Month: June 2025

Iran launched a new wave of ballistic missiles targeting Israel’s major cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Tamra, and Bat Yam—marking the fourth consecutive day of cross-border strikes.

Analysts warn that Section 899 of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—Donald Trump’s proposed retaliatory tax on foreign entities—could deter investment by imposing a tax starting at 5 %, rising to 20 %, on companies from countries that levy “unfair” taxes on US entities.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is spearheading urgent diplomacy ahead of the G7 in Canada amid escalating Israel–Iran tensions.

PM Keir Starmer is pressing ahead with a controversial £5 billion-a-year overhaul of disability benefits, centred on tighter eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), despite facing rebellion from up to 170 Labour MPs.

The G7 dominated the early European news this week with the EU wanting more pressure put on Russia – something Trump is reluctant to do. The EU also signed a defence deal with Australia and unveiled a plan to phase out Russian gas contracts by 2027.


Ukraine is calling for more help after the heaviest day of airstrikes since Russia’s war in Ukraine began, whilst there has been backlash to plans to raise the GDP defence target to 5%, with Spain calling it unreasonable.

Much of Europe’s focus has been on the latest from Iran-Israel, with many European nations worried they could be dragged into the war after the United States signalled it could soon be joining Israel.

As summer sweeps across Europe, the sun is out and the days are gloriously longer. Plenty is happening across Europe this week.

Sweden’s Saab CEO Micael Johansson urges EU states to consolidate defence expenditures into a common fund—aiming for €100 billion—to finance flagship military projects

Much of the UK news has been dominated by international affairs, with the G7 summit at the beginning of the week marking a big moment for the prime minister, who got his UK-US trade deal over the line.

The prime minister announced a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal after an audit suggested a cover-up and that an entire generation of women and girls had been failed.

By midweek, the news is dominated by the MPs voting in favour of legislative changes to abortion rules, marking the biggest change in 60 years.

Wednesday also marks the beginning of the UK heatwave, set to last until Sunday with temperatures reaching 33C.


On Friday MPs will vote on the assisted dying bill and there are reports the UK could enter the Israel-Iran war, if the United States does.

Cliff Notes Cole Cooper, a 19-year-old, was found dead in a wooded area after being reported missing for a month,…

UK events guide for the week of 16–22 June 2025, covering arts, entertainment, business, festivals and more.