European intelligence reports a hostile state is recruiting ex-members of a disbanded paramilitary network to carry out sabotage across the continent, using vulnerable recruits for cash. UK and allied services are foiling plots and bolstering protections for critical infrastructure.
DP World’s chief quit after disclosures of ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The long‑serving executive, seen as key to the ports group’s growth, resigned as scrutiny of newly released communications mounted. Several external advisers also stepped down, including a Goldman lawyer.
Schroders has agreed to be bought by US asset manager Nuveen for £9.9bn. The sale follows a difficult decade and pressure to gain scale as fees fall and passive investing grows. Shares jumped about 29% on the news, though some investors question the low premium and implications for UK capital markets.
UK wealth managers tumbled after a US fintech launched an AI planning tool seen as a threat to fee-based advice. St James’s Place fell about 13%, while Quilter, abrdn, AJ Bell and Rathbones also slid. Bosses said regulation and client trust mean technology will augment, not replace, human advisers.
Allies say the PM will not dismiss Health Sec Wes Streeting after leadership plot speculation. Streeting pledges support as a fragile truce holds, and ministers are told to focus on delivery. A dismissal is viewed as likely to deepen internal instability within government.
The PM rejected calls to resign amid a Labour leadership crisis, moving to calm MPs as cabinet ministers rallied round. Allies accused Wes Streeting of exacerbating tensions, which he denied. A setback from the Scottish leader added pressure on No 10.
Morgan McSweeney, a top No 10 aide and close ally of Peter Mandelson, has resigned to take the blame for controversy over Mandelson’s role and past associations. His exit intensifies scrutiny of the PM’s judgment and authority, as Labour figures move to contain the fallout.
Senior figures around the PM warn that ditching fiscal discipline for unfunded giveaways could trigger a repeat of 2022 market turmoil, lifting gilt yields and mortgage costs. They urge a steady, pro‑business course to protect credibility and head off would‑be challengers.
Keir Starmer apologised to victims of Jeffrey Epstein amid scrutiny of links to Peter Mandelson. He said Mandelson would continue advising him, despite concern from some Labour MPs. Questions grew over security vetting and access, with calls for transparency as officials delayed releasing related files.
Security officials warn a hostile state’s spacecraft has intercepted European satellite signals, risking exposure of unencrypted command data vital to defence and infrastructure. The UK and allies are pushing rapid encryption upgrades and tighter space monitoring to protect networks.