HMS Dragon departs for eastern Mediterranean
HMS Dragon has departed Portsmouth to join UK defensive operations in the eastern Mediterranean amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The Type 45 destroyer will become the UK’s only warship in the region when it arrives, with a key role in protecting RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, where an Iranian-made drone recently struck a hangar. Armed with Sea Viper missiles and supported by Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone weapons, the ship is designed to counter aerial threats and safeguard allied forces. The deployment followed an intense preparation effort by the Royal Navy, completing six weeks of work in just six days. Meanwhile, the support ship RFA Lyme Bay has been placed on heightened readiness in Gibraltar and could assist with evacuations or humanitarian tasks if required. The aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has also been told to prepare for possible deployment. UK forces are already involved in defensive operations across the region, including intercepting Iranian drones over Jordan and supporting coalition security in the Gulf. See
Government silent on asylum families taking £40k offer
The Home Office has declined to reveal how many failed asylum seeker families have accepted a new government offer of up to £40,000 to leave the UK voluntarily. The pilot scheme allows families with no legal right to remain in Britain to receive £10,000 per person, for up to four family members, if they agree to return to their home countries. Around 150 families were initially invited to apply and were given a short deadline to accept the offer. Officials say the initiative could expand to thousands more families if deemed successful. The Government argues the scheme could save taxpayers money, as supporting a family of failed asylum seekers currently costs an estimated £158,000 per year. Critics have questioned why people from countries considered safe need financial incentives to leave. The policy comes amid continued debate about migration, following the cancellation of the previous Rwanda relocation plan and ongoing small-boat crossings across the Channel, which remain a significant political and social issue.
Files reveal warnings over Mandelson appointment and risks
Newly released government documents show that Keir Starmer was warned about potential 'reputational risks' before appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the USA. The detailed files record the vetting process and concerns raised about Mandelson’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Officials noted that Mandelson had maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction and had reportedly stayed at Epstein’s residence in 2009 while serving as business secretary. The documents also revealed that advisers questioned the speed of the appointment. Mandelson later lost the role after further details about his links to Epstein emerged. He is also under police investigation over allegations that government trade information may have been shared with Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis. When removed from the post, Mandelson received a £75,000 severance payment. Government ministers say lessons have now been learned to strengthen future appointment processes. See
Government announces new definition of anti Muslim hostility
The Government has announced a new working definition of anti-Muslim hostility as part of a broader strategy to address rising hate crimes and strengthen social cohesion. The definition includes acts such as violence, harassment, intimidation, vandalism, and prejudicial stereotyping directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim. The definition is non-statutory, meaning it carries no legal force and will serve primarily as guidance for government departments and public institutions. Communities secretary Steve Reed told Parliament that it is intended to help authorities better understand, measure, and respond to anti-Muslim hostility; he said that hate crimes against Muslims had risen by nearly 20% in the year to March 2025. The Government also confirmed that a special representative will be appointed to support the implementation and understanding of the definition. Some critics expressed concern that the policy could limit legitimate criticism of religion, though ministers insisted that freedom of speech, including the right to criticise religious beliefs, remains fully protected under existing law.
