The French Republic, a Western European state with overseas territories
US B-1 bombers have redeployed from RAF Fairford to home bases in the United States after a security incident near the Gloucestershire airbase on 27 September. Police found petrol but no explosives in three vans; five London men were arrested and released on bail. UK counter-terrorism teams are investigating possible foreign-state links while Britain and the US are cooperating.
BT has agreed to acquire TalkTalk and its wholesale unit PXC on a debt‑free basis, costing about 400 million pounds. The move is framed as safeguarding 2.5 million TalkTalk customers and critical national infrastructure, while navigating an ongoing regulatory review after the deal was announced by BT and under government intervention. TalkTalk’s revenue stands at around 1.2 billion pounds last year, but the company has incurred losses and reduced its consumer base, now around 1.5 million retail customers.
Nearly 150 migrants have been brought ashore after a Channel crossing. Demonstrators gathered in Gosport, Hampshire, clashing with police as authorities processed arrivals and deployed Public Order Act measures. The event marks the third comparable crossing in a month, with provisional Channel-crossing totals for the year showing a sharp decline from last year.
Britain has warned Israel it will expel one Israeli diplomat for each of 27 British consular staff whose status Israel has said it will revoke after ordering the closure of the UK consulate in East Jerusalem. Talks between Britain’s national security adviser and Israeli officials have not produced an agreement; Israel has said the consulate will close on October 8.
The United States has pressed European governments to release emergency diesel stocks as fuel prices rise amid global tensions. Washington has signaled it will not ban diesel exports, while Europe coordinates a joint EU response and weighs options to stabilize markets. Over the past days, leaders have coordinated stock releases and debated price pressures ahead of midterm cycles.
Gina Saarberg has won the Golden Spurtle at the World Porridge Making Championship in Carrbridge, using the same Dutch-championship-winning recipe of organic pinhead oats, water and salt. Rob Reid takes the speciality prize with a cannoli-porridge creation. Thirty competitors from 14 countries competed in the event.
The euro has fallen to multi‑month lows as borrowing costs climb and political uncertainty grows in France and Spain. Markets are re-evaluating fiscal risks ahead of elections, while the ECB weighs its tools to stabilize bond yields.
France has edged Belgium 3-1 in the Nations League, overturning a 1-0 deficit with a burst of quick goals after the 77th minute. Olise and Cherki score, with Doué also finding the net as Zidane marks his first home win. Italy win 3-1 over Turkey, while Mancini seeks early positives in his return.
Elfyn Evans has won the World Rally Championship, becoming Britain’s third champion after a final-stage crash by Oliver Solberg left Evans with enough points to clinch the title. Solberg crashed two corners from the finish, handing Evans the crown in a season shortened by the Saudi finale cancellation.
Brandon McNulty has won the men’s road world championship in Montreal, giving the United States its first elite men's title since 1993. He has attacked with 32km to go, held a 50‑second lead into the final lap and finished 13 seconds clear as Michael Matthews and Mathieu van der Poel took second and third.
Fighting has resumed across northern Ethiopia after the TPLF and six other groups formed the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival aiming to remove Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Tigrayan fighters have seized Mekelle airport and other towns, flights to the region have been suspended, thousands are displaced and hospitals report surges in wounded patients.
Dutch retailers have paused Meta glasses amid privacy concerns; the government is reviewing regulation while Dutch Data Protection Authority flags privacy risks and investigations continue. Meta defends features like indicator lights and anti-tampering.
The United States has provided intelligence and advisory support to Saudi forces as the Yemeni government and its allies pursue operations to retake Sanaa and secure the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks, while international partners debate whether to join or widen the conflict.
Ground-level metals linked to respiratory harm persist in residents for months after wildfires, with new Hawaii study showing elevated arsenic, cadmium, copper and antimony in urine up to 18 months post-blaze, underscoring long-term health risks beyond immediate smoke exposure.
Mediapart has published private messages it says were written by Jordan Bardella in 2013 that include antisemitic remarks; Bardella has denied the messages and called the disclosures a "total war" to destabilise Marine Le Pen's campaign, and Le Pen has expressed "total confidence" in him as he threatens legal action.
England has secured a commanding 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in the Nations League as Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane score, with Trent Alexander-Arnold delivering the assist for the opener. The result reinforces England’s position in Group A3 behind Spain.
G20 trade ministers in Milwaukee have released a framework to counter steel overcapacity and are pursuing action on non-market policies, but faces pushback from China and lingering tariff tensions. The group agrees on data sharing and potential tariffs, while debates over who bears responsibility for excess capacity persist.
G7 leaders have agreed to coordinate an International Energy Agency release of up to 100 million barrels of oil and diesel over four months, including a substantial diesel release for 20 days, to ease record-high diesel prices driven by the US–Israel war on Iran and disruptions to Russian and Chinese exports. The move begins immediately and will include refinery coordination and talks on further diesel releases.
The Guardian and BBC report that Rui Pinto’s protection has been removed, advising caution with family contacts and social media. He remains a protected witness in Portugal as investigations into Manchester City’s finances and Football Leaks proceed, with City’s appeal against a CAS ruling ongoing.
Yemen's Houthi forces have intensified missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. Saudi air defences have intercepted drones and ballistic missiles toward Riyadh, Khamis Mushayt and other targets. Yemen's armed forces say they are stepping up strikes to restore state authority amid regional security concerns.
Daryz has claimed a second consecutive Arc title at Longchamp, becoming the first colt to back up his win since Alleged in 1978. Mickaël Barzalona has steered the champion through a crowded field to win by more than a length from Bay City Roller, with Diamond Necklace third. The win secures a record-breaking season for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and owners Aga Khan Studs.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray has warned that 400-500 high schools may be totally or partly suspended due to security concerns, with 24 schools burned or ransacked. Protests over funding, class sizes and teacher shortages have swept across France, injuring hundreds and leading to thousands of arrests as authorities pledge a partial, progressive return to lessons.
France 24, Arab News and Politico report Europe’s top leaders consider stronger trade defenses and new mechanisms to counter Beijing’s growing economic influence. Macron and Merz are pushing for a commission-led tool to respond quickly to trade frictions, with talk of targeted tariffs and reduced dependencies.
The European Union has hardened its stance toward Beijing to defend businesses from perceived unfair competition in key sectors. China warns it will respond firmly, saying such moves would undermine mutual trust and disrupt ongoing trade negotiations. The tension comes as Europe seeks to narrow its trade deficit and accelerate a tool to cut China off from the European market within 24 hours.