Israel’s PM said the regime in Tehran cannot be removed by air power alone, arguing any campaign would need a ground element. He linked the crisis to rising risks for oil and shipping and sought continued Western backing, while critics warned of escalation and economic fallout.
Market turmoil from escalating Middle East tensions has led lenders to withdraw mortgage deals. The Bank of England warns inflation could rise, prompting up to three base-rate increases this year, lifting repayments for millions and heightening unemployment risks.
Saudi Arabia signalled it may take military action against Iran after incidents at Gulf energy sites pushed global oil and gas prices higher. Riyadh warned that further aggression will trigger a response, while markets and shipping lanes assess heightened risks to regional stability.
The Covid inquiry finds frontline staff’s efforts prevented NHS collapse. Chair Baroness Hallett praises a “superhuman” response, but criticises years of underfunding and unclear messaging—especially “Stay Home”—for leaving services ill-prepared and deterring patients from seeking care.
A Labrador called Stanley dug up a Victorian poison bottle in his owner’s garden, offering a key clue to a 160‑year‑old local mystery. Experts think it originated from a 19th‑century chemist, helping explain reports of suspicious incidents recorded at the time.
UK energy bills set to surge after incidents at key Gulf gas facilities cut LNG output. Wholesale prices jumped about 25%, with analysts warning costs could remain elevated for years. Inflation risks may force further rate rises, tightening pressure on households and firms.
Middle East tensions are pushing up oil and gas costs, threatening a renewed rise in UK inflation. The Bank of England kept rates steady but signalled it stands ready to tighten further to contain price pressures, warning households to brace for higher energy and fuel bills.
Global markets slid as investors priced in a prolonged energy shock linked to a geopolitical crisis. Oil and European gas jumped, inflation risks mounted and bond yields rose. Central banks cautioned that price pressures may persist, lifting expectations of faster tightening across the West.
Iran issued a fresh warning over Gulf shipping, heightening fears of an energy crunch. Delayed cargoes and higher risk premiums lifted oil and gas prices. Ministers and suppliers warned of pressure on bills, urging calm while contingency measures and diplomatic channels are pursued.
An independent review finds the PM’s ‘stay at home’ Covid messaging deterred people from seeking urgent care, leaving thousands without lifesaving treatment. It urges clearer risk communication and stronger NHS triage to protect non-Covid services during future health emergencies.
ABBA Voyage’s creators have acquired rights to Tina Turner’s image and songs, paving the way for an avatar-led concert show. Pophouse, co-founded by Bjorn Ulvaeus, plans an immersive production modelled on the ABBA residency; timetable and venue are yet to be announced.
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.