Costa Blanca and Alannia Guardamar in Costa Blanca (home to Benidorm), and Alannia Els Prats in Costa Dorada (home to Salou), with prices from £452 per party during the quieter seasons.

It marks the first time that Brits can opt for Eurocamp breaks in Spain during Christmas, or even for February half term. However, they’re not the only destinations on offer. Eurocamp already has sites in the French Alps which are open during the ski season, as well as its Paris-Est location which is popular with Brits hoping to visit the French capital for its Christmas markets.

It’s not the only brand to offer up holiday parks during the winter months. For example, Center Parcs has a number of sites in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, including one park just a stone’s throw away from Disneyland Paris.

For Brits who are after winter sun but don’t want to commit to jet-setting off to far-flung Caribbean islands, Spain and its islands can be an ideal compromise. In fact, the popular country has 8 of Europe’s 10 sunniest cities according to research from travel pros at Holidu. Cities such as Cordoba or Malaga, in the southern part of Spain, are where you’ll likely have more luck given temperatures average 19C in November, while Barcelona keeps a balmy 15C although it does get cooler in the evenings.

Meanwhile the Canary Islands are famed for their year-round sunshine, and can enjoy temperatures of up to 23C as late as early December. So while it may not be warm enough for swimming in the sea, it’s still pleasant enough that you can enjoy the outdoors whether you wander along the bustling promenades, or want a lunch al fresco. (Not to mention the cooler mornings are ideal for those who want to kick off the day with a hike around those volcanic landscapes).

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The 22-time Grand Slam winner is to be ratified onto club’s board of directors.

Real Madrid are set to add a champion from another ⁠sporting arena to ⁠their boardroom as 22-time tennis Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal’s appointment as a director is to be put to members for ⁠ratification, the club says.

The board agreed to submit the appointment to the General Assembly of ⁠Delegated Members. Nadal is already an honorary member of the club.

“It is a source of immense pride for Real Madrid and for all our supporters that a figure of his sporting and personal stature … is to join ‌our Board of Directors,” Real said in a statement on Wednesday.

The club highlighted Nadal’s sporting achievements, including 92 singles titles, two Olympic gold medals, five Davis Cup triumphs with Spain and the world number one ranking.

The club said his qualities beyond those honours – including humility, respect for opponents and commitment to charity – mirrored the club’s own.

“All ⁠these values form part of Real Madrid’s identity, and ⁠Rafael Nadal has embodied and championed them throughout his sporting career,” said the statement announcing his appointment at a board meeting on Tuesday.

Nadal welcomed the invitation.

“I would like to thank President Florentino Perez and the Board for ⁠inviting me to join the Board of Directors of Real Madrid,” he wrote on social media.

“I have ⁠accepted this invitation with great enthusiasm, keen to ⁠learn and to contribute as much as I can.”

Nadal, who retired from tennis in November 2024, has long been touted as a potential successor to Perez, ‌although he has played down the prospect.

Perez, 79, secured another four-year term in June after Real’s first contested presidential election in two decades.

More ‌than ‌a third of voting members backed challenger Enrique Riquelme, who opposed plans to bring outside investment into the member-owned club.

FROM East European luxury to affordable Spanish aparthotels – the following resorts have all received masses of rave reviews from British customers.

Loveholidays has collated the top hotels most loved by Brits from thousands of customer reviews over the past year – these are the ones that really have the stamp of approval.

Solymar Gran Hotel The One, Spain

This pretty four-star hotel sits on the sandy shores of Arenal Beach in Calpe with incredible beach views and received incredibly high scores from its customers.

Its two freshwater outdoor swimming pools are available year-round and there are plenty of sun loungers too.

The on-site spa has a sauna, steam bath and hot tub.

A seven-night holiday with breakfast and flights from London Stansted on March 1 starts from £639pp.

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Ikos Olivia, Greece

Luxurious five-star Ikos Olivia is an all-inclusive resort set on a the beach in Gerakini, Northern Greece – and it’s another top scorer.

It has three outdoor pools, a spa, six restaurants and lots of activities from watersports to ball games like tennis, beach volleyball and table tennis.

The rooms vary from twin and double with balconies to bungalow suites with a private garden.

A seven-night, all-inclusive holiday with flights from London Gatwick departing on April 12 starts from £2,219pp.

Hotel Wawel Queen, Poland

Visitors love the four-star Hotel Wawel Queen which sits in the heart of Kraków – its location means it is easy to explore Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square.

After a day of exploration, guests can put their feet up in one of the 49 rooms which have heated floors and flatscreen TVs.

There’s one restaurant on-site too which serves buffet-style breakfasts and it offers service during certain hours.

A seven-night break with breakfast including flights from London Stansted on January 16 starts from £599pp.

Club Tuana Fethiye, Turkey

This resort sits on the coastline of Fethiye in Turkey with beautiful views across the bay.

The hotel’s swimming pools are huge and also form part of the waterpark and water slides.

It has a Kids’ Club divided into Mini for ages 4 to 7 and Maxi for ages 8 to 14 – there’s a playground, slide, playhouse and mini-disco too.

A seven-night all-inclusive holiday including flights from London Gatwick on April 22 starts from £649pp.

Hotel Sumratin, Croatia

The luxurious five-star Hotel Sumratin is highlighted as a great choice for couples looking for a holiday in Dubrovnik.

During the summer season, the outdoor swimming pool opens and there are sun loungers and parasols on the sun terrace too.

One visitor wrote in their review “Beautiful! Polite and attentive staff. Gorgeous food. The rooftop bar, our favourite place to unwind in the evening.”

A seven-night holiday including breakfast and flights from London Stansted on March 7 starts from £809pp.

La Pergola Aparthotel, Majorca

The comfortable four-star La Pergola Aparthotel is described as a ‘superb choice for families’.

The accommodation, which for cleanliness is rated 4.9/5, ranges from cosy studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, bungalows and villas.

Children can splash about in the pool or check out the activities at the kids’ club and playground.

A seven-night self-catering holiday with flights from London Stansted on March 9 starts from £469pp.

Sergiani Garden, Greek Islands

This two-star hotel on the island of Crete has been described as ‘first class’, ‘amazing’ and ‘one of the best restaurants in Stalis’.

It’s set in a peaceful location with easy access to the sandy beach; it also has a children’s pool and playground.

It’s near to the popular coastal resort village of Stalis and is within walking distance to the town and beaches.

A seven-night holiday (room only) with flights from London Luton on May 3 starts from £419pp.

Iberostar Selection Anthelia, Tenerife

The luxurious five-star Iberostar Selection Anthelia is an adult-only resort in Costa Adeje.

Everything you need for a holiday is at your fingertips, the resort has four restaurants, five bars, three outdoor swimming pools and a spa.

Guests in their review say the hotel is spacious – and that it still didn’t feel busy even during peak summer holiday season.

A seven-night holiday including breakfast with flights from London Stansted on May 2 starts from £1,069pp.

Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto (Old Town), Poland

Another popular hotel in Poland that makes it onto the list is the 4-star Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto.

It’s in a great spot for exploring Poland’s cultural capital with modern rooms and all the essentials.

It’s on-site Winestone Restaurant provides dinner, drinks at the bar and breakfast.

A seven-night holiday (room only) with flights from London Stansted on January 8 starts from £539pp.

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Dubai

This glam hotel in Dubai is the highest five-star hotel in the world and there’s so much there that guests say there’s actually no need to leave the hotel.

It has multiple restaurants and two heated outdoor swimming pools; to enjoy the sunshine, step onto the sun terrace and take a seat on the loungers.

Its rooms are impressive too – these have panoramic views across the city thanks to their floor to ceiling windows.

A seven-night holiday (room only) with flights from London Gatwick on February 8 starts from £1,649pp.

Chris and Becky Yates., originally from near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire and later based in Gloucestershire, faced not only money troubles but chronic illness, too

For many people, years of hard work and saving are meant to lead to a dream retirement – so bankruptcy in your 50s can seem unthinkable. But that’s what happened to Chris and Becky Yates. The couple, originally from near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire and later based in Gloucestershire, faced not only money troubles but chronic illness, too.

Chris’s surveying and construction business was rocked by the turbulence in the sector during the 2010s, while Becky was forced to give up her civilian role with the police as she battled fibromyalgia – a condition of the central nervous system that can cause widespread pain.

With their “comfortable, privileged lifestyle” under threat, they decided on drastic action: relocating to rural Spain after becoming enchanted with an area west of Valencia.

Chris told the i Paper: “It is an area of small, traditional towns surrounded by mountains, farmland and orange groves. It feels very different from the busy resorts and heavily developed parts of the Spanish coast.

“It was the old-fashioned Spain we had hoped to find, with independent shops and bars where people remember your name and their faces light up when you walk through the door. We quickly fell in love with the area.”

Chris and Becky, now 60, began laying the groundwork for their expat life, sorting through what to keep, sell or ship to Spain. They put their house on the market too, intending to use the money raised to finance their move.

Chris and Becky made the ferry crossing to their new home with their Newfoundland dogs. These days they rely mainly on Becky’s pension, worth £1,700 a month, while Chris does “odd jobs” to supplement their earnings.

The couple say they spend about €100 (£83) a week on food and have adapted to life in Spain, picking up conversational Spanish and enjoying a “very good life”.

Chris added: “A decade ago, we were sitting in an empty house in Gloucestershire after bankruptcy and illness had dismantled the life we thought we would have. Today, we feel we have the best of both worlds. We have no intention of returning.”

According to Chris, the couple are now in an off-grid three-bed, two-bath property with a swimming pool for €1,100 (£917) a month.

Solar panels provide their electricity, meaning they pay nothing for power and believe they’re saving about €150 (£125) every month.

They also maintain that the warmer weather has had a beneficial effect on Becky’s health. While she still lives with the condition, Becky is said to be more “active and thriving”.

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LOOKING for a holiday where your cash goes further? These destinations have been revealed as the best value for money.

Skyscanner recently unveiled its list of top spots across the world where the price of flights has dropped the most – and in some cases, hotels too.

At the very top of the Skyscanner list is the city of Bilbao which has seen a 66 per cent drop in flight prices from last year.

It’s a great choice for Brits too as it’s the closest Spanish city to the UK taking less than two hours to get there.

One-way flights to Bilbao can be as little as £20 with with the cost of hotels down by 63 per cent from last year, rooms start from £29 on Booking.com.

If you fancy booking a whole trip, with loveholidays the cost of a seven-night break to Bilbao in April 2027 starts from £42pppn.

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As Bilbao is that it doesn’t get as many tourists as lots of other Spanish cities, it’s a lot quieter than its neighbours.

In 2025, just 1.6 million visited Bilbao last year compared to 16 million in Barcelona.

There’s lots to see too like the neighbourhood of Iralabarri which has been compared to Notting Hill thanks to its colourful town houses.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey who visited earlier this year suggested heading its top attraction, the Guggenheim Bilbao museum which is filled with modern and contemporary art.

When it comes to food, Kara attempted the art of txikiteo which is where you hop between tapas bars for snacks and drinks.

Kara added: “My number one spot was Cafe Bar Bilbao for its tasty pork sliders, as well as Taberna Ona for freshly sliced Iberian ham. 

“The most famous Bilbao drink is txakoli, a Basque white wine which you can find pretty much anywhere.

“Squeeze into the family-run Taberna Basaras, a tiny bar with barrels for tables and bottles from floor to ceiling, for a hearty glass. You might also spot the locals ordering a mariano, a vermouth “daytime” cocktail that’s lighter than a negroni.”

The second city on the list is Wrocław in Poland which has had a flight price drop of 47 per cent.

One writer who recently visited called it one of Europe’s ‘best-kept city-break secrets‘.

The Polish city has colourful market squares with cobbled streets and tall pastel townhouses.

It’s known as a city of festivals with lots going on throughout the year from films and jazz to classical music.

If you fancy visiting during the festive period, Wroclaw’s Christmas market is one of the largest in Poland.

One-way flights to Wroclaw start from £27.

With loveholidays, a three-night break in the city starts from £149pp or £50pppn.

Another place not far from the UK that has seen a drop in price is Bordeaux in France where air fares have decreased by 34 per cent.

The port city in southwestern France is known for its 18th-century architecture and wine culture.

Make sure to pop into Bassins des Lumières – a former World War Two submarine base which has been transformed into a digital art installation.

If you’re planning a summer holiday next year, a trip to Rhodes in Greece shouldn’t put a dent in your wallet.

The beautiful island is the largest of the Dodecanese and is known for having pretty beach resorts, ancient ruins and it has highs of over 30C in the summertime.

It’s seen a drop in flight prices by 22 per cent and on Skyscanner, one-way tickets are as cheap as £28.

Pula, which is considered the ‘Rome of Croatia‘ came in seventh spot.

The city on the tip of the Istrian Peninsula got its nickname from its ruins – the amphitheatre is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world.

The spot on the Adriatic coast has lots of history and it’s under three hours from the UK too with flights having dropped in price by 20 per cent.

Fez in Morocco came in eighth on the list with a drop of 19 per cent when it comes to flights, which are as cheap as £15.

The city in northern Morocco is known for its vibrant markets and attractions, including its ancient medina.

It’s a popular winter sun city with highs of 20C in November.

For more on Fez, Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens recently visited the city to try out cooking classes and pottery.

For more travel inspiration, Skyscanner has also revealed the 10 holiday destinations that are set to be huge next year.

This includes far-flung Kyrgyzstan to Hurghada in Egypt and pretty Greek islands.

Top 10 destinations where airfares have fallen the most…

1. Bilbao, Spain (-66%)
2. Wrocław, Poland (-47%)
3. Bordeaux, France (-34%)
4. Zürich, Switzerland (-33%)
5. Ancona, Italy (-31%)
6. Rhodes, Greece (-22%)
7. Pula, Croatia (-20%)
8. Carcassonne, France (-20%)
9. Fez, Morocco (-19%)
10. Krabi, Thailand (-15%)

Need to know

Rachel was on holiday with her husband when everything went terribly wrong

A 42-year-old Brit mum died suddenly in Spain while on holiday – what you need to know

• A British mum collapsed and died on holiday in Spain despite the best efforts of paramedics to save her life.
• Rachel Weston, 42, from Bury, Greater Manchester, had been to see a pharmacist about what she thought was just a cold, but her condition later worsened significantly – and she suddenly collapsed in her hotel room in Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
• Local reports said she suffered a cardiac arrest, although no underlying cause has been confirmed. Hotel staff and paramedics tried to save her but tragically she couldn’t be saved.
• Her husband, Mark, said: “My world was completely turned upside down with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of my gorgeous wife, Rachel.” Rachel was a loving stepmum to his three children and he described her as “the absolute heart of our home”.
• Mark has launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and has asked mourners to wear purple, Rachel’s favourite colour, at her funeral on November 6.

READ THE FULL STORY: ‘My gorgeous wife died suddenly in Lanzarote – it’s heartbreaking’

Lamine Yamal was tipped for the Ballon d’Or which went to Harry Kane, but his Barca boss ‘proud’ of teenager’s reaction.

Lamine Yamal has “reacted very well” following the disappointment of the Ballon d’Or being awarded to Harry Kane, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said on Friday.

Despite winning La Liga with the Catalan club and lifting the World Cup with Spain, the 19-year-old winger came third in the vote for the best player in the world on Monday, behind Kane and Kylian Mbappe.

“Harry Kane deserved it, but you already know what I think about Lamine. He’s at the level required to win this award,” Flick said ahead of the La Liga leaders’ home match against Alaves.

“I’m very proud of Lamine. He reacted very well and was very focused in training.

“That’s the way to respond. His mentality is very good for the team.”

Yamal will have a chance to put any lingering disappointment behind him on Saturday when Barcelona look to correct course at home to Alaves following two high-profile defeats.

After winning their first 11 matches in all competitions, Barcelona were flying but then came undone when they travelled to PSG in the Champions League last Tuesday.

That 4-2 reverse in the French capital was swiftly followed by a Mbappe-inspired 2-1 loss at home to Real Madrid in La Liga last weekend.

“The most important thing tomorrow is to win,” Flick said.

“The team is playing well and we believe in our strengths. I’ve seen a good training session and a positive mood. We have to show that tomorrow.

“Alaves are a team that know how to defend well, but we’re Barca and we want to show our best version.”

Barcelona still hold a two-point lead at the top of La Liga ahead of their meeting with Atletico Madrid.

While the German coach admitted he does not like losing, he insisted that the campaign is “a long road”.

“It’s at the end of the season that we can win trophies,” he added.

“We have to deal with it. We could have won, but we have to accept defeat and learn from it.”

Three audio recordings between Madrid’s control centre and two train drivers appear to show that one high-speed train was given clearance to move even though another train had stalled on the track, about 25km (15 miles) ahead.

Puente had said that the decision to instruct the trains to move again, without any speed restrictions, was “inexplicable”.

The leaking of the audio recordings has been criticised by some Spanish politicians, with Alberto Ibáñez, a member of Congress for the left-wing Sumar platform, writing on X that they were “despicable”.

Meanwhile, Irene Montero – the prime ministerial candidate for the left-wing Podemos party – said responsibility for the crash should not be placed on one worker, adding that train drivers and experts have been warning against the liberalisation of the railway sector for years.

On Friday Puente said he was “not going to use any worker as a shield”.

But he said “many questions” arose as a result of the tragedy and he wanted to look at them “one by one”.

“If the investigation shows there is human error we will act in consequence of that,” he said.

The country is observing three days of mourning, as the families of victims and the survivors of the crash struggle to comprehend how it could have happened.

The conservative People’s Party joined calls for Puente’s resignation after trade union CSIF called for the same earlier this week.

But Puente said on Friday he would not budge from his position.

“The easy thing for me would be to leave, but neither that fits with my character nor is it what the Prime Minister has asked me to do,” he said.

“I feel immense pain and immense sadness for the victims and their relatives… I cannot let this pain paralyse me though. We have to find solutions to this problem.”

Additional reporting by Sergi Forcada Freixas

The FCDO has issued new advice to British people travelling in Spain after a train crash killed 69 people and injured dozens of others near Toledo on Wednesday

The Government has issued new advice to British nationals travelling in Spain, warning of “significant disruption”.

At least 69 people were killed and dozens more injured after two trains crashed on Wednesday morning near the town of Urda, in the province of Toledo.

A high-speed train travelling from Madrid to Seville, operated by state-owned railway company Renfe, crashed into the back of a stationary train on the same track, between the municipalities of Mora and Orgaz.

In the wake of the tragedy, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned British holidaymakers heading to Spain: “Significant disruption to rail services is expected.”

Those requiring assistance or seeking information about passengers affected by the crash are advised to contact Renfe on +34 900 10 10 20. The FCDO urged British nationals or their family members who are affected by the crash to contact the nearest British embassy or consulate on +34 91 714 6300.

Anyone travelling to Spain via France should check the travel advice for France before setting off. Those planning to enter Spain via Gibraltar are also advised to consult the travel advice for Gibraltar.

Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said on Wednesday that 43 miles of track had been affected by an outage of the automatic control system, bringing all trains in the area to a halt.

But the control centre decided to “resume traffic in circumstances that, from our point of view, are inexplicable”, Puente said. The Renfe train travelled around 15 miles before striking the stationary train, which was operated by private company Iryo.

The control centre “had more than enough time to verify the error, and they did not fix it”, Puente added.

During a visit to the crash site, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who faces a general election on November 29, vowed to establish the cause of the crash.

“We are working day and night not only to support the victims’ families, but also to establish every last detail of this tragedy and strengthen safety measures to ensure it never happens again,” he said.

In January, two high-speed trains collided in the southern region of Andalusia after one derailed and crossed onto an adjacent track, killing 46 people. The investigation into that crash is ongoing.

Spain’s government has faced mounting criticism over its management of Spain’s railways.

Train drivers went on strike on Thursday “to defend rail safety”. The industrial action had been called before Wednesday’s deadly crash.