United Kingdom

UK suspends Chagos Islands sovereignty deal following Trump’s objections

The UK government has paused its deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following US President Trump’s criticism and concerns over US approval.

Supporters and members of the British Indian Ocean territory Chagos Archipelago hold placards and the territory's flag outside the Houses of Parliament in London on January 7, 2026, to protest against a proposed plan by the British government to hand over the islands to Mauritius.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks during a joint statement with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, at Chigi Palace, in Rome, Italy, February 26, 2026.

Meloni warns Iran's plan to charge for passage through Strait of Hormuz could disrupt global trade

Green Party leader Zack Polanski speaks during the launch of the local election campaign in London, England, April 9, 2026.

Jewish leader of UK’s Green Party calls to end trade, diplomatic ties with Israel

Kanye West at the 67th Grammys Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025.

London music festival canceled after UK bars Ye’s entry amid pressure from Jewish groups


UK parliament backs bill ending hereditary peers in House of Lords

The House of Lords passed the Hereditary Peers Bill on Tuesday evening, fulfilling a reform launched more than 25 years ago.

 British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks during the Prime Minister's Questions at the House of Commons in London, Britain, December 14, 2022

Mojtaba Khamenei buys £35 m. London apartments near Israeli embassy - report

The real estate products were allegedly bought with the help of Ali Ansari, 57, an Iranian banker connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

A woman poses with a picture of Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during a rally in support of him at Enghelab Square in central Tehran on March 9, 2026.

Trump: 'Will remember' lack of British support in Iran war

British PM Keir Starmer had previously defended his decision to block US forces from using British bases during Operation Epic Fury, claiming he needed confirmation on the legality of the strikes.

US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announce an agreement between the two countries as they hold a press conference at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit on September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, Britain.

UK PM speaks with Saudi Crown Prince, leaders of France, Germany, Italy about Middle East

Starmer stated that additional British fighter jets, helicopters, and a destroyer were being sent to the Middle East, and affirmed that the UK would support the defence of Saudi Arabia if needed. 

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9, 2024.

UK warship’s Cyprus deployment delayed amid claims of ‘9-to-5’ contract

British trade union says cost-cutting slowed HMS Dragon’s readiness as Britain moves to bolster defenses near Cyprus following Iranian-linked threats.

A man walks his dog as the HMS Dragon is undergoing ammunitioning operations at Upper Harbour Ammunitioning Facility (UHAF) in Portsmouth Harbour, March 4, 2026.

Turkey calls for Britain's MI6 to assist with protection of Syria's Sharaa

It was unclear what specifically Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization, or MIT, had asked of MI6, or what new role, if any, MI6 had taken up.

 Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Four arrested in UK on suspicion of spying on Jewish sites for Iran

The four were arrested in relation to an ongoing investigation into surveillance of locations linked to Jewish communities.

 The silhouette of a person, with Iran's flag in the background (illustrative).

UK gov't launches independent review into 'scourge' of antisemitism in England's schools

An independent review led by Sir David Bell will examine antisemitism in English schools and colleges, aiming to improve support for teachers and students.

 Pro-Palestinian demonstrators march past King's College, one of the few colleges that have divested from companies benefiting from the Israeli war.

WATCH: Israel launches flights to return citizens stranded abroad amid war with Iran

Flights are planned from Muscat to Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, London's Heathrow, Madrid, and Rome as well as from Riyadh to Frankfurt.

ISRAELIS RETURN in the first El Al flight to Israel since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion, March 5, 2026.

Is Britain falling behind allies on IRGC? Expert explains costs of delayed proscription - interview

Experts warn the UK is "playing catch-up" by failing to proscribe the IRGC. While the government hints at new "proxy-disruption" tools, critics call the delay a threat to national security.

Demonstrators gather as Stop the Hate UK holds a protest calling on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support the Iranian people, proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and free Iran from the Islamic Republic, outside Downing Street, London, Britain, January 11, 2026.