US forces have recovered one crew member after an F‑15E was lost during operations in the region, with a search under way for the second. Surveillance and special forces assets are scouring the area as tensions with Tehran rise; the jet is from RAF Lakenheath.
A Hull funeral director, Robert Bush, admitted storing remains for months, giving families incorrect ashes, and pocketing cremation fees and funeral plan money. Police found dozens of uncremated remains. He faces jail, with investigators fearing many more families may have been affected.
Donald Trump threatened to quit NATO, branding the alliance a “paper tiger” amid friction with European partners. The remarks raised concern over Western security. In the UK, Starmer signalled warmer ties with Europe to safeguard defence cooperation and deterrence.
Amid a fuel crisis, the US President told Britain to “go get your own oil”, piling pressure on the PM. MPs say there’s no clear plan for diesel and jet fuel as imports tighten, while ministers insist supplies are moving and emergency meetings are under way.
The BBC has reportedly dismissed a high-profile Radio 2 presenter over an alleged decade-old relationship, citing personal conduct. Managers are seeking a replacement and staff were surprised by the move. The presenter is taking legal advice amid leadership changes at the corporation.
Benefits rise 6.2% this week as part of a package to ease the cost‑of‑living squeeze. MPs, including ministers, will get a £3,300 adjustment, and peers’ allowances rise. Labour will also remove the two‑child benefit cap, with some families gaining thousands, sparking debate over fairness to workers.
Asda chairman Allan Leighton accuses ministers of having “zero credibility” on fuel prices after claims of profiteering. With petrol above £1.50 a litre, he rejects the charge, citing taxes and wholesale costs, and warns regional tensions could tighten supply.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces claims from business figures and opponents that the Treasury is benefiting most from high pump prices via duty, VAT and green levies, after she criticised retailers. Supporters say measures tackle unfair pricing; critics urge tax cuts to ease costs.
A teenager, influenced by misogynistic online content, killed his mother after seeking guidance from an AI chatbot. The case has raised concerns over safeguarding, the risks of unfiltered AI systems, and has prompted renewed calls for tighter online safety rules and oversight.
Reeves is preparing targeted help for low‑income households facing higher energy bills, ruling out a repeat of the 2022 blanket scheme. Critics say the plan could shift costs to middle earners via taxes or charges. Ministers are assessing funding options before winter.
Amid market turmoil, the US President announced a five-day pause in planned energy-related action, claiming Tehran was close to agreeing limits on military activity and nuclear ambitions. Tehran rejected this, denied talks took place, and insisted he was in retreat.
Questions mount over a 30‑hour delay in informing the public after a missile incident at the joint US‑UK base on Diego Garcia. The opposition accuses the PM of a culture of cover‑ups and demands an explanation, while ministers say security concerns dictated the timing.
Market turmoil from escalating Middle East tensions has led lenders to withdraw mortgage deals. The Bank of England warns inflation could rise, prompting up to three base-rate increases this year, lifting repayments for millions and heightening unemployment risks.
Iran threatened action against oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, prompting evacuations and sparking fears crude could hit $200 a barrel. The warning followed an incident at a major gas field. Analysts say global energy security and prices face heightened risk.
Officials have declared a national incident over a meningitis outbreak, described as the worst in a generation. Cases have spread beyond Kent to London and France. Two students have died and a baby is in intensive care. Public health teams are tracing contacts and urging vaccination.