The European Parliament has approved legislation to put an EU‑US trade framework into effect, but only after adding measures to protect European interests.Lawmakers insisted on conditions that would force a pause or end the deal if Washington fails to meet its commitments.MEPs voted 417 in favour, 154 against and 71 abstained. The text still needs formal approval from all 27 EU governments...

A court in Chelyabinsk has ordered an Oscar-winning documentary to be taken down from three online video services, saying the film promotes extremism and terrorism.The documentary, a Danish–Czech production that picked up both an Oscar and a BAFTA in 2026, chronicles how a Russian school became a site of pro-war indoctrination after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.The footage was shot by Pavel...

The UK is set to experience the steepest slowdown in growth among G20 economies as a result of the war involving Iran, the OECD warns.The organisation now expects UK GDP to expand by just 0.7% this year, a marked downgrade from its earlier 1.2% forecast.At the same time, UK inflation is projected to rise to about 4%, up sharply from previous estimates. Global forecasts were also adjusted.While...

Prince William travelled to Wiltshire today to meet troops from 1 Mercian Regiment, using his role as Colonel-in-Chief to focus on the perspectives of women serving in the Army.Dressed in military fatigues, he took part in a roundtable with a female soldiers’ network and listened to their accounts of serving life and frontline duties.Women currently make up around 12% of the UK Regular Forces,...

President Donald Trump used his Truth Social account to sharply criticise NATO partners and Britain over their responses to recent tensions with Iran.He accused allies of failing to assist the United States and warned they would be remembered for their lack of support.He also urged Iranian negotiators to accept a settlement quickly, saying delay could lead to irreversible consequences. Trump...

Leicester-based JM Wholesale, a major UK distributor of vaping and CBD products, has been put into administration after a notice was filed on March 20.The filing was made through law firm Shakespeare Martineau, with Christopher Lewis and Chris Newell of Quantuma appointed as administrators.The company sells a wide range of items including vape devices, e-liquids, disposable vapes and nicotine...

British military units are poised to board and detain ships from Russia's so‑called shadow fleet after the prime minister authorised action against vessels operating near UK shores.The shadow fleet is accused of sailing without proper flags to sidestep sanctions and move oil that helps finance Moscow's war in Ukraine.Ministers say they identified a legal route in January under the Sanctions and...

President Trump has signaled a desire to step back from the conflict with Iran, but his approach remains muddled as Washington balances threats and talks.In a dramatic 48-hour stretch this week, the Pentagon ordered more than 1,000 paratroopers toward Iran while US negotiators sent Tehran a new 15-point peace proposal.The White House publicly urged acceptance even as it warned of tougher action...

This Nowruz has a different feel: homes are being swept and prepared for spring, but celebration is muted by war, internet blackouts and a sense of danger.Families who would normally gather are cut off from loved ones and struggling to get news from the outside.Reporters working with people inside Iran have been sent accounts under strict anonymity for safety. The government has tightened online...

Russia carried out an unprecedented drone offensive against Ukraine, firing 948 unmanned aircraft over a single 24‑hour period, Ukrainian authorities said.The country's Air Force reported 556 drones were launched from 09:00 local time in a rare daytime wave of strikes that struck cities across Ukraine.Officials said many machines were intercepted, but several made direct hits that caused deaths...