Half-term getaways face disruption as a jet‑fuel shortage threatens UK airports. Airlines warn cancellations could begin within weeks, with insurers unlikely to cover trips if flights are axed. Supply pressures from refinery issues and shipping delays are blamed; ministers are in talks with industry.
Downing Street has shelved plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after pushback from Washington. The US President called the proposal an “act of stupidity”, and security concerns over Diego Garcia led the PM to drop the enabling legislation.
A superfan has spent £5,000 creating a home shrine to her favourite radio DJ, filling a room with photos and memorabilia. She says her support remains undimmed even after he was dropped from his show.
US inflation rose to a two-year high in March, driven by higher fuel and sticky services costs. Traders cut expectations of early Fed rate cuts, pushing up US Treasury yields and the dollar. The figures point to tighter policy for longer and continued pressure on household budgets.
North Sea oil hit a record, with immediate-delivery barrels near $141. Tensions in the Gulf and risks to the Strait of Hormuz lifted prices, inflating the value of UK reserves, estimated up to £385bn. Pressure grows on ministers to allow more North Sea drilling to bolster energy security and revenues.
A senior royal faces a defamation claim from a health charity he co‑founded in memory of his mother. He resigned as patron last year after a dispute with the chair. The charity alleges damaging online statements and is pursuing legal action; he is expected to contest it.
D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh, 101, urges Britain and its allies to preserve peace through strength. He argues credible deterrence stops aggression, echoing lessons from the 1930s, and calls for investment, resolve and unity as global insecurity rises.
Insiders warn delays to a £300bn Defence Investment Plan risk leaving the UK short of vital equipment and personnel. A former senior commander and industry chiefs cite a procurement vacuum after a Whitehall funding dispute. Pressure mounts on the PM to sign off spending and bolster deterrence with allies.
JD Vance warned against brinkmanship ahead of talks with Iran, setting firm preconditions and insisting key issues are settled before negotiations begin. Washington signalled readiness to take further action if needed, while a fragile ceasefire remains in place.
The PM urged European allies to boost funding for Nato and stand firm despite Trump’s threat to leave the alliance. He said Nato strengthens UK security and is in America’s interests, linking higher living costs to overseas turmoil and calling for a stronger, better-resourced alliance.
The UK tracked three foreign submarines near its waters, suspected of surveying undersea cables. A month-long Royal Navy and RAF operation deterred the activity. Ministers warned that any attempt to damage vital infrastructure will face consequences, pledging continued vigilance.
Melania Trump denied any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, calling claims and images linking them false. She said he did not introduce her to Donald and that they met by chance at a party. She urged Congress to hold hearings to establish the facts and identify any accomplices.
OpenAI has paused a multi-billion-pound UK data centre, citing high energy costs and red tape. The move casts doubt on the government’s AI ambitions, and industry groups warn steep power prices could drive investment elsewhere unless tackled.
Netanyahu called for talks with Lebanon after internationally condemned Israeli military action in Beirut and other areas left over 300 people killed. He indicated willingness to discuss security arrangements in the south and a possible truce, amid rising global pressure.
A hostile state moved sanctioned military supplies through the Channel on tankers escorted by a frigate, according to the Defence Secretary. He also disclosed three submarines sought to monitor UK undersea data cables. No damage occurred, but he called the state the primary threat to UK security.
A driver who failed the UK test but could still drive on an overseas licence killed a pensioner, exposing a loophole that lets motorists continue driving without a pass. Families and MPs demand the rules be tightened, with better checks and swift reform to protect road users.
Protesting fishermen in Corsica blocked ports over rising diesel costs, halting ferries and cruise ships. The disruption left British tourists stranded at Ajaccio, Bastia, Porto-Vecchio and Bonifacio, with travel suspended as authorities faced pressure to end the dispute.
The Navy tracked three suspected spy submarines near UK waters, safeguarding undersea cables. The Defence Secretary said sabotage attempts in the North Atlantic were foiled and issued a clear warning, stressing Britain and allies will defend critical infrastructure and sovereignty.
Brent rose above $100 as restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz tightened supply and underscored a fragile regional truce. With only limited tankers moving, refiners face higher costs, shipping insurance is climbing, and governments are considering releases from strategic reserves.
John Healey said the Royal Navy tracked three foreign submarines near UK waters, close to vital undersea cables and pipelines in the North Atlantic. He warned that any attempt to damage this infrastructure would carry serious consequences, underscoring Britain’s resolve to protect it.
Police are searching for a £2m Fabergé egg stolen from a pub after a bag was taken. The thief later exchanged the jewel for drugs and it has not been recovered. Detectives have appealed for help tracing the piece and a matching watch that was also in the bag.