Half-term getaways face disruption as a jet‑fuel shortage threatens UK airports. Airlines warn cancellations could begin within weeks, with insurers unlikely to cover trips if flights are axed. Supply pressures from refinery issues and shipping delays are blamed; ministers are in talks with industry.
Downing Street has shelved plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after pushback from Washington. The US President called the proposal an “act of stupidity”, and security concerns over Diego Garcia led the PM to drop the enabling legislation.
A superfan has spent £5,000 creating a home shrine to her favourite radio DJ, filling a room with photos and memorabilia. She says her support remains undimmed even after he was dropped from his show.
US inflation rose to a two-year high in March, driven by higher fuel and sticky services costs. Traders cut expectations of early Fed rate cuts, pushing up US Treasury yields and the dollar. The figures point to tighter policy for longer and continued pressure on household budgets.
North Sea oil hit a record, with immediate-delivery barrels near $141. Tensions in the Gulf and risks to the Strait of Hormuz lifted prices, inflating the value of UK reserves, estimated up to £385bn. Pressure grows on ministers to allow more North Sea drilling to bolster energy security and revenues.
A senior royal faces a defamation claim from a health charity he co‑founded in memory of his mother. He resigned as patron last year after a dispute with the chair. The charity alleges damaging online statements and is pursuing legal action; he is expected to contest it.
D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh, 101, urges Britain and its allies to preserve peace through strength. He argues credible deterrence stops aggression, echoing lessons from the 1930s, and calls for investment, resolve and unity as global insecurity rises.
Insiders warn delays to a £300bn Defence Investment Plan risk leaving the UK short of vital equipment and personnel. A former senior commander and industry chiefs cite a procurement vacuum after a Whitehall funding dispute. Pressure mounts on the PM to sign off spending and bolster deterrence with allies.
JD Vance warned against brinkmanship ahead of talks with Iran, setting firm preconditions and insisting key issues are settled before negotiations begin. Washington signalled readiness to take further action if needed, while a fragile ceasefire remains in place.
The PM urged European allies to boost funding for Nato and stand firm despite Trump’s threat to leave the alliance. He said Nato strengthens UK security and is in America’s interests, linking higher living costs to overseas turmoil and calling for a stronger, better-resourced alliance.