An American F-15 was downed near Iran. US special forces launched a search operation for a missing crew member, while the authorities in Tehran offered a reward for information. Washington is weighing its response as the risk of wider regional tension rises.
Marks & Spencer condemned a surge in retail crime, rebuking Sadiq Khan and Labour for weak enforcement. It called for tougher policing, transparency on outcomes, more prosecutions and better protection for staff, as retailers prepare for potential disruption this weekend.
Donald Trump says the US could leave Nato, branding the alliance ineffective and criticising the Royal Navy. He warned European allies to raise spending and support or face a pullout, and set out a tougher stance on Iran than the UK. His remarks cast doubt on Europe’s reliance on Washington.
The First Sea Lord warns the Royal Navy lacks capacity for high-end operations, citing shortfalls in ships and munitions. American criticism has increased pressure on the PM to raise defence spending, speed up procurement and restore maritime readiness.
Starmer gave junior doctors 48 hours to suspend strikes or 4,000 planned training posts will be scrapped. He says the move protects patients and stabilises NHS finances, urging the BMA to talk. Ministers call the 35% pay demand unaffordable; medics insist pay and conditions need major improvement.
The Government will tighten NHS referral rules to help meet waiting-list targets. GPs will be pushed to use advice and guidance and community pathways before sending patients to hospital. Medical leaders warn this could restrict access to specialists and prolong delays.
Police have reopened inquiries into the theft of Morgan McSweeney’s phone. The PM’s former chief aide is under scrutiny for failing to clarify whether a tracker was used to locate the device, with officers reviewing CCTV and timelines around the incident.
NS&I’s chief has been sacked amid claims of a cover‑up linked to a savings scandal. The Treasury knew last year and had already cut his bonus. A review will examine service failings and the scale of affected customers, with compensation and further action possible.
NS&I has misplaced funds for about 37,000 customers, leaving taxpayers likely to cover roughly £400m. The Treasury is investigating record‑keeping and payout failures. Compensation is expected and system fixes are planned to restore confidence in the state-backed saver.
NS&I faces scrutiny over estate payouts, with bereaved families reporting delays, errors and underpayments. Thousands of complaints have built up, prompting demands for intervention and redress. The state-backed bank cites stringent checks and staffing constraints.
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.
Iran vowed steps that would sharply lift global oil prices after rejecting a 48-hour ultimatum from Trump. The PM convened a Cobra meeting as ministers assessed risks to energy supplies and shipping. Firms were warned about possible disruption and households about higher fuel costs.
Washington has prepared plans to deploy troops to seize Kharg Island, a strategic Gulf oil hub, following the president’s rebuke of Nato allies. The proposed operation would use naval and air support to secure facilities and exert pressure, with duration, risks and allied roles under review.
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.
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.