BRIEF.ME – UK NEWS BRIEFING
In today’s briefing update, we find out what the Chancellor has to say about the UK-flagged ship that was seized by Iran. We follow the story that UK experts have warned a potential attack from Iran-backed terrorist cells.
We hear from the Manchester Police following the sudden death of one of their officers whilst he was on holiday. Next, we celebrate Prince George’s 6th birthday and take a look at the three pictures the Palace released to mark the day.
Finally, we find out why Latitude Festival is facing an animal-cruelty backlash as festival season kicks-off.
All in today’s UK news briefing – A daily roundup of all the news headlines that you need to know, summarised as part of WTX News Briefing.
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HAMMOND: UK ‘DIDN’T TAKE EYE OFF BALL’ OVER BRITISH TANK CAPTURE
BBC News reports, Chancellor Philip Hammond has said the UK didn’t take their “eye off the ball” over the UK-flagged ship that was seized in the Gulf on Friday. Hammond said the UK has been working closely with the US and European partners in response to Iran’s actions. 
Theresa May is set to chair a meeting on Monday with Cobra to discuss the issue. This comes as ex-Tory party leader, Mr Smith described the capture of the UK-flagged ship as a “major failure” for the UK.
Iran has warned the UK must stop escalating the tension between the UK and Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif tweeted the UK “must cease being an accessory to #EconomicTerrorism of the US.”
Read the full story on BBC News
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IRAN-BACKED TERRORIST CELLS ‘READY TO STRIKE’ UK EXPERTS SAY
British tabloid, The Express reports experts have warned Iran-backed terrorist cells are ready to attack the UK if tensions between Britain and Tehran don’t dial down. Iran is reportedly considered the third biggest threat to Britains security. 
As tension between Britain and Iran deepen, experts fear Iran-backed terrorist cells may have been given the all-clear to attack the UK. The Daily Telegraph reported the cells are linked to Hezbollah, a political party and militant group, which is active in the Syrian Civil War.
Iran has been linked to cyberattacks in the UK which targeted MPs, the Post Office, local government and private sector emails since 2017.
The news comes as Theresa May is set to hold an emergency COBRA meeting to discuss the current situation between Iran and the UK.
Read the full story on The Express
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POLICE OFFICER, 38, DIES SUDDENLY WHILST ON HOLIDAY WITH HIS TEENAGE SON
The Independent reports, a Greater Manchester Police Officer has died suddenly whilst on holiday with his 13-year old son. PC Shazad Saddique was on holiday at the popular Fairy Pools, in Scotland. Scottish police confirmed they do not believe his death is suspicious. 
PC Saddique has been described as a role model and an outstanding individual. He was said to have enjoyed hiking, nature and working with local communities helping youths experience outdoor activities. PC Saddique was a father of three, his wife is pregnant with his fourth child.
Chief Superintendent Neil Evans said: “Today is a very sad day for Greater Manchester Police.”
He added: “Although Shazad was only with us for a short amount of time, it is clear to see the significant impact he had, not only on the public but also on his colleagues.”
Read the full story on WTX News
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PRINCE GEORGE TURNS 6: THE PALACE RELEASES PICTURES OF SPORTS-FAN PRINCE TO MARK HIS BIRTHDAY
The Daily Mail headlines, Prince George’s 6th birthday has been marked with a series of pictures taken by his mother, The Duchess of Cambridge. Kensington Palace released three new pictures of the Prince showing he has inherited his father’s love of sports. 
The Daily Mail said though the young Prince sometimes comes across as serious and has already developed a weariness of the camera, friends to the Royals say he is much more cautious and sensitive in- nature than his younger sister, Princess Charlotte.
The pictures released show the young Prince laughing in the grass, sporting an England football shirt and another fun snap of a family vacation.
Read the full story on The Daily Mail
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POPULAR FESTIVAL FACES ANIMAL CRUELTY BACKLASH
The Guardian reports, Latitude Festival has been accused of animal cruelty following their advert that shows sheep dyed pink running across the grounds. Animal rights organisations and activists have complained about the marketing campaign. 
Latitude Festival have defended their actions by tweeting the animals had been “dip-dyed using natural, water-based dye which they are used to as part of their normal farm life for insecticides and parasites like itch-mite, blow-flies, ticks and lice.”
Peta condemned the actions as “thoughtless” adding: “In 2019, only ignorant or cruel people still use animals as living toys, props and photo ops. We’ve learned enough about animals to know to respect and admire them for their ability to live in a world we’re fast destroying.”
There have been calls on social media for attendees to boycott the festival.
Read the full story on The Guardian
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