In a tense White House meeting, the US president pressed an Eastern European leader to accept a neighbour’s terms, warning of ruin if they refused. Britain and allies reject the pressure, pledging continued support and affirming the country’s right to self‑determination.
Israel conducted military action in Gaza as mediators rushed to stabilise a fragile ceasefire. Aid access was tightened after reports of an incident involving an armed group. Officials traded accusations over violations, while talks focused on hostages and preventing further civilian harm.
The Prison Officers’ Association warns repair and upgrade costs are spiralling, with private contracting driving “out of control” bills as the maintenance backlog nears £2bn. Overcrowded, neglected estates mean a quarter of inmates are in non‑fire‑safe jails and hundreds lack in‑cell toilets.
Police are assessing claims that Prince Andrew tried to discredit an accuser in 2011, allegedly asking a palace aide to gather damaging information. The row continues to strain the royals; after failing to reassure the King, he remains stripped of titles.
Ceasefire at risk after Israeli military action and a halt to some aid deliveries. Israel says it targeted sites in response to an alleged incident against its forces in Rafah; the armed group denies involvement. US Vice President JD Vance is set to visit in a bid to shore up talks.
Accounts say Trump told Zelenskyy in an Oval Office meeting that his country could be “destroyed”, urged conceding eastern regions, and echoed a neighbouring power’s narrative. The claims raise concerns over his reliability for allies and the wider security of Europe.
Pressure is mounting on Andrew after reports he asked a royal bodyguard to gather compromising information on an accuser. There are fresh calls for the King to remove his remaining titles. He denies the claims, but the row has prompted renewed scrutiny of royal oversight.
William intends to exclude Prince Andrew from royal life, barring him from any future coronation, in a tougher approach following controversy over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. He aims to prevent any return to public duties and curb remaining privileges.
Labour’s planned sentencing reforms could allow early release for thousands of offenders each year after serving a third of their term, according to projections. Critics warn the changes risk public safety, while ministers say they will ease overcrowding and refocus resources.
Virginia Giuffre’s memoir claims Prince Andrew insisted on a confidentiality clause in their settlement to avoid embarrassment to the monarch before the Platinum Jubilee. Andrew has always denied misconduct. The Palace has not commented.