A fugitive from overseas allegedly sought to create a private force that would oversee key smuggling corridors from Africa to Europe, prompting heightened concern among Western officials over potential security threats.

The PM is considering accelerating national defence spending, while an opposition leader indicates the nation stands ready to expand its security commitments on the global stage.

The architect of a proposed Chagos arrangement has been raided over an alleged “cash scam,” prompting Starmer to call for halting the island handover after a former Mauritian PM was interrogated, amid concerns about Britain’s stance on the issue.