Editorial Team

Mike Bailey's daughter Victoria Tyler describes the former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain's devastating decline after he was diagnosed with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease in 2017. She links his condition to the repeated heading and training demands of football, says the family had to withdraw from public events to protect him, and calls for greater action by football bodies, a dedicated care package for former players, and respite support for carers. The family received support from the Wolves Former Players' Association and the family of Jeff Astle, whose death was associated with heading footballs.

Cain Watson, 33, pleaded not guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to murdering 48-year-old Darren Round, whose body was found near Masshouse Lane in Kings Norton on February 15, 2020. Watson also denied an alternative manslaughter charge. Judge Andrew Smith KC said the trial is scheduled to begin on June 1 and is expected to last two to three weeks.

Buying a car at auction can provide access to a large selection of potentially cheaper used vehicles, but buyers should research auction houses, inspect cars in person, review their history and condition, and attend a sale before bidding. They should set and maintain a firm budget, account for a typical 10% deposit and 5% buyer’s fee, and understand that auction cars generally cannot be test-driven or independently inspected. Most vehicles are sold without a warranty and may have cosmetic or mechanical issues, leaving buyers responsible for repairs.

The Competition and Markets Authority found that rising UK petrol and diesel prices have mainly resulted from higher oil costs linked to the Middle East conflict, rather than broadly increased retailer margins. However, margins remain historically high, and a minority of retailers saw increases in March that the CMA will investigate. Wholesale diesel prices have since fallen by more than 10p per litre while pump prices have dropped by only around 2p, according to the AA, which also highlighted large regional price differences. The government is backing the CMA’s scrutiny and expanding the Fuel Finder scheme to increase price transparency and competition.

May Day rallies and protests are planned across major cities worldwide as workers demand peace, higher wages and better working conditions amid rising fuel prices, inflation and reduced purchasing power linked to the Iran war. Unions and activist groups in countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, France, Italy, Portugal and the United States are highlighting economic hardship and opposing policies they say weaken labor rights. Demonstrations in France are also focused on proposals to expand work on May Day, while Italy has approved employment incentives that opposition parties criticize as propaganda.

The Bank of England held its interest rate at 3.75% but warned that prolonged higher energy prices linked to the Iran conflict could trigger multiple rate increases later in 2026. In a worst-case scenario, Brent crude could reach about $130 a barrel, inflation could peak at 6.2% and remain above the 2% target for four years, increasing recession risks. Policymaker Huw Pill voted to raise rates to 4%, while economists at Pantheon Macroeconomics and ING expect possible increases from June. The Bank also lowered its projections for economic growth and raised its unemployment forecasts across scenarios. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government would seek to protect households and businesses from higher costs without repeating policies that fuel inflation.

Kobbie Mainoo has signed an improved Manchester United contract running until 2031 after a difficult period under former manager Ruben Amorim. Head coach Michael Carrick praised Mainoo's talent, progress and connection with the club, saying increased responsibility and confidence have helped him thrive. Mainoo's revival could improve his chances of representing England at the World Cup. His form and new deal come ahead of Manchester United's key Premier League rivalry match against Liverpool, with victory potentially securing Champions League qualification and strengthening Carrick's case to remain manager beyond the season.

Abdullah Sabah Albadri, a 34-year-old Kuwait-born failed asylum seeker, was convicted at the Old Bailey of preparing terrorist acts and possessing two knives after attempting to climb the Israeli embassy’s fence in London in April 2025. Prosecutors said he intended to use violence to make a political statement about children killed in Gaza, while Albadri denied planning to harm anyone and said he was protesting. Armed officers stopped him within seconds, and no one was seriously injured. The Crown Prosecution Service, Counter Terrorism Policing London and the Israeli embassy welcomed the verdict, emphasizing the importance of protecting diplomatic sites and addressing politically motivated violence.

Claire Freemantle, 49, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after her 4x4 crashed into The Study Prep school in Wimbledon in July 2023, killing eight-year-olds Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau. She is expected to plead not guilty and appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 16. The charges follow a reopened investigation after the Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service initially concluded that Freemantle had suffered an epileptic seizure and would face no criminal charges. The children’s families welcomed the reversal, while Freemantle’s lawyers said she has no recollection of the incident and questioned why the original decision was overturned. The police investigation is also under review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The Conservative Party apologised and removed a video posted on Kemi Badenoch’s social media channels after it appeared to use archive footage from Bloody Sunday while promoting opposition to Labour’s Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. Foyle MP Colum Eastwood condemned the footage as an insult to the victims and survivors of the 1972 killings, in which 13 unarmed civilians were shot dead by British Army soldiers. Badenoch argued that the Bill would subject elderly Troubles veterans to renewed legal battles, while the Conservatives pledged to block it and repeal it if returned to government. The incident contrasts with David Cameron’s 2010 apology following the Saville Inquiry’s finding that the victims were innocent.

Nancy Pexton, 70, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 22 years for murdering her sister, film director Jennifer Abbott, in Abbott’s Camden home. Pexton attacked Abbott repeatedly, taped her mouth shut and stole her diamond-encrusted Rolex, with the court hearing that jealousy motivated the killing. Evidence included messages in which Pexton discussed planning the murder, while prosecutors and police said her actions after the killing showed a lack of remorse. Abbott’s son Brad Carlson described his mother as his hero and role model, and said the loss had been an unimaginable nightmare.

A former resident of Ponton House told the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry that Bay City Rollers manager Tam Paton was fully involved in a paedophile ring operating around parties at his Edinburgh home in the early 1980s. Giving evidence under the pseudonym Murphy, the witness described boys being groomed with drugs and alcohol, taken to rooms by older men and threatened into procuring other children. He alleged that staff at Ponton House turned a blind eye and said Paton used influential connections to intimidate victims. Paton, who was jailed for sex offences involving teenage boys in 1982, died in 2009. The inquiry’s current phase is examining residential care provided by local authorities and voluntary organizations.

Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson has warned of a deeply troubling rise in antisemitic incidents across the UK and pledged that prosecutors will pursue perpetrators robustly, including aggravated charges where hostility based on religion or ethnicity is proven. The warning follows the alleged stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, after which the UK terrorism threat level was raised to severe. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley described antisemitism as a growing pandemic, expressed concern about protecting Jewish communities and said police were reviewing arrangements for upcoming protests. The alleged attacker, Essa Suleiman, has been remanded in custody.

Alternative singer Self Esteem, whose real name is Rebecca Lucy Taylor, has released “Maggie’s Song” for the West End revival of David Hare’s 1975 play Teeth ‘N’ Smiles. Taylor stars as Maggie Frisby, a role first played by Helen Mirren, and said writing the song gave the character an uncompromised voice. The production, featuring original music by Nick and Tony Bicat alongside Taylor’s new composition, is running at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre until June 6.

A Gibson Les Paul ’59 Custom Shop guitar used and signed by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash during the band’s 2016 Not In This Lifetime tour sold for £233,100 at Propstore’s London music memorabilia auction, setting a record for Slash memorabilia. The 327-lot auction generated £1.9 million, with other notable sales including Freddie Mercury’s gold microphone for £151,200, George Michael’s Faith jacket for £176,400 and a John Lennon and Yoko Ono Double Fantasy poster for £75,600. Propstore said strong collector interest produced several record results.

Convictions for racially or religiously aggravated offences in England and Wales rose 13% to 6,163 in 2025, the highest level since 2017. Public-order offences accounted for 70% of convictions, with intentional harassment, alarm or distress involving threatening, abusive or insulting words or writing making up nearly two-thirds. The figures coincide with heightened concern over antisemitic attacks, including a fatal attack at a Manchester synagogue, while separate data shows Jewish people experienced the highest rate of religious hate crime and anti-Muslim incidents also increased. Monitoring groups reported persistently high levels of antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate incidents during the year.

A crowd rioted outside Alice Springs Hospital after Jefferson Lewis, accused of abducting and killing a five-year-old girl from an Indigenous community, was treated following a vigilante beating. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse hundreds of people demanding customary-law payback, and several police vehicles were damaged. Lewis was transferred by air to Darwin for his safety and is expected to be charged.

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have introduced Otto, a brown cocker spaniel born to their other dog, Orla, to mark his first birthday. Kensington Palace shared a photograph of Otto on social media. The family also recently appeared with Orla and Otto in an unpublished photograph taken in Cornwall for the couple’s 15th wedding anniversary.

Nancy Pexton, 70, was sentenced at the Old Bailey to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 22 years for murdering her sister, film director Jennifer Abbott, in her Camden flat in June 2025. Pexton attacked Abbott repeatedly, taped her mouth, left her body undiscovered for three days and took her diamond-encrusted Rolex. Prosecutors relied on blood evidence, phone data, CCTV, witness accounts and Pexton’s earlier messages expressing hostility toward her sister. Abbott’s son Brad Carlson described her as his hero and role model, while the judge characterised the killing as deliberate, degrading and callous.

Superdry co-founder James Holder, 54, was found guilty of raping a woman at her Cheltenham home in May 2022 after a night out drinking. He denied the charge and said the sexual activity was consensual, but a Gloucester Crown Court jury convicted him of rape while acquitting him of assault by penetration. Holder was remanded in custody after a judge ruled he posed a flight risk, with sentencing scheduled at Bristol Crown Court on May 7.

Sean McGovern, a 40-year-old senior Kinahan organised crime gang lieutenant, pleaded guilty to directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the lead-up to Noel Kirwan’s 2016 murder and the surveillance of James Gately for a planned killing. At a sentencing hearing before Dublin’s Special Criminal Court, prosecutors said McGovern oversaw and directed the murder, while his barrister argued that his role was limited to passing surveillance information and that there was no evidence he planned the killing or supplied weapons. The defence presented character references describing McGovern as a caring and committed father and sought substantial credit for his early guilty pleas and time spent in custody in the United Arab Emirates. Each charge carries a potential life sentence, and sentencing is scheduled for 8 June.

Legal challenges by Volkswagen Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz’s financial services arm, Credit Agricole’s car finance business and consumer group Consumer Voice have created uncertainty around the Financial Conduct Authority’s £9.1 billion redress scheme for mis-sold car finance. The FCA says it will robustly defend the scheme, which was expected to compensate millions of consumers this year and settle most claims by the end of 2027. Consumers are still being advised to complain directly to their lenders for free and avoid claims firms that may charge more than 30% of compensation.

Sauna Theatre, described as the UK’s largest sauna, will occupy Summerhall Arts’ courtyard in Edinburgh during the August Fringe. The 80-seat pop-up venue will host immersive Aufguss performances combining heat, essential oils, storytelling and theatre, including a sauna rave, a literary salon, a reimagining of Virginia Woolf’s The Waves and a show about the Picts. Co-founders James Grieve and Lucy Osborne say the project brings a European sauna-theatre tradition to the UK, while Summerhall chief executive Sam Gough praised its innovative programme. Tickets are being released through Summerhall Arts and Edinburgh Festival Fringe channels.

Essa Suleiman, 45, has been remanded in custody after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accused of attempting to murder three men, including his friend Ishmail Hussein and two Jewish men attacked in Golders Green. Prosecutors allege Suleiman attacked Hussein in Southwark before travelling to Golders Green, where Shloime Rand was stabbed near a synagogue and Norman Shine was attacked at a bus stop. Suleiman faces three attempted-murder charges and a charge of possessing a knife in public; he did not enter pleas. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on 15 May. Rand has been discharged from hospital, while Shine remains in stable condition. Counter Terrorism Policing London is leading the investigation, and the UK terrorism threat level has been raised to severe.

Temperatures in London and East Anglia could reach 27°C on Friday, making it potentially the hottest day of the year so far and warmer than forecast temperatures in Honolulu. Cardiff could also be warmer than Athens. However, cloud, heavy rain and possible thunderstorms are expected in parts of central and northern Britain, followed by widespread rain and cooler, more typical May temperatures over the bank holiday weekend. The warm spell follows a drier and warmer-than-average April across much of the UK.

Sophia Brooks told Southwark Crown Court that she approached and filmed Graham Linehan outside a Westminster conference seeking an apology and explanation after he called her a “domestic terrorist,” rather than to provoke him. Linehan’s lawyer argued that Brooks intended to disrupt the event and provoke gender-critical attendees, while Brooks denied this. The hearing concerns Linehan’s appeal against his criminal-damage conviction for throwing Brooks’s mobile phone; he was previously cleared of harassing her through social media posts. The case also features wider allegations of political campaigning between trans-rights and gender-critical activists.

UK mortgage approvals for house purchases rose to 63,531 in March, the highest level since November 2025, while remortgaging approvals increased to 51,300. Nationwide reported annual house-price growth accelerating to 3.0% in April, with the average UK home reaching a record cash price of £278,880. Analysts attributed the activity partly to borrowers seeking lower rates, although affordability remains under pressure. Consumer credit growth also accelerated, household deposits rose by £5.5 billion, and cash ISA inflows increased ahead of the tax year-end and a planned reduction in the annual allowance.

NatWest data indicates that UK households bought 10–20% less fuel than a year earlier, suggesting fewer car trips, while spending on eating out fell about 3.5% as consumers sought better value. The data also showed a sharp rise in mortgage and remortgage activity in March, with customers seeking to lock in rates amid fears that interest rates could rise following the Iran conflict and Middle East energy shock. Businesses, particularly manufacturers exposed to higher energy costs, were delaying investment and hiring decisions, although infrastructure, energy, utilities and project finance remained strong. Bank chief executive Paul Thwaite said customer activity and savings remained resilient, while Bank of England figures showed mortgage approvals reaching a four-month high.

Sam Neill will reprise his role as defence barrister Brett Colby in The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer, the third installment of the Australian drama series. The eight-part murder-trial story involves a 1968 cold case and will also feature Danielle Cormack, Sarah Peirse and Ewen Leslie. Produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia and Easy Tiger Productions, the series will stream as a complete box set on ITVX from May 31.

Prosecutors released nearly six minutes of security video showing Cole Tomas Allen allegedly running through a checkpoint at the Washington Hilton while armed with a long gun and knife, apparently attempting to reach the White House correspondents’ dinner where Donald Trump was seated. A Secret Service officer fired five shots, and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said there is no evidence the officer was hit by friendly fire. Allen, who was injured but not shot, is charged with attempting to assassinate the president and two firearms offenses and has agreed to remain jailed pending trial. His lawyers dispute that the evidence proves he intended to target Trump, while Secret Service director Sean Curran defended the event’s security arrangements.

A community campaign has returned seven kiwi to Wellington, marking the 250th bird relocated there by the Capital Kiwi Project after the species disappeared from the city’s hills for more than a century. The initiative operates across a 24,000-hectare habitat protected by over 5,000 stoat traps, where kiwi chicks have achieved a 90% survival rate. The project forms part of New Zealand’s broader goal of eliminating introduced predators by 2050 and relies on collaboration among landowners, Māori groups, conservation organizations and volunteers.

Billie Eilish said James Cameron initiated her 3D concert film, Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour, by emailing her mother after she had no plans to film the tour. Eilish directed and produced the project alongside Cameron and said she was excited that the tour would remain accessible to her and fans. She also discussed joining Justin Bieber on stage at Coachella, describing the surprise appearance as a life-changing experience.

SNP leader and Scottish First Minister John Swinney says the upcoming Holyrood election gives Scotland a chance to chart a new course and argues that an SNP majority would strengthen the case for another independence referendum. Speaking in Stirling, he criticized Westminster austerity, Brexit and the UK Government’s handling of energy prices, while promoting SNP measures including food-price controls, capped bus fares, first-time buyer support and expanded childcare. Swinney said independence would enable Scotland to make decisions on energy and access to European markets.

South East Water chair Chris Train has resigned with immediate effect and been replaced by interim chair Lisa Clement after an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report declared the company’s leadership ineffective and its governance inadequate. MPs blamed poor maintenance, insufficient investment, weak risk monitoring and a disorganised response for water outages affecting thousands of customers in Kent and Sussex. The committee welcomed Train’s departure but called on chief executive David Hinton to resign, while community group Dry Wells Action demanded consumer representation on the board and government intervention. South East Water apologised for operational failures, said it would double network investment over five years and promised engineering and operational reforms.

UK manufacturing activity rose to a PMI reading of 53.7 in April, up from 51 in March and the sector’s highest level since May 2022. Production and new orders strengthened, staffing increased for the first time in 18 months, and firms reported stronger domestic and overseas demand. However, the Middle East conflict has intensified supply-chain problems, including freight shortages, port disruption and customs delays, driving the fastest pace of input-price inflation since June 2022. Companies are building inventories to guard against further disruption and price rises, while business optimism has fallen to a one-year low.

Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone said military veterans are not seeking immunity from prosecution but want a fair process that accounts for the split-second decisions soldiers faced during the Troubles. His comments followed a coroner’s finding that soldiers used unreasonable force in the 1972 Springhill shootings, while a judge said criminal convictions were unlikely. West Belfast MP Paul Maskey opposed any immunity for British soldiers and called for legislation that gives victims’ families truth and justice, complies with human rights standards and has their confidence.

NatWest reported a 12% increase in first-quarter operating pre-tax profit to £2 billion, supported by growth in lending and deposits, more than £100 million in cost savings and expectations that higher interest rates will sustain income. The bank raised its full-year income outlook to the top of its £17.2 billion–£17.6 billion guidance range. However, it more than doubled credit impairment charges to £283 million after downgrading its UK economic forecasts, including growth of 0.4%, inflation above 3.5% and unemployment exceeding 5.7%, partly reflecting higher energy prices linked to conflict in the Middle East. Chief executive Paul Thwaite said credit portfolios remained strong but warned that weaker economic conditions could reduce business and housing demand.

Donald Trump said Iran should be allowed to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, reversing his earlier concern that participation could endanger Iranian players amid US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will play all three group matches in the US, beginning against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Iran could face the United States in Dallas if both teams finish second in their groups. Iran was absent from FIFA’s Congress in Vancouver after visa-related issues, while Canadian authorities said IRGC officials are inadmissible and defended their case-by-case visa process.

The United States is ending its 10% tariffs on Scotch whisky following King Charles III’s state visit, a decision welcomed by the Scotch Whisky Association, Scottish and UK governments, and business groups. The tariffs had reportedly cost the industry about £4 million a week and affected jobs and investment in Scotland’s largest export market, worth around £1 billion annually. Industry representatives credited months of negotiations alongside the King’s diplomatic role, while cautioning that the change will not resolve ongoing pressures from energy costs, taxes, regulation, and other overseas tariffs.

Sabrina Carpenter has encouraged fans to put down their phones and dance to “Bring Your Love,” her new collaboration with Madonna. The song will appear on Madonna’s forthcoming album Confessions II, due July 3, after the pair premiered it during Carpenter’s Coachella performance, where they also performed Madonna hits including “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer.” The collaboration highlights Madonna’s continuing pop legacy and Carpenter’s recent international success.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn called for an emergency financial support package, including removing VAT from fuel, cancelling a planned fuel-duty increase and introducing a household energy price cap. His demands followed Bank of England warnings that a prolonged Gulf conflict could push inflation to 6.2% and interest rates as high as 5.5%. Flynn accused Keir Starmer’s government of failing to prepare for an economic catastrophe, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the government’s economic record and promised to limit costs, improve energy security and protect households and businesses.

UK house-price growth accelerated to 3.0% annually in April from 2.2% in March, while prices rose 0.4% month on month and pushed the average property value to a record £278,880, according to Nationwide Building Society. The market has regained momentum despite Middle East-related uncertainty, weaker consumer confidence and higher energy-price risks. Analysts attribute the resilience partly to stronger household finances, accumulated savings, improving affordability and mortgage rates that remain below their 2023 highs. The Bank of England held its base rate at 3.75%, but warned that a severe geopolitical scenario could prompt further rate rises and increase recession risks. Property and finance experts expect affordability and mortgage rates to constrain growth, with some forecasting a gradual rather than sudden impact on prices and advising buyers to prepare early while conditions remain unsettled.

King Charles III has arrived in Bermuda for a three-day solo tour after completing a state visit to the United States with Queen Camilla. His visit follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that tariffs on Scottish whisky would be removed, a move credited partly to the royal couple’s intervention and welcomed by the Scotch Whisky Association. Charles was formally received by Bermuda’s governor and premier and is scheduled to attend environmental, cultural and civic events, including a visit to the Living Classroom, meetings in Hamilton, a puppetry showcase and a National Gombey Dance Troupe performance.

The Trump administration argues that the Iran war ended when a ceasefire began in April, meaning the 60-day deadline under the 1973 War Powers Resolution has not been triggered and congressional authorization is unnecessary. The United States continues to blockade Iranian oil tankers while Iran maintains control of the Strait of Hormuz. Democrats and some Republicans dispute the interpretation, with Senator Susan Collins calling for authorization and defined military objectives. Legal experts and Senator Tim Kaine say the administration’s claim that the statutory clock can be paused or terminated has no support in the law.

Santander has completed its takeover of TSB, with the final price rising from the agreed £2.65 billion to £2.9 billion. The combined group will become the UK’s third-largest bank for current accounts and fourth-largest mortgage provider, serving nearly 28 million customers. Santander says customers will see no immediate changes and expects at least £400 million in cost savings, while new TSB chief executive Nicola Bannister will lead the integration.

Essa Suleiman, 45, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north-west London. He also faces an attempted-murder charge over a separate incident in Southwark and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. One victim, Shloime Rand, has been discharged, while Moshe Ben Baila, also known locally as Moshe Shine, remains in stable condition. The UK terrorism threat level was raised to severe amid broader concerns, although the Home Office said the change was not solely linked to the attack. Police also urged against speculation and criticized Green Party leader Zack Polanski over a social-media post about the arrest.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla thanked Americans after completing a four-day state visit marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. Donald Trump credited their intervention with prompting the removal of tariffs on Scottish whisky, a decision welcomed by the Scotch Whisky Association and described as beneficial to British distillers and their workers. The visit was presented as a potential vindication of the UK Government’s effort to strengthen the UK-US relationship. Charles then travelled to Bermuda for a three-day solo tour, beginning with a low-key airport reception ahead of a formal ceremonial welcome.

US President Donald Trump announced that tariffs and restrictions on Scottish whisky would be removed following King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s state visit to the United States. The Scottish whisky industry said the decision would ease pressure on firms, after earlier 25% tariffs caused more than £600 million in losses and current 10% tariffs were estimated to cost £3 million a week in exports. British ministers welcomed the move, which is expected to restore tariff-free trade between Scotch whisky and American whiskey producers while strengthening UK-US relations. The decision also highlighted the monarchy’s role in supporting British diplomatic and economic interests.

Luke Littler defeated Luke Humphries 6-5 in the Aberdeen final to win his fifth Premier League night and move two points clear of Jonny Clayton at the top of the table. Littler recovered from 5-3 down to win the deciding leg, while Clayton’s quarter-final exit confirmed his place in the play-offs. Humphries moved within two points of the top four, and Littler also beat Gerwyn Price in the semi-final after overcoming Josh Rock in the quarter-final.

Iran’s embassy in the UK categorically denies any involvement in violent incidents following a stabbing in Golders Green and a series of attacks on Jewish and Israeli sites in London. The embassy says accusations lack credible evidence and warns that suspected false-flag operations could be used to justify retaliation. British officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have called for stronger powers to counter state-linked threats, while police investigate possible Iranian proxy involvement. Authorities have not established whether the 45-year-old stabbing suspect had links to Iran.

Britney Spears has been charged in Ventura County, California, with driving under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. She was arrested on March 5 after police observed her driving erratically and reported signs of impairment. Her court appearance is scheduled for May 4, although she may not need to attend in person. The charge follows her recent voluntary stay at a treatment facility and comes amid continuing changes in her personal and professional life, including the sale of part of her music catalogue to Primary Wave.

Crystal Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final in Krakow. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring after 21 seconds, setting a competition record, before Oleh Ocheretko equalized shortly after halftime. Daichi Kamada restored Palace's lead and assisted Jorgen Strand Larsen for a late third goal, giving the English side a two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg and putting them within reach of the final.