Files show Peter Mandelson accessed classified material before full clearance. The national security adviser called his appointment ‘weirdly rushed’. After dismissal he sought £550k but accepted £75k. The documents appear to contradict earlier No10 denials and raise questions over vetting.
US long‑range aircraft departed RAF Fairford as Trump vowed significant action against Iran. A UK nuclear‑powered sub left Australia early, likely heading to the region, while Whitehall considered fresh sanctions and a longer‑term presence. A Type 45 destroyer sailed to Cyprus.
Donald Trump rebuffed the PM in a tense call over Iran, rejecting arguments and showing little interest in the UK’s decision not to join recent military action. The dispute has strained ties ahead of a planned US state visit by the King, though preparations are still going ahead.
Easter getaways face disruption as Middle East tensions prompt airspace restrictions and flight cancellations to Cyprus, Dubai and beyond. Officials warn issues could last weeks or months, with higher fuel costs, rerouted flights and reduced schedules. Travellers urged to check with airlines.
Polling shows most Britons oppose UK involvement in Middle East military action; only about one in five back joining air strikes. Around half support the PM’s plan to keep participation limited, while officials weigh the energy and legal implications.
Emergency alerts in the UAE ordered people to shelter, with residents and visitors moving to basements. Rising regional tensions closed airspace and disrupted global flights. The UK adjusted its defence posture, moving RAF assets to the Gulf as ministers urged calm.
A US submarine carried out a naval action against a warship near Sri Lanka, extending the theatre to the Indian Ocean. The Pentagon released footage. Officials report 87 dead and others missing, in the first American engagement beyond the Middle East during the ongoing crisis.
Amid an escalating Middle East crisis, the UK is deploying a Royal Navy ship to Cyprus. The US President has berated the PM’s response, straining ties. Officials warn fuel and energy costs could rise as allies increase deployments and press for a firmer stance from London.
After the killing of Iran’s leader, the PM publicly rebuked Washington, rejecting regime change from the air and insisting on a viable, legal plan before deeper involvement. The US President expressed disappointment over delayed UK base access as operations widen; Britain urges caution and allied unity.
Officials are preparing contingency plans to evacuate UK nationals from parts of the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. The MoD is readying routes from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. The PM has authorised the US to use British bases for defensive operations.