2 h. ago Stopping Iran’s nuclear programme ‘a good thing’, says Downing Street

A spokesman added that the Government’s focus is on diplomacy.

Events

3 h. ago 'In a bunker' Iran Supreme Leader must avoid 'catastrophic mistake' of escalating war, warns David Lammy

The Foreign Secretary is stressing that that the Middle East, and beyond, is at a ‘moment of peril’

Events

4 h. ago ‘High energy costs have held back businesses’, says Miliband as government announces industrial strategy – UK politics live

Prime minister says 10-year industrial strategy marks ‘turning point for economy’ as energy secretary says government will cut electricity costs for businessesBy the way, if you actually wanted to read the Modern Industrial Strategy document published by the government today, you can find it here.The government has just pushed out a joint statement from business leaders welcoming it, which says:The Industrial Strategy launched today marks a significant step forward and a valuable opportunity for the business community to rally behind a new vision for the UK – boosting confidence, sentiment, and enthusiasm for investment.From start-ups and small businesses to large corporates, businesses need a more attractive, stable environment that enables faster, easier, and more certain investment decisions.For too long high electricity costs have held back British businesses, as a result of our reliance on gas sold on volatile international markets.As part of our modern industrial strategy we’r...

Politics

5 h. ago West is facing ‘moment of peril’ after Iran vows retaliation for US strikes

Ministers have warned the UK is facing an elevated threat as tensions in the Middle East escalate

Events

5 h. ago Lammy says he told Iran it would be a mistake to blockade Strait of Hormuz

The Foreign Secretary said it would be a ‘catastrophic mistake’ for Tehran to fire at US bases in the region.

Politics

5 h. ago David Lammy repeatedly declines to say whether British government believes US strikes on Iran were illegal – UK politics live

Keir Starmer backs strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and calls on Tehran to return to negotiations but warns of ‘risk of escalation’ in Middle EastArmed forces minister Luke Pollard also appeared on the media round today, and stuck to the government line of not commenting on US action against Iran.He told viewers of Sky News that “it’s not for me to comment on the particular US action, but we’re assessing the battle damage at the moment to understand the true extent of the strikes.”I’m sorry that (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) has since been breached, of course I am, but that’s why the international community is ultimately committed to this. And let’s be clear, if Iran is able to enrich beyond 60%, is able to get a weapon, what we will see is nuclear proliferation across the Middle East, the world will be seriously more dangerous than it is at the moment, that’s why it must be stopped.I went straight to Geneva to sit with the Iranians. I spent seven hours in Geneva to ta...

Politics

6 h. ago David Lammy refuses to say whether US attack on Iran was ‘right’ or ‘legal’

In an awkward interview, the foreign secretary refused four times to say whether Donald Trump’s regime’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilites would pass the legal test

Events

8 h. ago Lammy says Middle East needs ‘diplomatic solution’ after US talks

The comments came in the hours after calls between UK and US leaders.

Politics

16 h. ago Starmer and Trump call for Iran to return to negotiating table after US strikes

The two leaders spoke on Sunday night after the US launched air raids and missile attacks on key Iranian nuclear facilities.

Politics

20 h. ago US request to UK over Iran would have raised legal questions, ex

Peter Ricketts says US likely to have decided it was better not to ask, after minister says no request was madeMiddle East crisis – latest updatesThe US did not ask to use UK airbases to support its overnight bombing of Iran because that would have required British ministers to take a view on the legality of the attack, according to a former government adviser.Peter Ricketts, a former UK national security chief, said he believed the US had concluded it was better not to ask to launch B-2 bombers from the RAF base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean than to be told no. Continue reading...

Politics

63 h. ago Middle East situation ‘perilous’, says Lammy amid calls for more talks

David Lammy flew from Washington to Geneva on Friday to meet Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.

Politics

65 h. ago European ministers urge Iran to resume talks with Trump administration

France, Germany and UK warn Tehran it may have to drop red line of refusing to talk to the US while under Israeli attack

Politics

67 h. ago Lammy urges Iran and US to keep talking as Middle East conflict continues

The Foreign Secretary met his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Friday alongside foreign ministers from France and Germany.

Events

69 h. ago UK diplomats quit Tehran and evacuation flights for Brits in Israel announced amid war with Iran

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been working with the Israeli government on flights back to the UK

Politics

3 d. ago We’re on the brink of a disastrous, illegal conflagration in the Middle East. Trump must be stopped | Fawaz Gerges

This is a war of choice, based on misinformation. If the US and UK join it, they risk a rerun of the Iraq debacle of 2003Like the US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003, Israel’s war on Iran is neither legal nor just. It is a war of choice, not of necessity – and should the US or its European allies, particularly Britain, join in, they risk being dragged into another disastrous and unlawful conflict in the Middle East.A US military intervention would be in direct contravention of international law. Already, the US, once the architect and guardian of the international order, is now among its chief violators. Instead of pressuring Benjamin Netanyahu to end his siege and destruction of Gaza, Donald Trump has fully sided with Netanyahu and called Israel’s attacks on Iran “excellent”. He has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender”. Trump is considering military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Doing so is explicitly prohibited under article 56 of the additional protocol to...

Events

3 d. ago Britons stuck in Israel set to be flown home, Lammy announces

British nationals stranded in Israel are set to be flown home as soon as the country’s airspace reopens, the Foreign Secretary has announced.

Politics

3 d. ago Evacuation charter flights for Brits fleeing Israel to be laid on at Tel Aviv airport once airspace re

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been working with the Israeli government on the flights back to the UK

Politics

3 d. ago David Lammy arrives in Geneva to meet Iran’s foreign minister for peace push

The Foreign Secretary is meeting Abbas Araghchi on Friday alongside counterparts from France, Germany and the EU, as the US backs away from conflict.

Politics

3 d. ago The Latest: Israeli airstrikes reach into Iranian city of Rasht

Israel and Iran exchanged strikes a week into their war Friday as new diplomatic efforts appeared to be underway

Politics

3 d. ago Airline staff being trained to bar people without visas from flights to UK

Exclusive: Foreign secretary says training for 9,000 workers at European carriers is step towards more secure bordersThousands of European airline staff are being trained to stop people boarding flights to Britain without valid visas, in a move billed by the foreign secretary as a digital upgrade to border controls.David Lammy said the measures marked a step towards “more secure, more digital and more effective” borders, but the move could raise questions about human rights safeguards. Continue reading...

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