Today's Newsletter

• It is widely reported that counter-terrorism police are investigating an antisemitic arson attack in which three suspects firebombed four Jewish community ambulances outside a synagogue in Golders Green. The ongoing investigation comes amid fears that the attack may have been carried out by an Iran-linked militant group that has claimed responsibility online. The incident, which caused no injuries but has heightened unease in a heavily Jewish part of London, has intensified alarm about rising antisemitism, as well as the threat from Iran-sponsored operatives.

• Sir Mark Rowley, the head of the Metropolitan Police, spoke yesterday evening at the annual dinner of the Community Security Trust, the Press Association reports. He said: "Britain’s Jewish community has in recent years been increasingly targeted by individuals, groups and hostile states, intent on spreading fear, hate and harm. This volatile mix is at the front of my mind given events of today." He added: "The rapid growth in recent years of Iranian state threats is grave."

• An Iranian man arrested and charged after allegedly trying to enter the Faslane naval base has been released pending further inquiries, while the case against a Romanian woman arrested with him has been dropped, BBC News reports. The pair were detained on Thursday evening on suspicion of attempting to gain unauthorised access to the highly-sensitive facility, home to the UK's submarine-based nuclear deterrent.

• Donald Trump has temporarily suspended planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for five days, claiming "very good and productive" talks toward a resolution of hostilities, the London Evening Standard reports. Despite reports of possible talks in Pakistan, Iran has publicly denied substantive negotiations.

• Sources have told The Times that Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has travelled to Pakistan, after the country offered to host talks with the Iranian regime. The speaker of the Iranian parliament, identified by some as a potential partner in the talks, posted on X: "No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped."

• Belgium has deployed soldiers to protect Jewish sites in Brussels, Antwerp and Liège, Reuters reports. Authorities said the move is aimed at reassuring and safeguarding Jewish communities. It follows a series of recent antisemitic attacks on synagogues and a Jewish school in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as a bombing at the US embassy in Oslo.

Trump raises hope of swift end to war as he pauses Iran energy blitz sending oil price plunging

London Evening Standard, 23/03/2026

Donald Trump has called off plans to “obliterate” Iran’s energy network as he claimed there had been “productive” talks on ending the war. Writing on Truth Social, he said he would "postpone any and all strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure" for a five-day period. He raised hopes of a swift resolution to the conflict as he said America had had “very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East” in the past two days. In startling remarks, he also suggested he could run the Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s ayatollah, without giving any detail of who he meant, having ruled out any deal with the country’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Witkoff travels to Pakistan in hope of in-person talks with Iran

(£) The Times, 23/03/2026

President Trump stepped back from the brink yesterday after threatening to destroy Iran’s power infrastructure unless it reopened the Strait of Hormuz, as he insisted there were “very good” discussions on ending the war. The Times has been told that Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, has travelled to Pakistan, which has offered to host in-person talks. There is, however, so far no sign of any meaningful Iranian figure joining him there. Trump’s extension of a 48-hour deadline he imposed on Saturday reassured global markets that had tumbled after counter-threats from Iran to mine the entire Gulf and hit back at water and fuel plants across the region. The rising crude oil price reversed sharply, bringing Brent crude back down under $100 a barrel.

Iran assigns club-wielding ‘corrupt commander’ to make a deal with Trump

(£) Daily Telegraph, 23/03/2026

The man whom Iran has entrusted to lead negotiations to end the war with the US has never shied away from doing the regime’s dirty work. In 1999, as student protests broke out in Tehran against media censorship, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf got on to the back of a motorcycle, grabbed a club, and beat the demonstrators himself. Maintaining order required someone willing to “be on the street with a stick in hand, even if that someone is a general”, he later boasted. Now, Iran’s parliament speaker and former Revolutionary Guard commander faces a much bigger challenge.

Iran sends waves of missiles into Israel, dismisses Trump's talk of negotiations as 'fake news'

(£) Reuters, 24/03/2026

Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, the Israeli military said, after US president Donald Trump postponed a threat to bomb the Islamic Republic's power grid because of what he described as ​productive talks with Iranian officials. The missiles triggered air raid sirens in parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv, where blasts from interceptions were heard. In one attack, homes in northern ‌Israel were damaged by falling debris following an interception. No deaths were reported. Iran's powerful parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf—who an Israeli official and two other sources familiar with the matter ​said was the interlocutor in the talks on the Iranian side—said no negotiations had taken place.

US and Israel accused of overselling military success in Iran

ITV News, 23/03/2026

Key allies of the US and Israel have cast doubt on American and Israeli claims about the extent of military success over Iran and the length of this war. Those claims come as President Trump extends a deadline to hit Iranian power sites if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened. The president said on Truth Social that he would hold off until the end of the week, claiming success in talks with Iran. However, Iran has denied any direct contact and accused the president of backing down in fear of Iranian reprisals across the Gulf. Four intelligence sources we have spoken with have questioned claims made by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu as to the impact of the war on Iran’s military capability. ITV News has spoken to intelligence sources in a number of allied nations in the West and the Middle East, all of whom shared concerns that the Trump administration is overselling Iranian military losses and underselling the possible length of the war.

Iran has finally exposed the limits of Trump’s power

(£) The Independent, 23/03/2026

By postponing his threat to “obliterate” Iran’s energy system if Tehran doesn’t open the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump has revealed the limits of American power, which are understood by its enemies, but not by its president. Trump claims the five-day “pause” on his plans to destroy their country’s electricity system came about through “very good and productive talks” with Tehran – talks Iran says never happened. But the US president did have to account for their calibrated reaction to his threat. Do that, said Iran, in its first response, and we’ll blow up all the desalination plants that keep your Gulf allies alive in the desert, we’ll shut down the Strait of Hormuz until you fix all our stuff that you bombed, and we’ll go after Israel even harder. Later, Tehran seemed to roll these threats back in an uncharacteristic attempt to hold some moral high ground, after the UN observed that destroying water systems could be a war crime.

Hezbollah’s barrage of missiles catches Israel off-guard

(£) The Times, 23/03/2026

The sky over the ancient city of Tyre has lit up on recent nights with the ­yellow glow of Israeli interceptor ­missiles arcing towards Lebanon to knock out Hizballah’s drones. One night, the thud of a 155mm shell could be heard over the roar of Israeli jets heading north to pound ­targets, while an Iranian missile ­heading towards Israel was glimpsed. It is the new normal in mostly evacuated Tyre. From the beach, the few remaining residents can watch Hizballah rockets swooping south in an attempt to distract Israeli air defences before the Lebanese group launches longer-range missiles. The assault has surprised Israel, which thought the pro-Iran Shia group had little left in its armoury.

Israel pounds south Beirut, says captured Hezbollah members

AFP, 23/03/2026

A series of strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs on Monday and early Tuesday, the first attack on the Hizballah stronghold in days, as Israel's military said it captured two members of the Iran-backed group in southern Lebanon. An earlier Israeli strike hit the upscale, predominantly Christian area of Hazmieh near Beirut, with Israel saying it targeted a member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm. AFPTV's live broadcast showed clouds of smoke over the capital's southern suburbs, and Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported a series of strikes on the area, with low Israeli warplanes heard across Beirut and its surroundings. The Israeli military also announced it was "striking Hizballah infrastructure in Beirut" after having called on residents to leave the southern suburbs beforehand.

International organizations call for attacks to end on health care workers, medical facilities in Lebanon

ABC News, 23/03/2026

International and humanitarian rights organisations are calling for attacks on health care workers and medical facilities in Lebanon to cease. Since 2 March, at least 40 health care workers have been killed and 107 have been injured, Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health said last Thursday. "Health care workers are risking their lives to save others, and hospitals, other medical facilities and ambulances are specifically protected under international humanitarian law," Kristine Beckerle, deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said in a statement on Monday. "Throwing out accusations claiming that health care facilities and ambulances are being used for military purposes without providing any evidence does not justify treating hospitals, medical facilities or medical transport as battlefields or treating doctors and paramedics as targets," the statement continued.

Israeli minister calls for annexation of southern Lebanon

(£) Reuters, 23/03/2026

Israel should extend its border with Lebanon up to the Litani River deep inside the country's south, Israel's finance minister said ​on Monday as Israeli troops bombed bridges and destroyed homes in the area in an escalating military assault. The comments by Finance Minister ‌Bezalel Smotrich were the most explicit yet by a senior Israeli official on seizing Lebanese territory in a fight Israel says targets Iran-backed Hizballah militants. Lebanon was pulled into the regional war on March 2 when Hizballah fired missiles into Israel. Since then, Israel has ordered all residents to leave the area south of the Litani River as it pummels the area with air strikes, ​viewing it as a Hizballah stronghold. Lebanese authorities say the Israeli air and ground assault has killed more than 1,000 people, and more than a ​million have been driven from their homes with Israel having ordered residents to flee swathes of the country.

First Israeli civilian killed in Lebanon border war was hit by Israeli fire

(£) Reuters, 23/03/2026

Israel said on Monday its own forces ​had misfired artillery that killed an Israeli farmer near the ‌Lebanese frontier, the first Israeli civilian killed in a border conflict being waged in parallel with the war in Iran. Ofer Moskovitz, 60, an avocado farmer in the town ​of Misgav Am, had spoken with Reuters just last week ​and said he was worried about the fighting at the ⁠border. In a statement, Major General Rafi Milo, who heads the military's ​northern command, said: "Moskovitz was killed by our own forces’ fire during an ​operation whose entire purpose was to protect them." The military had initially blamed cross-border fire from Lebanon when it first reported the incident on Sunday.

Israel’s second front: on the ground in Lebanon—podcast

The Guardian, 24/03/2026

The conflict in the Middle East is being fought from the air—except in southern Lebanon, where Israel and Hizballah are fighting a bitter ground war. Will Christou reports.

Iran war may not come to 'quick and early end' warns Keir Starmer amid growing concern over bills

London Evening Standard, 23/03/2026

The war in Iran may not come to "a quick and early end", Sir Keir Starmer has warned amid growing concerns about the conflict's impact on bills. The Prime Minister said he had told his team not to fall into a sense of "false comfort" and think the crisis in the Middle East will be over shortly. It comes after Donald Trump on Monday revealed he had called off plans to “obliterate” Iran’s energy network as the US President claimed there had been “productive” talks on ending the war. Asked how long he thought the crisis would last, Sir Keir told the Liaison Committee: "It's hard to answer that question, if I'm honest about it. I think all our focus and energy has to be in the swift de-escalation, but we've got to plan on the basis that it could go on for some time, and that's the way in which we'll plan this afternoon. Since the conflict started, I've been really clear with the team that we mustn't fall into the sort of false comfort of thinking that there will necessarily be a quick and early end to this. We have to plan on the basis there may not be."

Also: BBC News

Starmer declares law on Trump: PM's ally Lord Hermer to make case for international rules after US president threatens to ignore UN ban on hitting civilian power plants

Daily Mail, 23/03/2026

A close ally of Sir Keir Starmer will tonight defend the UK's adherence to 'international law' in what may be seen as a tacit rebuke of Donald Trump. Attorney General Lord Hermer will defend playing by the rules as in the UK national interest tonight in the wake of a deepening transatlantic right between London and Washington. The peer and Cabinet minister is expected to say there is no contradiction in believing in 'international law and human rights' alongside a strong military, as the US prepares to commit what the UN says could be war crimes in Iran. Although it is understood the speech will not mention Trump by name, it comes hot on the heels of the president warning Tehran on Saturday it had 48 hours to allow cargo through the vital global shipping lane 'without threat' or he would 'obliterate' their power plants.

Counter-terror police investigating ‘Iran-backed firebombing’

(£) Daily Telegraph, 23/03/2026

Counter-terror police are leading the investigation into an anti-Semitic firebomb attack feared to have been orchestrated by Iran. Scotland Yard confirmed that officers with “specialist expertise” were investigating the arson, in which four ambulances were set on fire outside a synagogue in Golders Green, London, on Monday morning. Israeli embassy sources told The Telegraph that the firebombing had the hallmarks of an Iran-backed attack. Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya, a new Islamist militant group linked to Iran, appeared to claim responsibility for the attack in an online video. The arson, which is being treated as a hate crime, will raise concerns that Iran is mounting a concerted campaign of attacks across Europe following similar incidents in recent weeks.

Also: Daily Mail, (£) Financial Times, The Guardian, ITV News, PA Media, (£) Reuters, (£) The Times

Met chief says rise in Iranian state threats `grave´ after arson attack

PA Media, 23/03/2026

The head of the Metropolitan Police has said the force are investigating whether an Islamist group with possible Iranian state links is behind an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances. Speaking on Monday at the annual dinner of the Community Security Trust, a charity that monitors antisemitism in the UK, Sir Mark Rowley said the “rapid growth in recent years of Iranian state threats is grave”, but it was “too early” to attribute the attack to the Iranian state. Sir Mark said: “Britain’s Jewish community has in recent years been increasingly targeted by individuals, groups and hostile states, intent on spreading fear, hate and harm. This volatile mix is at the front of my mind given events of today.”

Armed patrols deployed to protect London Jewish sites as Met Police chief condemns ‘attack on us all’

London Evening Standard, 23/03/2026

Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley said counter-terror police are investigating whether an Islamist group with possible Iranian state links is behind an arson attack on four Jewish community ambulances. Armed patrols are being deployed to north London following the shocking incident in Golders Green which is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime, but not terrorism at this stage. Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark said the marksmen and women are in addition to 264 officers sent to the area to “stop further attacks”. He confirmed reports of a video posted on Telegram by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, showing a map of the location where the ambulances were kept and footage of them on fire. Sir Mark added the Islamist group had “claimed other attacks across Europe and have potential Iranian state links”.

The Iran-backed sleeper cell claiming responsibility for Golders Green ambulance firebombing as counter terror cops lead hunt for three suspects

Daily Mail, 23/03/2026

An Iranian backed sleeper cell has allegedly claimed responsibility for the ambulance firebombing in Golders Green last night. Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which translates to 'Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right', shared unverified footage of the ambulances burning with their logo pasted over it, hours after the fire. The fire, which is widely being considered an anti-Semitic attack, took place outside a north London synagogue in the middle of the night. The last post Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia, which can also be called Ashab al-Yamin, shared on Telegram before seemingly attacking the ambulances said: 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.  This is the Final Warning To all the peoples of the world, especially in the European Union.  Immediately distance yourselves from all American and Zionist interests, facilities, and what is affiliated with them.'

Also: (£) Daily Telegraph, (£) The Independent, (£) iNews

'Shocking but not unexpected': Jewish community reacts to ambulance attack

BBC News, 23/03/2026

In the early hours of Monday, four Jewish charity-run ambulances were set alight at the site, leading to explosions that caused the windows of nearby buildings to shatter and the evacuation of some residents. While no-one was hurt, the incident - which is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime and investigated by counter-terror police officers - has left members of the Jewish community feeling increasingly unsettled and fearful. "It's a shock," said Jack Taub, who is on the leadership team of the Machzike Hadath Synagogue, where the incident took place. But he adds: "I can't say no-one was expecting it". Taub's words have been echoed by other members of the Jewish community who have spoken to the BBC since the attack.

Also: GB News, PA Media

Protesters rally to 'stop the hate' in Golders Green, London

Sky News, 23/03/2026

More than 250 people gathered to take a stand against antisemitism, amid concerns about a rise in anti-Jewish hate in Britain. It comes after an arson attack on four vehicles belonging to the Jewish ambulance service in north London.

Labour MP insists the Jewish community is 'fundamentally safe' in Britain following Golders Green arson attack

GB News, 23/03/2026

Matthew Pennycook has declared Britain's Jewish community remains "fundamentally safe", despite acknowledging growing fears amid a surge in anti-Jewish hate incidents. Speaking to GB News following the Golders Green Jewish ambulance arson attack, the Housing Minister expressed understanding for community anxieties. "I do think fundamentally the Jewish community is safe, but I understand the concerns that have been expressed," Mr Pennycook told GB News. He pledged the Government would use all available means to eradicate antisemitism and protect Jewish communities across the country. "We will do everything in our power as a Government to stamp out the hatred that is antisemitism to protect the Jewish community, and we stand in solidarity with them today in the wake of this awful, awful incident," he added.

Keir Starmer lambasted for 'failure' to protect Jewish communities after arson attack: 'A sad day for London'

GB News, 23/03/2026

Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Government have been torn apart for their "failure" to protect Jewish communities, following an arson attack in Golders Green. Speaking to GB News, Reform UK's mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham declared today a "sad day for London" following the incident, which took place in the early hours of Monday morning. Four Jewish community-led ambulances were destroyed as a result of the arson attack in Golders Green, north London on Highfield Road at approximately 1.40am. Issuing a statement, Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams confirmed that although the investigation is being led by counter-terrorism policing, it is "not currently being classified" as a terrorist attack.

Labour 'not doing enough' over firebomb attack on Jewish community - 'deport antisemites'

Daily Express, 23/03/2026

Ministers must do more to “eliminate the ancient scourge of antisemitism” after the sickening firebombing of four Jewish community ambulances, Keir Starmer has been told. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the “hideous” arson attack - feared to have been orchestrated by Iran – is proof “too little has been done”. Three thugs torched the Hatzola vehicles in Golders Green the early hours of Monday morning, prompting warnings of a “terror cell” on the run in London. No arrests have been made and intelligence chiefs could not rule out Tehran’s involvement in the attack. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood admitted the assault is “so warped it defies words”, adding British Jews are frightened of sending their children to school or attending hospital appointments.

Britain is now 'infested with the sickness of antisemitism'

Daily Express, 23/03/2026

Politicians have been blasted for creating the “sickening mess” of antisemitism swirling across Britain. Campaigners say extremism has become normalised with a disturbing spike in anti-Jewish attacks - both verbal and violent - in the wake of the October 7 raid on Israel by Hamas in 2023. Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community charity were set on fire in north London in the early hours. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer called it a "horrific antisemitic attack”. Gideon Falter, Chief Executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: “Extremists don’t just hate Jews: they hate Britain”.

Jew hate is now normal in UK—and this latest wave started with Jeremy Corbyn

Daily Express, 23/03/2026

Alex Hearn writes: “Normalising of antisemitism has emboldened racists and fascists who seek to divide us—burning ambulances is next step. When will our politicians wake up?”

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Iranian man who allegedly tried to enter nuclear base released

BBC News, 23/03/2026

An Iranian man charged after allegedly trying to enter the Faslane naval base has been released pending further inquiries without appearing in court. The 34-year-old was arrested at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, at about 17:00 on Thursday. He had been expected to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Monday – but the Crown Office said that "after full and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case" the man had been freed pending further inquiries. Prosecutors said the case against him was still live and under consideration – but that there would be no proceedings against a 31-year-old Romanian woman who was also arrested at the base. She has been released without charge following consideration of the "available admissible evidence," although the Crown said it reserved the right to proceed with the case in the future should further evidence become available.

UK summons Iranian ambassador over charges against men accused of spying

(£) Reuters, 23/03/2026

Britain said on Monday ​the Iranian ambassador to the UK had been ‌summoned after an Iranian national and one British-Iranian dual national were charged last week on suspicion of helping Iran's intelligence services. The ​two men appeared in a London court last ​week accused of being involved in gathering information and ⁠undertaking reconnaissance of Jewish targets in Britain given to ​them by Iranian spy services over five weeks last summer. "National ​security remains our top priority, and we take threats posed by Iran and those who do its bidding extremely seriously," Britain's ​foreign office said in a statement.

Ex-justice secretary to lead review into MP murder

BBC News, 23/03/2026

Former Conservative Justice Secretary Sir Robert Buckland will lead an independent review into state failings prior to the murder of MP Sir David Amess. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood wrote to the Amess family to confirm the appointment on Monday. Katie Amess, Sir David's daughter, said her family would engage with the review in "good faith", but she reiterated that they had always sought a "full statutory inquiry" into her father's death. The Conservative MP for Southend West was stabbed multiple times while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in October 2021. Daesh fanatic Ali Harbi Ali was given a whole-life sentence for the murder in 2022.

Also: GB News

Teenager described herself as 'embodiment of hell' before launching far-right axe attack

Sky News, 23/03/2026

A Nazi-obsessed teenager who launched a far-right axe attack on a random stranger has pleaded guilty to attempted murder. Alina Burns, then aged 18, attacked Mohammed Mahmoodi, an Iranian Kurd, outside a barber's shop in Bedminster, Bristol, on 2 August last year as he was chatting with a friend. CCTV from inside the shop showed the 27-year-old turning and ducking at the last minute as she swung an axe at his neck. The teenager then tried to strike Mr Mahmoodi again, before he managed to disarm her, escaping with only painful scratches to his neck and cheek.

'We're not safe at our mosque after another attack'

BBC News, 23/03/2026

Worshippers at a Greater Manchester mosque have said they are frightened to return to the building after it was vandalised and items were stolen. Ben Pickering said he arrived at the Elaf Mosque in Cheadle Heath, Stockport, at 05:34 GMT on Saturday to find it had been "ransacked", with religious texts "thrown on to the floor", equipment vandalised and items including £5,000 in cash stolen. "It was incredibly distressing," the 38-year-old from Stockport told BBC Radio Manchester. "When I arrived I thought there was a chance there was somebody in the building waiting to attack a Muslim." Greater Manchester Police said it was investigating. No arrests have been made. Pickering said it had been "very upsetting" to see all of the damage. "The door had been opened and as I entered into the mosque I could see that the donation box had been opened and thrown on the floor," he said.

James Cleverly says he disagrees with Nick Timothy about Islamic public prayer

The Guardian, 22/03/2026

James Cleverly has said he disagrees with his Conservative frontbench colleague Nick Timothy’s assertion that public Muslim prayers are an act of domination, as another senior Tory called for the party to respect the right to worship. In the most open criticism of Timothy by a senior Tory so far, Emma Best, the Conservative Party’s deputy leader on the London assembly, said prayer was “a fundamental right of every UK citizen” and that if people did not like this, it was their problem. Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Cleverly, the shadow communities secretary, said Timothy had been correct to begin a debate about Monday’s “Open Iftar”, the last of 18 such public events at which anyone can join the breaking of the Ramadan fast at dusk. But asked if he concurred with Timothy’s argument about the large-scale Muslim prayer in public being an act of domination, Cleverly said: “So, that wouldn’t be my personal take.”

BBC issues statement after controversial 'anti-migrant extremism' storyline in new crime drama sparks fury

GB News, 23/03/2026

The BBC has defended its crime drama The Capture after it was hit with accusations of peddling "propaganda". The latest episode of season three portrayed freedom of information requests concerning immigration as potential markers of extremist behaviour. Among the critics of the scenes were the likes of Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf, while People's Channel favourites, including Ben Leo and Alex Armstrong, also hit out at the show. Other familiar faces, such as Ant Middleton and Graham Linehan, also condemned the BBC for the show's storyline. A BBC spokesperson has since defended the decision, telling GB News: "This is a fictional drama and the character of James Whitlock is not based on any individual person." The character of James Whitlock (played by Joe Dempsie) featured in the scene that first sparked the row across social media.

Britain’s prison system is an incubator of violence and extremism

(£) The Times, 23/03/2026

Editorial comment on the problem of radicalisation in UK prisons.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Dismissing fed-up voters is a dangerous mistake

(£) The Times, 23/03/2026

The prime minister risks driving moderates into the arms of extremists by ignoring public opinion on matters such as immigration, writes Trever Phillips.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Left and right are misreading Muslim Britain

(£) The Times, 23/03/2026

Dangerous Islamist views cannot be ignored, but don’t make the faith a lightning rod for all ills, writes Sonia Sodha.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Rural sparky who researched missiles for IS headed home

Daily Mail, 23/03/2026

An electrician who researched rockets for the Daesh but later denounced its extremist ideology will be keenly watched by federal police when he returns to his quiet, rural town. Haisem Zahab, who has been denied parole twice, will be released from prison when his nine-year sentence expires on Friday. The 52-year-old was jailed in 2019 by the NSW Supreme Court for supporting a terrorist organisation after researching and developing a laser warning receiver, rockets and rocket guidance methods for Daesh.

Pakistan and Afghanistan tensions reach breaking point

(£) Financial Times, 22/03/2026

Editorial comment on the Pakistan–Afghanistan conflict.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

State Department launches effort to counter cyberattacks, AI risks from Iran, others

ABC News, 23/03/2026

The State Department has formally launched a new entity charged with anticipating and responding to dangers posed by Iran and other US adversaries' weaponisation of advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, officials familiar with the matter tell ABC News. The department's Bureau of Emerging Threats has been tasked with safeguarding American national security against cyberattacks, the weaponisation of space and similar malicious efforts, they said. In addition to Iran, the officials identified novel threats from China, Russia, North Korea and foreign terrorist organisations as particular areas of focus.

Inside the Texas school accused of 'martyr brainwashing' for Iran... locals fear radicalized teens pose a threat on US soil

Daily Mail, 23/03/2026

Fears are mounting in Texas that a controversial Islamic centre and school with alleged ties to Iran could be quietly shaping a generation of young Americans—even as war rages overseas and tensions spike at home. Residents in Houston say they are increasingly uneasy about the Islamic Education Center of Houston and its affiliated Al-Hadi School—a sprawling religious complex that has come under renewed scrutiny amid the escalating US–Israel conflict with Iran. The concerns are stark: allegations that children have been exposed to pro-regime ideology, trained to idolise Iran's leadership and encouraged to see themselves as future 'soldiers' of the Islamic Republic.

Trump administration announces new probes into Harvard over race and religion

(£) Reuters, 24/03/2026

The Trump administration has escalated its scrutiny of Harvard University, announcing two new federal probes against the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Ivy League institution. The US Education Department's civil rights office confirmed it had "opened two new investigations into Harvard University amid allegations that it continues to discriminate against students on the basis of race, colour, and national origin" in violation of federal law. These latest inquiries will specifically examine whether Harvard employs race-based preferences in its admissions process, following the US Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that ended affirmative action in higher education. Additionally, the department will investigate allegations of antisemitism on Harvard's campus.

Belgium deploys soldiers to reinforce security at Jewish sites

(£) Reuters, 23/03/2026

Soldiers were deployed on the streets of leading Belgian cities on Monday to bolster security for the Jewish ​community, after what officials said were antisemitic attacks in ‌Belgium and the Netherlands. The move follows an explosion this month at a synagogue in Liege that authorities called an antisemitic act. “From today we're putting soldiers back ​on the streets in Brussels and Antwerp because safety ​is a basic right,” Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken ⁠said in a post on X on Monday. The deployment, in ​collaboration with federal police, will provide security at Jewish sites including ​synagogues and schools, Belgian authorities said in a press release last week.

Silence not an option, says Canadian Sikh activist after fresh threats

AFP, 24/03/2026

When Moninder Singh learned recently of assassination threats against his family in Canada, where a fellow Sikh activist was killed in 2023, he says he remained defiant. "We won't be silenced," the chairman of the Sikh Federation of Canada told AFP. Singh was speaking at the UN's European headquarters in Geneva, where he has been appealing for international action against India's alleged targeting of Sikh activists abroad, and against so-called transnational repression more broadly. Sikh activists accuse India of targeting members of their community around the world, including alleged killings using organised crime groups—charges India denies.

Benin presidential candidate vows new police forces to fight jihadists

(£) Reuters, 23/03/2026

The ruling party candidate in Benin's upcoming presidential election has vowed ‌to create municipal police forces in northern border towns to defend against persistent attacks from jihadis groups.

Romuald Wadagni, who has been finance minister under President Patrice Talon since 2016, also ​said Benin had "no choice" but to work with neighbouring countries to address ​security challenges, as insurgents active in the Sahel rapidly increase their attacks ⁠on the borderlands between Niger, Benin and Nigeria. Wadagni described the plan for ​police forces in border towns while unveiling his political platform ahead of the April ​12 election, in which he is the strong favourite.

Inside the alleged Russian operation to trigger anti-government protests in Angola

BBC News, 24/03/2026

Two Russians are due to go on trial in Angola accused of stirring up anti-government protests, conducting a campaign of disinformation, and attempting to interfere in next year's presidential election. Arrested last August, political consultant Igor Ratchin and translator Lev Lakshtanov are facing 11 charges, including terrorism, espionage and influence peddling. The BBC has obtained a copy of the indictment that includes charges relating to an alleged operation aimed at changing the political course of Angola. The Russians' lawyers challenge the indictment on the grounds that it lacks "concrete and objective facts".

Chilling details emerge of alleged 'mass casualty' terrorist plot foiled by Aussie cops—as accused tradie, 20, makes bid for freedom

Daily Mail, 23/03/2026

The second person ever to be charged with terrorism offences in Western Australia is seeking bail ahead of his trial as more details of his alleged plot are revealed. Jayson Joseph Michaels, a 20-year-old from Bindoon - about 75km north of Perth , attended Perth Magistrates Court on Monday for a bail application hearing. Michaels was arrested on February 26 after a joint counter-terrorism raid at his parents' home, where he lived, allegedly uncovered an arsenal of weapons, including hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and dozens of guns and knives. Officers also allegedly found a 'manifesto-style document outlining plans for a nationalist and racist ideologically-motivated act of violent extremism involving mass casualties', WA Police said.

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Al Jazeera journalist 'intimidated' at Golders Green ambulance attack site

(£) The National, 23/03/2026

Footage has shown an Al Jazeera journalist being "intimidated" while reporting on the Golders Green ambulance arson attack in London.

Public wary of England flag links to far right, poll finds

Eastern Eye, 23/03/2026

A poll by British Future found that 39 per cent of people in England and 47 per cent of ethnic minorities would not display the England flag because they would not want to appear to support the far right.

BBC 'imposed restrictions' on staff during Gaza coverage, court hears

(£) The National, 23/03/2026

The BBC "imposed restrictions" on journalists and “misled” its audience in its coverage of the early weeks of Israel's war on Gaza, a British employment tribunal has heard during a case brought by five former staff.

Over a dozen Scottish Reform candidates part of racist Facebook group

(£) The National, 23/03/2026

Over a dozen Reform UK candidates for the Holyrood election are part of a Facebook group where members spread racist conspiracy theories.

Layered defence: How Britain is pushing back against swarms of cheap killer drones reshaping modern warfare

LBC News, 23/03/2026

Drones have gone from hobbyist gadgets to one of the defining threats on the modern battlefield, and the RAF knows it.

This summary is not a statement of Home Office policy or opinion. Note that some of these outlets have lower reach with UK audiences and/or may be state/government funded. Please also note that foreign media outlets may not have equivalent editorial standards to UK-based outlets.

Netanyahu says spoke with Trump, vows to protect Israel’s interests

AFP, 23/03/2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that he spoke with Donald Trump, saying that the US president believed US–Israeli military gains in Iran could be converted into a negotiated agreement that protects Israel’s interests.

‘False flag attack’: Iran denies claims it fired missiles at Diego Garcia

Al Jazeera, 23/03/2026

Iran has denied targeting a joint military base of the United States and the United Kingdom on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia with missiles, dismissing the claim as an “Israeli false flag” attack.

Iraq pulled into Iran war as US targets Iran-aligned groups

Al Jazeera, 23/03/2026

Air strikes have targeted the headquarters of the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq’s capital Baghdad, as the country becomes a two-way battlefield between armed factions and the US amid its ongoing war with Iran.

Israel hits eight Lebanese bridges as Smotrich calls for Litani river border

The National Newspaper, 23/03/2026

Israel has destroyed or damaged at least eight key bridges in Lebanon, data gathered by The National reveals, as its air and ground campaign to isolate the south of the country intensifies.

President Sheikh Mohamed discusses Iranian missile attacks with Indonesian leader

The National Newspaper, 23/03/2026

President Sheikh Mohamed has received a phone call from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss developments in the region and their implications for regional and international security.

UAE 'will never be blackmailed by terrorists', vows Sheikh Abdullah

The National Newspaper, 23/03/2026

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said his country would not allow itself to be blackmailed as Iranian missile and drone attacks continue.

Pakistan military leadership vows resolve to eliminate threats to national security

Geo News, 23/03/2026

The Armed Forces of Pakistan on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to defending national sovereignty, combating terrorism, and ensuring internal security, saying that they remain unwavering in their resolve to eradicate threats to the country’s security.

Al Jazeera (Middle East, Arabic Language)

• Iran war live: Tehran says Trump’s peace talk claims are ‘fake news’; Smotrich urges Israel to annex southern Lebanon as assault intensifies; UN expert says world has given Israel ‘licence to torture Palestinians’; Colombian military plane crash kills at least 66, wounds dozens

Al Arabiya (Middle East, Arabic Language)

• Iran sends waves of missiles into Israel after dismisses Trump’s talk of negotiations; Saudi Arabia downs at least 30 drones in Eastern Province; Trump says Iran ‘means business,’ gives talks five-day window; Netanyahu says spoke with Trump, vows to protect Israel’s interests; Iran’s foreign ministry denies talks with US, state news agency says

Geo TV (Pakistan, Urdu and English)

• US AND ISRAEL ATTACK IRAN; PSX advances as easing Middle East war fears boost sentiment; Oil rises as global markets assess supply risks after Iran denies US talks; Trump approved Iran operation after Netanyahu argued for joint assassination of Khamenei: sources