Ministers are urged to suspend funding to France intended to curb Channel crossings. Reform wants the current agreement scrapped and about £700m returned, saying any future payments should depend on crossings being halted.
A patient has been awarded the George Medal after preventing an attack at St James’s Hospital, Leeds. He calmly spoke to and embraced a man who was threatening the maternity unit, persuading him to give up, and enabling officers to secure the area without casualties.
UK motorists have paid an extra £307m as petrol prices jump, driven by a Middle East crisis pushing crude above $100 and threatening key shipping lanes. The chancellor warned of a “significant” economic hit but announced no new relief for households, with pump prices around 146.4p a litre.
Donald Trump said the US will organise joint patrols of the Strait of Hormuz to secure oil flows, coordinating with Iran. He signalled that any breach of commitments by Tehran would trigger a strong US response, insisting the route must remain open to global trade.
Security agencies are probing a possible Iran link to arson attacks on four ambulances serving a Jewish community in north London. Specialist officers are leading the inquiry. The PM condemned the incidents as antisemitic and pledged stronger protection and a determined pursuit of those responsible.
A fire destroyed ambulances at a Jewish medical charity in London, which police are treating as a suspected hate crime. A family whose baby previously received lifesaving care praised the volunteers’ compassion and support for all communities. Police appeals and inquiries continue.
Trump paused planned US military action, citing “productive” talks with Tehran. Washington extended a deadline to reopen a key oil shipping route, while Tehran denied any contact. The move aims to ease tensions as both sides weigh whether dialogue can prevent further escalation.
Trump said he’d “bet on” reaching a deal with Iran, dialling back earlier threats against its power infrastructure. He suggested progress could allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen, easing pressure on energy markets, while warning there are no guarantees and conditions apply.
Amid market turmoil, the US President announced a five-day pause in planned energy-related action, claiming Tehran was close to agreeing limits on military activity and nuclear ambitions. Tehran rejected this, denied talks took place, and insisted he was in retreat.
The PM warned the Middle East crisis may persist despite a former US president claiming progress in talks with Tehran, which officials there dispute. Ministers convened to assess energy and shipping risks amid concern that disruption in a vital strait could drive prices higher.