News 13/09/25

Donald Trump says the war in Ukraine would end if NATO countries stopped buying Russian oil.

In a post on Truth Social, the US president claimed the alliance’s commitment to the conflict has been “far less than 100 percent” and described the continued purchase of Russian energy as “shocking.” He argued that buying oil from Moscow weakens NATO’s position. Research shows Turkey has been the third-largest buyer of Russian oil since 2023, with Hungary and Slovakia also continuing to import supplies.

In London, police say 25 arrests were made during a huge rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Between 110,000 and 150,000 people joined the “Unite the Kingdom” march in central London, far above organisers’ expectations. Many waved Union and St George’s flags as Robinson addressed the crowd, calling the event the “biggest freedom of speech” gathering in British history.

A man has admitted starting the fire that destroyed the office of Labour MP Sharon Hodgson in Tyne and Wear.

Twenty-eight-year-old Joshua Oliver pleaded guilty at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court to arson at Vermont House in Washington. The blaze also damaged a charity supporting people with rare genetic conditions and an NHS mental health service for veterans. His plea was accepted on the basis the act was reckless rather than intentional.

Dozens of people have gathered at a Sikh temple in Smethwick for an emergency meeting after police confirmed they are treating the rape of a woman in Oldbury as a racially motivated attack.

The victim, a British-born Sikh in her twenties, told officers she was subjected to a racist remark during the assault, reported just after half past eight on Tuesday morning. The Sikh Federation UK claims the perpetrators told her she didn’t belong in this country. Jas Singh, principal advisor to the group, joined faith and community leaders at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara temple to address concerns within the community.

Thousands of people are expected in London today for a rally organised by Tommy Robinson and a counter-protest led by Stand Up To Racism.

The “Unite the Kingdom” march will set off from Stamford Street near Waterloo Bridge at 11, heading to the southern end of Whitehall. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has described it as the UK’s biggest free speech festival. Counter-demonstrators will gather in Russell Square from midday before marching to the northern end of Whitehall for their rally.

Charlie Kirk’s widow has delivered an emotional tribute following her husband’s killing in Utah.

Erika Kirk spoke in a livestream, standing beside the empty chair her husband used while recording his podcast. Fighting back tears, she thanked first responders for their efforts to save him and spoke about his love for President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, the United States, and their two children. Kirk, a right-wing activist, was fatally shot during a campus event in Orem on Wednesday.

The suspected gunman, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, surrendered to police the following night. Mrs Kirk vowed her husband’s voice “will remain.”

Coldplay have wrapped up a record-breaking 10-night run at Wembley Stadium with a colourful finale.

The band performed hits spanning 25 years, lighting up the stadium with lasers, fireworks and confetti. Chris Martin even led a playful cover of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody, joking it was his “car park warm-up song.” The shows form part of their Music Of The Spheres world tour, now officially the highest-attended in history with more than 12 million tickets sold.

Martin hinted the tour will continue in southern Africa in around 18 months.