Labour tensions rose after the PM blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from seeking a Commons return via a by‑election, dashing any near‑term leadership hopes. Burnham backers criticised the decision, while Starmer loyalists said party rules were followed.
After claiming British troops steered clear of the front line in Afghanistan, the PM urged Donald Trump to apologise. Wounded veterans and Prince Harry said the remarks demeaned service members and misrepresented their sacrifice, with cross‑party calls for a retraction.
Donald Trump said UK troops weren’t on the front line in Afghanistan, sparking anger from bereaved families and veterans. Critics note 405 British personnel died during the 20‑year campaign and call his remarks inaccurate and disrespectful.
A former US president used a Davos address to claim admiration from European leaders, threaten tariffs, then swiftly U-turned after talks. He also revived talk of Greenland. The PM insisted Britain would not yield on the issue.
Brooklyn Beckham, frustrated by reports he believes were placed by his parents attacking Nicola Peltz, told her “This ends now” before publicly criticising David and Victoria. The row follows a story blaming Nicola for family estrangement, intensifying tensions.
The US President threatened new tariffs on countries opposing his push to acquire Greenland, prompting condemnation from the PM and support for Denmark. Parties urged the government to ask the King to cancel his planned US visit, insisting Britain should not reward such pressure.
Prince Harry returns to London alone for a court hearing, but no meeting with the King is planned. Palace sources cite a full diary of engagements. William will be in Scotland, leaving the Duke without family meetings during the visit.
Defence Secretary John Healey warns Nigel Farage and Reform are unfit to keep Britain safe, saying he wouldn’t trust Farage with national security. His comments follow Farage’s statement that he wouldn’t back a potential UK peacekeeping deployment overseas.
Robert Jenrick was sacked by Kemi Badenoch after a leak suggesting he planned to defect. He then joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, becoming the 24th former Tory MP to switch. The move, days after Nadhim Zahawi’s defection, adds pressure on the Conservatives.
Britain and the US have raised readiness as global tensions escalate, activating contingency plans and reinforcing deployments. Ministers signalled a firmer deterrent posture and pledged to protect allies, with forces prepared to respond proportionately to any incident.