EU rejects suspending biometric border controls despite 20 ‘difficult spots’

• A tanker was set on fire in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by a projectile, escalating tensions in a critical global shipping lane. • The incident coincides with a period of national mourning in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

• Iranian missiles reportedly struck two commercial ships in the Gulf, according to a U.S. official. • The attacks occurred amid a fragile cease-fire, though Iranian officials have not yet issued an official comment on the strikes.

• The United Nations warned on Monday that Afghanistan is currently facing one of the world's largest displacement crises due to poverty, climate shocks, and decades of conflict. • A recent UNDP socioeconomic review highlights that the return of approximately 2.7 million Afghans is placing immense pressure on the country's fragile economy and public services.

• Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper published an essay via Chatham House outlining Britain's strategic approach to a "storm" of geopolitical instability, AI risks, and climate change. • The proposal emphasizes the need for the UK to work more closely with European partners and seek expanded cooperation beyond traditional large trading blocs.

• Afghanistan continues to be one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, as reported by the United Nations. • In 2025, approximately 22.9 million people—nearly half of the total population—required urgent humanitarian assistance.

• A tanker was set on fire in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by a projectile, marking a significant escalation in regional maritime tensions. • The attack coincides with a period of national mourning in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

• The House of Commons is scheduled to hold a debate on UK rearmament and warfighting readiness on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. • The session will focus on the current state of defense programs and the UK's capacity to maintain operational readiness for potential conflict.

• The integrity of the World Cup has come under scrutiny following the suspension of player Balogun. • Both Donald Trump and FIFA have issued defenses of the actions taken regarding the suspension to maintain the tournament's standards.

Chain apologises after staff at Hartlepool pub demand proof customer’s companion is genuine guide dogA blind woman felt compelled to leave a Wetherspoons pub after staff demanded proof that her guide dog, Rosie, was a genuine guide dog.Joanne Hewitson, 31, said she was “livid” and “shaking” after her experience going for breakfast at a pub in Hartlepool. The pub chain has apologised for the incident, with a spokesperson saying an error was made. Continue reading...

Audience of 9.1 million watch live and on iPlayer despite kick-off time, with 48m requests for digital content on MondayEngland’s triumph over Mexico in the World Cup attracted a peak live audience of 9.1 million on BBC One and BBC iPlayer despite kicking off at 2am BST – the biggest television audience ever for a live UK broadcast at that hour.The dramatic 3-2 win drove the biggest day ever recorded for BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app and for BBC Sport’s social video views, the broadcaster said. Continue reading...

Court shortens electoral ban but custodial sentence could complicate far-right leader’s campaign hopesA French court of appeal has upheld Marine Le Pen’s ⁠conviction ⁠for embezzling European parliament funds but shortened her ban ⁠on running for elected office, potentially reopening a narrow path for the far-right ​leader ‌to run ‌in the 2027 presidential race.However, ‌the court also handed Le Pen a three-year jail term, with two years suspended and one year in which she must wear ​an electronic ankle tag for monitoring. This could make a presidential campaign politically ⁠and logistically difficult. Continue reading...

Fans across Belgium watched 4-1 win in early hoursVictory ‘a real slap in the face for Trump and Infantino’Belgium fans reacted with jubilation after the national team trounced the USA in a World Cup game that was overshadowed by the controversy over Donald Trump’s lobbying to overturn the suspension of the striker Falorin Balogun.Belgium’s prime minister, Bart De Wever, has yet to comment on the national team’s triumph, but the official Instagram account of his cat offered a sardonic, albeit indirect sign of satisfaction. Maximus, De Wever’s beloved cat, was shown lying on a rug holding a soft toy in the image of the US president. “I slept really well last night. And you?” reads the speech bubble in Dutch. Continue reading...