A British volunteer was captured by an opposing force, given a death sentence after a widely condemned trial, then freed. Now back in uniform with allied partners, he shares lessons from captivity and argues that resolve, training and Western backing can deliver success.

EU allies approved a €90bn loan to sustain a partner’s defence and economy for two years. Within hours, an incident in the Mediterranean damaged a tanker linked to a sanctions‑evading shadow fleet. The opposing leader vowed a response, but Western support is set to continue.

The health secretary criticised a five-day walkout by resident doctors after they rejected a late pay offer. The strike, set to start tomorrow, coincides with record flu admissions and could strain the NHS. The BMA says pay needs restoring; the government urges talks to avert disruption.

Sixteen people, including a child, were killed in a suspected hate‑motivated shooting at Bondi Beach. A British‑born rabbi is among the victims. One suspect was killed, another arrested; police found devices in a car. A shop owner disarmed a suspect and is credited with saving lives.