JAPAN EARTHQUAKE
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan overnight, prompting tsunami warnings that have since been downgraded.
Authorities advise local residents on emergency preparedness measures.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

A former Houses of Parliament employee was arrested last week under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. This morning, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed that the police investigation is ongoing and further details will follow.

A Canadian woman was killed in a shooting at the Teotihuacán pyramids, a popular tourist site in Mexico. Gunman Julio César Jasso Ramírez took his own life after injuring several others. Authorities have launched an investigation.

Norway’s foreign affairs minister, Espen Barth Eide, asserted that Europe is fulfilling its role in the Hormuz Strait, while emphasising that NATO is not involved in the Iran conflict. His comments highlight the distinct positions of European nations and NATO regarding regional security dynamics.

EU POLICY UPDATE

This morning, Europe focuses on energy resilience and sustainability initiatives.
Key discussions centre on climate targets amid rising global tensions.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

The RMT union will commence 24-hour strikes on the London Underground from 12pm today, affecting travel throughout the capital. A separate bus strike will also impact specific routes from 5am on Friday.

Iran warns of imminent retaliation after US Marines seized the M/V Touska in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian military condemned the US for violating a ceasefire, asserting their forces will respond to what they termed an act of maritime piracy. The situation continues to develop.

Statistics from a recent study indicate that current police investigations do not provide a complete picture of crime, as they exclude unreported cases and lack details on convictions or the total number of offenders. This limitation calls into question the overall crime assessment.

A tourist was injured after falling into a fish pond at the five-star H10 Rubicon Horizons Collection hotel in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. Firefighters rescued the victim, who was fitted with a neck brace, before he was taken to Molina Orosa Hospital. Further updates are pending.

France and Poland have announced enhanced defence cooperation to address growing security concerns from Russia’s actions. In Gdansk, President Macron and Premier Tusk discussed collaboration on nuclear deterrence, military satellites, and joint exercises, with potential deployments of French nuclear-capable aircraft to Poland planned in the coming months.