UK in US strain: The Times in the news for coverage of royal/US ties and press scrutiny. The Times is a London daily since 1785 (The Daily Universal Register).
On 1 June 2026 the UK Home Office has cancelled Electronic Travel Authorisations for Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, preventing them from travelling to speak at SXSW London and an Oxford event. Authorities have said the cancellations are because their presence "may not be conducive to the public good."
As of March 12, 2026, Iran has claimed responsibility for attacks disrupting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for 20% of global oil. This has driven oil prices near $100 per barrel, pushing US gas prices above $3 per gallon nationwide for the first time since 2023. The US and allies face supply constraints amid ongoing conflict and strategic reserve releases.
King Charles is expected to visit the US from April 27-29, including Washington and New York, to mark American independence. The trip faces scrutiny due to the ongoing Middle East conflict and strained UK-US relations, with some calling for it to be postponed amid political tensions and regional instability.
The Treasury Committee has launched an inquiry into Plan 2 student loans amid ongoing debate after the chancellor froze repayment thresholds. Labour MPs are urging changes to make the system fairer, with discussions on lowering interest rates and extending loan terms. The government says reforms will be costed and funded, while evidence is being collected until 14 April.
The Artemis II mission experienced issues with its space toilet, the Universal Waste Management System, shortly after launch. The crew repaired the system remotely, and the spacecraft surpassed the previous distance record from Earth. The mission highlights ongoing challenges in deep space hygiene technology.
Estonian intelligence has warned that Russia is stockpiling ammunition for future conflicts. NATO members are under pressure to increase defense spending, with European allies emphasizing the need for greater military contributions. US and European officials affirm ongoing commitments despite political rhetoric and disagreements, focusing on strengthening alliance capabilities.
The Middle East conflict has pushed up fuel, fertiliser and packaging costs, feeding higher food prices globally. Retailers warn inflation is likely to continue if the war persists, while farmers face rising input costs and potential production cuts.
Local and devolved votes held 7–8 May have produced major gains for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and for the Green Party while Labour has lost hundreds of council seats and control of key authorities. Scotland and Wales results are reshaping national parliaments; Keir Starmer has said he will stay in office and has taken responsibility for the losses.
Labour has faced mounting pressure as a wave of lawmakers call for a timetable on leadership changes. Starmer is pushing a plan to restore ties with Europe and address economic and public-service failures while facing internal opposition and a volatile electoral landscape.
Since mid-May 2026 Labour has been forced into open leadership turmoil after heavy local election losses. Wes Streeting has resigned and declared a challenge; Andy Burnham has been enabled to seek a Commons seat via a Makerfield by-election; party members are expressing stronger support for Burnham than Keir Starmer.
Sussex Police have identified three sisters from London whose bodies were recovered from the sea near Madeira Drive, Brighton, on May 13. Their father has paid tribute, and investigations continue to determine how the women ended up in the water. The sisters previously lived in the Uxbridge area and their mother died in 2010 after drowning in a Birmingham lake.
The Inside the Mind of a Young NEET report has gathered stories from over 400 youths and found around one million 16-24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training. The findings highlight mental health, loneliness, and digital culture as major barriers, while many remain eager to work despite systemic obstacles.
The Justice Department has reached a settlement that has barred the IRS from pursuing existing audits of President Trump, his family and affiliates and has created a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund; legal experts, lawmakers and multiple outlets have criticised the scope, optics and potential legal problems of the agreement (30 May 2026).
Hundreds of pages of documents about Peter Mandelson have been scheduled for release today after MPs demanded disclosure. The tranche is expected to include messages with ministers and aides, follows a March release that warned of reputational riskand has intensified pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the handling of Mandelson's appointment.