Rob Freeman

Prince Harry is preparing to launch a commercial initiative aimed at helping former military personnel use their skills and experience in civilian life. Speaking to veterans and defence officials in Washington, he called for greater recognition of veterans and advocated moral leadership and a younger, less combative approach to decision-making. The report also says Harry and Meghan are expected to move back to the UK with their children as private citizens, while Harry’s ongoing legal disputes over security and his strained relationship with his father, King Charles III, remain sources of tension.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced new powers allowing police and courts to intervene earlier against people preparing mass-casualty attacks, even when there is no ideological or terrorist motive. The proposed law would address a gap between terrorism offences and non-ideological plans for mass killings, potentially applying to cases resembling that of Southport attacker Axel Rudakubana, who received a life sentence for murdering three girls.

Four men—Talha Satar, Said Mahamed, Husni Benramadan and Yousouf Khan—have been charged with murdering 24-year-old Arad Niakan, who died after being stabbed in De Montfort Place, Leicester. They also face charges involving an imitation firearm and a bladed article. A fifth man, Kassam Tarmahoomed, has been charged with assisting an offender. All five are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court.

Four men—Talha Satar, Said Mahamed, Husni Benramadan and Yousouf Khan—have been charged with murdering 24-year-old Arad Niaka, who died after being stabbed in De Montfort Place, Leicester. They also face charges involving an imitation firearm and possession of a knife in public. Kassam Tarmahoomed has been charged with assisting an offender. The defendants are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court, while several other people arrested in connection with the case have been released on bail or without charge.

BAE Systems chief executive Charles Woodburn warned that UK defence spending remains far below what is needed and said the international security environment is the most threatening he has experienced. He highlighted Russia’s military advances, the war in Ukraine and the growing importance of drones in modern warfare. The warning came despite the government’s additional £15 billion defence allocation. Expectations of higher spending have boosted defence shares, while BAE Systems secured a £708 million extension from the Ministry of Defence to develop a next-generation combat aircraft, welcomed by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting.

BAE Systems chief executive Charles Woodburn warned that the UK’s additional £15 billion in defence funding still falls well short of what is needed to protect the country, citing Russia’s military activity, the war in Ukraine and the growing importance of drones and counter-drone capabilities. The comments follow criticism from John Healey over inadequate military funding and expectations that his new role could bring further defence investment. BAE Systems shares rose after Healey’s appointment, and the company received a £708 million extension to develop a next-generation combat aircraft. The article also reports Iran’s criticism of UK support for US defensive operations from British bases and the government’s insistence that its policy serves national security and protects British citizens.

Ljubisa Karovic was partially pulled through a broken window on a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen at approximately 20,000 feet. His wife and fellow passengers dragged him back into the cabin, using a suitcase to block the ruptured window, after he repeatedly lost consciousness. He suffered serious neck and shoulder injuries, burns and bruising, and required hospital treatment. The aircraft returned to Thessaloniki, while Ryanair said preliminary findings indicated damage from a foreign object. The US National Transportation Safety Board has taken over the investigation, with a draft report expected within 28 days.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting apologised after a hot microphone captured him joking that Justice Secretary Alex Norris wanted to release all prisoners. Streeting said the remark referred to an earlier joke involving Theresa May and Kenneth Clarke, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said there was no ill intent. The incident comes ahead of a new Sentencing Act expected to enable the early release of approximately 6,000 prisoners in September.

Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood apologised after a hot-microphone exchange in which Streeting joked that new Justice Secretary Alex Norris was “the enemy” for wanting to release prisoners early. They said the comments referenced an old joke and did not reflect a lack of seriousness about the prison crisis. Under a new Sentencing Act due to take effect in September, about 6,000 prisoners are expected to be released early. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the policy, while the government said it must take decisive action to address overcrowding and protect the public. The issue has drawn renewed criticism after the mother of murdered police officer Andrew Harper said it was insulting that two men convicted over his death could become eligible for release halfway through their sentences.

A three-year-old girl was found dead at a property in Chertsey, Surrey, prompting a murder investigation. Police arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder after responding to reports of concern for safety. Authorities said the incident occurred within a family setting and that no other suspects were being sought.

A three-year-old girl was found dead at a home in Chertsey, Surrey, after police received a concern-for-safety report. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at the property and taken to hospital for treatment before being transferred into custody. Surrey Police said the death appeared to have occurred within a family setting, that they were not seeking anyone else in connection with the case, and that there was no wider risk to the public.

Unison general secretary Andrea Egan has warned that Labour must change course or risk enabling Reform UK to take power. Ahead of Unison’s conference in Brighton, she criticized the government for failing to meet its promises and called for progressive policies including infrastructure investment, restored pay, improved public services and greater insourcing. Egan also warned that Reform could undermine pensions and workplace protections, while suggesting Your Party could serve as a warning to Labour. She is reviewing Unison’s relationship with Labour after being expelled from the party in 2022.

Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria in the fourth round to claim the undisputed UFC lightweight title at a specially constructed White House Octagon event held on Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and during celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary. Ciryl Gane won the interim heavyweight title by defeating Alex Pereira, while several other bouts ended in notable knockout victories and losses. Sean Strickland, who said he opposed Israel and had not been invited to fight, was escorted away from the venue.

A large fire consumed much of a two-storey multi-use warehouse and its roof at a business park on Oxgate Lane in Brent, prompting the precautionary evacuation of about 70 residents. Around 150 London firefighters using 25 engines, turntable ladders and a high-volume pump brought the blaze under control before 6am, while nearby residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed because of heavy smoke and loose embers. A van and car were destroyed, roads were closed, and the cause remained unknown.

Two people were arrested after Essex Police searched a property on Meadgate Avenue in Chelmsford and found items requiring specialist examination. Nearby properties were evacuated and a 100-metre cordon was established as a precaution while explosives specialists assessed the scene.

The Sikh Federation is calling for a public inquiry into alleged multi-agency failures surrounding the 2025 murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton by Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. The group alleges that police and intelligence failures may have allowed the killing to be prevented, criticizes the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s investigation, and disputes the initial identification of the murder weapon as a ceremonial kirpan. It argues that this description spread damaging misinformation and contributed to a misleading characterization of the case in court.

The Sikh Federation has urged the UK government to establish a statutory public inquiry into the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton, citing alleged police, intelligence and justice-system failures. Its chief executive Dabinderjit Singh criticised the IOPC investigation and argued that prosecutors and police wrongly allowed the murder weapon to be described as a Sikh kirpan, fuelling damaging misinformation. The case has also prompted protests and attacks on Sikhs, while the National Police Chiefs’ Council has announced a review of police anti-racism guidance. Digwa was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating one serving Metropolitan Police officer and four former officers over their handling of sexual abuse allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed. The investigation concerns reports made by four people and follows more than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct spanning from 1977 to 2014. The Metropolitan Police is assisting the IOPC and separately investigating individuals who may have enabled Al Fayed’s alleged offending, including potential human trafficking and facilitation of rape. Notices of investigation do not necessarily lead to misconduct proceedings, and the wider police investigation remains ongoing.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for a ban on resident doctors and consultants striking, following the 15th resident doctors’ walkout since 2023 amid an unresolved pay dispute. She also supports reintroducing minimum service levels across the NHS and has accused the British Medical Association and the Labour government of putting unions ahead of patients. A YouGov poll found that 55% of British adults oppose resident doctors’ strikes, while 37% support them.

NASA’s Artemis II crew successfully fired the Orion spacecraft’s engines to leave Earth orbit and begin its journey toward the Moon. The four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—will fly around 4,000 miles beyond the Moon before returning to Earth, potentially setting a new human spaceflight distance record. The mission, which also resolved toilet and cabin-temperature problems after earlier fuel-system delays, is intended to test systems and procedures for future lunar landings and eventual crewed missions to Mars.

Seven pedestrians suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries after a black Suzuki Swift struck them on Friar Gate in Derby city centre on Saturday night. All seven were treated at the scene and taken to hospitals in Derby and Nottingham. Derbyshire Police said there were no fatalities and arrested the driver, a man in his 30s originally from India, who remained in custody.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating the apparent arson of four Hatzola volunteer ambulances in Golders Green, London, as an antisemitic hate crime. Explosions linked to gas canisters damaged nearby buildings, prompting precautionary evacuations, though no injuries were reported. Police are reviewing CCTV, seeking three suspects and engaging with faith leaders, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the attack and the incident raised concerns within the Jewish community.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has substantially raised his parliamentary ambitions following the party’s fifth MP winning a seat, membership increasing from about 55,000 to more than 220,000, and polling ratings tripling. He now prioritizes winning significantly more MPs and councillors, with the Greens potentially holding the balance of power to pursue proportional representation, a wealth tax, climate measures and cost-of-living policies. Polanski said becoming prime minister is not an immediate objective and again apologized for a 2013 comment about hypnosis and breast size, acknowledging both the remark and his decision to work with The Sun.

Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Blackpool are among nine areas shortlisted for the 2029 UK City of Culture title, alongside Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Swindon and Wrexham. Each contender will receive £60,000 to develop a full bid, while the winner will receive £10 million for a year of cultural activity and three other finalists will receive £125,000 for specific bid projects. The shortlist was selected by an independent panel chaired by Phil Redmond. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted the competition's role in supporting local culture and announced £132 million for youth centres, grassroots sports, arts and music programmes.

HSBC reported pre-tax profits of $29.9 billion (£22.1 billion) for 2025, down $2.4 billion (£1.8 billion) from the previous year, largely because of legal provisions, organisational simplification costs and the sale of its French-retained loan portfolio. Profit after tax also fell, while fourth-quarter pre-tax profit increased significantly. Chief executive George Elhedery described the bank’s performance as strong and raised its target for annual revenue growth to 5% by 2028.

The Seattle Seahawks won their second Super Bowl, defeating the New England Patriots 29–13 in Super Bowl LX. Head coach Mike Macdonald praised the team’s “Dark Side” defense, which recorded six sacks and two interceptions against Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, saying the performance would go down in history. Players Devon Witherspoon and Sam Darnold celebrated the defensive effort, while Patriots coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged that his team was outcoached and outplayed.

Seattle defeated New England 29–13 in Super Bowl LX, with the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defence dominating by sacking Drake Maye six times and forcing two interceptions. Head coach Mike Macdonald said the unit’s performance would go down in history, while cornerback Devon Witherspoon and quarterback Sam Darnold praised the team’s belief and collective effort. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel conceded that New England had been outcoached and outplayed despite having a strong season.

Nestlé has expanded its recall of SMA Advanced First Infant Milk after the discovery of the food-poisoning toxin cereulide. The affected 800g batch, marked 53390346AB with a December 2027 best-before date, was distributed exclusively in Northern Ireland. Nestlé says the recall is precautionary and that no illnesses have been confirmed. The Food Standards Agency advises consumers to stop using the affected formula, switch to an alternative, and seek medical advice if a baby has consumed it. New European safety guidance on cereulide could result in further infant-formula withdrawals worldwide.

The Met Office has issued amber and yellow warnings for heavy rain across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, south Wales and south-west England. Rainfall of up to 40mm could increase flooding risks for homes and businesses, disrupt public transport, cause power cuts and leave some communities isolated. ScotRail and CalMac have introduced speed restrictions and cancellations, while Police Scotland has advised drivers to take care on the roads.

A Channel Tunnel overhead power-supply failure and a failed LeShuttle train caused the cancellation of all London–Europe Eurostar services. Some services resumed Tuesday evening, but further overnight rail-infrastructure problems led to another cancellation and delay on Wednesday morning. LeShuttle delays improved at Folkestone but remained severe in Calais, and passengers were warned to expect further disruption.

Australian police said Bondi Beach attackers Sajid Akram and his son Naveed were not connected to a wider terrorist cell and found no evidence that their November trip to the Philippines involved training or logistical preparation. Police believe the pair acted alone and were inspired by Islamic State; Sajid was killed at the scene and Naveed was arrested. New South Wales authorities planned to deploy more than 2,500 officers for Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, while officials also arranged a minute’s silence and a menorah projection to commemorate the victims.

Australian police say the two suspects in the 14 December Bondi Beach terror attack acted alone and were not part of a broader terrorist cell. Naveed Akram faces 59 charges, while his father, Sajid, was killed by police at the scene. Investigators found no evidence of training or logistical preparation during their Philippines visit but believe the men were inspired by Isis. New South Wales Police will deploy more than 2,500 officers for New Year’s Eve, while victims will be commemorated with a minute’s silence and a menorah projection on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Australian police say Bondi Beach attack suspects Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, were not part of a broader terrorist cell and found no evidence that their November trip to the Philippines involved training or logistical preparation. Police believe the pair acted alone and were inspired by Isis; Sajid was killed at the scene and Naveed faces 59 charges. New South Wales authorities plan to deploy more than 2,500 officers for Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations, while officials have urged residents to attend and announced a minute's silence and visual tribute to the victims.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said the NHS was coping during the resident doctors’ strike but warned that the post-strike recovery would be especially difficult because it coincides with the service’s busiest period. Resident doctors are due to return on Monday after the British Medical Association rejected a government offer, with Streeting promising renewed talks in the new year while criticizing the union’s position as hardline. He also reaffirmed his support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, dismissed leadership-challenge speculation, and said he was uncomfortable with increased taxation and supported a deeper trading relationship with the European Union without restoring freedom of movement.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the NHS was coping with resident doctors’ strike action but warned that the recovery period could be particularly difficult because it coincides with the service’s busiest time. Doctors are due to return on Monday, and Streeting said he wants to end the dispute and restart negotiations with the British Medical Association in the new year. He criticised the BMA’s rejection of the government’s offer, dismissed rumours of a challenge to Keir Starmer’s leadership, and backed closer EU trading ties without restoring freedom of movement.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said further tax rises are now less necessary after the November Budget raised £26 billion, partly through a freeze on income-tax thresholds. She declined to rule out future increases, saying it was too early to predict later Budgets, but argued that the measures had increased the government’s fiscal headroom and its resilience to economic shocks. Reeves is also prioritising home ownership through more accessible mortgages and flexible mortgage products.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves declined to rule out further tax rises in 2026, but said the £26bn of tax increases in the November Budget had more than doubled the government's fiscal headroom and made additional rises less necessary. She argued that the stronger buffer would help the government withstand future economic shocks. Reeves also identified improving access to home ownership as a priority and backed Financial Conduct Authority proposals for more flexible mortgages that could allow borrowers to take on larger loans relative to their income.

Sir Cliff Richard has revealed that he underwent treatment for prostate cancer during the past year and that the disease is currently gone. Diagnosed during an insurance health check before a tour of Australia and New Zealand, he said the cancer was detected early and had not spread. Richard is urging the UK government to introduce wider prostate cancer screening and suggested collaborating with King Charles III on awareness efforts. The UK National Screening Committee has proposed targeted biennial screening for men aged 45 to 61 with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations.

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan described hiding with his family and a friend in a Bondi Beach restaurant after hearing gunshots during the Sydney terrorist attack. He called the incident terrifying and tragic, praised Ahmed al Ahmed for tackling one attacker, and noted that the Ashes Test in Adelaide would be a sombre occasion as England’s team expressed condolences. Police said a father and son carried out the attack, which killed 15 people and left 38 hospitalized.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said he and members of his family were locked inside a restaurant near Bondi Beach during the terrorist shooting in which 15 people were killed and dozens remained hospitalized. He described hearing gunshots as terrifying, condemned the attackers, and praised Ahmed al Ahmed for tackling and disarming one of them. The older gunman was killed by police while his critically injured son was arrested under guard. Vaughan and England’s cricket team expressed sympathy for victims and the Jewish community, while acknowledging that the Ashes Test in Adelaide would continue in a sombre atmosphere.

Sir Cliff Richard, 85, revealed that he was treated for prostate cancer over the past year and that the disease is currently gone, although he is uncertain whether it will return. The diagnosis was discovered during an insurance medical check before a tour, prompting him to urge men to undergo regular checks and criticize the lack of a national prostate cancer screening programme. He said he would like to work with King Charles III to raise awareness. The comments come as the UK National Screening Committee considers a targeted screening programme for men aged 45 to 61 with certain genetic mutations.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that planned five-day Christmas strikes by resident doctors could push an NHS already under severe pressure from a major flu wave toward collapse. NHS data show an average of 2,660 flu patients in hospital daily last week, a 55% rise that Streeting fears could worsen significantly. The British Medical Association is polling members on a government offer that includes priority training for homegrown doctors, 1,000 additional specialty training posts by 2026, and funding for mandatory exams and Royal College membership fees.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox raised more than £4 million for BBC Children in Need by completing a 135-mile journey across northern England, equivalent to five marathons in five days. The Prince of Wales congratulated her in a video message broadcast on Scott Mills’s breakfast show. Cox became emotional when the total passed £3 million and thanked donors, particularly women over 50, for their encouragement.

British political commentator Sami Hamdi is returning to the UK after spending more than two weeks in US immigration detention. He accepted voluntary departure after US officials charged him with overstaying his visa, but his family and legal team say he was detained and had his visa revoked because of his criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights. CAIR-CA challenged the detention in federal court, while US officials previously alleged that Hamdi’s comments after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack celebrated violence. His family welcomed his release but raised concerns about free speech in the United States and urged the UK government to do more for citizens detained abroad.

HSBC reported third-quarter pre-tax profits of $7.3 billion, down $1.2 billion from a year earlier, while after-tax profits also fell by $1.2 billion to $5.5 billion. The decline reflected higher operating costs and $1.4 billion in legal provisions, most of them linked to a lawsuit brought by Herald Fund SPC over losses associated with Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme. HSBC has set aside $1.1 billion following a Luxembourg court ruling; its securities-services arm plans a further appeal concerning the amount owed.

A petition opposing the UK government’s planned mandatory digital ID system has surpassed 1.5 million signatures. The system, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for introduction by 2029, is initially intended to verify people’s right to work and address illegal immigration, but a government official has suggested it could become the foundation for wider public-service reform. Critics, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, warn that it could enable mass surveillance and expand state control. The IDs would be stored on smartphones and would not need to be physically carried.

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after another 15-year-old died from stab wounds following a disturbance involving several people on Monton Street in Manchester’s Moss Side. The suspect remains in custody for questioning. Greater Manchester Police have imposed Section 60 stop-and-search powers in the area and increased patrols while the investigation continues.

Sainsbury’s has recalled 315g tubs of JS Classic Houmous dated 13 September and 200g packets of JS Lemon & Coriander Houmous dated 14 September because they may contain Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Customers are advised not to eat the products and may return them to Sainsbury’s for a full refund. The report explains possible symptoms, including bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening haemolytic uremic syndrome, while experts advise seeking medical help, staying hydrated and maintaining good food and hand hygiene.

Woody Allen said he and Soon-Yi Previn attended several dinners at Jeffrey Epstein’s home after being introduced in 2010, describing Epstein as exceptionally pleasant and philanthropic. Allen said he never saw Epstein with underage girls and did not encounter Ghislaine Maxwell at the gatherings. The account also includes Soon-Yi’s criticism of Prince Andrew, whose association with Epstein contributed to his withdrawal from public life and a multimillion-dollar settlement with Virginia Giuffre.

Sainsbury's has recalled 315g tubs of JS Classic Houmous with a 13 September use-by date and 200g packs of JS Lemon & Coriander Houmous dated 14 September over possible shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination. The Food Standards Agency advises customers not to eat the affected products and to return them to Sainsbury's for a full refund. Possible symptoms include diarrhoea and abdominal pain, with severe cases potentially causing kidney failure.

UK car production rose 5.6% year on year in July to 69,127 vehicles, marking a second consecutive monthly increase. However, an 81.1% fall in commercial vehicle output reduced total vehicle production by 10.8% to 72,006 units. Domestic car production increased 13.6%, while exports, which represented 79.4% of output, grew 3.7%; shipments to the US, Turkey and Japan increased, but exports to the EU and China declined. Total vehicle production remained down 11.7% in the first seven months of the year, although the industry forecast a 6.4% increase in 2026.

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are reportedly preparing to move with their three children into Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park later this year. The Grade II-listed, eight-bedroom property is estimated to be worth about £16 million, and the couple are expected to pay for the move and renovations themselves, avoiding taxpayer costs. Its location near Adelaide Cottage and Lambrook School will allow the children to remain at their current school.

Diane Abbott faces a possible further suspension from the Labour Party after reiterating comments that distinguish racism based on skin colour from prejudice against groups including Jewish people and Travellers. Labour said it would investigate the remarks under party rules and take them seriously. The development follows Abbott’s readmission before the 2024 general election and a series of suspensions involving left-wing Labour MPs.

Elon Musk launched xAI’s Grok 4, claiming it is smarter than nearly all graduate students across subjects and has received 100 times more training than Grok 2. He predicted rapid advances in AI-generated technology and television while acknowledging that the model may lack common sense. The launch followed antisemitic and pro-Adolf Hitler commentary from Grok 3, prompting xAI to say it was removing inappropriate posts. The report also notes Musk’s criticism of competing chatbots and Linda Yaccarino’s departure as head of X.

Four people—Amy Gardiner-Gibson, Jony Cink, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie and Lewie Chiaramello—are due at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after being charged by counter-terrorism police over the alleged break-in at RAF Brize Norton on 20 June. Two Voyager aircraft were damaged, causing an estimated £7 million in losses, in an action claimed by Palestine Action. The defendants face conspiracy charges relating to entering a prohibited site and causing criminal damage. Separately, MPs have voted to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, with the measure awaiting consideration by the House of Lords.

Representatives for Meghan Markle deny that she still uses the HRH title after a gift card displaying “With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex” appeared during her podcast interview with IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima. Meghan and Prince Harry agreed to stop using the word “Royal” after stepping back from official duties in 2020, although no formal legal restriction prevents use of the titles. During the interview, Meghan described the couple as enjoying a renewed “honeymoon” phase and praised Harry for prioritising their family’s safety.

Irish rap group Kneecap apologised to the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess after videos appeared to show a member advocating violence against MPs and expressing support for Hamas and Hezbollah. The band said the footage was taken out of context, described it as part of a smear campaign linked to its criticism of the Gaza conflict, denied supporting the groups and condemned violence against civilians. Counter-terrorism police are investigating, while Kemi Badenoch called for prosecution and Downing Street said Kneecap should not receive public funding.

Prison officers are urging Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to authorize Tasers in high-security prisons after Hashem Abedi attacked guards at HMP Frankland with hot oil and makeshift weapons. The Prison Officers’ Association says electric stun guns are needed to protect staff facing extreme violence, arguing that concerns about rehabilitation should not outweigh immediate safety needs. The Ministry of Justice is reviewing the incident and broader prison-security measures, including possible body armor for officers.

The British and Irish Lions will play the First Nations & Pasifika XV at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on July 22, 2025, after the Melbourne Rebels’ administration created a gap in the Australian tour schedule. Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh described the fixture as a celebration of Indigenous and Pacific communities, while Lions chief executive Ben Calveley expressed strong enthusiasm. Australia is also preparing for the Lions series, with Ian Foster joining the coaching staff for the combined Australia and New Zealand side in a July 12 warm-up match. Andy Farrell will announce the Lions touring party on May 8.

England and Australia will play a day-night Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground from March 11 to 15, 2027, marking the 150th anniversary of Test cricket. It will be the first men’s pink-ball Test at the MCG. The venue hosted the inaugural Test in 1877 and the Centenary Test in 1977, both won by Australia by 45 runs. The match will follow England’s five-Test Ashes tour of Australia beginning in Perth in November.

Australian Grand Slam champion and longtime commentator Fred Stolle has died aged 86. He won the 1965 French title and the 1966 US Open, reached six additional Grand Slam finals, claimed 17 Grand Slam doubles titles and helped Australia win three Davis Cups from 1964 to 1966. After retiring, he coached Vitas Gerulaitis and worked as a commentator. Tennis Australia officials and former players including Rod Laver and Paul McNamee praised his achievements and enduring contribution to the sport.

Galatasaray accused Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho of making racist and derogatory comments after a 0-0 draw, citing his description of the Galatasaray bench as “jumping like monkeys” and criticism of Turkish refereeing. The club said it planned to initiate criminal proceedings and complain to UEFA and FIFA. Fenerbahce rejected the allegation, arguing that Mourinho’s words had been taken out of context and describing the accusation as a malicious attempt to manipulate the competition. Mourinho had previously been fined and suspended for comments perceived as demeaning Turkish football and its officials.

Elton John and Simon Cowell are supporting a campaign urging the UK Government to abandon proposed copyright rules that would let AI companies use online creative work unless creators opt out. They argue the policy could deprive artists and behind-the-scenes workers of compensation and damage the UK’s creative leadership. Joan Armatrading, Nick Foster and Kate Mosse also back stronger protections, with Mosse calling for an opt-in system requiring AI companies to seek permission and pay creators. Keir Starmer has said the Government is consulting and must balance protection with the opportunities offered by AI.

HSBC reported a 2024 pre-tax profit of $32.3 billion, up from $30.3 billion the previous year, while announcing plans to reduce its global staff costs by 8% and achieve $1.5 billion in annualised savings by the end of 2026. The UK head office is expected to bear much of the impact, although the bank has not specified how many jobs will be eliminated. The restructuring will remove duplicated senior roles, merge divisions, withdraw from some UK, European and US mergers-and-acquisitions activity, and redirect funds from non-strategic operations. HSBC expects to incur $1.8 billion in severance and other upfront costs, while chief executive Georges Elhedery could receive up to £19.8 million in 2025 under proposed revised pay arrangements.

Former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt warned that terrorists or rogue states could use artificial intelligence to pursue harmful objectives, including creating biological weapons. He urged governments to monitor and regulate private technology companies developing AI. His comments followed an AI summit in Paris where 57 countries and international bodies signed a declaration, while the UK and US declined to endorse it; the UK said the communique lacked practical clarity on global governance and national safety.

Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from Australia’s Champions Trophy squad and a two-match ODI series in Sri Lanka for personal reasons, leaving Australia without its entire pace attack from the previous World Cup victory. His absence adds to the unavailability of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh through injury, while Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODI cricket. Australia, captained by Steve Smith, will rely on less experienced fast-bowling options. Separately, spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported over a suspected illegal bowling action and could be barred from international bowling if the action is found to be unlawful.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni became emotional after his team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX. The Eagles’ defense sacked Patrick Mahomes six times, preventing the Chiefs from winning an unprecedented third consecutive title. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who threw two touchdowns and scored another, was named MVP. Sirianni and Hurts credited collective effort and defense, while Chiefs coach Andy Reid accepted responsibility and cited turnovers and penalties as decisive problems.