Ex-ministers and former military leaders urge the PM to double defence spending to 5% of GDP, calling it a “1936 moment”. They say current plans—about 2.4%, with a pledge to reach 2.5%—are inadequate and accuse him of lacking candour on MoD funding.
Trump withdrew US backing for the UK’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, criticising the PM. The State Department reversed earlier support. No 10 says the agreement protects security and the US presence at Diego Garcia, as Conservatives step up criticism.
Donald Trump urged the PM not to proceed with a deal over the Chagos Islands, arguing the Diego Garcia base is crucial for UK–US security operations in the region. He warned a handover to Mauritius would weaken Western defence. Downing Street says no decision has been taken.
A former Norfolk farmer has left a £2.5m estate to a pub landlady who supported him after his release from prison. He died last year, naming her sole beneficiary. Her husband said their bond was like family.
The government plans to require platforms to remove non-consensual intimate images and deepfakes within 48 hours or face heavy fines and potential blocking in the UK. The PM will hand Ofcom stronger powers to enforce compliance, aiming to protect victims and curb AI-enabled abuse.
Brooklyn Beckham is regularly seen wearing a rose-gold 2020 Patek Philippe Nautilus valued at around £220k, given to him by his father for his 21st birthday.
Surrey Police appeal for witnesses to allegations of trafficking and assault linked to newly released Epstein files. The Met is reviewing claims that Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor’s former bodyguards may hold evidence, as ministers and MPs urge him to give evidence to Parliament.
A survivor of grooming abuse says her request to meet the PM has been ignored. She and others allege the national inquiry is flawed and tightly managed, breaking trust with survivors. She seeks a meeting and accountability. No 10 has not responded.
Christine Lagarde is poised to exit the ECB early, allowing Macron and Merz to agree her successor. The move, expected before the French election, is intended to steady policy direction and counter the risk that rising Eurosceptic sentiment disrupts the choice.
A drill performer convicted of robberies twice absconded, then posted a video saying “I just broke out” while taunting ministers. He faces deportation. The case has intensified scrutiny of prison security and the handling of offenders awaiting removal.
IFS warns the chancellor’s fixation on fiscal rules is leading to poor decisions and could derail her promise of sustainable public finances. It urges relaxing self‑imposed debt targets that block borrowing for day‑to‑day spending and require debt to fall by 2029‑30.
Ministers are weighing dropping Labour’s promise to give 18–24s the full national living wage, amid claims it deters hiring. With about one in six young adults out of work, options include keeping age bands or phasing rises to ease costs for employers; unions argue pay should be equal.
Rachel Reeves has rejected MoD pleas for extra funds, despite warnings of a £28bn equipment shortfall. Military chiefs say capabilities could be pared back without a near-term uplift. The PM faces pressure before the Budget to set a path to 2.5% of GDP on defence.
Nigel Farage named a Reform UK “cabinet” dominated by ex-Tories, including Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman and Richard Tice. The team outlined tax cuts and reforms affecting worker rights and the NHS. Critics say this would favour the wealthy and risk services; supporters argue it could boost growth.
Essex Police are assessing material from newly released files as they become the fourth UK force to examine claims that a convicted US financier trafficked women to the UK on private flights via Stansted, increasing scrutiny on a senior royal linked in the documents.
Gordon Ramsay says a harsh childhood drove him to be a more attentive father. He reflects on family pressures and admits feeling guilt over his brother’s struggles, noting how their upbringing shaped them in different ways.
With unemployment at 5.2%, Conservatives argue Labour’s job taxes deter hiring and ambition, saying millions want work to pay. They urge tax changes to boost take‑home pay and incentives, framing this as key to growth and fairness.
One in nine homes built in England since 2022 are in areas at significant flood risk, prompting concerns that housing targets are steering development onto vulnerable land. Insurers warn owners may face higher premiums or struggle to get cover, as properties built after 2009 are excluded from Flood Re.
Essex Police are reviewing flight logs and emails tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s aircraft at Stansted’s private terminal amid claims of unlawful trips. Cross-party MPs may launch an inquiry into Andrew’s time as trade envoy after files suggested he shared confidential reports. He could be called to give evidence.
An exiled dissident named as a target by an alleged spy network active in Britain says he takes extreme precautions, fearing poisoning after revelations that a leading opposition figure was killed with a rare toxin. He believes he’s on a hit list and calls for decisive UK action against hostile state operatives.
Ministers scrapped a post-Brexit digital border programme after spending £110m, ending contracts with Deloitte and IBM. Officials said it was not delivering value. Business groups warn the reversal could add red tape and delays, while the government promises a simpler replacement plan.
Internal files suggest the government’s plan to address IPP sentences will fail, leaving at least 520 people still detained without release dates by 2030, 18 years after abolition. The data fuels pressure for resentencing, clearer timelines and improved rehabilitation support.