Author: News Desk

Defence pledge triggers tough choices on tax CITY AM reports Keir Starmer’s commitment to increase the defence budget to three per cent of GDP in the next parliament will require difficult choices on tax and spending, analysts have warned.

Europe’s worst nightmare This week’s The Economist ponders how Europe should deal with Trump and Putin. It says the region has had its bleakest week since the fall of the Iron Curtain but the implications have yet to sink in.

The protesters had blocked the Sulaimaniyah-Arbat Road, a vital route for oil transport, since Sunday, accusing Kurdish authorities of exporting fuel illegally to Iran. [Dana Taib Menmy/TNA]Security forces in Sulaimaniyah, within Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, dispersed a protest on Monday night as teachers demanding unpaid salaries clashed with truck drivers accused of smuggling fuel to Iran, a nation under stringent US sanctions. The protesters had blocked the Sulaimaniyah-Arbat Road, a vital route for oil transport, since Sunday, accusing Kurdish authorities of exporting fuel illegally to Iran and other countries. They alleged that revenues from the smuggled oil were being siphoned off…

Starmer warning to Trump – He’ll strike again The Daily Mirror reports the prime minister is set to warn Donald Trump that Putin will strike Ukraine again unless the West remains united. PM Keir Starmer is on his way to Washington for talks with Trump. An exclusive on Michael Jackson and his Netherland ranch also makes the front splash.

Claudia cops to search hidden loft Police are planning to search a loft in the former home of Claudia Lawrence, who went missing almost 16 years ago, according to the Daily Express. The paper claims a “hidden loft” was never scoured by investigators. William and Kate are pictured on the front page visiting Wales.

Starmer to press Trump on security guarantees in critical Ukraine talks The Guardian says PM Starmer is facing a major diplomatic effort to get the US president on board after he said there are no plans for a US backstop. A still image from a bizarre AI video – shared by Donald Trump – showing Gaza as a beach resort makes the front splash. The paper notes the president is facing major backlash over the video – which shows a gold statue of the US president.

Starmer faces up to Trump over Ukraine role in peace talks The Independent says the prime minister is heading to the US for a critical one-on-one meeting with Donald Trump. Starmer has doubled down on his declaration there can be no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine’s involvement. The paper sums up Starmer’s approach as him banking on the so-called UK-US ‘special relationship’ to safeguard $400bn in trade. Trump’s Bizarre vision for Gaza – created with AI – makes the front page.

Hopes of peace in Ukraine – Deal or no deal? The front page of the Metro reports on the latest from the Ukraine deal. The paper claims it rests on a knife edge. Ukraine president Zelensky said the mineral deal will fade if Trump doesn’t agree to protect his nation from Russia.

Jar Wars The front page of The Sun continues to pit Kate and Meghan against each other by suggesting the Princess of Wales has started a “jam war” as she discussed a recipe during a visit to a community garden in Wales, as Meghan relaunches her own brand (As Ever) which includes her own rage of jams. Last night’s Premier League action features on the front page as Liverpool go 13 points clear at the top of the table.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s devastated co-stars have led celebrity tributes following her death at the age of 39. The actress, most known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died earlier today in Manhattan, New York. Gossip Girl and Buffy stars lead tributes after Michelle Trachtenberg dies aged 39 She was reportedly found by her mother in a luxury apartment complex near Central Park, with an autopsy set to be conducted by the medical examiner’s office. In the wake of the news, many of her former castmates have shared their condolences on social media, led by Ed…