Robert Jenrick has quit the Conservatives to join Reform UK. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch withdrew the whip and criticised the move as disloyal. Jenrick says the party has lost its way on policy and leadership. The defection intensifies pressure on the right and raises questions over future alliances.
Britain and the US have raised readiness as global tensions escalate, activating contingency plans and reinforcing deployments. Ministers signalled a firmer deterrent posture and pledged to protect allies, with forces prepared to respond proportionately to any incident.
An official report found West Midlands Police misled officials over a decision to bar Israeli football fans from a Birmingham match. The Home Sec said she has lost confidence in the Chief Constable. He has declined to resign, and the local police and crime commissioner will not dismiss him.
Andrew is moving from Windsor to a farmhouse on the Sandringham estate. Contractors have installed top-end Sky equipment and other upgrades, signalling preparations for a quieter, long‑term residence away from public life.
A former PC injured during a robbery urges ministers to create a medal for emergency staff hurt on duty. The proposal would honour those whose injuries ended their careers and press for formal recognition of police, paramedics and firefighters who serve the public.
The UK is repositioning personnel from a Qatar base as the US weighs a military operation against Iran. Some US units are also redeploying. Allies are preparing for possible reprisals against bases and partners, with ministers coordinating contingency plans amid heightened tensions.
Ministers plan to let 27 councils skip May’s local elections, leaving around 4m residents without a vote this year. The Government says it’s an administrative step to align cycles and cut costs; critics say it sidelines voters and accuse the PM of avoiding the electorate.
Denmark says Washington remains intent on “conquering” Greenland after talks, with no progress narrowing differences. Copenhagen insists any decision must respect Greenlanders’ will and the unity of the Danish realm, warning unilateral moves in the Arctic would strain cooperation.
Reeves signalled she could widen her pubs business rates U-turn to include hotels and the wider hospitality sector. Broader relief would ease cost pressures and support jobs and investment, marking another notable policy reversal for Labour.
An entrepreneur, reportedly backed by Elon Musk, has outlined plans for a lunar hotel targeted for 2032. The concept features rooms with Earth views, research tie-ins and luxury suites for tourists. Key challenges include funding, transport capacity and reliable life-support systems.