Rwanda’s Kagame to run for third term
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame confirms he will seek re-election for a third term in 2017 after constitutional changes that could allow him to stay in power until 2034. BBC News – Africa
Craig Taylor
Banking inquiry shelved by regulator
The City regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, has shelved plans for an inquiry into the culture, pay and behaviour of staff in banking. BBC News – Business
Terror alerts for New Year celebrations
Security services are on high alert across Europe, and in Turkey, amid fears of terror attacks at New Year celebrations. BBC News – Europe
Venezuela court blocks new MPs
Venezuela’s high court suspends the inauguration of three opposition MPs due to take office next week, undoing the majority the opposition won in elections. BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean
Syria blasts ‘kill at least 16’
At least 16 people are killed in two suicide bomb attacks at restaurants in a Kurdish-controlled city in Syria. BBC News – Middle East
Labour anger at Crosby knighthood
The knighthood awarded to Lynton Crosby, who helped the Conservatives win May’s election, is “outrageous”, Labour’s Andy Burnham says. BBC News – UK