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.
The PM is considering sending thousands of interceptor drones to the Gulf to strengthen regional air and maritime defences amid threats from Iran. The plan aims to protect shipping and allied sites, with ministers weighing costs, timelines and coordination with partners.
An alleged Epstein victim says he sent her to Mohamed Al Fayed, claiming the former Harrods owner assaulted her on a yacht in St Tropez. She says Epstein arranged the encounter and controlled her movements. Lawyers urge a full investigation into the alleged trafficking.
An incident at a UAE oil depot, attributed to Iran, escalates Gulf tensions and raises risks to shipping and energy supply. In response, there are calls for a Royal Navy presence in the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard routes.
Reports allege Jeffrey Epstein supplied Peter Mandelson with illegal drugs and arranged Botox while he served in government, increasing pressure on the PM over a decision to appoint him US ambassador.
Applications for UK citizenship hit a record in 2025, with 291,971 people applying, up from 253,757 in 2024. Analysts cite earlier high non‑EU migration and political signals on welfare, NHS access and housing. Grants of citizenship have also risen to the highest since 2013.
Prince Harry is reportedly incensed by a new book’s claim he was “brainwashed”, allegedly tied to a remark attributed to Camilla about Meghan’s influence. Sources close to the couple reject the portrayal as unfounded, while the palace declines comment amid renewed strain.
A former Gladiators star says she called police after being stalked by two people and now fears for her safety.
Energy Sec Ed Miliband pledged to keep household bills down amid fuel supply fears from Middle East tensions affecting key shipping lanes. He backed Ofgem to use fines, rebates and direct orders on suppliers, urging calm as forecourt demand surged.