Christmas 2012

In the UK revellers debt will make Christmas a time of misery for millions. As families struggle to pay for gifts and food by taking out payday loans with eye-watering interest rates, Millionaire moneylender Jeffrey Weiss will be rubbing his hands in festive glee. His phenomenal multi-million pound fortune, luxury homes and fleet of expensive cars are all built on profits from the controversial short-term loans. Meanwhile, across the country the start of the Christmas break was celebrated by many hitting bars, pubs and clubs in a big way. Despite the appalling weather, partygoers were determined to let their hair down and get into the festive spirit. In several towns and cities young women were snapped in skimpy Santa outfits undeterred by the pouring rain. But in some places the booze flowed a bit too freely, and violence erupted in several parts. Also, hundreds of people faced a miserable Christmas in rescue centres last night after being forced to flee their flood-hit homes. And thousands more fear they could join them, with torrential rain forecast for at least another TWO days. Festive travel plans were also plunged into chaos. Rail passengers were told not to use trains in the SOUTH-WEST and WALES because of flooded tracks — and driving conditions were hazardous. In Spain thousands of people marched in 55 cities across the country on Monday... ....protesting against the government’s failure to keep its promise and link pensions to the inflation rate – among a long list of other complaints.