Lucy Leeson

Former royal butler Grant Harrold says Prince Harry’s reported return to the UK was foreseeable because of his close relationship with King Charles III and concern for his father. Harrold predicts that Prince William will be furious after Harry’s public accusations and claims in his memoir Spare, while Meghan Markle may find relocating to Britain difficult because of past media scrutiny and her ties to the United States. He suggests Charles may welcome more time with Harry and his grandchildren but remain cautious, and believes Catherine, Princess of Wales could help mediate a possible reconciliation.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called a student named Victoria to announce a full school closure, with no online or remote learning, as a powerful nor’easter brought heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flooding to the region. Authorities issued weather warnings affecting 59 million people and imposed travel bans, while Mamdani urged residents to remain indoors during the storm’s peak.

Olena Kutsa, head of emergency response for the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, describes leaving home while five months pregnant after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. She lived and worked alongside 25 volunteers in an office that became an emergency coordination hub and temporary shelter as sirens sounded and supplies were distributed. Four years later, she reflects on the strain of wartime humanitarian work while raising a child who is beginning to ask about the air-raid sirens.

Author Maggie O’Farrell discusses the women who have shaped her career, focusing especially on the Brontë sisters’ collaborative writing practices and mutual creative support. The video also highlights Hamnet’s success, including its 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction win and adaptations by the Royal Shakespeare Company and for film.

The Independent’s Influence List, highlighting influential women shaping British society, is being displayed at Outernet London throughout March for International Women’s Day. The free exhibition features portraits of nine women and supports Refuge, with visitors encouraged to donate through a QR code or text number. The campaign brings together contributions from The Independent, Outernet London, photographer Sane Seven and the featured women.

Elizabeth Day discusses the shame and isolation she initially felt during 12 years of trying to have a child, including experiences of infertility and miscarriage. She explains that sharing her journey and accepting that she will not have children helped her feel less alone and connected her with a wider community of people who had faced similar experiences.

England rugby centre Megan Jones explains that rugby helped her embrace her identity and express aspects of herself that did not always fit conventional expectations during childhood. She describes the sport as a place where her boisterous, tomboy personality was accepted and celebrated, and is featured on The Independent’s Influence List for International Women’s Day.

Indhu Rubasingham, the first woman and first person of colour to lead the National Theatre, discusses International Women’s Day as an opportunity to reflect on women’s position globally and refocus attention on expanding opportunities for women.

Myleene Klass discusses the pressure placed on women to “have it all” and argues that prioritising work and family at the expense of mental and physical wellbeing is unsustainable. Drawing on her experience of multiple pregnancy losses, she describes campaigning for improved miscarriage support. Her advocacy contributed to reforms in England ending the requirement for women to experience three miscarriages before receiving specialist medical help, followed by further government women’s health measures.

Martin Lewis explains that the conflict involving Iran and the wider Middle East has driven a sharp rise in wholesale gas prices, which are a major factor in electricity costs. He describes the increase over two days as unusually large, while noting that it remains below the spike seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Martin Lewis advises people to check and update their pension expression-of-interest or nomination form after divorce or separation. Private and workplace pensions generally sit outside a will, meaning the pension provider or scheme trustees may distribute the funds according to the nomination on file; if it is outdated, an ex-partner could potentially receive the pension.

The UK Ministry of Defence released footage showing an RAF F-35B Lightning fighter destroying an Iranian drone over Jordanian airspace. The operation marked the first time a British F-35 had destroyed a target during operational deployment, with support from RAF Typhoons and a Voyager refuelling aircraft. Separately, a British counter-drone team intercepted unmanned aerial vehicles targeting Coalition forces in Iraqi airspace.

The UK Ministry of Defence released footage showing an RAF F-35B Lightning shooting down an Iranian drone over Jordanian airspace. RAF Typhoons and a Voyager refuelling aircraft supported the mission, while a British counter-drone team intercepted additional uncrewed aerial vehicles in Iraq that were approaching Coalition forces. The Ministry of Defence said the operations support regional security and protect British personnel and allies.

A suspected Iranian drone strikes a high-rise building in Bahrain after Iran targeted US military assets in the country. The incident followed US and Israeli attacks on Iran and came amid Iranian warnings of retaliation. It remains unclear whether the building was the drone’s intended target, while explosions were also reported in the UAE, Jordan and Qatar.

Footage released by U.S. Central Command shows aircraft-carrier-based launches during Operation Epic Fury, a U.S.-led strike campaign against Iran reportedly ordered by President Donald Trump. The United States said the operation began at 1:15 a.m. ET and targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command facilities, air defenses, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.

French President Emmanuel Macron sang “Les Feuilles Mortes” at a state dinner during his visit to Armenia, with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accompanying him on drums. The performance took place ahead of the first bilateral summit between the European Union and Armenia.

Martin Lewis urged people to check whether they have lost pensions, noting that more than £30 billion is believed to be unclaimed, averaging nearly £10,000 per person. Lost pensions can result from changing jobs or failing to update contact details. People are advised to review their paperwork, contact former employers and use the free pension tracing service on the GOV.UK website.

A video shared by Meghan Markle shows her daughter, Princess Lilibet, helping collect eggs from chickens at their Montecito home. Meghan is also seen tending the flock with chocolatier Jonathan Grahm of Compartes, while Lilibet is heard excitedly announcing that she found another gray egg.

Georgia Toffolo has shared that she and her husband, James Watt, have been trying to conceive for five months without success. She said doctors have reassured them that this is normal and highlighted how public discussions often focus on people who become pregnant immediately, leaving other experiences less visible.

Donald and Melania Trump welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the White House. Queen Camilla wore a brooch featuring the American and Union flags, originally presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her 1957 US visit. The state visit was described as particularly significant amid strained relations between the UK prime minister and President Trump.

Faye Dawson, 50, was sentenced to one year and two months in prison after pleading guilty to dangerous driving. She was filmed driving a van carrying five children at up to 80mph, on the wrong side of the road, while warning them that she was not responsible if they died. Dawson lost control of the Vauxhall on Delphouse Road in Cheadle, injuring four passengers, and was disqualified from driving for four years and seven months.

Pope Leo responded to Donald Trump's criticism by defending his continued public opposition to war. During the start of a 10-day tour of four African countries, the pope said the gospel should not be abused and called for peace, dialogue, multilateral cooperation and just solutions, emphasizing the suffering and deaths of innocent people.

Labour education minister Olivia Bailey confirmed that the UK would not participate in a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, but repeatedly declined to say whether the government supports Donald Trump’s plan. Trump said the US Navy would begin blocking ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, with the operation expected to start on 13 April.

Queer and gender-fluid musician Bimini encourages young people, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, to spend less time on their phones and engage more with the real world. Bimini argues that exploring new spaces, making mistakes and experiencing life offline are essential to personal growth and understanding oneself.

Niall Horan performed at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland before breaking down on the M6 while travelling home. He shared footage of the incident, saying he was waiting for the AA after describing the performance as successful.

Meghan Markle discusses her family’s preferences for As Ever preserves in a promotional Instagram video. She says her husband prefers raspberry jam, Princess Lilibet prefers strawberry, Prince Archie likes both, and she favors marmalade, while also revealing the family nicknames “Lil” and “Arch” for her children.

Rylan Clark described his divorce from Dan Neal and subsequent mental breakdown during an appearance on ITV’s The Assembly. He said the end of their six-year marriage made him extremely ill and left him feeling as though he had been physically incapacitated and unable to recover.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel praised Pep Guardiola as “one of a kind” after learning during a World Cup squad press conference that Guardiola will leave Manchester City. Guardiola’s departure ends his 10-year spell at the club, during which he won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League.

Keir Starmer mistakenly told the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions that the UK had secured a trade deal with North Korea. He later clarified that he had meant South Korea, describing the error as a slip of the tongue while responding to Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer used Prime Minister’s Questions to praise Pep Guardiola as one of Manchester’s great heroes as Guardiola reportedly prepares to leave Manchester City after almost a decade. Starmer also declared an interest in congratulating Arsenal Football Club on becoming Premier League champions. The remarks came as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was named Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield parliamentary by-election.

Katie Price says her husband, Lee Andrews, told her during their last FaceTime call that people were “coming back for me,” while he appeared hooded with his hands tied. Andrews reportedly failed to board a flight to the UK for an appearance on Good Morning Britain, despite sending a video from the airport. Price says his phone location stopped updating near the Dubai border and that Dubai Police are helping search for him.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said he was “a bit sad” about Labour’s poor election results and colleagues publicly calling for Keir Starmer to resign. He expressed regret that internal party concerns had spilled into public debate, highlighting growing tensions over Starmer’s leadership.

Actress Dame Sheila Hancock said on Have I Got News for You that she is frightened she may die while Nigel Farage is prime minister. Her remarks were made as Reform UK’s popularity was growing, before the results of the UK local elections.

Martin Lewis advises people to contribute a percentage of their income to a pension based on their starting age: halve the age at which they begin saving and use that figure as the target percentage for ongoing contributions. He stresses that starting earlier generally leads to a better retirement.

Election expert Sir John Curtice says Keir Starmer has never been as popular as the Labour Party and has not clearly provided an electoral advantage. Starmer faces a major test as voters cast ballots in local elections and elections for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments, with Labour potentially losing hundreds of council seats and its dominance in the Senedd.

Keir Starmer announces from Downing Street that he will resign as UK prime minister. He describes the role as the proudest moment of his life, thanks Number 10 staff and the Civil Service, and says he plans to devote more time to his wife, Victoria, and their children.

A live broadcast accompanies reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer may announce his resignation after discussing his political future with his family at Chequers. The Independent reports that a plan could transfer Labour’s leadership to Andy Burnham, potentially through a September transition. Pressure has reportedly grown among Labour MPs, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper understood to have urged Starmer to step down, while minister Jacqui Smith said he was thinking seriously about what was best for the country.

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice criticized Andy Burnham after Burnham won the Makerfield by-election by 9,231 votes. Tice called Burnham the “King of U-turns” and said he had “splinters in his backside” because he sits on so many fences. The result was a setback for Reform UK despite its strong performance in the previous month’s local elections, and it came amid speculation that Burnham could challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership.

A seaplane carrying 10 people made a hard landing in New York City’s East River around noon on Sunday, 5 July. The aircraft remained upright and was being towed back to a dock, according to the New York City Fire Department. Social-media images showed the plane leaning to one side with its left wingtip in the water.

Comedian Rosie Jones discusses how comedy helped her embrace her identity as both disabled and gay. After overcoming internalised homophobia and difficulty imagining herself as part of both communities, she now uses comedy and visibility to show audiences her authentic self and encourages young people questioning their sexuality to accept that uncertainty is okay.

Healthcare worker, content creator and London’s Trans+ Pride events manager Stephanie Lynnette says support from allies is more important than ever amid legislation affecting trans rights. She urges people to educate themselves, recognize the challenges facing the trans community and actively stand alongside trans people.

British South African drag performer and trans woman Tiara Skye explains how Queen Elizabeth II and Dame Edna Everage influenced her identity, performance style and commitment to authenticity. Known for sassy street interviews, Skye emphasizes individuality, confidence and the importance of openly expressing oneself, and is featured on The Independent Pride List 2026.

Maxine Heron describes how severe childhood bullying and her experience of transitioning as a teenager shaped her advocacy. Now a communications officer for the charity Not A Phase, as well as a model and speaker, she encourages others to build confidence and seek supportive communities. Her appearance on Glamour’s cover featuring nine trans women is presented as an important moment for transgender visibility.

LGBTQ+ rights campaigner Bobbi Pickard argues that people should celebrate human diversity as readily as they celebrate biodiversity in nature. The founder of Trans in the City, who features on The Independent Pride List 2026, draws on the public admiration for David Attenborough and his nature programmes to call for greater acceptance and celebration of diversity among humans.

Miss England Grace Richardson, the first openly gay woman to win the title, explains why she chose to be open about her sexuality while competing. She says authenticity was more important than outside opinion, although she worried that competing at Miss World could require her to conceal her sexuality if the event were held in a country where being gay was not accepted or legal.

A silver sedan caught fire moments after being refuelled at a petrol pump near the Bursa-Istanbul highway in Bursa Province, Turkey. The driver and front-seat passenger escaped through the flames without injury, but the vehicle was extensively damaged. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

Donald Trump said he intends to run for a further presidential term, presenting a “Trump 2028” cap during remarks at the White House correspondents’ dinner. His comments appear to refer to a fourth term, while the 22nd Amendment prohibits presidents from being elected more than twice.

Adam Ramsay-Peaty cried after finishing third in the men’s 100-metre breaststroke final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Australia’s Sam Williamson won ahead of Jersey’s Filip Nowacki, ending Ramsay-Peaty’s eight-year dominance of the event. The 31-year-old said time away to protect his mental health and a high-profile family feud following his marriage to Holly Ramsay had taken a significant emotional toll.

Anthony Joshua dedicated his second-round knockout victory over Kristian Prenga in Jeddah to his late friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer, were killed in a car crash in Nigeria in December. Joshua, who rose from the canvas twice during the fight, described the victory as a testament to their spirit and to the strength of their families, while declining to discuss the loss in greater detail.

Police evacuated a family from their home in France as wildfires advanced amid high winds, urging them to take their children and animals and leave immediately without collecting belongings. Bordeaux City Council was reported to be considering a full evacuation of the city, which has more than 1.2 million residents in its wider metropolitan area, while surrounding communities had already been evacuated.

U.S. forces boarded a commercial tanker in the Arabian Sea as part of a naval blockade of Iranian ports. U.S. Central Command said forces had redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to bypass the blockade, disabled two noncompliant vessels and boarded two ships for verification.

The U.S. military released footage showing its forces boarding a commercial tanker in the Arabian Sea as part of an ongoing naval blockade targeting Iranian ports. U.S. Central Command said the operation was conducted for verification and stated that American forces had previously redirected 12 vessels attempting to bypass the blockade and disabled two that failed to comply.

A military plane and more than 1,000 French personnel were deployed to fight severe wildfires in southwestern France, while evacuations affected more than 280,000 people, including residents near Bordeaux. European Union countries supplied aircraft, helicopters and ground teams to support France’s firefighting efforts. French authorities described the fires as unprecedented while urging tourists not to cancel travel plans.

Donald Trump threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory and warned that Iran would face severe economic consequences as negotiations to end the nearly six-month conflict remain unresolved. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected the threats and said Tehran would not be intimidated, maintaining that the waterway remains under Iranian authority. The USS George Washington is reportedly preparing to deploy to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has spent more than 200 consecutive days at sea, prompting concerns about crew conditions.

Former Cambridge sociology professor Jason Arday was found dead at his home in Battersea, south London; police said the death was unexpected but not suspicious. His death prompted condolences from Cambridge and Labour figures, as well as anger over the media scrutiny he faced following plagiarism allegations and questions about other claims in his biography. Arday resigned after the controversy, although a Liverpool John Moores University investigation cleared him of wrongdoing, while Durham and Glasgow universities continue to examine his appointments. Commentators and politicians questioned the responsibilities of academic institutions and the press, with some drawing parallels to the public treatment of Caroline Flack.

Bodycam footage shows a coordinated operation by Jacksonville SWAT, the FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to rescue a 13-year-old girl allegedly kidnapped in Georgia and taken more than 130 miles to a Jacksonville motel. A 42-year-old man who allegedly attempted to flee was arrested.

Adam Ramsay-Peaty won bronze in the men’s 100-metre breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, returning to the podium after missing out at the Birmingham Games. The swimmer became emotional while discussing the impact of a family feud and his efforts to protect his mental health since 2022. Australia’s Sam Williamson won gold, while Jersey’s Filip Nowacki took silver.

A vehicle drove into crowds at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations, killing one person and injuring at least 17 others. Attendees were evacuated as emergency services arrived, and police and prosecutors later identified a 21-year-old suspect, Abdul B., whom they linked to the city’s Islamist scene.

Wildfires near Madrid and in Ávila, Spain, have destroyed homes and prompted the deployment of more than 650 emergency responders. More than 20,000 people were evacuated after Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska declared a national emergency, as high temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds overwhelmed local firefighting capacity.

Wildfires in southwest France prompted officials to order evacuations across parts of Bordeaux’s suburbs, including Le Haillan, Eysines and Mérignac. Video shows horses fleeing thick smoke as strong winds threatened to worsen the blazes. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the fires had reached an unprecedented level, while the French Army was deployed to support the emergency response.

Police launched a murder investigation after former MP Ann Widdecombe was found with serious injuries at her home and later died. Devon and Cornwall Police said they were seeking a white male suspect, described the investigation as progressing at significant pace, and appealed for witnesses. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman was expected to provide further details at a press conference in Exeter.

Martin Lewis warns that more than two million UK Global Health Insurance Cards are due to expire this year and urges travelers to check their cards before visiting Europe. Renewals are free, and travelers should avoid websites charging for expedited GHIC applications. He also advises buying travel insurance as soon as a holiday is booked because it can cover cancellations caused by illness or other problems before departure, as well as medical costs abroad.

England manager Thomas Tuchel says he was surprised by Harry Maguire’s public statement that he was shocked and gutted to miss out on the 2026 World Cup squad. Tuchel praised Maguire’s quality and outstanding season but defended the decision, saying England remained committed to the central defenders who had carried the team through September and November.

Wes Streeting confirmed that he would stand in a Labour leadership contest if one is triggered. He called for a proper contest, including the possibility of Andy Burnham returning to Parliament, and warned that Labour could become subordinate to Nigel Farage and contribute to the breakup of the United Kingdom without a change of direction. Streeting criticized factionalism, antisemitism under previous leadership and excessive caution, while advocating that Britain rejoin the European Union and describing Brexit as a catastrophic mistake.

Wes Streeting confirmed he will stand in any contest to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader, while arguing that Andy Burnham should be allowed to return to Parliament before the contest begins so the result has legitimacy. In his first speech since resigning as health secretary, Streeting criticized Jeremy Corbyn’s factionalism, Labour’s handling of antisemitism and its overly cautious period in opposition. He warned that Labour risks enabling Nigel Farage and threatening the unity of the UK unless it changes course. Streeting also called Brexit a catastrophic mistake and advocated rebuilding Britain’s relationship with the EU, ultimately including eventual re-entry, citing economic, trade and shared security interests.

Coronation Street actor James Cartwright discussed his exit from the soap and the emotional impact of filming a domestic abuse scene in which his character, Theo Silverton, pushed a kebab into the face of his husband, Todd Grimshaw. Cartwright said he cried afterward as an emotional release. He appeared on ITV’s This Morning following the character’s murder in the storyline.

Martin Lewis recommends a pension-saving rule of thumb: halve the age at which saving begins to determine the percentage of income to contribute. Someone starting at age 30, for example, should aim to save 15 percent of their income, with earlier saving improving prospects for a financially secure retirement.

Keir Starmer described his wife, Victoria, as an “absolute rock” who regularly advises and encourages him to continue as prime minister. His comments came ahead of a Commons vote that could trigger an inquiry into claims that he misled MPs about Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.

Queen Camilla wore a brooch combining the American stars and stripes with the Union flag as she arrived in the United States with King Charles for a four-day state visit. The piece, presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her 1957 visit to America by New York Mayor Robert F. Wagner, symbolises unity and the longstanding US-UK relationship.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States for a four-day state visit described as the most important foreign trip of the King’s reign so far. Camilla wore a brooch featuring the American and Union flags, originally presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her 1957 visit to the US, symbolizing the longstanding UK-US relationship. The visit takes place amid strained relations involving Donald Trump, the British prime minister and the Iran war.

Former senior civil servant Sir Olly Robbins is due to answer MPs’ questions about the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador after being dismissed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer said he was kept unaware that Mandelson had failed security vetting and denied pressure from Downing Street to approve the appointment. Reports suggest Robbins will say he did not see the formal recommendation against granting clearance and will challenge the account of events. The scandal is also set to face further scrutiny in an emergency Commons debate requested by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

Seven people were seriously injured, though none suffered life-threatening injuries, after a car struck pedestrians in Derby city centre on Saturday evening. A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and grievous bodily harm. Counterterrorism officers are assisting Derbyshire detectives, but police say the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism and that there is no ongoing risk to the public.

Nestlé reported that a truck carrying more than 12 tonnes, or 413,793 bars, from its new KitKat range was stolen while traveling from central Italy to Poland. The vehicle and products remain missing. Nestlé is working with local authorities and supply-chain partners to investigate and says there are no customer-safety concerns or expected disruptions to KitKat supplies.

Nestlé says a truck carrying 413,793 KitKat bars—around 12 tons—from its factory in central Italy to Poland was stolen in transit, and both the vehicle and chocolate remain missing. The company is working with authorities and supply-chain partners, while KitKat says the products can be traced through unique batch codes. Nestlé insists there is no consumer-safety concern and that supplies will not be affected.

Seven people suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries after a black Suzuki Swift struck pedestrians in Derby’s Friar Gate area. A 36-year-old man from Derby was arrested shortly afterward on suspicion of attempted murder and several serious driving and assault-related offences. Derbyshire Constabulary is leading the investigation with support from counterterrorism officers, while emphasizing that the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism and that there is no ongoing public risk. The area remained cordoned off as police investigated, and witnesses, officials and local MPs expressed concern for the injured and praised the emergency response.

During a BBC Question Time discussion about the conflict in Iran, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting accused the Conservatives of taking an inconsistent position. He mocked Conservative panellist Helen Whately by comparing her answer to the Hokey Cokey, prompting laughter from the audience, while host Fiona Bruce also appeared confused by Whately’s response.

Martin Lewis is urging people in the UK to review and update their pension beneficiary nominations. Private and workplace pensions are generally separate from wills, with providers or scheme trustees deciding who receives the funds. Outdated nomination forms can result in an ex-partner inheriting the pension, so savers should submit an updated expression of interest or nomination form.

Four staff members were injured after a concourse at Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage in an incident that was quickly contained. Dubai Airports said emergency teams responded and that most terminals had already been cleared under contingency plans. It remains unclear whether the incident was connected to Iranian retaliatory strikes following coordinated US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The escalation led to airspace closures, widespread flight suspensions, explosions reported across several Middle Eastern countries, and thousands of stranded travelers, including Britons.

Nigel Farage is due to give a speech addressing his future in public life amid scrutiny of financial support allegedly provided by convicted criminal and long-term ally George Cottrell for security and staffing before Farage’s return to frontline politics. Labour has asked the Electoral Commission to examine whether the support should have been declared. Farage is also facing a standards investigation into a £5 million gift from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne.

Martin Brundle’s Formula One grid walk at Silverstone became awkward when he asked Hugh Grant about future seasons of the television series The Gentlemen. Grant clarified that he appeared in the film version but had not seen or appeared in the TV adaptation, prompting Brundle to end the interview shortly afterward.

Joe Foreman appealed to the UK government to secure the release of his parents, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who were detained in Iran during a world motorbike tour. The couple have been sentenced to 10 years on espionage charges, which they deny, while UK Foreign Office officials say they are innocent tourists. Joe said the family misses them and wants them home.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer mistakenly said that the government had secured a trade deal with North Korea while listing agreements with other countries. After receiving a note, he corrected himself, explaining that he meant South Korea and describing the error as an unfortunate slip of the tongue.

Keir Starmer described his wife, Victoria, as an “absolute rock” and said she was advising him to continue as prime minister. His comments came ahead of a Commons vote on 28 April that could trigger an inquiry into allegations that he misled MPs over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.

Television presenter Laura Hamilton said she was struggling to sleep after witnessing the aftermath of a teenager getting into difficulty in the sea and later learning that the 19-year-old had died. After filming A Place in the Sun, Hamilton visited a nearby beach and issued an urgent warning urging parents, children and adults to take care when swimming in the sea.

Beverley Callard said further testing showed that cancer found in one lymph node was considered low-risk, which she described as great news. Following her early-stage breast cancer diagnosis, she expects to begin radiotherapy soon and thanked fans for their support.