Author: News Desk

The G7 and the crisis in the Middle East are the two hot topics on everyone’s lips this week. The G7 turned out to be a bit of a dud after the US president left early, citing the crisis unfolding in the Middle East. He had a nice photo op with Britain’s Keir Starmer, however, and had a few viral moments where he seemingly rambled on about Putin, Iran-Israel and whatever else came to his mind in the moment (Canada’s Carney hilariously interrupting him was a highlight).

The crisis in the Middle East continues to develop despite European calls for a de-escalation. Donald Trump has signalled the US could enter the war within weeks, leading to speculation several European nations could follow suit. There have also been calls for the Iranian president to be assassinated, which Russia responded to by warning the US that there will be consequences if such an event were to happen.

Sports are dominating the summer with the Club World Cup kicking off in the USA whilst their northern neighbours are hosting the G7 meeting.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that Israel had “no other choice” but to attack Iran due to its rapid progression towards developing a nuclear bomb, claiming Iran was acting “clandestinely.”

The Home Office today announced a major, nationwide police operation targeting grooming gangs, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Over 800 historical cases have been reopened, with specialist teams—including Operation Hydrant and the Child Sexual Exploitation Taskforce—mobilised to identify and prosecute offenders who had been previously overlooked.

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.