Latest News
- Strait of Hormuz closure drives up energy prices and raises supply concerns
- Dispute arises over ‘excessive’ plan to convert Victorian toilet block into war memorial
- Barbie Event Offers Refunds Following Infamous Glasgow Convention Comparison
- Hungary’s foreign minister offers to assist in lifting EU sanctions on oligarch’s sister
- European Commission adopts €1.7 billion plan to boost arms production.
- Israel enacts death penalty law for Palestinians convicted of attacks
- Family honours 16-year-old girl ‘stabbed in the back over a boy’ | News UK
- US deploys thousands of troops to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran
Politics
Thousands of American paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division are deploying to the Middle East as Donald Trump threatens to strike Iran’s critical infrastructure. The heightened US military presence now totals 50,000 troops. Detailed discussions are expected to follow.
The US threatens to destroy Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum as global energy prices soar due to the strait’s closure. Swift action is crucial, as the deadline approaches shortly after midnight on Monday.
Iran has conducted missile strikes targeting the US-UK base in Diego Garcia. The strikes mark a significant escalation, as experts caution against overstating the threat to Europe, particularly the UK. For further updates, stay informed with Metro’s coverage.
Spring Statement 2025 reaction – Thursday’s headlines are reacting to yesterday’s Spring Statement delivered by the chancellor.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced significant measures to address the UK’s economic challenges. Key points include a £14 billion plan involving cuts to welfare payments (£4.8 billion) and departmental spending (£3.6 billion) to fix public finances. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has halved the 2025 economic growth forecast to 1%, down from 2%. Despite these austerity measures, the tax burden is projected to reach a record 37.7% of the GDP by 2027-28. Additionally, a £3.25 billion Transformation Fund was introduced to drive efficiencies across government departments.
Following the chancellor’s update on the economy, Donald Trump announced new import taxes of 25% on cars and car parts coming into America in a move that threatened to widen the global trade war.
Zelensky urges US and allies to stand strong against Russia – defiant that Russia is the evil empire. He acknowledged the bipartisan support within the US for Ukraine but cautioned against the influence of Russian narratives on American officials that could undermine their stance.
Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns over Russia’s tendency to reinterpret ceasefire agreements, following a recent tentative deal involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia concerning strikes in the Black Sea region.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the 2025 growth estimate for the UK has been halved to 1% from 2% by the government’s official forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)
Washington is lifting sanctions on Moscow for the first time in over three years, indicating a significant shift towards US-Russia rapprochement under Donald Trump.
Happy Wednesday – and most importantly, Happy Spring Statement Day! Today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will set out her plans for the UK economy for the next year, presenting her budget plans to the Commons at 12:30.
The chancellor is set to introduce significant changes aimed at balancing the UK’s public finances amidst economic uncertainty. Spending cuts are expected to be the main focus, with charities urging the government not to hit the poorest the hardest.
© 2026 WTX News.