Donald Trump rebuked Starmer, calling it “terrible” that Britain declined to send Royal Navy ships to the Gulf to help secure shipping. He warned this could strain transatlantic defence ties. The PM said the UK will support allies while avoiding being drawn into wider military action.
Emergency measures are under way to curb a meningitis outbreak linked to student nightlife, with antibiotics offered to thousands. Officials faced criticism for a day’s delay in issuing alerts. Universities are advising close contacts and monitoring cases.
Officials launch urgent contact tracing after a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury linked to a nightclub over three nights. Thousands who attended are urged to seek medical advice and antibiotics. A university and three schools are affected; two deaths have been confirmed.
Britain is negotiating a Royal Navy role with allies to end a Gulf oil blockade and reopen a vital shipping lane. Minehunting ships and interceptor drones are being readied, with the PM insisting any involvement stays limited. The UK is coordinating closely with the US, France and Gulf partners.
Two students have died and 11 are ill after a meningitis outbreak in Canterbury, with one critical. Cases are linked to a city nightclub. University of Kent students queued for antibiotics as health officials trace contacts and advise urgent treatment amid concern over a possible new strain.
Starmer says the UK will resist US pressure to take part in military action against Iran, calling it a difficult decision. He ruled out sending Royal Navy ships and dismissed threats tied to Nato, stressing Britain’s commitment to the alliance while prioritising diplomacy with European partners.
The father of 18-year-old Juliette, who died from meningitis, says the family are beyond devastated and struggling to find words. The case has sparked fresh appeals to recognise symptoms early and ensure vaccinations are up to date.
Rachel Reeves faces claims she is blaming Brexit for economic problems rather than her decisions. Opponents urge her to prioritise growth. She is due to set out plans today, with scrutiny on how they tackle living costs, productivity and the public finances.
Angela Rayner is courting City leaders to calm investors, pledging no lurch to the left. She signals Labour will keep to fiscal rules, maintain a predictable tax and regulatory path, and work with business to spur investment and growth while avoiding market shocks.
World leaders rejected Donald Trump’s call for a military response to Iran, refusing to send warships. Isolated after his threats, he also criticised Starmer and warned NATO allies. The focus shifted to energy security, with most urging diplomacy and restraint over escalation.
Germany and the UK have declined a US request to deploy naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, saying it falls outside Nato’s remit. The PM said Britain will not be drawn into a wider confrontation. The US president voiced frustration as partners resist patrols of the vital oil route.
Keir Starmer has declined a request from Donald Trump to deploy Royal Navy warships to the Strait of Hormuz, favouring diplomacy and sanctions while coordinating with allies. Tehran claims it will decide access to the shipping lane; London urges de-escalation and protection of commercial traffic.
The PM has declined a request from President Trump to send Royal Navy ships to a contested strait as part of a joint effort to reopen a vital shipping lane. No 10 says diplomacy should lead. Several European capitals are also reluctant to commit naval assets amid concerns over escalation and trade risk.
Meningitis has led to two deaths, linked to a social event in Canterbury, with 11 others seriously ill. UKHSA has alerted about 30,000 students and staff to watch for symptoms. Those affected include a University of Kent student and a sixth-former.
Ministers are considering deploying minesweeping drones to keep a key oil route open, wary that sending Royal Navy warships at Washington’s request could escalate tensions. The drones would clear suspected mines to protect tankers and maintain energy flows while limiting the UK’s footprint.
Paula Hudgell says plans for a national Child Cruelty Register include a loophole that would exclude people convicted of ABH or GBH. She urges ministers to add violent offenders, rejecting claims this would overburden police and arguing public protection must come first.
India says talks with Tehran secured safe passage for two gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, showing diplomacy as the best path to ease shipping risks. The US urged China, the UK and France to provide naval support, while Tehran dismissed claims it was seeking a truce.
Jeremy Clarkson jokes he should become Iran’s Supreme Leader, saying the country needs a universally loved figure and he’s “the man in the driver’s seat”. The tongue‑in‑cheek pitch riffs on his motoring image and prompts debate over celebrities wading into politics.
A report says NHS hospitals routinely sedate and restrain people with dementia due to bed pressures, fostering a “containment culture” that sidelines therapy and reduces chances of returning home. Experts call for urgent reform, improved staffing and stronger oversight.
The PM will unveil help with energy bills, starting with support for households using heating oil, and a wider scheme to follow. The UK is preparing to deploy drones and uncrewed boats to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Disrupted routes are pushing up prices of fresh produce.
An ex-US security adviser says Trump recognises he’s in trouble over Iran policy, having failed to set clear aims. Tehran denies a reported US plea for talks, while the oil crisis worsens, intensifying pressure on Washington.