Today's Newsletter

• The Times reports security will be operating at a “very high threat level” during President Trump's state visit at Windsor Castle. Thames Valley police said that it was “content” with its operation but that arrangements were reviewed daily in light of planned protests and the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah last week. Two-thirds of officers taking part in the operation have been brought in from “all over the country” but the force declined to reveal specific numbers.

• Eight people have been charged in connection to a "Unite the Kingdom" rally organised by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon on Saturday, it was widely reported. According to police, at least 26 police officers were injured and 24 arrests were made on the day, with eight people facing charges including assault and public order offences. The Metropolitan Police has also issued photos of 11 people who officers are trying to trace in relation to the disorder.

• Multiple sources reports that the home secretary has described language used by Elon Musk at a rally as "abhorrent." Speaking over a video link at the "Unite The Kingdom" march in London, the billionaire criticised "uncontrolled migration," later adding that there should be a "dissolution of Parliament and a new vote held". Responding to his comments, Shabana Mahmood said, "Whether you're a hostile state or a hostile billionaire, no-one gets to mess with British democracy."

• The vice president of the United States has paid tribute to Charlie Kirk while hosting his podcast show, and claimed that "left-wing extremism" was a factor in the right-wing influencer's assassination, it was widely reported. During his opening monologue, JD Vance said "we have to make sure that the killer is brought to justice," before adding that the government was going to talk about how it was going to dismantle far-left extremism.

• The Times reports that militants are using technology including Starlink to drive their terror campaigns, counter-terrorism experts claim. “The growing availability of Starlink is reshaping conflict and crime in the Sahel,” the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime said in a new report, with a recent raid on remote jihadi hideouts in Nigeria finding Starlink kits from Elon Musk’s satellite network among a cache of weapons. Musk’s 7,000-plus satellites give militants in deserts and forests the same broadband connectivity as governments in cities, making their communications far harder to intercept.

• Israel's prime minister has not ruled out striking members of Hamas in Qatar again, following an attempted strike on its leaders last Tuesday, multiple sources report. Benjamin Netanyahu said during a joint press conference with Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, that Israel's forces would target their enemies wherever they happened to be, adding that America had “acted very boldly against the terrorist havens that were given to al-Qa’ida in Afghanistan”. Netanyahu told Rubio that his presence in Israel was a clear message that “America stands with Israel”.

‘High threat level’ declared at Windsor Castle for Trump visit

(£) The Times, 15/09/2025

Security will be operating at a “very high threat level” around Windsor Castle on Tuesday when President Trump arrives for his second state visit, police said. Thames Valley police said that it was “content” with its operation but that arrangements were reviewed daily in light of planned protests and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the Republican activist and Trump ally, in Utah last week. The president and the first lady’s visit will take place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle and Chequers, the prime minister’s country home in Buckinghamshire. Public order officers, dog and horse units and drone squads have been deployed.

Also: Daily Express, Daily Mail

RAF base 'much safer' after Palestine Action break-in

BBC News, 15/09/2025

RAF Brize Norton is now "much safer" after pro-Palestinian activists broke into the base and caused £7m damage earlier this year, the defence secretary has said. The incident on 20 June saw a group of protesters break into the air base and spray-paint two RAF Voyager planes. John Healey said new technology and surveillance had since been installed at the Oxfordshire base, alongside the recruitment of more security guards. He made the comments whilst on a visit to RAF Brize Norton to announce the UK's support for the Nato mission to bolster its eastern flank, following Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace last week. "Brize is safe - it is a critical operational hub for our forces, and this is one of the bases from which the UK's contribution to Nato's new air policing on the eastern flank will be based," Healey said.

Healey under pressure to reverse academy ban on Israeli soldiers

(£) [Healey%20under%20pressure%20to%20reverse%20academy%20ban%20on%20Israeli%20soldiers]Daily Telegraph, 15/09/2025

Conservative MPs have called on the Defence Secretary to reverse the decision to ban Israeli soldiers from attending Britain's most exclusive military academy. John Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, sent a letter to John Healey on Monday asking why Parliament was not consulted and for a full list of other nations whose personnel are banned from the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS). “I'm extremely concerned at the way our world-renowned military educational establishment is being used as a political tool for gesture politics to appease your party's internal divisions on issues regarding the Middle East,” Mr Cartlidge wrote.

First people charged with supporting Palestine Action after ban due in court

PA Media, 16/09/2025

The first people charged with supporting Palestine Action after it was banned as a terror group – including two in their 70s - are set to face court. Two women and a man were arrested after a protest in Parliament Square, Westminster, on July 5. Jeremy Shippam, 72, of Yapton, West Sussex, Judit Murray, 71, of West Ewell, Surrey, and Fiona Maclean, 53, of Hackney, north-east London, are accused of displaying an article in a public place, arousing reasonable suspicion that they are a supporter of a proscribed organisation, under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The charge sheet alleges that they held placards reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”.

The Guardian view on Palestine Action: the ban on Gaza activists must be overturned

The Guardian, 15/09/2025

A Guardian editorial writes, “As protesters go on trial, it is clearer than ever that ministers chose the wrong target and the wrong process.”

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Eight people are charged after Tommy Robinson's 'Unite the Kingdom' rally which left 26 police officers injured

Daily Mail, 15/09/2025

Eight people have been charged after Stephen Yaxley-Lennon's huge “Unite the Kingdom” march which descended into chaos as violence broke out on the streets of the capital. An estimated 110,000 - 150,000 protesters marched through central London on Saturday in what is believed to be the largest right-wing demonstration in British history. While the rally began largely peacefully as demonstrators voiced their anger over free speech and Britain's small boats crisis, it exploded into violence when protesters and counter-protesters closed in on each other along Whitehall. At least 26 police officers were injured with kicks and punches and 24 arrests were made on the day, the Metropolitan Police said.

Also: BBC News, Daily Express, Daily Mirror, Daily Record, (£) Daily Telegraph, GB News, The Guardian, ITV News, London Evening Standard, PA Media, Sky News

Musk's language was abhorrent, says home secretary

BBC News, 15/09/2025

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said language used by Elon Musk when addressing a rally on Saturday was "abhorrent". Speaking over a video link, the tech billionaire criticised "uncontrolled migration", later adding: "Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die." He also said there had to be "a change of government in Britain" and that there should be a "dissolution of Parliament and a new vote held". Responding to his comments, Mahmood said: "Whether you're a hostile state or a hostile billionaire, no-one gets to mess with British democracy." She added that the "vast majority" of people would react to Musk's words with "a shake of the head".

Also: Daily Express, The Guardian, PA Media

Southport attack wasn’t just ‘knife crime’, says grieving mother

(£) The Times, 15/09/2025

A bereaved mother has said the Southport attack should not be reduced to “knife crime” and urged a public inquiry to confront the “series of failures” that led to it. Jenni Stancombe, 36, recounted how her family had paid the “ultimate price” when her daughter Elsie Dot, aged seven, was killed at a Taylor Swift dance class by Axel Rudakubana on July 29 last year. She gave evidence in an emotional hearing to the Southport inquiry with her husband, David, 37, by her side. They were followed by the parents of Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, who were nine and six, respectively, when they died. Stancombe, who had worked as a supermarket manager before the attack, said the kind of weapon used was far less important than what motivated the crime.

Also: BBC News, The Guardian, ITV News, Liverpool Echo, Sky News

PM condemns 'Unite the Kingdom' rally that 'sent shiver' through communities

PA Media, 15/09/2025

Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Saturday's “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration in central London, saying it has left people feeling “more scared than they were before”. Between 110,000 and 150,000 people turned out for Saturday's protest organised by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Some 26 police officers were injured, including four who were seriously hurt, and 24 people were arrested for a range of offences including affray, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage. In an interview with Channel 4 News, the Prime Minister described the demonstration as “plastic patriotism”, adding that it had been more than “just very bad behaviour”. He said: “It sent a shiver through so many of our communities who now feel more scared than they did before. I understand that.”

What did Elon Musk say at far-right UK rally and did his remarks break the law?

The Guardian, 15/09/2025

Downing Street has condemned Elon Musk for using “dangerous and inflammatory” language at the nationalist protest organised by the far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon on Saturday. But will – or should – the X owner face any consequences? While he called for a “dissolution of parliament” and a “change of government”, other comments attracted particular scrutiny. As Musk did not make any reference to a racial group, his comments did not fall within legislation covering such speech. Jonathan Hall KC, the UK independent reviewer of terrorism legislation and independent reviewer of state threat legislation, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Musk's comments would not have broken the law.

Holly Valance poses with Tommy Robinson as she praises 'Unite the Kingdom' anti-migrant protest

Daily Mail, 15/09/2025

Holly Valance has praised activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon for his “redemption” after up to 150,000 people attended the far-Right activist's demonstration in London. The ex-Neighbours star was photographed with her arm around the former English Defence League leader at the 'Unite the Kingdom' rally on Saturday. Valance, who wore a 'Mega' (Make England Great Again) cap, has become a prominent supporter of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party in the past few years. The 42-year-old was among those at the event, which saw 24 people arrested for a range of offences such as affray, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage.

Also: London Evening Standard

Sex assaults motivated by race absolutely appalling, says Home Secretary

PA Media, 15/09/2025

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged anyone with information about an alleged racially motivated rape in the West Midlands to speak to police, as she condemned such crimes “in the strongest possible terms”. A woman, reported to be a British-born Sikh in her 20s, told West Midlands Police that a racist remark was made to her during the sexual assault in the Tame Road area of Oldbury on September 9. Raising the issue in Parliament on Monday, Labour MP for Smethwick Gurinder Singh Josan asked Ms Mahmood what steps she was taking to support West Midlands Police with their investigation. The Home Secretary said: “The horror of a sexual assault motivated by race or ethnicity is absolutely appalling, I’m sure the whole house will join me in condemning such crimes in the strongest possible terms.”

Man sentenced for assaulting officer during riots

BBC News, 15/09/2025

A man has been sentenced for assaulting a police officer during rioting last summer. Anthony Allen, 43, pleaded guilty to assaulting the officer on a night of unrest in Hartlepool on 31 July 2024, one of several nights of disturbances across the country in the wake of the Southport stabbings. Allen, of Ormesby Road, Hartlepool, was cleared of taking part in the violent disorder by a jury in August. He was handed a 12-month conditional discharge at Teesside Crown Court on Friday.

For some minority Britons the ‘unite the kingdom’ rally shows far-right politics is becoming legitimised

The Guardian, 16/09/2025

“I remember my father marching against the National Front in the 1970s. It felt like it was a minority. The majority of people are still decent. But now, the far right seems legitimised and popular,” Dabinderjit Singh, a retired senior civil servant said. Singh was reacting to Stephen Yaxley-Lennon’s 13 September far-right “unite the kingdom” rally, which drew 110,000 people to London. The rally’s attenders say they have a variety of concerns. But for some ethnic minority Britons, Saturday’s scenes were reminiscent of far-right marches 50 years ago. Hetticia McIntosh, 70, from Manchester, was returning from holiday via Heathrow when she was warned by a WhatsApp “community safety alert”, to “avoid travelling into London … especially if you are from an ethnic minority.”

Trump ally demands Oxford Union president-elect is expelled for Charlie Kirk gloating

(£) Daily Telegraph, 15/09/2025

A Trump ally has called for the Oxford Union president-elect to be expelled after he celebrated the shooting of Maga influencer Charlie Kirk. Ted Cruz, the Republican senator for Texas, became the latest figure in American politics to weigh in on a row engulfing the University of Oxford over messages sent by George Abaraonye. Last week, The Telegraph revealed that Mr Abaraonye sent texts praising the sniper attack on Kirk in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The Oxford Union has launched disciplinary action against the philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) student, while alumni of the debating society have triggered impeachment proceedings.

'There's nothing British about racist graffiti' - Gateshead Council leader condemns reported hate crimes

Chronicle Live, 15/09/2025

The leader of Gateshead Council issued a stark message hitting out at those behind anti-Muslim graffiti which was daubed in Birtley over the weekend. Coun Martin Gannon (Lab) said those behind the graffiti "couldn't be more wrong" if they had thought there actions were "patriotic". Red flags were painted on white doors and even a car, while an anti-Muslim slogan was painted on a garden fence. The incidents are understood to have taken place overnight in the Barley Mow area on Saturday, with residents waking on Sunday to discover the vandalism. It is understood a wall at the front of Barley Mow Primary School was also defaced.

Councillor defends asking for flags to go 'that left people scared'

Liverpool Echo, 15/09/2025

Attempts to take national flags down in one area of Merseyside have been defended by a local politician who said they had left people “feeling targeted, confused and scared.” Cllr Jo Bird, Green councillor for Bromborough in Wirral, has come under fire from Wirral Council 's Conservatives for “virtue signalling” as well as the borough's Reform UK branch. This was after Cllr Bird put a post out with fellow councillor Kieran Murphy criticising flags posted on the Rake, a road through her ward. Across the country, people have been encouraged to put up flags as part of a grassroots campaign, though concerns have been raised around reported links to some far-right groups.

First two child patients arrive in Scotland from Gaza

PA Media, 15/09/2025

Two children and their families have arrived in Scotland from Gaza for medical treatment, with the Health Secretary saying no-one should have to suffer the “deep trauma” they have been through. Neil Gray said Scotland had committed to supporting treatment for up to 20 Gazan child patients, with further arrivals expected in the coming weeks. He said the Government had been working with the health boards where the children will be treated, as well as local authorities where they will be housed, to ensure they have the “essential support” they need.

We marched through London against mass migration. We’re no racists

(£) Daily Telegraph, 15/09/2025

Last Saturday’s “Unite the Kingdom” march was organised by the hard-Right activist known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and, as a result, attracted some rabble-rousing hooligans, dozens of whom were filmed attacking police. But many marchers had an altogether different experience. Away from the thuggery, older couples led their grandchildren by the hand, veterans took to the streets in wheelchairs, and mothers pushed prams. In response to figures like Diane Abbott, who claimed the marchers were all “racist”, broadcaster Trevor Phillips described the crowd as “the kind of people you would meet at a country pub”, while Labour MP Clive Lewis said of a schoolfriend who attended: “He’s smart. He’s not racist, but he’s not ‘PC’ either.”

Trump will arrive to a Britain reshaped in America's image - divided and angry

(£) iNews, 15/09/2025

James Ball writes, “Trump is about to criticise Britain's free speech problem - if only he hadn't created it.”

This is comment or editorial reporting.

It's becoming impossible to deny that free speech is in crisis in Britain

(£) Daily Telegraph, 15/09/2025

Toby Young writes, “Why should crime be punished more severely if it's motivated by hostility towards certain characteristics?”

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Coming to a big screen near you… Elon Musk is undermining Britain again

(£) The Independent, 15/09/2025

“Calling for ‘revolutionary government change' at Tommy Robinson's ‘Unite the Kingdom' rally is a reminder that the tech billionaire is not best qualified to lecture anyone on free speech and democracy,” says Sean O'Grady.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

What I witnessed at the march was not division but hope — and that terrifies the establishment — Adam Brooks

GB News, 15/09/2025

“MPs who have sneered at us, called us “far right” or “racist” are now staring at the reality,” writes publican and political commentator Adam Brooks

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Nigel Farage must stand up to pound-shop Mussolini

(£)  The Times, 15/09/2025

Melanie Phillips writes, “Tommy Robinson is toxifying the immigration debate — Reform leader should call him out.”

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Trial of Soldier F told of ‘gratuitous’ Bloody Sunday killings

(£) The Times, 15/09/2025

A former paratrooper has gone on trial accused of the “unjustified” and “gratuitous” killing of two men on Bloody Sunday more than 50 years ago. Soldier F is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney and attempting to kill Patrick O’Donnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon, Michael Quinn and an unknown person during the protest in Northern Ireland on January 30, 1972. He is the only soldier to face charges in court over the killing of 13 Catholic protesters in Londonderry, a defining moment of the Troubles. On the first day of the trial, the former soldier was led into the Belfast court alone, without the public and press present, so he could be shielded by a black screen to protect his anonymity.

Also: Daily Express, ITV News, PA Media

MLAs should reflect on safety in the wake of Charlie Kirk´s death, speaker says

PA Media, 15/09/2025

MLAs should reflect on their public safety in the wake of the assassination of US activist Charlie Kirk, Stormont’s speaker has said. During a meeting of the Assembly on Monday, several MLAs spoke about the murder of Mr Kirk and its impact on Northern Ireland. Speaker of the Assembly Edwin Poots said: “We all need to reflect on the issue and be conscious that the public square is not necessarily always a safe place to be. Every Member needs to reflect on that and be aware of it. “Whilst in America such an event can happen somewhat more easily because of the number of guns that are available, we have seen the murder of two Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom, and a number of our offices have been targeted recently and not so recently.”

Terrorists exploit Starlink to spur Africa’s rise to jihadist central

(£)  The Times, 15/09/2025

During a recent raid on remote jihadi hideouts, Nigerian troops seized Starlink kits from Elon Musk’s satellite network among a cache of weapons. The discovery was stark evidence of how militants are harnessing modern technology to drive their terror campaigns, counter-terrorism experts said. Pushed back from the Middle East, affiliates of Daesh and al-Qa’ida have entrenched themselves in Africa, where killings have surged. They killed a record 22,300 people in Africa in the last year. Starlink is giving militants the means to direct attacks and push propaganda in regions long cut off from reliable connectivity. “The growing availability of Starlink is reshaping conflict and crime in the Sahel,” the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC) said in a new report.

Charlie Kirk suspect ‘confessed to killing in group chat’ before arrest

(£) The Times, 15/09/2025

Tyler Robinson appeared to confess to killing Charlie Kirk in an online chat shortly before being taken into custody, according to reports. The message was sent on the Discord platform from an account belonging to Robinson, 22. “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all,” it read. “It was me at UVU [University of Utah] yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.” The message, seen by the Washington Post, was sent to a private group of about 30 friends on Thursday, roughly two hours before Robinson turned himself in. The previous day, before Robinson’s confession, the chat had featured reactions to Kirk’s shooting. “Bro didn’t deserve to go out like that sad.”

Also: Daily Mail, (£) The Independent

What is Discord? Gamer app where Charlie Kirk suspect joked about murder

(£) The Times, 15/09/2025

An online platform used by the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s shooting has come under scrutiny after being linked to several alleged attackers in recent years. Kirk, a conservative activist and ally of President Trump, was taking questions at Utah Valley University on September 10 when he was fatally hit by a single shot. Tyler Robinson, who is in police custody in Utah awaiting charges, apparently messaged other users on Discord in the hours after the killing, claiming his “doppelganger” was responsible and trying to “get me in trouble”. Discord started in 2015 and was originally used by gamers to chat and host live streams. It has since become popular across nearly every online community and has more than 200 million active monthly users worldwide.

US drone dilemma: Why the most advanced military in the world is playing catchup on the modern battlefield

CNN, 15/09/2025

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has spurred a flurry of evolution in drone warfare — so much so that the US, with one of the most advanced militaries and defence industrial complexes in the world, found itself behind. Most American soldiers lack the know-how for fighting with unmanned systems, and while the US has excelled at building large, expensive weaponry — fighter jets, tanks, precision-guided missiles — it is in many ways unprepared to quickly produce large quantities of small, cheap systems, like drones. Defence officials are now rushing to catch up.

Verdict due in trial of Afghan for deadly Germany stabbing

AFP, 16/09/2025

An Afghan man accused of a deadly jihadi stabbing last year faces his verdict Tuesday for one of a string of attacks that have inflamed debate on migration in Germany. The 26-year-old defendant, only partially named as Sulaiman A., has been on trial since February over the knife rampage in the western city of Mannheim in which a policeman was killed and five other people were wounded. He is accused of using a large hunting knife in the attack last May which targeted a rally by Pax Europa, a group that campaigns against radical Islam. The perpetrator initially attacked a speaker and other demonstrators, then stabbed a police officer who rushed in to help.

Three French women accused of IS links go on trial

AFP, 15/09/2025

Three French women including a niece of jihadi propagandists went on trial in Paris on Monday, accused of travelling to the Middle East to join Daesh and taking their eight children with them. One of the women is Jennyfer Clain, 34, a niece of Jean-Michel and Fabien Clain, who claimed responsibility on behalf of Daesh for the attacks on November 13, 2015, when 130 people were killed at the Bataclan concert hall and elsewhere in Paris in shootings that traumatised France. The Clain brothers are presumed dead. In 2022, they were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment without parole. The two other women on trial are Jennyfer Clain's sister-in-law, Mayalen Duhart, 42, and 67-year-old Christine Allain, the women's mother-in-law.

Pakistan’s security forces kill 31 insurgents in overnight raids in northwest, military says

Associated Press, 15/09/2025

Pakistan’s security forces raided two separate militant hideouts in the country’s north-west, killing 31 insurgents, the military said Monday. The overnight raids took place in the districts of Bannu and Laki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, according to a military statement, which described those killed as “Khwarij,” a term authorities use for Pakistani Taliban fighters, but did not provide further details. The latest raids came days after the military said it killed 45 Pakistani Taliban in multiple operations in the north-west. Nineteen soldiers were also killed in those clashes. Pakistan has faced a surge in militant attacks in recent years, most claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP.

Netanyahu denies Qatar strike failed, and suggests there could be more

(£) The Independent, 16/09/2025

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out further strikes on Hamas leaders on foreign soil in the wake of the attack on Qatar that killed six people. The Israeli leader on Monday argued that every country had the right to "defend itself beyond its borders" while speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem with U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio. "The principle that terrorists should not have immunity wherever they are, wherever they may be, was not established by me," Netanyahu said. Israel attempted to kill the political leaders of Hamas with an airstrike in Qatar last week, escalating its military action in the Middle East.

Also: The Guardian, (£) Reuters, Sky News, (£) The Times

Israeli military launches ground assault to occupy Gaza City

(£) Reuters, 16/09/2025

The Israeli military launched a ground offensive on Monday to seize Gaza City, the enclave's largest urban centre, Axios reported, citing Israeli officials. The Israeli military launched a ground offensive on Monday to seize Gaza City, the enclave's largest urban center, Axios reported, citing Israeli officials. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to request for comment on the reported move, which comes after weeks of intensive Israeli strikes on the city. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military last month to capture Gaza City, which he describes as a stronghold of the militant group Hamas that launched the October 2023 surprise attack on Israel.

Hamas 'moves hostages above ground to use them as human shields ahead of Israel's ground operation in Gaza'

Daily Mail, 15/09/2025

Hamas has moved hostages above ground to use them as 'human shields' ahead of Israel's expected ground offensive in Gaza, according to local media. Residents of Gaza City - home to roughly one million Palestinians - have been bracing for an onslaught since the Israeli government announced plans to deal Hamas a decisive blow in what it says are the militant group’s remaining strongholds. The IDF has issued evacuation orders for large sections of the besieged enclave. But reports say Hamas is attempting to keep residents in the northern Gaza Strip and block their escape. Palestinian sources claim some hostages are being held in houses, while others are in tents.

Hamas is using my son as a human shield in Gaza City, says father

(£) The Times, 15/09/2025

The family of an Israeli held captive in Gaza City claim Hamas has moved nine living hostages above ground, effectively using them as “human shields” in the face of Israel’s assault on the stronghold. Ilan Gilboa Dalal, whose son Guy was taken from the Nova festival by Hamas gunmen in the October 7 attacks, said his son and eight other hostages had been taken out of the tunnels where they had been held. He said the nine hostages were being “used as human shields in front of the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]. We are very afraid for his life.” Dalal’s son was last seen in a propaganda video released by the Islamist group on September 5.

Gulf leaders call on Trump to rein in Israel after Qatar emergency summit

The Guardian, 15/09/2025

Gulf leaders meeting at an emergency summit in Qatar have called on the Trump administration to use its leverage to rein in Israel after the unprecedented Israeli attempt last Tuesday to assassinate Hamas negotiators in Doha. Speaking after the meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the group's secretary general, Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, said: “We … expect our strategic partners in the United States to use their influence on Israel in order for it to stop this behaviour … They have leverage and influence on Israel, and it's about time that this leverage and influence be used.” The attack killed five Hamas officials and was denounced on Monday by Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as “a cowardly and treacherous attack on Qatar's sovereignty”.

Also: AFP, (£) The Independent

Netanyahu says Israel should invest in influence operations to counteract isolation

(£) Reuters, 15/09/2025

Israel needs to invest heavily in "influence operations" in traditional and social media to counteract economic isolation arising from negative publicity abroad, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Speaking at a Finance Ministry conference, Netanyahu said foreign investment into Israel had held up in the wake of a 12-day war against Iran. But in a rare acknowledgment of the isolation arising from international criticism, he said Israel faced an economic threat of sanctions and other measures. He blamed isolation on minorities in Europe pushing "anti-Zionist and extreme Islamist ideology", and on countries such as Qatar investing in shaping global discourse through social media.

Also: CNN

Gazans flee Israeli bombardment as Rubio meets Netanyahu in Jerusalem

(£) Reuters, 15/09/2025

Israel destroyed a score of buildings in Gaza City, killing at least 16 Palestinians, local health authorities said on Monday, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the war with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Rubio's visit coincided with an emergency summit in Qatar of Arab and Daesh, some of them close U.S. allies, convened in response to Israel's attack last week on leaders of Hamas who reside in the Gulf state. While diplomacy unfolded in Jerusalem and Doha, the Palestinian death toll kept mounting with two air strikes on sites in Gaza City, one on two family homes and another on a tent housing a displaced family.

Does Israel face a 'South Africa moment' over Gaza?

BBC News, 15/09/2025

Paul Adams writes, “As the war in Gaza grinds on, Israel's international isolation appears to be deepening. Is it approaching a "South Africa moment", when a combination of political pressure, economic, sporting and cultural boycotts helped to force Pretoria to abandon apartheid? Or can the right-wing government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu weather the diplomatic storm, leaving Israel free to pursue its goals in Gaza and the occupied West Bank without causing permanent damage to its international standing?”

This is comment or editorial reporting.

JD Vance hosts Charlie Kirk Show in tribute to influencer - and claims 'left-wing extremism' a factor in assassination

Sky News, 15/09/2025

JD Vance has paid tribute to Charlie Kirk while hosting his show, where he claimed "left-wing extremism" was a factor in his assassination. The vice president hosted The Charlie Kirk Show from the White House in tribute to the right-wing influencer, who was killed at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. "The last several days have been extremely hard," he said, adding that: "Everyone in this building owes something to Charlie... I don't think I'm alone in saying that Charlie was one of the smartest political operators I've ever met." During his opening monologue, Mr Vance said "we have to make sure that the killer is brought to justice," before claiming that left-wing extremism was part of the reason behind Mr Kirk's death.

Also: AFP, BBC News, Daily Mail, (£) Daily Telegraph, GB News, The Guardian, (£) iNews, (£) The Independent, Sky News

Trump demands security boost for Supreme Court as Congress reels from death threats after Kirk killing

Daily Mail, 15/09/2025

The Trump administration is asking Congress for millions of dollars in additional funding to protect high-profile political figures. The latest request for $58 million to protect Supreme Court Justices and executive branch figures comes as political leaders of both parties are on edge after the assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk last Wednesday. CBS noted Sunday that “a White House official confirmed the extra funds would be directed to the U.S. Marshals Service and would also include enhanced protection for Supreme Court justices”. “Additionally, the Trump administration expressed support for increased funding to protect congressional lawmakers, but may defer to the legislative branch on that,” CBS' reporting notes.

Trump says he would designate Antifa, other left-wing groups as ‘domestic terrorists’

CNN, 16/09/2025

President Donald Trump said Monday he’d consider naming far-left anti-fascism group Antifa as domestic terrorists, previewing a plan to crack down on what he’s cast as a widespread network of left-wing radicals inciting violence. “It’s something I would do, yeah,” he said when asked whether he would assign a domestic terrorism label to Antifa, saying he would proceed if he found support from Cabinet officials and the Justice Department. It wasn’t clear who or what exactly Trump would designate; Antifa is a loosely organized movement without a distinct leader, membership lists or structure. His comments come as a host of administration officials have signalled in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination that they’ll be targeting what they claim is a coordinated left-wing effort to incite violence.

Also: (£) Daily Telegraph, GB News

Suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting likely to face charges Tuesday before first court hearing

Associated Press, 16/09/2025

Prosecutors are preparing to file a capital murder charge Tuesday against the Utah man who authorities say held a “leftist ideology” and may have been “radicalised” online before he was arrested in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charges against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson are expected to come ahead of the first court hearing since he was accused last week of shooting Kirk, a conservative activist credited with energizing the Republican youth movement and helping President Donald Trump win back the White House in 2024. Investigators have been piecing together evidence, including a rifle and ammunition engraved with anti-fascist and meme culture messaging, found after the shooting Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Luigi Mangione due in court amid double jeopardy fight in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing

Associated Press, 16/09/2025

Luigi Mangione is due in court Tuesday as his lawyers push to have his state murder charges thrown out in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. They argue that the New York case and a parallel federal death penalty prosecution amount to double jeopardy. Also to be decided: a trial date and whether the state case or federal case will go first. It’s Mangione’s first court appearance in the state case since February. The 27-year-old Ivy League graduate has attracted a cult following as a stand-in for frustrations with the health insurance industry. Dozens of his supporters showed up to his last hearing, many wearing the Luigi video game character’s green colour as a symbol of solidarity. His April arraignment in the federal case drew a similar outpouring.

Kash Patel defends FBI's handling of Charlie Kirk shooting and says suspect motivated by ‘hatred' of conservative's beliefs

(£) The Independent, 15/09/2025

Kash Patel has defended the FBI's handling of the investigation into Charlie Kirk's assassination, saying that the suspect was motivated by a “hatred” of what the conservative activist stood for. The FBI director said that he had been “transparent with the public” over the agency's findings in real-time after being criticized for prematurely announcing the capture of a suspect who was later released. “The job of the FBI is not just to manhunt the actual suspect who did the killing, or suspects, but it's also to eliminate targets and eliminate subjects who are not involved in the process, and that's what we were doing,” Patel told Fox News Monday.

Also: Daily Mail

‘Inappropriate’ comments about Charlie Kirk shooting lead to university firings

The Guardian, 15/09/2025

The backlash to “inappropriate” public comments made in the days following Charlie Kirk’s death has sparked a new wave of firings and suspensions, with a number of university employees disciplined for sharing their views. It comes as some free speech advocates accuse Republicans of “intimidation tactics” and creating a “culture of fear” over the clampdown, and using the response to the tragedy to stoke turmoil and inflame anger directed at their political opponents. A campaign by figures on the political far-right to expose and punish those whose comments are deemed objectionable has reached extensively into college campuses around the country, with action taken against multiple faculty members and other employees for social media posts about the murdered rightwing activist.

America awaits the fateful consequences of a horrific assassination

CNN, 15/09/2025

Stephen Collinson writes in his analysis, “The horror of Charlie Kirk’s assassination added a dangerous and unpredictable catalyst to America’s toxic political reality. But it has not yet crystalized into hard policy responses by the Trump administration, leaving the country in limbo — on the brink of something potentially significant that is yet to be defined.”

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Trump should be reassuring the country at this time. Instead he is sowing fear

The Guardian, 15/09/2025

Francine Prose writes, “The president has shown no interest in uniting the US, nor in defending free speech – he is weaponising this time for his gain.”

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Why understanding the Charlie Kirk shooting suspect may be harder than we thought

(£) The Independent, 15/09/2025

‘Irony poisoning' and competition to be the smartest and least sincere person online means we might never really know the substantive ideology behind the killing, writes Andrew Griffin.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Identitarian Leftism is an inherently violent ideology

(£) Daily Telegraph, 15/09/2025

Frank Furedi writes, "The abhorrent celebrations of Charlie Kirk’s killing are unsurprising."

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Spanish PM calls for Israel to be barred from international sport

BBC News, 15/09/2025

Guy Hedgecoe Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel to be excluded from international sports competitions over its actions in Gaza. "Israel cannot continue to use any international platform to whitewash its image," he told elected representatives of his Socialist Workers' Party. He said Israel should be treated in the same way as Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On Sunday, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the Spanish prime minister "a disgrace" and accused him of inciting pro-Palestinian protests in Madrid, which caused the cancellation of the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race, in which an Israeli team was competing.

Also: AFP, (£) The Times

World cycling's governing body condemns Spanish government over pro-Palestine

(£) The Independent, 15/09/2025

World cycling's governing body has condemned the pro-Palestinian protests which rocked this year's Vuelta a Espana and questioned the Spanish government's ability to host major sporting events, in an explosive statement published the day after the race finished. The year's third and final grand tour, which concluded in Madrid on Sunday, was repeatedly affected by large pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The protests initially targeted Israel Premier-Tech, a team participating in the race which is owned by a Canadian-Israeli billionaire, before spilling over into wider protests at Israel's conduct in Gaza. Protesters blocked roads on multiple stages and brought down two riders in crashes, with one forced to abandon the race.

Javier Bardem calls for sanctions against Israel as he backs protests in Spain

(£) Daily Telegraph, 15/09/2025

Javier Bardem has backed anti-Israel protests in Spain as he voiced support for Palestine at the Emmys. The Spanish actor, 56, appeared in a keffiyeh on the award ceremony's red carpet on Sunday, where he praised demonstrators who shut down the final stage of La Vuelta in Madrid. Protesters clashed with riot police as they targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team in Spain's version of the Tour de France. Speaking to Variety, Bardem said: “Today, La Vuelta, the bicycle tour, was stopped by thousands and thousands and thousands of people on the streets marching saying they can't allow the team of Israel being in this tour so it's whitewashed.”

At least 40 fuel tankers burned in al Qaeda-linked attack in Mali, sources say

(£) Reuters, 15/09/2025

At least 40 fuel tankers were destroyed in Mali on Sunday when al Qa’ida-linked insurgents who had declared a blockade on fuel imports to the country attacked a convoy of more than 100 vehicles under military escort, two sources said on Monday. After the insurgent group, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), announced the blockade last week, a source close to Mali's chamber of commerce said the country would run out of fuel within two weeks if supplies were completely cut off. A truckers' union official told Reuters around 40 fuel tankers were destroyed in the incident on Sunday, while a source close to JNIM said they had destroyed 80. In a video message, the group's spokesperson took credit for the attack in the Kayes region in the west of the country, and said the Malian soldiers escorting the convoy had fled the scene.

This summary is not a statement of Home Office policy or opinion. Note that these outlets have a local or regional UK focus and/or a daily reach of less than 100k, and a minority may be funded by foreign governments.

Ministers insist RAF spy planes over Gaza not recording war crimes

(£) The National, 15/09/2025

Ministers have denied that they are “turning a blind eye” to atrocities in Gaza despite routinely flying RAF spy planes over the territory.

'Who the hell is this guy?': Ed Miliband slams 'narcissist' Elon Musk for 'inciting violence on our streets'

LBC News, 15/09/2025

Ed Miliband has branded Elon Musk an “attention-seeking narcissist” and accused him of “inciting violence on our streets” following comments the hard-right billionaire made at a Stephen Yaxley-Lennon rally over the weekend.

Downing Street responds to Elon Musk far-right rally remarks

(£) The National, 15/09/2025

Downing Street has accused Elon Musk of using “dangerous and inflammatory” language at the Unite The Kingdom protest on Saturday.

Also: LBC News

Call for Scotland to oppose far-right-backed rallies this weekend

(£) The National, 15/09/2025

An anti-racism campaign group is calling on Scots to oppose far-right-backed protests in Scotland this weekend.

Labour urged to ban Elon Musk's Tesla from government contracts

(£) The National, 15/09/2025

Tesla should be blocked from receiving any contracts from the UK Government following owner Elon Musk's remarks to a far-right rally over the weekend.

From Israeli prisons to UK courts, health workers will not be silenced

Middle East Eye, 15/09/2025

Dr Omar Abdel-Mannan writes, ‘In Gaza, doctors are imprisoned for treating children; in Britain, they are arrested for demanding an end to the arms sales that kill those children’.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

From Telegram to trenches: The Russian page luring Jordanians into war

Middle East Eye, 15/09/2025

On 11 July 2025, Ahmed Saleem* boarded a flight from Jordan to Russia. He was chasing what looked like a dream job.

Gulf states to activate joint defence mechanism, as Qatar calls for 'concrete' response to Israeli attack

Middle East Eye, 15/09/2025

Gulf leaders on Monday said they would convene the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) joint defence body for a meeting, after Qatar called for a "concrete" response to Israel's attack on Doha last week.

Netanyahu rejects Gaza ceasefire and vows to target Hamas leaders abroad

LBC News, 15/09/2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rebutted calls for an interim ceasefire in Gaza and refused to rule out further strikes on Hamas leaders abroad.

Israel seeking to expand into 'Greater Israel', says Turkish foreign minister

Middle East Eye, 15/09/2025

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of seeking to create a “Greater Israel” that extends beyond Palestinian land into parts of neighbouring countries which include Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey.

Erasing survival: Israel destroys Gaza’s lifelines to force mass displacement           

Middle East Eye, 15/09/2025

Palestinians in Gaza City who resist expulsion under relentless Israeli bombardment are now being forced out by a quieter weapon: the destruction of their means of survival.

JD Vance praises 'dear friend' Charlie Kirk as he hosts the political pundit's podcast in his honour

LBC News, 15/09/2025

JD Vance hailed Charlie Kirk as “the smartest political operative I ever met" as he hosted the late right-wing commentator's podcast a week after he was killed.

'Stop the genocide': Calls for Gaza ceasefire take the spotlight at 2025 Emmy Awards

Middle East Eye, 15/09/2025

Some of the entertainment industry's biggest stars used their appearance at the 2025 Emmy Awards on Sunday to turn the spotlight on the devastating situation in Gaza , where they voiced opposition to Israel 's genocidal war and backed calls for political and cultural boycotts.

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.

Palace makes last-minute change for Trump visit after worrying news

The News International, 16/09/2025

The royal family will be welcoming US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania for a much-awaited State Visit on Tuesday.

'You can be English and look like me,' Shabana Mahmood tells England's far-right

National Newspaper, 15/09/2025

Shabana Mahmood, Britain's first female Muslim Home Secretary, has declared “you can be English and look like me” in an impassioned response to the 110,000 mainly white, mainly English anti- immigration demonstrators who brandished the St George's flag in central London on Saturday.

PM slams Musk

Geo News, 15/09/2025

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Saturday's “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration in central London, saying it has left people feeling “more scared than they were before” — in reference to how threats were made to Muslims and other ethnic minorities and religions by the far-right speakers.

Starmer must hold the line against the UK's growing ultra-right

National Newspaper, 15/09/2025

Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, was in his happy place on Saturday, at the Emirates football stadium watching the Arsenal team demolish local rivals West Ham.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

'I joined this murderous group' admits wife of French ISIS propagandist

National Newspaper, 15/09/2025

The niece of France's most infamous Daesh propagandists , the Clain brothers, voiced regret for joining the extremist group in Syria and said she took responsibility for her actions at the opening of her trial for criminal conspiracy in Paris on Monday.

31 India-backed terrorists killed in KP operations

The News International, 16/09/2025

Security forces have killed 31 Indian-sponsored Khwarij in two separate engagements in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) during the last two days.

Five soldiers, including captain, martyred in IED blast during Balochistan operation

The News International, 15/09/2025

The military's media wing said late Monday that five soldiers, including a captain, were killed when an improvised explosive device (IED), planted by the Indian-proxy-linked terrorists, went off during a sanitisation operation in Balochistan's Kech district.

Also: Geo News

Bullet-proof vehicles new status symbol in KP

The News International, 16/09/2025

Bullet-proof vehicles have become a status symbol for well-off civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including those notorious for promoting gun culture in society, while police remain deprived of such cars despite being under threat from terrorists for years.

PA speaker voices sorrow over terrorism acts in Balochistan

The News International, 16/09/2025

Capt (retd) Achakzai thanked Shah for his encouraging words and reaffirmed Balochistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.

Retired anti-terrorism cop Raja Umer Khattab terms martyrs ‘national heroes’

The News International, 16/09/2025

Sindh police senior anti-terrorism cop Raja Umer Khattab, who had a vast history of operations against terrorist networks and unearthing major high profiles cases, has retired from service.

Arab-Islamic Summit calls for sanctions, review of Israel relations

The News International, 16/09/2025

Arab and Islamic leaders have demanded sweeping punitive measures against Israel, including international sanctions, an arms embargo and suspension of its membership at the United Nations, following what they described as a flagrant act of aggression against Qatar.

Also: Geo News, National Newspaper

PM Shehbaz heads to Qatar for Arab-Islamic emergency summit on Israeli atrocity

Geo News, 15/09/2025

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday departed for Qatar to participate in the Emergency Arab-Islamic summit being held in Doha.

Also: The News International

Israel's 'terrorist government' does not want peace in Gaza, Sheikh Tamim tells emergency Doha summit

National Newspaper, 15/09/2025

Israel 's "terrorist government" does not plan to secure the release of hostages and achieve peace in Gaza , Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim said at a summit that has brought together leaders from at least 50 Arab and Muslim countries.

Also: Al Jazeera

'All bets are off' if Hamas uses hostages as human shields, Trump says

National Newspaper, 15/09/2025

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned Hamas not to use hostages as human shields as Israel increases its ground offensive in Gaza City.

Israel's destruction of Gaza city is loss beyond compare for Palestinians

National Newspaper, 16/09/2025

Residents of Gaza city fear Israel's bombardment is not only destroying lives and homes, but the soul and memory of the place could be lost.

Israel's ‘financial stranglehold' on Palestinian land must end: UN experts

National Newspaper, 15/09/2025

United Nations experts have warned of catastrophic economic damage as a result of Israel's relentless attacks on Gaza and its “wider financial stranglehold” across occupied Palestinian territory.

Netanyahu and Rubio stick to established Israeli-US narrative on Gaza war

Al Jazeera, 15/09/2025

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have held further talks as regional leaders gathered in Doha to denounce the unprecedented Israeli attack on Qatar last week, which Netanyahu reiterated Israel takes “full responsibility” for, and the punishing war on Gaza.

Gaza City residents forced to flee as Israel carries out intense strikes

Al Jazeera, 16/09/2025

Israel has bombed and destroyed the tallest residential building in Gaza, the Al-Ghafri high-rise, as it launched a massive wave of strikes on Gaza City on Monday evening, forcing hundreds of thousands of residents to continue to flee the city.

White House promises crackdown on left-wing ‘terror' after Kirk killing

Al Jazeera, 15/09/2025

Senior White House officials have said they will dismantle an alleged “vast domestic terror movement” that they claim led to the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk last week.

Spanish PM calls for Israel's ban from sporting events over Gaza genocide

Al Jazeera, 15/09/2025

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has urged international sporting bodies to ban Israel from competitions, saying its treatment should mirror Russia's exclusion after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Al Jazeera (Middle East, Arabic Language)

• Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka: Is South Asia fertile for Gen Z revolutions?; Trump orders National Guard troops to Memphis in latest military deployment; Suspect in Charlie Kirk’s murder linked to scene by DNA, FBI chief says; Belarusians detained after drone flown over Polish president’s residence

Al Arabiya (Middle East, Arabic Language)

• Qatar, US to finalize enhanced defense cooperation agreement: Rubio; Trump says he was not informed by Netanyahu before Israel’s strike in Qatar; GCC calls for activating joint defense mechanism in response to Israeli attack on Doha; Arab, Muslim leaders urge review of Israel ties after Qatar attack; Trump administration eases drone export rules to boost US competitiveness

Geo TV (Pakistan, Urdu and English)

• PM Shehbaz likely to meet President Trump at UNGA sidelines on Sept 25; Updates: Israel's war on Gaza continues; Govt hikes diesel price by Rs2.78 per litre for next fortnight; Five soldiers, including captain, martyred in IED blast during Balochistan operation