The chancellor pledged targeted support to shield poorer households from rising energy bills as global tensions lift wholesale prices. The Treasury is modelling options, with temporary help likely if the price cap jumps in June, prioritising low‑income homes.

Britain says Iranian drones used in an incident at a base in Erbil were guided by an external power. No UK casualties were reported. The government vows firm backing for allies and deterrence, as Iran’s new Ayatollah warns up to 15 neighbouring countries.

Files indicate the PM proceeded with appointing Lord Mandelson despite warnings from a senior aide and an outgoing ambassador about reputational risk, citing the peer’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein. A memo said Starmer’s personal links to Mandelson left him “more exposed.”

US aircraft left a UK base to carry out operations against Iran after the PM authorised allied use of the site, calling the action defensive. US officials signalled the most intense day of operations so far. Britain backs its ally while saying UK forces are not directly involved.