London's Metropolitan Police is investigating a report that former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson raped a woman in 2016 at Westminster Palace. Police said the investigation is at an early stage and no arrest has been made. The report says the woman alleged that her drink had been drugged and that she was sexually assaulted; Northern Ireland's Police Service referred the matter to London because the alleged offence took place there. Donaldson was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison for child sexual abuse.

At a Windsor Castle dinner honoring Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, King Charles III praised more than two centuries of UK-Oman relations and Oman’s role in regional stability, including its efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. He recited in Arabic a hadith about the welcoming treatment Omanis would give a visitor. Charles also praised Haitham’s leadership and recalled the late Sultan Qaboos, while highlighting climate change, artificial intelligence and competition for resources as challenges for future generations. Haitham separately met UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who cited the contribution of Omani investment and Oman’s role in Middle Eastern stability.

At a dinner at Windsor Castle honoring Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, King Charles III highlighted more than 200 years of UK-Oman ties and praised Oman’s role in regional stability and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. He recited in Arabic a hadith about the Omani people and discussed cooperation on climate change, artificial intelligence and other issues. Sultan Haitham also met UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who praised Omani investment in Britain and its contribution to Middle Eastern stability.

Angolan-British rapper IAMDDB says Israel’s government used AI-generated imagery resembling her in a propaganda video without her consent, falsely suggesting her participation or support. She rejects the message, condemns civilian suffering—particularly that of Palestinians—and says she will take steps to protect her image and work. Activist Rafael Shimunov identified footage of IAMDDB from 2018 in the video, which was shared on social media.

A rape investigation has been opened into former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson over an alleged 2016 assault in Westminster Palace. London Metropolitan Police said it received a report from Northern Ireland police and that the inquiry is at an early stage, with no arrest made. The report says a woman alleged she was drugged and sexually assaulted. Donaldson was sentenced last week to 15 years in prison for child sexual abuse.

A group of 153 writers and public figures, including Nobel and Pulitzer laureates, has written to the UK government backing Sally Rooney and calling for changes to counterterrorism laws that enabled Palestine Action's prohibition. The letter says Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist, and argues that removing her books from sale violates freedom of expression. Rooney had said she would use royalties from BBC adaptations of her novels to support Palestine Action. Her publisher Faber said UK law prevents royalties from being transferred to her and, with her approval, withdrew her works from sale in the UK.

England will extend penalties for antisocial behavior on buses, including playing music or videos aloud without headphones, smoking, making excessive noise, littering, and threatening behavior. Offenders may receive a £100 fine, with local authorities and transport bodies responsible for enforcement. The policy extends an approach already used on trains, where offenders can also be removed and fined up to £1,000. Transport campaigners welcomed the change, citing the deterrent effect of antisocial behavior and a survey finding that four in ten passengers feel less safe because of it.

England plans to extend penalties for antisocial behavior on public transport to buses, with a £100 fine for actions including playing loud audio without headphones, smoking, making excessive noise, littering, and threatening behavior. Local governments and transport authorities will be responsible for enforcement. The policy was welcomed by passenger advocacy groups, which say disruptive conduct can make people—especially disabled passengers—less willing to travel and can increase feelings of insecurity. Similar rules already apply on trains, where passengers can be removed and fined up to £1,000.

The UK has decided to deploy Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Saudi Arabia to help defend its cities and critical infrastructure against Houthi drones and missile attacks. The aircraft are designated for defensive duties and will not participate in attacks on the Houthis. The UK will also send an A400M transport aircraft to carry Saudi military supplies and British advisers, and has extended a previously deployed refuelling aircraft's mission by 90 days. Defence Minister Wes Streeting said the move supports Saudi Arabia and Yemen's internationally recognized government's right to self-defense, while warning that Houthi actions threaten regional security and international shipping.

The UK will deploy Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets to help Saudi Arabia defend its cities and critical infrastructure against Houthi drones and missile attacks. The aircraft are assigned a defensive role and will not take part in attacks on the Houthis. The UK will also send an A400M transport aircraft to carry military supplies and advisers, and has extended the deployment of a previously sent refueling aircraft by 90 days. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the move supports Saudi Arabia and Yemen's internationally recognized government's right to defend themselves, while warning that Houthi actions threaten regional security and international shipping.