Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone, Barry McElduff sparked outrage when he posted a video in which he had a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head – on the 42nd anniversary of the Kingsmill massacre. Mr McElduff later deleted the video and apologised. The only survivor of the massacre, Alan Black, told the BBC that he believed the social media post was “depraved” and “designed to hurt”.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed that a cabinet reshuffle is imminent. In an interview with the BBC’s Andrew Marr, Mrs May defended her record and set out her plans for the coming year in what commentators have described as a bid to relaunch her premiership after a difficult 2017. Elsewhere, 20 British MEPs signed a letter to Mrs May urging her to change course on Brexit and seek full membership of the European single market and customs union.

US President Donald Trump described a new book on his presidency, which raises questions over his mental health, as “a work of fiction”. Michael Wolff’s book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, went on sale early despite attempts by Mr Trump’s lawyers to block its publication. The author claims it is based on first-hand reporting and more than 200 interviews with top White House administration and other figures.

Iran’s largest public display of discontent since 2009’s Green Movement has resulted in 21 deaths and 450 arrests, restricted access to social media applications by the government there. CNN reported that they have been sparked by a reaction to Iran’s crackling economy, corruption and rising fuel and food prices. US President, Donald Trump declared his support for the protests. The UK  called on Iran to engage in a “meaningful debate” on the issues the demonstrators have raised.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she is hopeful that fresh talks at forming a coalition can succeed. More than three months after a general election, Germany is still without a new government. Five-day talks will include Mrs Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU), its sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democrats (SPD). As reported by the BBC, many commentators see this as her last chance to form a stable coalition.

Also published on Medium.