Philips Hue review: The smart lighting gold standard
Smart lighting systems don’t come more comprehensive than this – but it isn’t cheap

© Alistair Charlton/The Independent
Smart lighting systems don’t come more comprehensive than this – but it isn’t cheap

© Alistair Charlton/The Independent
From Vaillant and Mitsubishi Electric to Octopus and Daikin, we compare the best air source heat pumps for UK homes

© Alistair Charlton/The Independent

Christmas will be here before you know it, so don't wait until the holiday rush to buy your decorations. Whether you're shopping for a slim artificial Christmas tree for a tight corner, a sprawling garland for your staircase or a maximalist wreath for your front door, this guide has something for you (and at a discount, too!)
Christmas tree skirt: $22.99 (34% off)
Red velvet bows: $7.99 (33% off)
15-piece velvet Christmas ornaments: $34.97 (30% off)
Rattan Christmas tree collar: $22.99 (34% off)
Battery-operated micro lights: $23.20 (20% off)
Choose from pre-lit, pre-decorated masterpieces or blank canvases you can design from scratch.
Original price: $169.99
The Kingswood fir slim tree is ideal for smaller rooms and fits in tight corners, proving you don't need a huge home to decorate for the holidays. It's unlit, so you can add your favorite lights and ornaments to dress it up.
READ MORE: This popular 7.5-foot pre-lit Christmas tree is over 40% off on Amazon — now under $400
Original price: $679.99
The 7.5-foot pre-lit Dunhill Fir is a classic showstopper with 2,514 branch tips for a lush, full look. It comes pre-strung with LED lights and uses the included foot pedal for easy control. Use it to switch from white to colored lights or choose between 10 lighting functions.
Original price: $78.99
This 6-foot Kingswood fir tree offers a classic shape that's a bit on the slimmer side to fit in small rooms. It comes unlit and includes a sturdy stand, making it a blank canvas for your favorite decorations.
Original price: $674.99
This pre-lit Dunhill Fir has branches that look and feel surprisingly realistic, delivering a classic Christmas tree vibe without shedding a single needle. The lights switch between warm white and multicolor with the press of a button. The setup is simple, too: the branches drop into place and fold back in when you're done.
Original price: $1,999
Balsam Hill's Fraser fir tree is an investment you will use for years to come. Besides its realistic beauty, the tree showcases a clever design that allows you to roll the base into place, flip it up and lock it in. Get 20% off now with code HAPPY20.
Original price: $399.99
With heavily flocked branches and a full shape, this tree looks like it was plucked straight from a snowy mountainside. It comes pre-lit with 500 clear incandescent lights that stay on, even if one bulb burns out.
Original price: $370.89
Choose this flocked tree from The Holiday Aisle that comes pre-strung with 550 lights. The hinged branches require little fluffing, so the tree takes minimal setup.
Original price: $54.99
If you're looking to shake up your usual holiday aesthetic, this black spruce tree brings a seriously stylish twist. It's unlit, but the deep black branches create a perfect backdrop for metallic ornaments or colored lights.
READ MORE: Get the Anthropologie beauty advent calendar before it sells out, and 25 more popular calendars
Greet guests in style this holiday season with a gorgeous wreath.
Original price: $112.50
This Kurt Adler Christmas wreath brings holiday spirit to your door with bright green foliage, plump holly berries and natural pine cones for texture. It's simple, classic and festive.
Original price: $49.99
This maximalist wreath is adorned with 50 LED lights, festive ornaments, fake berries and flocked branches. It comes with eight lighting modes, including an automatic timer for easy decoration.
Original price: $149.99
This wreath is tied with a big red bow and full of lights, acorns and berries. It's a classic choice for complementing other red and green decorations.
Original price: $79.99
Choose a unique wreath this year, like this one from Birch Lane. The plastic branches are realistic and soft to the touch, while faux berries and pine cones add Christmas cheer.
Original price: $129
This best-selling wreath from Frontgate screams Christmas with a big red bow, pine needles, pine cones and bright red berries.
READ MORE: Christmas trees, ornaments, PJs and more are already 40% off ahead of the holidays
Don't leave your mantel hanging — decorate stairways and more with these lush garlands.
Original price: $69.99
Bring the winter wonderland into your home with this flocked garland. It's complete with faux pine cones, so it looks like it came straight from a snowy forest.
Original price: $71
Go classic with this realistic garland from Birch Lane. It has 180 branch tips and features pre-strung white lights for a cozy glow on your mantel.
Original price: $68.99
For a more subtle look, try this pre-lit garland that's bare except for 50 lights. Add your own ornaments and faux berries or lean into the simple look.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Original price: $269.99
Buy everything you need to decorate your home in this one bundle. It includes two 9-foot garlands, strung with lights and faux berries, and a matching wreath.
If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

Memorial Day is almost over, but retailers like Wayfair and Amazon still have deals. Shop last-minute discounts on grills, tech, tools, clothing, backyard upgrades and more. Standout offers include a power-lift recliner for 78% off at Wayfair, a DeWalt drill set for half off and a memory foam mattress discounted by $2,282 (that's over 70% off).
READ MORE: Memorial Day last call: Save 40% or more on bedding, vacuums and tools on Amazon
Cozsinoor bed pillows, set of 2 (now $29.99, was $98.50): Lowest price ever
Shark robot vacuum (now $299.99, was $549.99): Get 45% off
Sealy Cool 12-inch memory foam mattress (now $365.99, was $1,199): Almost 70% off
Apple AirPods Pro 3 (now $199, was $249): Lowest price since February 2026
Royal Gourmet crop barrel charcoal grill (now $137.72, was $242.99): Save nearly 45%
We've rounded up the latest last-minute deals worth shopping.
Noise-canceling wireless earbuds: $16.99 (83% off)
Craftsman cordless hand vacuum: $59 (41% off)
Hanes women's jersey shorts: $16 (27% off)
Fire extinguisher, 3-pack: $23.64 (21% off)
3-in-1 handheld mini fan: $13.76 (10% off)
Original price: $179
Get DeWalt's high-powered drill, a battery and a charger all for less than $90 while it's half off. The compact drill has a comfort grip handle that prevents accidental slips, while the bright LED light with a 20-second release delay helps you see in corners and dark areas.
Original price: $28
Add this lightweight Hanes hoodie to your wardrobe for those cool summer nights. The cotton fabric comes from American farms and gives you a soft option that's more than half off.
Original price: $98.50
For just $30, enjoy two soft, supportive pillows wrapped in a sateen polyester. The fill stays firm without sagging, yet still has enough give to reduce neck stiffness.
Original price: $24.98
When you want something polished but not too formal, this classic men's polo is a solid option. The three-button style comes in 20 colors and works for everything from tee time to work gatherings. Get it now while it's on sale for an impressive 60% off.
Original price: $54.99
Mosquito season hits hard around Memorial Day, but the Thermacell E-Series throws up a 20-foot bubble of protection without DEET, smoke or scent. The repeller runs up to nine hours per charge and ships with a 12-hour refill in the box.
Original price: $349
Apple's 11-inch iPad runs on the powerful A16 chip and starts at 128GB of storage, doubling what the previous generation offered. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display and Apple Pencil support make it simple to browse, take notes and stream your favorite programs.
These are some of the best deals we've found in the last few hours of Memorial Day.
Original price: $129.99
Buying two lounge chairs at once usually exceeds $100, which makes this outdoor set something to think about. Each chair locks into a reclined position and folds down flat for storage. The included trays give you a place to hold your drink and phone.
Original price: $64.99
Grab a pair of Hey Dude canvas shoes for more than half off and step into a lightweight pair with a memory foam insole. There's no need to lace them up every time, making them a solid pick for all your summer activities.
Original price: $539.99
Save time, energy and money with Dyson's V8 vacuum. The cordless design and 40-minute runtime help you breeze through your weekend cleaning. Use the three attachments to clean tight crevices and hard-to-reach places.
Original price: $29.99
Stay cool and help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays with this long-sleeve sun protection shirt. The fabric also wicks moisture away, keeping you dry whether you're out for a hike or just mowing the lawn.
Original price: $75
Under Armour's Charged Assert shoes have a mesh upper that keeps them breathable, making them a comfortable pick for daily runs or walks. Thick rubber soles don't wear down as quickly and cushion your ankle for extra support.
Get ready for your next cookout with these last-chance grill sales.
Sophia & William gas and charcoal grill: $539.99 (37% off)
Traeger Pro 34 pellet grill and smoker: $499 (32% off)
Coleman RoadTrip 285 portable propane grill: $309.99 (27% off)
Ninja Woodfire Pro XL grill and smoker: $399.99 (20% off)
Original price: $549.95
Snag the budget-friendly Traeger Grills Pro 22, which uses wood pellets to grill, smoke, roast and bake with wood-fired flavor. Built-in meat probes let you monitor internal temperatures without lifting the lid, helping maintain consistent heat.
Original price: $449.99
The Charbroil Performance grill — now under $350 — can cook up to 12 burgers and 16 chicken tenders on its 435-square-inch surface. A dedicated sear burner helps add flavorful char to steaks, while porcelain-coated grates retain heat for more even cooking.
Original price: $399.99
This 4-burner grill has more than enough room to whip up food for the entire barbecue gathering, including 25 burgers at once. The FlavorMax system keeps heat steady and flare-ups down, along with an open cart design that makes propane tank swaps easier.
Original price: $279
This is one of the best-selling gas grills at Lowe's (10,000+ sold last week) and covers everything a casual griller actually needs without paying for stainless trim or upgraded carts. It comes with four burners, including a burner with hotter heat for a steakhouse-quality sear, all for under $200.
Cookout season is here — prepare with these deals on backyard furniture and grilling gear.
Bristle-free grill brush: $16.99 (51% off)
Rectangular patio dining set: $879.96 (45% off)
LifeStraw water filter: $15.49 (22% off)
Philips Solar pathway lights, 6-pack: $32.99 (18% off)
Original price: $1,076
Add extra seating to your patio for less with this four-piece Adirondack chair set, now $664 off. The weather-resistant chairs fold in half for easy storage, and a matching side table (on sale separately) gives you the perfect spot for a summer drink. Need less seating? Grab the two-piece set instead while it's 62% off.
Original price: $1,142.82
This five-piece conversation set includes a three-person outdoor sofa, a movable ottoman, a glass-top coffee table and two decorative pillows. The wicker construction is designed to hold up in summer weather, making it a durable option for outdoor use.
READ MORE: Wayfair's Memorial Day sale ends tonight: Up to 82% off grills, mattresses and more
Original price: $169.99
This outdoor patio set comes with two wicker-designed single chairs, a double chair and a table that helps you lounge comfortably poolside. The waterproof resin construction is rust- and fade-resistant, making it an easy addition to your backyard patio.
Original price: $69.99
Stock your outdoor griddle for the season with this 5-piece Weber set, which bundles a heavy-duty spatula, flexible spatula, two squeeze bottles for oil or sauces and a scraper that removes grime and grease with ease. Throw the stainless steel pieces in the dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning.
Original price: $95.99
Twelve tiki torches is enough to line a full backyard perimeter without digging deep into your wallet. Now $30 off, the set includes a wide-mouth easy-pour canister and burns up to five hours per fill. The weather-resistant treatment will help them last through the summer.
Shop the best recliner, sheet and vacuum deals.
Beckham Hotel Collection pillows: $59.99 (25% off)
Mattress topper: $37.90 (46% off)
Bissell pet hair eraser upright vacuum: $149.99 (25% off)
Bedsure queen sheet set: $59.99 (22% off)
Utopia Bedding down alternative bed pillows, set of 2: $23.40 (21% off)
Original price: $1,800
This power-lift recliner helps you stand without the extra effort, and it has massage and heating features that encourage relaxation after a long day. It's more than $1,400 off, giving you a serious deal that won't last long.
READ MORE: Add to cart: What the FOX News Deals team bought this Memorial Day
Original price: $479.99
Get a $260 discount on the eufy robot vacuum and say goodbye to cleaning by hand. The robot takes care of your floors using smart grid technology and empties itself for up to eight weeks, trapping pet hair, dirt and debris in the docking station.
READ MORE: HexClad Memorial Day sale: Gordon Ramsay's go-to cookware is up to 39% off
Original price: $159.99
With summer nearly here, now's the time to get a tower fan. It's meant for outdoor use, with a water-resistant build and UV-protection. The air reaches up to 42 feet away, giving you an affordable cooling option for your patio or deck.
Original price: $187.95
Looking to liven up your home with some fresh plants? This Cold Hardy Avocado Tree handles temperatures down to 20°F and grows in containers or in the ground, making it ideal for cooler zones where standard Hass trees wouldn't survive.
Fast Growing Trees is also handing shoppers 25% off sitewide with code EXTRA25 across its full lineup of fruit trees and shrubs.
Find storage and countertop must-haves for less.
Glass storage containers, 24-pieces: $35.99 (64% off)
Ninja SLUSHi frozen drink maker: $259.99 (26% off)
Silicone baking sheets: $8.99 (10% off)
Original price: $15.99
Keep knives razor sharp with this four-slot sharpener that also sharpens kitchen scissors. The non-slip base and soft-grip handle help keep it steady while you work, and it even comes with a protective glove.
Original price: $239.95
At 5.5 inches wide, the Vertuo Next fits well into tight counter spaces, and the Premium bundle throws in the Aeroccino3 frother that usually costs extra. Five brew sizes cover everything from a single espresso to an 18-oz carafe, while the machine reads each capsule's barcode to adjust the brewing settings.
Original price: $149.95
This Cuisinart air fryer comes with five presets: roast, bake, broil, air fry and keep warm, making mealtime easier. Its 6-quart capacity is big enough for a whole chicken or wings for four, yet small enough that it doesn't eat up too much counter space.
Sleep easier with these supportive mattresses — now up to 74% off.
Sealy Cool medium memory foam mattress: $365.99 (69% off)
Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress: $649 (60% off)
Avocado green mattress: $1,359 (15% off)
Sleep Innovations green tea memory foam mattress: $386.99 (10% off)
Original price: $3,081.99
Save over $2,280 on this supportive ComforPedic memory foam mattress. The firm construction can relieve pressure on the joints and eliminates motion transfer between both partners and pets.
READ MORE: Last-chance Memorial Day mattress deals: Save up to 66% on Nectar, Helix and more
Original price: $2,179
Right now, you can save over $300 on Saatva's classic mattress, designed to balance softness and support. The 3-inch Euro pillow top offers a plush, hotel-style feel, while the lumbar support zone is designed to help promote proper spinal alignment.
Original price: $2,099
The Nolah Natural mattress is made with organic latex and hypoallergenic materials, including an organic cotton cover that's breathable, soft and machine-washable. Get it now while it's over $700 off.
Find discounts on Apple, Jackery, Insignia and more.
Jackery solar generator 2000 Plus kit: $2,599 (61% off)
Insignia 55-inch TV: $199.99 (43% off)
Theragun Mini (Gen 3): $131.99 (40% off)
Original price: $129
Apple's AirPods rarely drop close to $100, making Memorial Day a good time to buy. The sound in this model is designed to feel more immersive, with improved voice isolation for clearer calls and audio. AirPods with built-in noise cancellation are also on sale right now.
Original price: $1,099
Apple doesn't discount its MacBook Air 13-inch often, which is why this $200-off deal is an excellent pickup. It doubles the standard memory to 16GB and comes with Apple's M5 chip and 12MP Center Stage camera — all in one lightweight package.
Original price: $399
For $100 off, the Apple Watch Series 11 acts as a personal health assistant on your wrist. It lets you take ECG at any time and monitors your heart rate, alerting you if it's too high or low. Workout features like the personalized Workout Buddy and three months of Apple Fitness+ for free encourage you to stay active.
READ MORE: This week's best Apple deals — Up to 78% off AirPods, MacBooks and more
Original price: $99.99
Ring's newest doorbell model gives you 66% more viewing coverage than previous generations. It sends real-time alerts when it detects motion in your yard or a package gets delivered. A built-in battery recharges via a USB-C cord.
Original price: $398
Sony's flagship WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones rarely hit $150 off, so now's your chance to snag a pair. Eight microphones power advanced noise cancellation for flights and long drives, and the 30-hour battery can handle a full holiday weekend on one charge.
Original price: $11.99
This multi-plug outlet runs up to 10 devices at once with six AC outlets, two USB-A ports and two USB-C spots. The built-in surge protector prevents any sudden power spikes from damaging your electronics.
Start your DIY projects with these tool deals from Craftsman, DeWalt and more.
Craftsman battery set: $79 (47% off)
Craftsman drill and driver set: $99 (41% off)
DeWalt circular saw: $129 (19% off)
Original price: $679
Memorial Day is the best to upgrade your tool setup, and this DeWalt five-tool combo kit makes it easy. The set includes a drill and compact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw and multi-tool, along with a carrying case. All tools are battery-powered for added convenience at home or on the job site.
READ MORE: This week's best tool deals: DeWalt, Craftsman, Kobalt and more starting at $20
Original price: $49.99
This lightweight mini electric chainsaw uses an 880-watt motor to cut through branches with ease, while a built-in security lock helps prevent accidental activation — all for just $30.
This weekend, grab deals on cooling pajamas, supportive sneakers and more.
Levi's women's 501 shorts: $38.97 (40% off)
New Balance men's cross trainers: $54.97 (31% off)
Women's one-piece swimsuit: $34.99 (18% off)
Original price: $35.99
Relax in style with this breathable pajama set, which includes a button-down shirt and slightly oversized shorts. A blend of spandex and soft rayon creates a lightweight fabric with stretch for added comfort.
Original price: $92
Get these Skechers for $15 off on Amazon. The slip-on design makes them hands-free, while a cushioned insole provides added support for everyday use. A thicker heel is designed to hold up well with regular wear.
READ MORE: Memorial Day final hours: Under-$25 Amazon deals on Stanley, Hanes, Neutrogena and more
Original price: $54.95
Save $20 on these classic Levi's shorts, available in a range of washes. The regular fit through the thigh offers room to move without feeling too loose.
Original price: $41.99
A floral maxi dress looks flattering on summer days, and the long length helps prevent dreaded sunburns. With dozens of floral options, you can customize this dress to match your style, whether you prefer bright tropical prints or softer, more neutral options.
Original price: $44.99
This knee-length dress has a slight ruffle along the bottom that adds a fun touch without feeling overly dressing, making it a great option for any summer outing. Choose from dozens of colors and a few floral patterns.
Look and feel your best with these deals.
Neutrogena ultra sheer dry-touch sunscreen (SPF 70): $5.51 (59% off)
Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer: $349 (22% off)
EltaMD UV Clear Face sunscreen SPF: $36 (20% off)
Original price: $29.99
Retinol creams routinely cost $50 or more, which is why this LilyAna serum has racked up 39,000+ reviews and a 4.4-star average at $22. The formula pairs retinol with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and shea butter to cut down on the dryness retinol is known for.
Original price: $38.99
Since some drugstore strips cause sensitivity, the InoPro strips skips that by using arbutin and coconut oil to lift stains. Each kit covers 14 treatments (28 strips total), which is enough for a full whitening cycle ahead of summer events.
Original price: $31
Each pad of these Medicube toner pads has two sides, which replaces the toner and exfoliant step in your skincare routine in one swipe. The formula uses 4.5% AHA lactic acid and 0.45% BHA salicylic acid to clear pores and excess oil, so it works well for anyone dealing with skin congestion.
Original price: $68
GrandeLASH-MD is one of the most consistently reviewed lash serums on Amazon, with results typically showing in 4-6 weeks of nightly application along the upper lash line. The peptide and vitamin formula targets length and fullness, and the 2mL bottle lasts about three months.
Get ready for your next trip with discounted luggage and travel accessories.
Neck pillow: $15.59 (29% off)
Anti-theft messenger bag: $63.99 (27% off)
Travel cubes: $27.99 (15% off)
Original price: $479.99
Amazon shoppers bought Samsonite's highly-rated two-piece luggage set more than 1,000 times in the past month. It's currently $198 off, making it a strong value for a matching set. The hard shell is designed to withstand tough travel, while the 360-degree spinner wheels help you move more easily through the airport.
READ MORE: Get 50% off this UV-protection shirt on Amazon before Memorial Day ends — just $15
Original price: $34.99
A Bagsmart tote offers a lightweight way to travel without the extra bulk. The design is easy to carry while still built for everyday use, and multiple interior and exterior pockets keep essentials within reach. For just under $30, it's a versatile bag you can take almost anywhere.
Original price: $20.99
This compact power strip adds three outlets and four USB ports, making it a practical travel companion for a cruise or during a short hotel stay. The packable design features an extendable cord that weeps around the outer shell for easy storage in a carry-on.
Snag discounts on products you use every day, from trash bags to disinfectant wipes.
Mrs. Meyer's cleaning spray, 3-pack: $14.82 (18% off)
Clorox disinfecting wipes, 3-pack: $12.78 (15% off)
Glad trash bags: $19.97 (15% off)
Original price: $3.85
For about $3, this citrus-scented Lysol spray offers an affordable way to clean your kitchen. The all-purpose formula works on grease, grime and everyday messes without leaving behind an oily residue.
For more Deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Original price: $13.99
Help reduce fire risk and improve drying performance with this vent-cleaning kit. The all-purpose formula works on grease, grime and everyday messes without leaving behind an oily residue.
If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get some of these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
FOX News Deals Memorial Day 2026: HexClad Memorial Day sales | Biggest Amazon Memorial Day discounts | GlassesUSA Memorial Day sale | Memorial Day tech deals | Best Memorial Day deals under $25 | Memorial Day mattress sales | Memorial Day Amazon weekend deals | Wayfair Memorial Day sale | What our team is buying for Memorial Day | Adirondack chair Memorial Day deal

From great value cashmere to sumptuously soft sheets, fashion editor Jessica Burrell reveals her wishlist

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Tried and tested by her teens, Helen Wilson-Beevers reveals the presents they’d actually choose

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It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas thanks to Penhaligon’s

© Hansveni Dave/The Standard
The maritime boundary agreement reached between Turkey and Libya, which was ratified by the Libyan parliament on Tuesday, “infringes on the sovereign rights of third states”, the European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Wednesday, after she met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Brussels.
“I had an extensive discussion with my colleague Hakan Fidan on a range of issues. Good neighbourly relations and advancing the Cyprus settlement process are of high importance. I raised yesterday’s Libyan vote … and stressed that it infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states,” she said after the meeting.
Away from the matter of the eastern Mediterranean, she said that she had also spoken to Fidan about “Russia’s dangerous Black Sea escalation”, which has seen commercial vessels be targeted by missile fire, and that she had “emphasised the need to step up the pressure on Moscow to end the war”.
“The EU and Turkey both support a Black Sea freedom of navigation arrangement,” she said.
She said that she and Fidan had also “addressed developments in the south Caucasus and across the Middle East”, and on this front said that “Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and Yemen are textbook terror tactics and must end”, and that “in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is making shipping dangerous and expenses”.
“Freedom of navigation must be restored without tolls or fees,” she added.
Fidan made no statement after the meeting.
The maritime agreement was unanimously passed by Libya’s parliament on Tuesday, some seven years after it had initially been signed by the internationally recognised Libyan government and Turkey in 2019.
However, Greece and the Republic of Cyprus object to the deal, saying that Turkey and Libya do not share a maritime border because islands are each entitled to a full exclusive economic zone, and that therefore, the sea in question belongs to Cyprus and Crete. Turkey’s position is that islands are not entitled to a full EEZ.
Wednesday’s meeting came after European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had said that they “deeply regret” the Libyan parliament’s ratification of the deal, which, they said, “infringes upon the sovereign rights of third states”, “does not comply with the law of the sea”, and “is null and void”.
“We reaffirm our solidarity with Greece and Cyprus. We reiterate the EU’s well-known position against any outside interference in Libya,” they said.
On the other side of the argument, Turkey’s presidential press office director Burhanettin Duran described Tuesday’s vote as “an important advancement towards protecting the shared rights and interests of both nations in the eastern Mediterranean, establishing maritime jurisdiction areas on the basis of equity, and strengthening regional cooperation”.
“Under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey will continue to safeguard its rights and interests within the Blue Homeland, while further developing its relations with friendly and brotherly Libya and promoting equitable resource sharing, peace, and stability in the eastern Mediterranean”.

From satin bombers to faux fur jackets, I’ve found the M&S jackets that are bound to sell out

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The record-breaking romantasy series continues with ‘A Court of Splintered Harmony’ and ‘A Court of Forgotten Melody’

© Amazon/Alamy Stock Photo/The Standard
President Nikos Christodoulides received a delegation from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) at the presidential palace on Wednesday, with both sides pledging to strengthen relations between Cyprus, the United States and Israel.
The delegation was led by outgoing Aipac president Dr Bernard Kaminetsky and president-elect Yehuda Neuberger, who stressed that Aipac would continue to back Cyprus’ interests in Washington.
Talks reportedly covered the Cyprus issue and efforts to accelerate the “3+1” mechanism, which brings together Cyprus, Greece and Israel with the United States.
Members also attended a Nicosia ceremony honouring Jewish refugees and the children born between 1946 and 1949 at the former British military hospital.
Six MPs recently launched a Cyprus chapter of the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF), those being Andreas Apostolou and Chrysis Pantelides of Diko, George Karoullas and Charalambos Petrides of Disy, and Sotiris Ioannou and Marios Pelekanos of Elam.
A Cyprus chapter of Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) had likewise been set up two weeks earlier with MPs from the same parties.
Akel called the move “extremely provocative” and accused the three parties of turning parliament into a lobby for Israel.
Aipac is an American pro-Israel lobbying group that advocates policies strengthening the US-Israel relationship.
It was founded in 1954 as the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs by Isaiah L Kenen, a lobbyist for the Israeli government.
It is considered one of the most influential lobbying groups in the United States and reports more than five million members and 17 regional offices.
Critics have condemned Aipac as being an agent of the Israeli government and does not represent the diversity of views among American Jews.

Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides on Tuesday urged members of the public to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use defibrillators, stressing that immediate action by ordinary citizens can mean the difference between life and death.
Speaking at a Cyprus Resuscitation Council event to mark World Restart a Heart Day, Charalambides emphasised the importance of public awareness and training in responding to cardiac arrest.
“Cardiac arrest is an emergency in which every second counts,” he said. “Early recognition, an immediate call for help and the start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation can make the difference between life and death.”
The minister stressed that lifesaving intervention is not solely the responsibility of healthcare professionals.
“Most of us associate saving a life with healthcare professionals. In the case of cardiac arrest, however, first aid may need to be provided by a relative, a colleague or a passerby,” he said.
He noted that the first few minutes before an ambulance arrives are critical, making public familiarity with CPR and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) essential.
“These are skills that can prove decisive in saving a human life,” he said, adding that education and the wider dissemination of this knowledge should be a priority.
Charalambides praised the Cyprus Resuscitation Council, which is marking 20 years of activity, for its contribution to raising awareness and encouraging more citizens to receive training.
The minister said improving the prevention and effective response to cardiac arrest required cooperation between the state, healthcare professionals, educational institutions and civil society.
“Behind every cardiac arrest is a person, a family and a life that deserves every possible chance,” he said.
“Every citizen who receives training and every defibrillator that is available and accessible can strengthen efforts for timely intervention.”
He encouraged people to attend CPR courses and promote similar training in workplaces, schools and communities.
“I hope we never have to put what we learn into practice,” Charalambides concluded. “But if we do, we may become the reason another person’s heart continues to beat.”

The energy ministry on Wednesday said it is no longer accepting applications for people to receive grants as part of the “save and upgrade homes” scheme, as all the available funds have now been allocated, just a day and a half after applications opened.
It said that interest in the scheme was “particularly high”, and that this had meant that after applications opened on Tuesday, the planned €20 million budget had already been reached, and that as such, an extra €7.5 million was then allocated to the scheme from funds which had been allocated but not used for previous government schemes.
Now, however, with that amount also having been reached, the ministry says it is no longer accepting applications.
It had initially been foreseen that applications would remain open until December 30, with the scheme having been devised to allow homeowners to undertake a range of projects on their homes to improve their energy efficiency.
These include the installation of thermal insulation, the replacement of windows and doors, the installation of solar water heaters, the installation of high-efficiency air conditioning units, and the installation of solar panels.
Beneficiaries were entitled to a maximum of €32,000 per household.

After the success of her first footwear collection, Molly-Mae is revisiting the Samba, this time in an understated colourway

© Adidas Originals/The Standard
House speaker Annita Demetriou ordered on Wednesday an investigation into how the House services published personal data of MPs’ family members.
Demetriou asked the services to prepare a report of facts on exactly what happened and to comply strictly with all that the relevant legislation requires.
The mistake saw information that should never have been posted appear on the Parliament website alongside the annual asset declarations (pothen esches), with the issue expected to be discussed by the House institutions committee.
Disy MP George Pamboridis, who topped the published ranking with declared net assets of €3.37 million, raised the prospect of criminal liability.
Speaking on CyBC, he said that when Parliament releases information whose disclosure by any other party would be an offence, “it is still a criminal offence”.
“Criminal offences do not distinguish between who commits them and who does not.”
Pamboridis said the aim was not to punish individuals but to establish procedures that serve the public interest.
He called for an investigation to examine the data and said that if it was found to breach the law, the attorney-general’s office should bring a prosecution.
He also criticised the way politicians’ declarations are presented, calling it “populism” that “feeds gossip and nothing more”.
Alma MP Irene Charalambides wrote to Demetriou stating that the House had breached its own legislation.
According to her letter, the website carried parts of declarations that the law expressly bars from publication, including personal data of spouses and reconciliation statements submitted to the tax commission.
Despite Parliament’s announcement that the declarations had been withdrawn, they remained online until late on Tuesday.
Charalambides said the law was passed by the same House “to serve transparency without sacrificing the rights of third parties”.
She rejected any claim of oversight or time pressure, saying the deadlines and procedures were known.
The issue is not technical. It is a question of accountability,” she wrote, adding that “a simple apology would not close the matter”.
She also asked that those affected be told in writing what was made public, that the data protection commission be informed and that steps be taken to limit further spread of the data.
The personal data protection authority has since intervened, having contacted the House and asked for the disputed data and links to be removed from websites where they remained accessible.
It is awaiting formal notification of the breach under Article 33 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires this without undue delay and, where feasible, within 72 hours of the controller becoming aware of the incident.
The authority said it would assess the extent of the violation and the measures taken before deciding on any action.
The data fall outside publication under the 2024 law governing the submission and audit of asset declarations by the President, ministers and MPs.
