Iran threatened action against oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, prompting evacuations and sparking fears crude could hit $200 a barrel. The warning followed an incident at a major gas field. Analysts say global energy security and prices face heightened risk.
UK officers are working with the US on plans to reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz, keeping shipping moving and protecting energy supplies. The step follows recent incidents affecting Gulf infrastructure and a rise in oil prices.
Starmer signals a shift on immigration, with proposals that could let about 1.6m long‑term residents gain the right to stay. The PM has softened earlier rhetoric after pressure from Rayner. Backers say it offers fairness and certainty; critics warn it may encourage further arrivals.
Energy prices rose after an incident severely damaged the world’s largest LNG plant in the Gulf, which supplies about a fifth of global gas. The UK is assessing inflation and security risks as oil gained around 6%, with markets wary of further disruption to regional energy infrastructure.
Met chief Sir Mark Rowley has asked US authorities to release unredacted Epstein files so UK police can review potential offences. Officers are examining a broad range of allegations, and the papers may include material on Andrew’s alleged misconduct, increasing pressure for transparency.
A UK publisher has barred AI firms from using its content for training after a government U-turn on text‑and‑data mining restored opt‑out rights. The move aims to stop unauthorised scraping by big tech, protect the value of journalism and secure fair compensation.
Speculation over a U-turn on migration policy grew as No 10 refused to confirm planned tougher rules. Labour infighting intensified, with leadership rivals challenging the PM’s stance and pressing for clarity on measures to control arrivals and enforcement.
US rates were kept on hold, but the Fed signalled it still aims to cut later this year despite a jump in oil prices. Powell said inflation is easing, though geopolitical risks cloud the outlook. Markets read the guidance as steady progress towards loosening, contingent on data.
Israel carried out a military operation against Iran’s South Pars gasfield, part of the world’s largest. The move pushed oil prices higher and prompted warnings of retaliation, raising concerns over energy security and the risk of wider regional instability.
Top doctors warn the NHS is unprepared for another Covid‑level pandemic, citing overrun A&Es, corridor care and record waiting lists. A meningitis uptick has heightened concern. The Covid inquiry’s next report is due, while the health secretary says plans are robust and outbreaks contained.
MSPs rejected plans to legalise assisted dying. Campaigners vowed to keep pressing for a safeguarded choice for terminally ill adults, arguing the debate is unfinished. Opponents hailed the result as protecting vulnerable people and called for stronger palliative care.
Donald Trump accuses the BBC of bias against his approach to the Iran crisis, saying it undermines his objectives. He claims UK–US ties were better before Starmer and hints at a reset, praising earlier cooperation and signalling a tougher stance on the broadcaster.
Health authorities have declared a national incident after a meningitis B outbreak linked to a Canterbury nightclub. Two students have died and more than a dozen are in hospital. UKHSA is tracing contacts and rolling out urgent MenB vaccinations for students to curb further spread.
Officials have declared a national incident over a meningitis outbreak, described as the worst in a generation. Cases have spread beyond Kent to London and France. Two students have died and a baby is in intensive care. Public health teams are tracing contacts and urging vaccination.
UK sources say Geneva talks had brought a new Iran nuclear deal close, with tougher inspections and phased sanctions relief under discussion. A senior UK adviser noted the surprising progress, but a subsequent regional crisis halted the negotiations.
A senior US security official appointed by Trump issues an open letter claiming the case for military action against Iran was false, urging the President to end the campaign. He resigns from his counterterror role amid mounting controversy.
Analysts warn UK households could pay up to £1,300 more within months as Middle East tensions disrupt oil routes and push up energy costs. They say US moves under Trump are amplifying price pressures on fuel and food, risking faster inflation and possible rate action.
Health chiefs warn of rising meningitis cases linked across the Channel. People are urged to avoid kissing and sharing drinks, look out for fever, headache and neck stiffness, and seek prompt medical advice if unwell. Vaccination eligibility and hygiene guidance are being reinforced.
The head of the US counterterror centre resigned, revealing splits in Trump’s circle over policy on Iran. He said there was no imminent threat and criticised lobbying influence. The departure raises doubts about strategy and pressures Washington and allies to seek restraint.
Hospice leaders and MPs warn of a funding emergency, saying patients are left in NHS corridors without adequate pain relief as services and staff are cut. They urge urgent government support and a long‑term settlement to stabilise end‑of‑life care nationwide.
After allies refused to send naval support in the Strait of Hormuz, the US president said his country does not need Nato. The stance left him increasingly isolated, while his counterterrorism chief resigned, saying Iran posed no imminent threat and questioning the strategy.
Rachel Reeves unveils a multibillion‑pound push to make the UK a leader in AI and quantum computing, including a nationwide rollout of supercomputers. She says it will create jobs, lift productivity and stem the brain drain, with benefits for health, energy and transport.