The PM reaffirmed that the Falkland Islands are British and that islanders’ self-determination is paramount, after reports that Donald Trump plans to review US backing for the UK’s stance. No 10 said policy is unchanged and dismissed any idea Britain might cede sovereignty.
The PM reaffirmed UK sovereignty over the Falklands and the islanders’ right to self-determination after a leaked US memo suggested Washington could support Argentina’s claim. London has sought clarification from US officials and pressed for a restatement of support.
The Falkland Islands government condemned a leaked US proposal that would undermine Britain’s position on the territory to penalise London for not backing Washington on Iran. Leaders urged respect for self-determination and warned against using the islands as leverage in foreign policy disputes.
A leaked US memo suggests Donald Trump is considering ending American support for UK sovereignty over the Falklands ahead of the King’s visit. The prospect, seen as a potential tilt towards Argentina, drew criticism from veterans and MPs, with ministers seeking urgent clarification.
New data show dog attacks have doubled since lockdown. In 2025, 29,400 incidents causing injury were recorded, about 81 a day. The rise coincides with claims breeders are exploiting a loophole in the XL bully ban by selling a smaller ‘pocket’ type. Critics urge tighter rules and enforcement.
A toddler briefly disrupted an Oval Office visit during his mother’s meeting with the US president. He was quickly calmed and the engagement continued, with no impact on the schedule.
Senior Tory Chris Philp urges the PM to apologise to survivors of the Rochdale abuse ring and face scrutiny over decisions made while he was DPP. He says new accounts reveal serious failings in how cases were handled and is calling for Parliament to question the PM on his role.
US equities rebounded despite an energy price jolt, outpacing Europe as Big Tech led gains. Intel surged to a post-dotcom record on AI-driven optimism and solid results. Strategists said the energy shock would need to persist for months to threaten growth, keeping risk appetite firm.
Senior ministers are holding private talks on who should urge the Labour leader to step down, as mood around No 10 shifts from optimism to alarm. Calls for him to quit are expected after the 7 May local elections, with debate over sending a single envoy or a delegation.
Downing Street says Falklands sovereignty is not in doubt after a leaked US proposal to review support for UK claims, reportedly linked to tensions over Iran. Starmer rebuked Trump, while No 10 vowed not to be pressured. Admiral Lord West branded the idea an insult to islanders.
The BBC has cancelled its Saturday football show, ending a long‑running programme. Staff will be redeployed where possible, and a replacement format is expected as the broadcaster reshapes its weekend sports schedule.
Ministers face calls to halt data sharing with China after the UK Biobank’s full dataset of 500,000 volunteers was reportedly offered for sale online. Critics urge emergency powers for security agencies and the ICO to tighten controls and protect health data.
Nigel Farage outlined a pledge to overhaul welfare, aiming to cut benefits spending if his party wins power. He called for a tougher stance on entitlements and said he would stand firm amid any protests or industrial action.
Sara Cox will take over Radio 2’s flagship breakfast show, replacing Scott Mills. She called it her dream job, saying she feels ecstatic, chuffed and honoured. The move signals a major shake‑up of the station’s morning schedule.
The FCDO has closed its international humanitarian law unit that monitored potential breaches by Israel, citing departmental cuts and restructuring. The move ends the UK’s only state-backed programme verifying incidents in the region and limits officials’ access to a major evidence database.
Government files show Lord Hermer KC billed £450 an hour for Iraq‑era cases involving allegations against British troops, a rate the MoD contested as excessive. The peer, expected to become AG in a Labour government, worked on litigation that drove lengthy investigations criticised for cost and scale.
Donald Trump has authorised the US Navy to use lethal force against Iranian boats that threaten vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, after talks faltered. The move escalates tensions in the Gulf, increasing risks to shipping and miscalculation as both sides entrench.
The US alleges China is stealing AI research on an industrial scale, citing coordinated “distillation” campaigns to copy models and know-how. Beijing rejects the claim. Washington is weighing tougher export curbs on AI chips, while Trump plans to meet Xi in the coming weeks.
Cabinet Office head Cat Little told MPs officials sought details of Peter Mandelson’s security vetting days after reports he had failed checks for a proposed US ambassador post. The PM says he learnt of it only last week, raising questions over what No 10 knew and when.
Shabana Mahmood faced criticism after swearing at a heckler during a live Political Party podcast at the Duchess Theatre. The man, challenging Labour’s immigration stance, said she misidentified him as white. The clash sparked debate about politicians’ tone when dealing with disruptions.
