A senior religious leader was killed in Tehran amid a series of incidents. Officials blamed a foreign state, triggering retaliatory military action. The US urged people to challenge the leadership, while the UK and EU withheld backing for a US‑led response.

Mountbatten-Windsor faces intensifying scrutiny, igniting debate over the Crown’s future. Questions centre on public funding, accountability and the social contract. Some argue transparency and reform are essential to restore trust; others say the institution may no longer align with modern British values.

Britain’s skeleton success stems from a science‑led programme. Guided by a specialist nicknamed ‘Dr Ice’, the squad uses data analysis, custom sleds, wind‑tunnel testing and exacting selection at Bath to convert talent into speed, a system that delivered Olympic gold.

Senior Labour figures and donors are urging the PM to overhaul his No 10 operation, warning time is running out for a reset. They want changes to advisers and strategy to sharpen delivery and communications, arguing a new team is needed to steady the government’s direction.