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Charlotte Church attacks Ed Sheeran over Macklemore’s tour removal
Charlotte Church launched a fierce onstage attack on Ed Sheeran during a Cardiff concert, calling him a “greedy capitalist” for not supporting rapper Macklemore after his removal from Sheeran’s Loop tour. She urged the audience, including under-18s, to chant “Free Palestine” and repeatedly told Sheeran “we’re watching you”, intensifying the dispute over whether musicians should…
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Government borrowing exceeds forecasts at £18.3bn, piling pressure on Chancellor
Government borrowing rose to £18.3 billion in August, roughly 20% higher than in the same month last year and above official forecasts. The figures deepen pressure on the Chancellor, as spending outpaced government income and ministers prepare for possible further economic effects from rising Middle Eastern energy prices. Although borrowing for the financial year so…
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G7 urges Iran to end support for Yemen’s Houthi movement
G7 foreign ministers have urged Iran to stop arming and supporting Yemen’s Houthi movement, while condemning attacks on Saudi Arabia and civilian shipping. They said the escalation threatened regional and global energy security, international trade and economic stability, and called on the Houthis to halt military operations and return to political negotiations. The fighting intensified…
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Republican Senate hopefuls oppose Iran conflict in tight Michigan and Iowa races
Two Trump-endorsed Republican Senate candidates—Mike Rogers in Michigan and Ashley Hinson in Iowa—have called for an end to the war in Iran as they battle close races ahead of November elections. They have framed their anti-war stance as a cost-of-living issue, arguing that ending the conflict would lower energy and grocery prices for families. This…
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RAF to provide temporary refuelling support for Saudi air defences
The UK authorised a time-limited RAF mission to support Saudi Arabia’s air defences against attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces. The deployment, expected within days and lasting weeks rather than months, will involve one aircraft providing defensive air-to-air refuelling and could assist in shooting down drones. The decision was Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first authorisation of…
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RAF to refuel Saudi patrols defending oil facilities from Houthi attacks
Andy Burnham has approved a time-limited RAF mission to help Saudi Arabia defend oil infrastructure against missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The RAF will provide air-to-air refuelling for Saudi or allied aircraft conducting defensive patrols, but will not support offensive strikes against Houthi positions. The deployment is intended to protect oil…
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UK to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in war against Houthis, Burnham confirms
The UK will provide time-limited military support to Saudi Arabia to help counter attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels and protect regional energy supplies. Prime Minister Andy Burnham authorised defensive air-to-air refuelling, marking his first approval of military action, with the assistance potentially including the interception of drones. The support is expected within days and may…
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Saudi Arabia launches Ceer to build seven locally made car models
Saudi Arabia has launched Ceer, its first domestic carmaker, as a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund and Foxconn. The company is a key part of Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy beyond oil and develop local technological and manufacturing expertise. Ceer unveiled two flagship electric vehicles, an SUV and a sedan, featuring…
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Trump reverses on Yemen; Merz defies resignation calls; UK house sales fall
President Trump has abruptly reversed his support for Saudi strikes on Yemeni Houthis, whilst German Chancellor Merz refuses to resign despite CDU losses. UK housing data shows buyer interest down nine per cent year-on-year, with sellers facing a weakened market.