UK house prices rise for first time since start of Iran war

• 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.

• 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 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.

• Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi has criticized the international community for excluding the group from global meetings. • Hanafi argued that humanitarian aid provided to Afghanistan should be delivered based on need rather than being tied to political conditions.

• A new UN report warns of an unfolding humanitarian crisis in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, where thousands of civilians are facing severe life-threatening risks. • Affected populations are currently struggling with critical food shortages and a systemic lack of essential medical assistance.

• The integrity of the World Cup is under scrutiny following a controversy regarding the suspension of player Balogun. • Both Donald Trump and FIFA have issued defenses of the actions taken, though the specific nature of the suspension remains a point of contention.

• UN agencies warned on Monday that Afghanistan is currently facing one of the world's most severe displacement crises. • The crisis is being driven by a combination of extreme poverty, persistent drought, and devastating earthquakes.

• Between late June and early July 2026, global systems faced a convergence of political transitions, economic shifts, and intensifying climate pressures. • International actors are closely monitoring Tehran's succession process to determine if Iran will maintain policy continuity or recalibrate its nuclear diplomacy and regional security posture.

Parliamentary authorities are already looking into a £5m donation to the Reform Uk leader from the crypto billionaire Christopher HarborneGood morning. One of the reasons why Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, is relatively popular is because he presents as genial and good-natured. A rather different Farage was on display last night, after he angrily berated a Sky News cameraman who doorstepped him as he arrived back in the UK off a flight from the US. Farage also accused Sky News of harassing his family, which Sky denies. Perhaps Farage had a grim journey next to a noisy passenger in economy, but it is hard not to conclude that the outburst has more to do with Farage fearing that the ongoing controversy about his failure to declare gifts and support he received in the period shortly before he became an MP in 2024 could fatally damage his chances of becoming PM.The Labour party has posted the clip. Continue reading...

Couple ‘devastated’ after DNA tests for children’s British citizenship showed no biological connection to themA British-based couple who had twins through an overseas surrogacy agency later discovered they had no biological connection to the children after the agency mistakenly used donor sperm.The couple, referred to as PP and QQ in court documents, were “devastated” after making the discovery via DNA tests while applying for British citizenship for the children. Continue reading...

Meeting of 32 member states comes at crucial time for alliance after tensions with US over Iran and GreenlandNato leaders, including the moody US president Donald Trump, are set to meet in Ankara, Turkey today and tomorrow for the latest round of talks on transatlantic defence.As our defence and security editor Dan Sabbagh says, there has been “a remarkable effort behind the scenes at Trump-proofing whatever happens in Ankara” given his tendency to go into angry outbursts directed at the allies.“Trump is expected to bring 1,400 people with him to Turkey, including those responsible for bringing back his toilet waste – a standard protocol to prevent other countries analysing the material for intelligence about his health. That the US is coming in large numbers is seen as a relief, given that Trump has at times flirted with the idea of leaving Nato, including at a summit in 2018.” Continue reading...