Nadeem Badshah

Aalim Ahmed, a five-year-old autistic boy, died after falling from a kitchen window on the 15th floor of Jacobs House in Plaistow in May 2024. His parents had repeatedly sought a move from the temporary social housing flat, which they said was unsuitable and unsafe for their son, who had no sense of danger. At the inquest, Newham Council property manager Nnenna Muoma said additional window restrictions could have reduced the risk, while acknowledging she was not an expert and did not know the existing restrictor could be locked. Aalim's parents have described his death as preventable and blamed the council; the council said it would not comment until the inquest concludes.

A man, woman and teenage girl died after a family of four got into difficulty while swimming off Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex. A younger girl was rescued and remains in critical condition. Emergency services brought all four ashore, while the coastguard completed an extensive search and confirmed that no one else was missing. Police said the incident had a profound effect on the local community, amid several recent water-related deaths during a period of extreme heat.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed at least 2,325 people and caused 4,945 confirmed cases, making it the deadliest outbreak in the country’s history and potentially the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever recorded. It has spread across six provinces, especially Ituri, while Uganda has reported no recent community transmission and declared itself Ebola-free. The Bundibugyo strain lacks approved vaccines and treatments, although clinical trials and vaccine testing are underway. The response is being hindered by attacks on health facilities, misinformation, unpaid health workers, insecurity, poor infrastructure and widespread delays in seeking treatment, with more than 70% of deaths occurring in communities.

A body found in Romania is believed to be that of 18-year-old British geology student George Smyth, who went missing while hiking from Poiana Brașov toward Bran in November. His family has been notified and paid tribute to him, while thanking Romanian mountain rescuers, Avon and Somerset Police and the University of Bristol for their efforts. Formal identification is still required before arrangements can be made to return the body to the UK. Smyth had made an emergency call from an isolated mountain area during severe weather, and the search involved rescue teams, dogs, drones and helicopters.

Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis has ruled out Madonna as one of the festival’s 2027 headliners, despite speculation sparked by Madonna’s comments about a major UK project. Eavis said the festival has already booked three headliners but declined to confirm whether Taylor Swift is among them, warning that most Glastonbury rumours are inaccurate. The article also highlights Madonna’s recent chart success with “Love Sensation,” her collaboration with Kylie Minogue, which became her 65th UK top-10 single.

Actor Lucy Davis has revealed that she was diagnosed with incurable stage-four breast cancer about 18 months ago and that the disease has spread to her spine, right hip and ribs. She says chemotherapy is no longer an option and that pain and mobility problems sometimes require her to use a wheelchair. Davis says humour, support from friends and family, and a desire not to be treated as a sick person have helped her cope. She intends to continue advocating for animal rights and hopes to keep acting while spending what time remains with her loved ones.

Israel rejected Donald Trump’s US-led 15-point Gaza peace plan, with Benjamin Netanyahu saying Israel would not withdraw until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. Trump said the US was pursuing limited negotiations with Iran and relying on economic pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran demanded major concessions, including an end to threats, sanctions and the US presence in the region. A leaked Pentagon memo called for sharply accelerated weapons production amid concerns about stockpiles. The war also drew criticism from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Mark Esper, while Syria and Russia reached an agreement on Russia’s reorganized military presence along the Syrian coast.

A light aircraft traced the shape of a bin off the Essex coast in an apparent tribute to Count Binface, who is challenging Nigel Farage in the Clacton byelection. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft zigzagging for about 30 minutes, though the pilot’s identity is unknown. Farage is expected to win comfortably, while the main Westminster parties are boycotting the contest. The byelection followed Farage’s resignation amid an investigation into whether he properly declared a £5m gift from cryptocurrency tycoon Christopher Harborne; that investigation could resume if Farage wins and might eventually threaten his parliamentary seat.

The Royal Navy says it spent 21 days in July monitoring Russian vessels around UK waters, a 25% increase in activity compared with the previous year. HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey and HMS Severn, supported by naval helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft, shadowed Russian frigates escorting tankers linked to Russia’s sanctions-evading shadow fleet. The Ministry of Defence reported 116 naval activations in the year to March 2026, involving 61 Russian warships and 28 merchant vessels, reflecting a 30% rise in Russian naval activity over two years. The increased monitoring follows the Royal Marines’ seizure of the tanker Smyrtos and continuing concerns over Russian activity near undersea infrastructure and in the North Atlantic.

Counter-terrorism police have reopened an investigation into an April 2025 incident in which an incendiary device was allegedly pushed through Nigel Farage’s letterbox. The original case was treated as an attempted burglary and closed without identifying suspects, but investigators have now found a previously unpursued line of inquiry while examining the murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK figure Ann Widdecombe. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating whether a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member failed to pursue that lead. Widdecombe was found dead in Devon on 9 July, and Joshua Kerry has been charged with her murder; he has not been charged with terrorism offences.

England disposed of an estimated 3,400 tonnes of partly used medicines in 2024–25, enough to fill about 75 swimming pools and costing the NHS at least £480 million annually. The National Pharmacy Association is calling for more frequent medication reviews for patients with multiple repeat prescriptions and urging people not to over-order medicines. Experts warn that waste also creates environmental and patient-safety risks, particularly when leftover antibiotics are taken without medical advice and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. NHS England says its app and local campaigns are helping patients manage prescriptions, while wider medicine supply shortages continue to affect drugs including Estradot and Creon.

Iran and Oman have agreed on geographic coordinates for a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz and are finalising a joint statement, but Iran says the waterway will not reopen unless the United States ends its naval blockade and changes its conduct. The prospective arrangement may be temporary and could enable renewed US-Iran nuclear negotiations, though Washington opposes Iranian control or fees. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least one person and injured 11 after Israel accused Hezbollah of violating a ceasefire. Houthi attacks or claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers pushed oil prices higher, with UK petrol and diesel costs reaching new highs.

A peer review conducted by French magazine L’Express and involving 60 intelligence professionals from 25 countries ranked the UK’s MI6 as Europe’s most powerful foreign intelligence service. MI6 was praised for recruiting high-level informants, penetrating ruling elites and maintaining long-term operations, as well as for its support for Ukraine. France’s DGSE ranked second, followed by intelligence services from the Netherlands, Ukraine and Germany, while Slovakia’s service came last. Experts also highlighted the DGSE’s global reach, counter-terrorism capabilities and history of clandestine operations.

Iran and Oman have reportedly made progress toward an arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, potentially allowing ships to enter through an Iranian-controlled lane and exit through an Omani-controlled route. US officials Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent expressed hope for an imminent agreement, while Qatar said diplomatic efforts involving Washington and Tehran remained ongoing. Disputes persist over whether the arrangement would involve fees, whether the US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports, and whether Iran would gain lasting control over the strategic waterway. Elsewhere, Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas disarms, while new US-facilitated Israel-Lebanon talks began in Rome. The conflict has also strained US missile-defence stocks, disrupted oil exports and shipping, and contributed to attacks in the Red Sea, while humanitarian casualties and economic harm continue across the region.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murdering a 17-year-old who died after suffering multiple stab wounds at Kingsway recreation ground in Luton. Four other teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder, violent disorder and weapons offences. Bedfordshire Police are appealing for witnesses and asking the public not to share distressing videos or images of the incident, while local councillor Zanib Raja urged residents to avoid spreading the footage and described the impact on the victim’s family and the Luton community.

David Jonsson has been announced as the new Black Panther in the third Marvel film, playing the grown son of Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa. Director Ryan Coogler revealed the casting alongside returning stars Letitia Wright and Winston Duke at Marvel Studios' Comic-Con presentation. Jonsson, known for Industry, The Long Walk and Alien: Romulus, will take over the superhero role as the character comes of age. Black Panther III is scheduled for US release on 15 December 2028, with a UK date yet to be confirmed.

Residents of Nethy Bridge were allowed to return home after firefighters reduced the immediate threat from a major wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park. The blaze, which began near Glenmore on 15 July, burned about 6 sq km of heathland and small trees, forced evacuations and campsites to close, and generated smoke visible as far away as Aberdeen. More than 500 firefighters, specialist vehicles, aircraft and partner agencies worked to contain it. Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, had requested UK military assistance as changing winds accelerated the fire, but Police Scotland later lifted the major incident declaration while authorities stressed that substantial resources would remain in place until the flames were fully extinguished.

Wildfires in France and Spain have forced roughly 267,000 people to evacuate, including 197,000 near Bordeaux and 70,000 west of Madrid. Spain reported a death near Valencia and declared a national emergency, while high winds and heat intensified fires around Madrid. France deployed 1,500 soldiers, specialist equipment and military aircraft to support firefighting and evacuations. A major blaze in Scotland’s Cairngorms national park continued after 11 days, prompting a request for military assistance. The EU pledged additional aircraft, helicopters and emergency mapping for France and Spain.

The United States completed its 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iran, targeting aircraft hangars, drone storage sites and other military facilities, while President Donald Trump threatened further action near the deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated the war’s US cost at $37.5bn, and US military casualties reached 18 deaths with more than 500 wounded. Iran reported attacks and casualties but its claims could not always be independently verified. Yemen’s Houthi movement declared a naval blockade against Saudi-linked shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb, prompting tankers carrying Saudi crude to reroute and raising fears of disruption at two major maritime chokepoints. Brent crude rose above $92 a barrel, while officials warned that the conflict could produce wider effects on energy markets, global trade and international freedom of navigation. Trump also said US airlines would be allowed to resume direct flights to Lebanon, and Lebanon’s army began deploying in a southern border area.

A UK resident and humanitarian worker is being monitored in isolation at a specialist London hospital after potential exposure to Ebola while treating patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The worker, evacuated on a dedicated flight as a precaution, is asymptomatic and will be monitored throughout Ebola’s two- to 21-day incubation period. UK authorities report no confirmed UK cases and say the public risk remains low. The report also describes the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, which the World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern.

Andy Burnham’s new government announced an £850 million cut to VAT on household electricity bills from October, funded through the cancellation of the digital ID programme, and positioned itself as a cost-of-living government. Anas Sarwar is reportedly preparing to resign as Scottish Labour leader and enter the cabinet as a minister after being elevated to the House of Lords. Burnham’s reshuffle created a powerful Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and drew accusations from Keir Starmer’s allies of factionalism. John Healey became chancellor, while Wes Streeting indicated that defence spending would rise by more than £25 billion to meet the UK’s 2035 NATO commitment. The government also faced pressure over NHS doctors’ pay, jury-trial reforms, devolution, state-school representation in cabinet and the funding of its economic agenda.

The United States issued a worldwide caution to its citizens as tensions escalated after a tenth consecutive night of strikes on Iran. Iran claimed attacks on US military facilities and air-defense systems in Bahrain and Kuwait, while US Central Command said its forces had struck Iranian command centers, missile and drone sites, maritime capabilities and air defenses. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also said two tankers were stopped after explosions in the Strait of Hormuz, although the US said commercial traffic continued and a British maritime agency reported that a tanker crew had abandoned their vessel. Yemen’s Houthis threatened a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, raising the prospect of simultaneous disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, with potentially severe effects on global oil supplies and prices. Nearly 100 US service members have reportedly been injured in recent weeks, while Washington faces scrutiny over the Pentagon’s disclosure of casualty figures. The conflict is also expected to dominate diplomatic talks in Southeast Asia as energy-importing countries confront rising security and supply risks.

Andy Burnham became UK prime minister and completed the formation of his first Labour cabinet after Keir Starmer resigned. John Healey was appointed chancellor, Ed Miliband foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper health secretary and Wes Streeting defence secretary, while Angela Rayner returned as housing secretary and Shabana Mahmood and Pat McFadden retained their posts. Several senior ministers, including Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Peter Kyle and Liz Kendall, left government. Burnham promised immediate action on rough sleeping and cost-of-living pressures, including possible cuts to energy bills and bus fares, alongside a ten-year national plan and what he called a “circuit breaker” government. He also began diplomatic contacts, including talks with Emmanuel Macron on Ukraine, the Middle East, energy and defence. Conservative critics said his pledges lacked a clear delivery plan, while housing and victims’ rights charities urged the new ministers to act quickly on homelessness, social housing and criminal justice reform.

Hungary’s president Tamás Sulyok agreed to step down after signing a constitutional amendment passed by Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s ruling Tisza party, which ends his term immediately citing a loss of public confidence. Sulyok warned the move damages the rule of law, while Viktor Orbán criticised the reform as tyrannical. The amendment is part of Magyar’s broader effort to dismantle Orbán-era power structures, also introducing term limits for lawmakers and a judicial retirement age. Parliament speaker Ágnes Forsthoffer will serve as interim president until a new leader is elected.

Cuban dissident artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara has been approved to travel to the United States after his release from a five-year prison sentence, during which he was designated a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. His whereabouts had been unclear following his transfer to a state security facility shortly before his term ended, prompting criticism from human rights groups including Cubalex. The case unfolds amid high political tension, with Havana accusing him of acting for Washington and human rights organisations reporting more than a thousand political prisoners in Cuba. Ongoing US–Cuba discussions follow heightened strain linked to a US oil blockade instituted after the US military’s abduction of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.

Radio and television presenter Lauren Laverne disclosed that she has been diagnosed with smouldering myeloma, an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder with a low risk of developing into blood cancer in her case. She explained that the condition was detected early due to monitoring following her previous cancer diagnosis and that she does not currently require treatment but will undergo regular tests. Laverne thanked her support network and her GP, while Blood Cancer UK highlighted the large number of people in the UK under active monitoring for similar conditions and offered support to those seeking information.

Renewed US–Iran hostilities escalated as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed strikes on US Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain and additional targets in Kuwait and Jordan, while warning maritime exports could be disrupted. The US carried out further strikes aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities and reinstated a naval blockade of Iranian ports. President Trump threatened upcoming attacks on Iranian power plants and bridges if negotiations do not progress. Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian drones, and regional tensions intensified amid sanctions targeting an Iranian shipping network. US political divisions deepened as Senate Democrats opposed continued military action without authorization.

Wildfires in Almería, Spain, killed 13 people, 12 of them foreign nationals, including seven Britons, after flames driven by high winds tore through extremely dry terrain. Among the victims were British residents Pete and Fran Gillam and others who died trying to flee in their vehicles. The fire, caused by a fallen electrical cable, burned about 7,000 hectares before being brought under control. The disaster comes amid increasingly severe heatwaves in Spain, with 2025 marking a record year for wildfire destruction.

MPs backed the Hillsborough law as Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer highlighted its aim to shift power toward ordinary people and end a longstanding culture of official cover-ups. Ministers confirmed the duty of candour would apply broadly across public bodies while assuring that national security protections remain intact. Conservatives warned the rules could hinder intelligence operations, and several opposition amendments were defeated. The debate also touched on related political developments, including counter-terrorism updates on the Ann Widdecombe case, findings that the Johnson government wasted £10bn on PPE, and wider party tensions involving the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

The government will invest more than £250m over three years to increase policing and counter‑terrorism capabilities protecting Jewish communities in England and Wales. The plan includes more than 500 additional officers, expanded Project Servator deployments and targeted funding for London, Greater Manchester and other regions with significant Jewish populations. Community leaders welcomed the move while calling for broader efforts to address rising antisemitism, which follows a series of violent attacks and a heightened national terror threat level.

A large fire on a railway embankment in Walthamstow prompted home evacuations and disrupted Overground services as more than 100 firefighters and 20 engines responded. The blaze, caused by an electrical fault from a fallen tree, damaged one house, a second home’s extension and around 30 gardens, though no injuries were reported. Firefighters used a turntable ladder and drones to contain the incident, with crews remaining overnight. Local MP Stella Creasy supported affected residents while rest centres were set up by the council.

Two men died after entering the sea at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool to assist two children who had encountered difficulties. The children were confirmed safe and taken to hospital for checks, while both men received medical treatment but were pronounced dead shortly after. Emergency services, including police, RNLI, HM Coastguard and paramedics, attended the incident. Authorities warned of the dangers of open-water swimming amid a series of recent water-related deaths during hot weather, with experts also noting increased risks from extreme heatwaves linked to climate change.

A Labrador named Tokyo was rescued on Ben Nevis after ingesting discarded cannabis that caused loss of mobility and consciousness. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team carried the dog down the mountain to a local vet, where she recovered fully. The incident prompted warnings to dog owners about discarded drugs in outdoor areas, with veterinarians noting dogs’ heightened sensitivity to cannabis. A similar case in Somerset in 2024 involved two other dogs becoming ill after consuming human waste containing cannabis.

Police arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe, whose body was found at her home in Devon nearly a day after she is believed to have been attacked. Investigators, supported by counterterrorism officers, said there is no indication of terrorism or political motivation and urged the public not to speculate. A previous suspect was released without charge, while police continue to reconstruct Widdecombe’s final movements with help from television producers. Tributes from friends, colleagues and neighbours highlighted her public career and community presence as inquiries continue.

A man in his 40s, identified as Warren Lyttle, died after falling from an Eleventh Night bonfire on the Braniel estate in east Belfast. He was taken to hospital on Friday and died the following day. Police are investigating the circumstances and have notified the Health and Safety Executive. Local community groups issued a statement expressing condolences and confirmed that the bonfire would still be lit, with a minute’s silence in his memory. The incident occurred amid broader tensions surrounding some Eleventh Night bonfires, including a controversial structure in Moygashel that featured a replica mosque and led to a charge of incitement to hatred.

Anthony Hopkins signs with Decca Classics to release his first album, Life Is a Dream, featuring compositions spanning six decades and inspired by his Welsh childhood. The debut single, Bracken Road, reflects his memories of Margam in the 1940s. The album includes performances by Gustavo Dudamel and the Philharmonia Orchestra, with Hopkins expressing gratitude for the collaboration. Additional tracks pay tribute to Wales and personal influences from his early life. The album is scheduled for release on 21 August.

Graham Linehan received £25,000 in compensation and an apology from the Metropolitan police for his arrest over gender-critical posts on X. The force acknowledged failures in its investigation and confirmed it no longer pursues non-crime hate incidents. His detention at Heathrow, sparked by three posts deemed potentially inciting violence, drew political criticism, including from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. The investigation was later dropped, and a previous conviction for damaging a phone during a confrontation with activist Sophia Brooks was overturned on appeal.

Fresh US strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, deepening the collapse of an interim ceasefire. The US said the strikes targeted Iranian capabilities affecting navigation in the strait of Hormuz, while Donald Trump declared the agreement to end the war effectively over. Iran warned of further retaliation against regional US bases and insisted that the strait would operate only under its control. The escalation coincided with preparations for the burial of Iran’s slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei, drawing millions of mourners across Iran and Iraq. Tensions continued to rise across the Gulf, with multiple states issuing alerts as missile and drone activity increased.

Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate race while denying sexual assault allegations, prompting the Democratic Party to prepare a new nominating convention as several potential replacements emerged. Republican officials used the allegations to attack Democrats, while Donald Trump questioned the accuser’s credibility amid ongoing legal fallout from his case involving E Jean Carroll. Polling showed alternative Democratic candidates performing better against Susan Collins. The day’s developments also included renewed US strikes on Iran, Trump’s criticism of birthright citizenship rulings, continued uncertainty over Mitch McConnell’s health, and federal court action ordering release of funds Trump owes Carroll.

US forces launched new strikes across Iran, hitting locations including Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Bushehr after Donald Trump declared the interim ceasefire over. Iran reported further explosions on Abu Musa Island but said Bushehr’s nuclear plant was unharmed. Trump framed the strikes as retaliation for Iranian attacks on commercial shipping, while Bernie Sanders criticized the renewed military escalation. At a Nato summit, Trump signaled more strikes could follow as both sides exchanged warnings over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

US-Iran tensions escalated as Donald Trump declared the truce over and warned of new US strikes. US attacks hit Iranian cities after Iran targeted commercial vessels in the strait of Hormuz, prompting international concern over maritime safety. Oil prices surged as tankers diverted from the region. Diplomatic frictions deepened, with Israel blocking a planned Arab League visit to Ramallah and continuing strikes in southern Lebanon. Regional governments, including Kuwait and Bahrain, reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. At the NATO summit, Trump reiterated threats toward Iran and suggested reinstating a naval blockade. Calls for de-escalation grew as the risk of wider conflict increased.

Trump signaled potential US approval for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors while acknowledging a lack of available US stock. He renewed criticism of Spain and the UK over their roles in the Iran conflict and reiterated threats to cut trade with Spain. Trump claimed significant military successes against Iran, including the destruction of Iranian naval assets, and repeated assertions that Iran would never obtain nuclear weapons. NATO leaders emphasized unity, with several European officials disputing or downplaying Trump’s statements, while Denmark and Greenland reaffirmed that the Arctic territory is not for sale. Ukraine sought further defence cooperation, and the summit highlighted defence spending, drone production and ongoing security guarantees.

Parties across the UK political spectrum refused to contest a Clacton byelection triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation, which followed revelations about an undeclared £5m gift and other funding he received. Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and Restore Britain all said they would not stand, describing the vote as a stunt intended to divert attention from mounting investigations into Farage’s finances. Parliament and law enforcement bodies continue to examine whether the donations breached disclosure rules, while government ministers faced separate scrutiny over prison releases and asylum accommodation policy.

A North East Premier League cricket match at Burnopfield near Newcastle was abandoned after a runaway 800kg juvenile bull escaped from a nearby farm and charged at players and farmers attempting to capture it. Police were called, but the bull eventually left on its own, and the game could not be resumed before the cutoff time. No serious injuries were reported, though one farmer was struck while trying to stop the animal.

Archaeologists uncovered a well‑preserved Byzantine‑era city in Egypt’s Dakhla oasis, including residential structures, a basilica, watchtowers, fortified buildings and artifacts such as coins, tools and pottery fragments documenting daily life and economic activity. Additional finds at Marina el‑Alamein included rock‑cut and limestone tombs, a granite sarcophagus, a plaster sphinx fragment and gold funerary pieces, expanding the known extent of the ancient Greco‑Roman settlement of Leukaspis.

Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal in St Petersburg and port infrastructure in the wider Leningrad region, with local officials reporting no casualties and limited damage. Ukraine described the operation as part of its long‑range campaign targeting Russia’s energy assets, while Russia downplayed the impact. Additional drone attacks were reported across several Russian regions, causing two deaths and minor damage. Ukrainian and Russian authorities issued conflicting claims regarding control of the eastern city of Kostiantynivka, which Ukraine insists remains under its command despite Russian assertions of its capture.

Two Romanian nationals, Nandito Badea and George Stana, were sentenced to eight and twelve years in prison for a targeted knife attack on journalist Pouria Zeraati in London, which the judge determined was carried out on behalf of the Iranian state. Zeraati, a prominent critic of Tehran working for Iran International, was stabbed outside his home following reconnaissance by the attackers, who fled the country after the assault. Officials highlighted increasing proxy activity by hostile foreign states, while the UK government pledged stronger measures against state-linked threats.

Four PGL activity centres in England were suspended after Ofsted uncovered serious safeguarding issues involving health, safety and staff conduct. The suspension affects childcare for unaccompanied children under eight and follows inspections at five centres. PGL acknowledged administrative shortcomings and plans to work with Ofsted to address concerns. Ofsted also urged stronger oversight powers for large childcare and social care providers, arguing current laws limit effective regulation of group-level operations.