Donald Trump ordered large-scale US military action against Iran, triggering regional incidents and shaking markets. Oil and gas prices rose, reports cited friendly fire losses, and questions intensified over allied support alongside scrutiny of the operation’s aims, costs and risks.

Iran launched coordinated operations across the Gulf after the killing of a senior cleric, causing fires in the UAE and leaving US personnel dead, officials said. RAF jets intercepted uncrewed aircraft as Tehran reshuffled its leadership amid escalating regional tension.

About 1m 16–24s are not in education, employment or training, raising fears of a “lost generation”. Experts urge the chancellor to introduce a jobs or training guarantee, expand apprenticeships and improve careers support to prevent long‑term economic scarring.

Police uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm inside a former town-centre casino, with thousands of plants across four floors. The building had been heavily fortified. Officers seized the crop and opened an investigation into an organised gang, including suspected money‑laundering.