United Kingdom

Trump’s Iran bombing tests the limits of British influence
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has bent over backwards to win Trump’s favor. Yet on Iran that approach bore little fruit.

Von der Leyen’s huge gamble puts her biggest policies at risk

UK signs up to NATO’s 5 percent defense spending target

UK warns Iran against Strait of Hormuz blockade

China’s ‘World Bank’ wants to set up shop in Britain

NATO allies agree to 5 percent defense spending goal
How Europe would fill an America-shaped hole in NATO
The likeliest replacement for the U.S. is a grouping of France, the U.K., Germany and Poland, but it would be much more vulnerable than an America-led alliance.
Iran warns US strikes to have ‘everlasting consequences’
American bombing of Iran’s Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites was “extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.
Flagship EU defense plan may be illegal, German parliamentary report warns
The €150 billion SAFE plan may violate EU treaties and may not be economically effective, says the Bundestag report.
European countries evacuate citizens from Israel, Iran
Germany flew out 64 more of its citizens on Friday, while Ireland closed its embassy in Tehran and moved its staff out of the country, citing the “deteriorating situation.”
UK pulls embassy staff out of Iran as tensions flare
The British Embassy in Iran will operate remotely as Foreign Secretary David Lammy holds talks with Iran in Geneva.
Israel trashes diplomacy with Iran as Europeans meet Tehran envoy in Geneva
“They usually use these talks in order to deceive, in order to waste time,” says Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Assisted dying takes a huge leap forward in the UK — but it’s not over yet
Inside the campaign for a monumental social reform, as MPs back assisted dying — and tee up more drama in the House of Lords.
Europe can’t reduce US weapons reliance ‘overnight,’ warns missile boss
Turning to European alternatives instead will take time and political will, MBDA CEO Éric Béranger tells four outlets including POLITICO.
UK military jets damaged by pro-Palestinian group
Palestine Action sprayed red paint on two Airbus Voyager aircraft to “break the chains of oppression” in Gaza — and drew swift condemnation from British politicians.
Europe’s central banks are all cutting rates, even as tariffs tie the Fed’s hands
And it’s driving Trump mad.
Europe strains to give Trump an off-ramp on bombing Iran
Germany, France and the U.K. prepare for talks with Iranian officials in Geneva. Can they stop Trump joining Israel’s war?
An SW1 pub crawl: What makes the perfect political pub?
Presented by Equinor.
Starmer warns Trump to de-escalate in Iran
The prime minister said negotiations between the U.S. and Iran were the way to resolve tensions about Tehran’s uranium enrichment agenda.
UK industrial strategy aims to cut factory energy costs
The U.K. has some of the highest electricity prices in Europe for industry.
If Trump strikes, what will Starmer do?
On this episode – what advice is Sir Keir Starmer getting over Britain’s potential involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict? There are reports the Attorney General’s legal advice …
Britain’s got an EU deal — but the Brexit red tape keeps coming
U.K. plows ahead with unpopular ‘Not for EU’ labels in Northern Ireland, despite planned deal with Brussels.
Macron launches European ‘initiative’ to resolve Iran-Israel crisis
Details of France’s proposal remain sketchy.
There was no breakthrough on trade at the G7. Trump’s OK with that.
The lack of movement has left foreign leaders and domestic businesses on edge with a little less than three weeks until Trump’s July 8 deadline for striking trade accords.
India eyes retaliation against EU, UK carbon border taxes
The threat comes after POLITICO earlier reported that Goyal had privately warned Brussels and London it would retaliate against the carbon taxes.
France plans to stop more UK-bound migrant boats at sea
Changes come after the British government criticized French authorities for not doing enough to combat migrant smuggling.
PMQs: Angela Rayner lays into Chris Philp on grooming gangs and immigration
The deputy prime minister was challenged about child sexual exploitation and border controls — but easily countered the shadow home secretary’s attack lines.
UK inflation slowed less than expected in May
The numbers will be a disappointment to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
How much does Starmer know about Trump’s Iran plan?
Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy serve up their essential guide to the day in British politics. They start by picking over what Sir Keir …