News

Reports have emerged of gunfire after at least two merchant vessels attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters citing maritime sources. Iran is said to have reversed a brief reopening of the waterway, accusing the United States of failing to meet obligations under a ceasefire arrangement. UK Maritime Trade Operations reports a separate incident near the strait, northeast of Oman. A tanker captain told the Royal […]

Iran’s foreign minister has indicated the Strait of Hormuz is completely open during the remaining period of a ceasefire. Seyed Abbas Aragchi said all commercial vessels would be able to pass through the route. The US president also repeated a number of claims linked to the Iran war during remarks at a Turning Point event, including criticism of NATO, references to US military strength and assertions about winning the conflict. […]

Sir Olly Robbins, the most senior civil servant at the Foreign Office, is set to leave his role after the prime minister and the foreign secretary lost confidence in him. The move follows revelations that Peter Mandelson failed vetting for top level security clearance, but the decision was overruled. The government says officials granted clearance without informing ministers. Donald Trump says Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a ten day […]

Two people have been arrested after an attempted arson attack on a north London synagogue, according to the Metropolitan Police. The incident in Finchley is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime. Officers arrested a forty seven year old woman in Watford on suspicion of arson endangering life, and later detained a forty six year old man on the same suspicion. Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey says the central […]

A thirty day waiver on Iranian oil sanctions introduced last month to ease pressure on global energy supplies is due to expire this weekend. The Treasury has confirmed it will not be extended, despite wider US action including a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for around one fifth of global oil and liquefied gas shipments. The waiver, issued on 20 March, allowed around 140 million barrels […]

A road in Slough has been cordoned off following a crash involving a police car with a emergency response. At least six police vehicles were seen and debris was scattered across Windsor Road near Slough Police Station. A police car was left with a smashed front behind tape while Thames Valley Police described it as a minor injury collision and said no further comment would be made. A blockade on […]

Foods high in sugar or deep fried items will be removed from daily menus in schools across England under new government plans aimed at tackling childhood obesity. A nine week consultation will begin on Monday. Schools will be barred from offering foods such as sausage rolls and pizza every day, with desserts restricted and fried items banned. Instead they must provide more wholegrains like brown pasta, wholemeal bread and rice, […]

A man has been arrested after vandalism at the grave of murdered toddler James Bulger. The two year old was abducted from a shopping centre in Merseyside and later tortured and killed in nineteen ninety three by two boys aged ten at the time. Police were told on Friday afternoon that damage had been discovered at the grave in Kirkdale Cemetery in Liverpool. It is reported to be the second […]

US Vice President JD Vance has spoken briefly to reporters before boarding a flight to Pakistan for peace talks with Iran. He is attending alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son in law Jared Kushner. Vance said he was looking forward to negotiations and believed they would be positive, adding the president had given clear guidelines. He said the United States would extend an open hand if Iran […]