US forces launched a search-and-rescue after an F‑15 went down over southern Iran. One crew member was recovered; the hunt for the second continues, with teams aiming to reach them before local authorities. A rescue helicopter reportedly withdrew after encountering resistance.
Wes Streeting says he won’t yield to what he calls absurd demands by NHS resident doctors, insisting his 4.9% pay offer stands. He accuses the BMA of stalling and warns a proposed six-day strike could cost taxpayers £250m. He says pay would be 35.2% higher on average than four years ago.
The US president threatened to quit Nato, branding it a “paper tiger”, amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed Tehran had proposed a ceasefire, which it denies, and warned of further military action unless the waterway is reopened to stabilise energy markets.
The US president told Britain to source its own oil, criticising Starmer over an energy crunch he links to tensions in the Gulf. His remarks escalate a dispute over energy security and the UK’s reliance on imports.
With petrol prices surging, campaigners are pressing the PM and chancellor to scrap September’s planned fuel duty rise and introduce relief such as a temporary cut and caps on retailer margins, following moves by several European neighbours to hold down pump prices.
Campaigners urge the government to evacuate hundreds of Afghan allies left at risk after an MoD data breach exposed their details. Around 400 former UK partners and about 1,900 relatives remain stuck months on, despite promises of sanctuary.
Keir Starmer’s clash with President Trump over Iran policy has boosted his ratings, a JL Partners poll shows. When reminded of the dispute, voters lift the PM’s approval by 26 points to net -14, versus -40 otherwise. Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage initially backed the stance, then reversed.
A month into a Gulf crisis, closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven oil to $120 a barrel, adding £307m to UK fuel costs and threatening £150 on annual food bills. The OECD says £15bn has been wiped from UK growth, the US cost is put at $25bn, and over a million people have been displaced in Lebanon.
OECD cuts the UK’s 2026 growth forecast to 0.7% from 1.2%, the sharpest downgrade in the G20, blaming fallout from a Gulf crisis linked to US policy. It warns of higher inflation and tougher headwinds for Britain.
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.
Trump paused planned military action, citing ‘productive conversations’ toward resolving hostilities. Tehran denied any talks, accusing Washington of stalling. Markets reacted: shares rose, oil prices fell.
Ministers say the UK is safe from Iran’s long‑range missiles, rejecting Israeli claims that Britain could be hit. Housing secretary Steve Reed says defences are in place and there is no official assessment that Iran can, or intends to, target Europe.
The Foreign Secretary condemned an incident targeting the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia, calling it reckless. Kemi Badenoch urged the PM to disclose details affecting British troops. No 10 said related actions were collective self-defence; ministers insist the UK isn’t entering a wider conflict.
An independent review finds the PM’s ‘stay at home’ Covid messaging deterred people from seeking urgent care, leaving thousands without lifesaving treatment. It urges clearer risk communication and stronger NHS triage to protect non-Covid services during future health emergencies.
Top doctors warn the NHS is unprepared for another Covid‑level pandemic, citing overrun A&Es, corridor care and record waiting lists. A meningitis uptick has heightened concern. The Covid inquiry’s next report is due, while the health secretary says plans are robust and outbreaks contained.