Today's Newsletter

• It was widely reported that a man who orchestrated an attack on a warehouse on behalf of the Wagner Group “waged a sustained campaign of terrorism and sabotage on UK soil”, a court was told. Dylan Earl had admitted organising the attack on a unit in the Cromwell Industrial Estate in Leyton, east London, an offence under the National Security Act. The sentencing hearing continues.

• A former paratrooper accused of murdering two civilians during Bloody Sunday shootings has been found not guilty at Belfast Crown Court, it was widely reported. Soldier F was also found not guilty of five attempted murders in connection to the killing of people by the Parachute Regiment on 30th January 1972 in Londonderry. Delivering his judgment, Judge Patrick Lynch said, "The evidence presented by the Crown falls well short of this standard and signally fails to reach the high standard of proof required in a criminal case; that of proof beyond a reasonable doubt."

• Multiple sources report that the Prime Minister has pledged an additional £10 million in security funding to protect Muslim communities. During Sir Keir's visit to Peacehaven mosque, which had been the subject of an arson attack earlier this month, he said that "attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation and our values." The new funding for mosques and faith centres will provide security measures including CCTV, alarm systems, secure fencing and security staff, the government said.

• More than 50 Boko Haram militants have been killed by Nigeria's military in response to drone attacks on military bases, Associated Press reports. Army spokesperson Sani Uba said militants had launched attacks on military bases in Nigeria's Borno and Yobe states, and that through a combination of ground and air assaults, the military was able to defeat the rebels. The spokesperson said that they are still pursuing more than 70 wounded militants in connection to the attack.

• BBC News reports that the US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have each criticised a move by Israel's parliament to symbolically approve the annexation of the occupied West Bank. Mr Rubio warned that annexation would threaten President Donald Trump's plan to end the conflict in Gaza, but expressed optimism that the ceasefire would hold between Israel and Hamas after both accused the other of breaching the agreement earlier this month. Time magazine also published an interview with President Trump in which he insisted that annexation would not happen, or "Israel would lose all of its support from the United States."

• The International Centre for Justice for Palestinians has launched an attempt to mount a private prosecution alleging British citizens unlawfully went to fight for Israel, The Guardian reports. An application to a magistrates court for a summons was lodged on Monday and it intends to argue that named Britons joined a foreign army at war with a state, Palestine, which the UK was not fighting. The ICJP accuses the Israel Defense Forces of conducting a war that is not confined to Hamas but against all Palestinians, and has gathered evidence against more than 10 British citizens.

Drug dealer ‘waged campaign of terrorism for Wagner Group’

(£) The Times, 23/10/2025

A drug dealer who orchestrated an attack on a warehouse holding aid for Ukraine on behalf of the Russian mercenary Wagner Group “waged a sustained campaign of terrorism and sabotage on UK soil”, a court was told. Dylan Earl, 21, from Elmsthorpe in Leicestershire, had admitted organising the attack on a unit in the Cromwell Industrial Estate in Leyton, east London, in March last year, an offence under the National Security Act. A sentencing hearing for him and five accomplices at the Old Bailey on Thursday was told that Earl’s conduct was fundamentally opposed to the national interest and security of the UK.

Also: BBC News, Daily Mail, (£) Daily Telegraph, Leicestershire Mercury, London Evening Standard, (£) Reuters, Sky News

Three men are arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia

Daily Mail, 23/10/2025

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of assisting Russia's intelligence service, the Metropolitan Police said. The suspects, aged 48, 45 and 44, were all arrested by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing at addresses in west and central London on Thursday and are in police custody.  They were detained under section 3 of the National Security Act. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: 'We're seeing an increasing number of who we would describe as 'proxies' being recruited by foreign intelligence services and these arrests are directly related to our ongoing efforts to disrupt this type of activity. 'Anyone who might be contacted by and tempted into carrying out criminal activity on behalf of a foreign state here in the UK should think again.

Also: Associated Press, BBC News, Daily Mirror, (£) Financial Times, GB News, (£) The Independent, London Evening Standard, PA Media, (£) Reuters, Sky News, (£) The Times

Axel Rudakubana's headteacher was 'shut up' by mental health workers who accused her of 'racially profiling a black boy with a knife'

GB News, 23/10/2025

Axel Rudakubana's teacher was "shut up" by mental health workers who accused her of "racially profiling a black boy with a knife", the Southport Inquiry has heard. The triple murderer was enrolled at the Acorns School in Ormskirk, Lancashire after he was expelled from mainstream education for taking a knife to lessons. Speaking at the public inquiry into Rudakubana's background crimes, his former headteacher Joanne Hodson said she realised he was "very high risk" from his first day aged just 13. She said she had sent an email to her staff telling them Rudakubana needed to be searched for knives regularly because he had not shown any emotion or remorse.

Also: BBC News, Daily Mail,  Liverpool Echo, Sky News

Axel Rudakubana's dad 'justified' his 'concerning behaviour' at school

Liverpool Echo, 23/10/2025

Axel Rudakubana's dad "would endorse and justify" his son's "concerning behaviour" at school, according to its headteacher. Rudakubana attended the Acorns School in Ormskirk - a pupil referral unit for those aged 11 to 16 - from October 2019, following his permanent exclusion from Range High School in Formby. This came after he called Childline and admitted carrying knives on 10 occasions and was willing to "stab someone because he was tired of being pushed around". Rudakubana had already displayed troubling behaviour at the school in Formby, calling the Manchester Bombing a "good battle" and "making comments like "that's why teachers get murdered"”.

Covid denier found guilty of encouraging terrorism

BBC News, 23/10/2025

A Covid denier is facing a prison sentence after he was found guilty of encouraging terrorism. The Old Bailey heard how 60-year-old Paul Martin, from south London, was a prolific poster online in a group called "The Resistance UK" during the pandemic, urging people to stage an armed revolt and attack the country's infrastructure. Prosecutor Julia Faure-Walker told the court that his messages were designed to "stir up the idea of violent revolt using weapons for his ideological cause". The jury heard that Martin, from South Norwood, collected weapons in his flat, including crossbows and pistols, although he was cleared of collecting them for the purposes of terrorism.

Also: PA Media

Lammy: It was ‘unpleasant’ being booed by Manchester mourners

(£) Daily Telegraph, 23/10/2025

David Lammy has said it was “unpleasant” being booed by mourners of the Manchester synagogue terror attack. The Deputy Prime Minister was heckled and faced shouts of “stop the marches” as he addressed a vigil near Heaton Park synagogue earlier this month. Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed at the synagogue on Oct 2 after a car-ramming and knife attack by Jihad al-Shamie, who was shot dead by police. In an interview with ITV’s Talking Politics podcast, Mr Lammy was asked how he felt being jeered by a large group of Jewish mourners who had seen two of their congregation killed.

Also: ITV News

Government to lift misconduct bar for police who use lethal force

(£) The Times, 23/10/2025

Police officers will face misconduct hearings after using lethal or other forms of force only if it meets the criminal law test, rather than the more easily met civil law threshold currently in place. The government announced new rules that will change how police officers are held to account when making split-second decisions to use force in the line of duty. The move follows recommendations from a review carried out after Sergeant Martyn Blake was acquitted of the murder last year of Chris Kaba. The Metropolitan Police firearms officer shot Kaba, 24, in Streatham, south London, in 2022 as Kaba tried to ram his way past police cars that had hemmed him in.

Also: PA Media

PM pledges extra £10m to protect British Muslims

BBC News, 23/10/2025

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged an additional £10m in security funding to protect Muslim communities from hate crimes and attacks. It follows his visit to a Peacehaven mosque that was targeted in a suspected arson attack earlier this month. During Sir Keir's visit on Thursday, he said the funding would provide Muslim communities with protection, "allowing them to live in peace and safety". He added that Britain was a "proud and tolerant country" and "attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation and our values". No one was injured in the fire which damaged the front entrance of the Peacehaven mosque and a car on 4 October, while Sussex Police said officers were treating the incident as a hate crime.

Also: Daily Mirror, Daily Express, PA Media

Two charged in connection with arson attack on mosque in Peacehaven

Sky News, 24/10/2025

Two men have been charged in connection with an arson attack on a mosque earlier this month. Ricky Ryder, 38, and Jack Slowey, 34, have been remanded in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today. Both men have been charged with arson with intent to endanger life following the incident in Peacehaven, East Sussex, on 4 October. No one was injured in the fire, which damaged the front entrance of the mosque as well as a parked car. Sussex Police had earlier released footage that showed two people wearing balaclavas spraying a suspected accelerant outside the building.

PA Media

Former faith minister urges government to adopt Islamophobia definition in full

Sky News, 23/10/2025

A long-awaited definition of anti-Muslim prejudice is expected within weeks - and a former faith minister is urging the government to adopt it in full. It is expected that the government will move away from the word "Islamophobia", instead replacing it with "anti-Muslim hostility". But Lord Khan, who oversaw the start of the review into the definition, told Sky News the government must adopt the full new definition to tackle hate against Muslims. The Labour peer, who was faith minister until the September reshuffle, told Sky News: "I hope it's a clear definition which reflects the terms of reference which protects people, and it's clear. There's so many definitions out there, this is an opportunity to address the big problem in our communities.”

Grooming gang inquiry may not begin until next year

(£) The Times, 23/10/2025

Survivors of grooming may have to wait until next year for the government’s national inquiry to begin, after ministers were forced to restart the process to appoint a chair. Government sources conceded it would probably take months to find someone to oversee an inquiry that descended into chaos as survivors walked away from their liaison panel. Both contenders to chair the inquiry also pulled out this week, leaving ministers without a candidate they could approve for the role. They now plan to “re-engage” with survivors, “listen to their concerns and take their opinions on the type of person they want to lead the inquiry”. A government source said they would “seek a new field of candidates” and “move as fast as possible”, but admitted they must “also take the time, likely months, to appoint the right chair”.

Also: BBC News, (£) The Independent

Five grooming gang survivors tell PM they will stay on panel only if Jess Phillips remains in post

The Guardian, 23/10/2025

Five survivors invited on to the child sexual exploitation inquiry panel have written to the prime minister to say they will continue working with the investigation only if the safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips, remains in post. The women have contacted Keir Starmer and the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, outlining a range of conditions for their continued participation. They say Phillips has “devoted her life to hearing and amplifying the voices of women and girls who would have otherwise been unheard”. One of the group, Samantha Walker-Roberts, who was abused in Oldham from the age of 12, has chosen to waive her right to anonymity. The other four have used pseudonyms and call themselves Scarlett, Caitlin, Claire and Katie.

Also: ITV News

Jim Gamble: ‘toxic politics’ led me to pull out of grooming inquiry

(£) The Times, 23/10/2025

Jim Gamble is unsure if he should be licking his wounds or counting his blessings. He was scheduled to be in London on Thursday with Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, to finalise arrangements for the announcement that he would chair the national grooming inquiry. Instead he is at home in Belfast, having withdrawn citing the toxic political atmosphere surrounding an inquiry that should have been about the young women who suffered at the hands of rape gangs but survived to fight for justice. “On reflection, I think that was the right thing to do,” Gamble says. “Am I counting my blessings? I don’t think so — to be able to deliver this would have been the greatest blessing, because it’s the opportunity to make a difference for people who’ve suffered.

Grooming inquiry survivors left divided over key obstacles

BBC News, 23/10/2025

The issue of grooming gangs in the UK has been a political hot potato for years, with particular sensitivities around ethnicity and race. Despite a number of local reviews and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse - IICSA - it's widely accepted that no one has got to grips with the specific issue of grooming gangs. So when Baroness Louise Casey recommended a national inquiry she said she wanted it to be a different kind to past proceedings. Not an overarching judge-led process, but instead a series of local investigations, directed and overseen by a national commission with statutory powers. Why then, do the wheels seem to be coming off before things have got going?

Also: GB News

Police officer exposed in BBC Panorama documentary sacked from the Met - with more facing similar fate

Daily Mail, 23/10/2025

A police officer who made 'highly racist and discriminatory' comments to an undercover reporter in a Panorama documentary has been sacked without notice. PC Phil Neilson was caught on camera describing Algerian and Somalian detainees as 'scum', calling for immigrants to be shot, and 'glorifying' using violence against suspects. He admitted making the comments and contravening police standards, but denied he held those views and that it amounted to gross misconduct - even claiming the BBC reporter breached his human rights. But he was sacked from the Met at an accelerated gross misconduct hearing today, three weeks after the harrowing documentary aired, bringing an undignified end to his four-year career.

NHS doctor ‘who supports Hamas’ wears number 7 charm to tribunal

(£) The Times, 23/10/2025

A junior doctor who has vowed to “never condemn” the October 7 attacks wore a necklace bearing a gold number 7 charm to her tribunal. Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, 31, wore the jewellery for her first appearance at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service where she is accused of antisemitism and repeatedly praising Hamas on social media. The British-Palestinian doctor, who specialises in trauma and orthopaedics, had previously posted a picture of herself in the same necklace with the caption “Celebratory jewellery”. About 40 of Aladwan’s supporters filled the public gallery as proceedings began in Manchester on Thursday. Last month she was cleared of the same allegations after a hearing ruled that her comments on social media did not amount to “bullying or harassment”.

Also: (£) Daily Telegraph

Manchester gig by punk rap duo Bob Vylan postponed to next year

Sky News, 23/10/2025

A Manchester concert by controversial punk rap duo Bob Vylan has been postponed, following calls by Jewish leaders and MPs for it to be cancelled.  The band, which led a crowd in chants of "death to the IDF" (Israel Defence Forces) during an appearance at Glastonbury music festival this summer, had been due to play at the Manchester Academy early next month. According to correspondence, seen by Sky News, the venue has rescheduled the gig for next year. It comes after the Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester - backed by 10 MPs - wrote to the Manchester Academy asking them to cancel the duo's performance.

Also: BBC News, Manchester Evening News

Keir Starmer is to blame for grooming gangs inquiry chaos and Jess Phillips is the scapegoat

GB News, 23/10/2025

Jacob Rees Mogg writes, "Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips may be on the brink of resignation over her handling of the grooming gangs national inquiry, but make no mistake, this is Sir Keir Starmer’s fault and not Jess Phillips."

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Pro-Gaza protesters have found their latest victim, and this should terrify us all

(£) Daily Telegraph, 23/10/2025

Tom Slater writes, “Where have all the anti-racists gone? Now is the time to stand with your Jewish friends and colleagues.”

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Paratrooper known as 'Soldier F' not guilty of Bloody Sunday murders

Sky News, 23/10/2025

A former paratrooper accused of murdering two civilians in the Bloody Sunday shootings in Northern Ireland 53 years ago has been found not guilty. Soldier F - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - was accused of killing James Wray and William McKinney during disorder after a civil rights parade on 30 January 1972 in Londonderry, also known as Derry. The veteran was also found not guilty of five attempted murders at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday. He had denied all seven charges. Thirteen people were shot dead by the Parachute Regiment on the day in question. Soldier F did not give evidence, but the court heard about previous statements from two paratroopers - known as G and H - who were in Glenfada Park North along with F.

Also: Daily Express, Daily Mail, (£) Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, ITV News, PA Media, (£) The Times

'Fight for justice is not over' - daughter of man shot on Bloody Sunday

BBC News, 24/10/2025

A woman whose father was shot and wounded on Bloody Sunday has said her fight for justice will continue after a former soldier was cleared of his attempted murder. The ex-paratrooper, known as Soldier F, was found not guilty on Thursday of the murder of William McKinney, 26, and James Wray, 22, after a civil rights march in Londonderry in 1972. He was also acquitted of five attempted murders, including that of Patrick O'Donnell. His daughter Caroline said she was devastated at the outcome but would continue to demand that soldiers be prosecuted for perjury. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has confirmed it is reviewing a decision last year not to prosecute 15 soldiers for lying under oath.

The Bloody Sunday trial of Soldier F was a failed attempt to look at history through modern eyes. Prosecutors couldn't even prove he shot the victims on the charge sheet...

Daily Mail, 23/10/2025

The bloodshed took no more than two chaotic minutes. Yet the events of that January day, played out in a Belfast courtroom more than half a century later, were among the most momentous in the 30 years of violence that once gripped Northern Ireland. There were times in the past five weeks when proceedings in Court 12 of Belfast Crown Court felt more like a harsh lesson in the history of the Troubles than a criminal trial. For the relatives of those killed on Bloody Sunday - the notorious 1972 massacre of civilians in Londonderry - every word, every witness account of what took place on that shameful day was absorbed in stony silence. For them, sitting in the public gallery, the events which left 13 dead and many more injured when paratroopers opened fire following a civil rights demonstration, still feel viscerally current.

The 50-year-road to a British soldier standing trial for murder

BBC News, 23/10/2025

Sunday 30 January 1972 was one of the most deadly – and consequential – days during three decades of conflict in Northern Ireland. In the streets where it happened – the images of Bloody Sunday are painted on the walls and seared in people's minds. A civil rights march was held on a wintry, sunny afternoon in Londonderry. The demonstration was a protest against the policy of internment – imprisoning people without trial – which had been put in place following three years of violence. Soldiers from the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 people in the Bogside area – which was, and still is, a strongly Irish nationalist community.

Is Soldier F just the beginning of the Bloody Sunday trials?

(£) The Times, 23/10/2025

Larisa Brown writes in her analysis, "Labour hopes that such cases, in which there is no new evidence, will never come to court in future — but lawyers fear differently."

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Soldier F case should serve as a caution for future Troubles prosecutions

The Guardian, 23/10/2025

Dan Sabbagh, Defence and security editor, writes, "In finding F not guilty of murder on Bloody Sunday, judge said evidence fell well short of the standard required."

This is comment or editorial reporting.

It's time for Westminster to stop dancing to the IRA's tune

Daily Mail, 24/10/2025

Harry McCallion writes, "Soldier F has been found not guilty, but it is an outrage that a man now in his seventies – who served this country with the utmost distinction – was being hung out to dry for decisions ultimately made by his superiors."

This is comment or editorial reporting.

What to know about the French militants who clashed with Syrian forces in Idlib

Associated Press, 23/10/2025

Clashes broke out this week between Syrian government forces and fighters in a camp in northern Syria’s Idlib province led by an internationally wanted French militant. The clashes come at a delicate moment, as Syria’s interim authorities are trying to decide how to handle the presence of thousands of Islamist foreign fighters in the country. Foreign fighters joined forces with the Syrian insurgents who unseated former regime President Bashar Assad in a lightning offensive last year after nearly 14 years of civil war. But now, as the country’s new leaders are trying to cement new ties with the west, these foreign fighters have become a political liability. Their presence is widely unpopular with Syrians, particularly religious minorities, who view them as often more extreme in their views than local Islamist factions.

Afghanistan women’s refugee players refused visas for first tournament in UAE

The Guardian, 23/10/2025

The United Arab Emirates rejected visa applications for members of the Afghanistan women’s refugee squad who were due to travel there for the team’s first matches. Players went to airports, but were told not to board flights and many are said to have felt retraumatised by the experience. Afghanistan had been due to play in the UAE against Chad and Libya in the Fifa Unites: Women’s Series, with games running from Thursday to Wednesday. The 23 players selected via talent identification camps for the team, Afghan Women United, were due to fly to Dubai on 11 October for a training camp. The players, located in Australia, the UK, Portugal and Italy, were advised by Fifa to go to their airports despite their visas not having been obtained.

Travel influencer shamed for urging Brits to swap boozy holidays for 'lads tours of Afghanistan'

Daily Mail, 23/10/2025

A British travel influencer has been slammed after urging holidaymakers to ditch boozy getaways for 'lads tours' of Afghanistan - after bragging the war-torn nation boasts kebabs better than Turkey's and a landscape to rival the Swiss Alps. Kieran Brown, 30, from Sidcup, Kent, paid £900 for an eight-day guided trip through Afghanistan, despite the UK Government warning against all travel to the country due to the ongoing security threat under Afghan Taliban rule. The former barman, accompanied by three friends, bought a travel visa from neighbouring Pakistan and crossed the border in 2024 to be driven around 'the world's most dangerous country'. During their stay, the group tucked into £1.50 kebabs and fresh naan bread, went bowling, explored mountain lakes and even shared a 'welcome' tea with members of the Afghan Taliban. 

Vance and Rubio criticise Israeli parliament's vote on West Bank annexation

BBC News, 23/10/2025

US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have criticised a move by Israel's parliament towards annexation of the occupied West Bank. On Wednesday, far-right politicians in the Knesset took the symbolic step of giving preliminary approval to a bill applying Israeli law in the territory, which the Palestinians claim as part of a hoped-for independent state. At the end of a trip to Israel, Vance branded it a "very stupid political stunt". Rubio warned before flying to Israel that annexation would threaten President Donald Trump's plan to end the conflict in Gaza. Israel's prime minister called the move a "deliberate political provocation by the opposition to sow discord".

Also: Associated Press, (£) Reuters

Palestine rights group seeks prosecution of UK citizens who fought for Israel

The Guardian, 23/10/2025

A human rights group has launched an attempt to mount a private prosecution alleging British citizens unlawfully went to fight for Israel. An application to a magistrates court for a summons against a named individual was lodged on Monday. The highly unusual prosecution is being brought by the International Centre for Justice for Palestinians (ICJP). The human rights group intends to argue in court that named Britons joined a foreign army at war with a state, Palestine, which the UK was not fighting. It claims that waging war with a foreign force is a breach of section 4 of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870. The act makes it an offence for any person to accept or agree a commission or engagement in the military service of any foreign state at war with another foreign state that is at peace with the UK government.

US mulls Gaza aid plan that would replace controversial GHF aid operation

(£) Reuters, 23/10/2025

The United States is considering a proposal for humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza that would replace the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to a copy of the plan seen by Reuters. It is one of several concepts being explored, said a US official and a humanitarian official familiar with the plan, as Washington seeks to facilitate increased deliveries of assistance to the Palestinian enclave after two years of war. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in place for 13 days. Under that deal some more aid is now entering Gaza, where a global hunger monitor warned in August that famine had taken hold.

Trump mulls asking Israel to free ‘Palestinian Mandela’

(£) Daily Telegraph, 23/10/2025

Donald Trump said he was considering asking Israel to free Marwan Barghouti, the imprisoned Palestinian leader who is seen by his supporters as their best chance of building an independent state. The 66-year-old has been held by Israel since 2002, when he was arrested during the Second Intifada, and convicted of taking part in deadly attacks. His future is now back in the headlines, billed as a figure who could fill a leadership vacuum in Gaza following the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. “I was literally being confronted with that question about 15 minutes before you called,” Mr Trump told Time magazine in an interview published on Thursday.

Also: Associated Press, (£) Reuters

An apparent thwarted attack at the world's busiest airport highlights ongoing security risks

CNN, 23/10/2025

Moments after receiving a report of a man who threatened to shoot up the world's busiest airport while livestreaming, Atlanta Police Officer Myesha Banks spotted a man matching his description in the crowd. His eyes scanned the ticketing area and the security checkpoint. Banks' training kicked in. She approached the 350-pound man who towered over her and arrested him – thwarting what police said was a planned attack at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, police said. Banks on Monday apprehended Billy Joe Cagle, whose family alerted law enforcement that he was armed and headed to the airport to “shoot it up,” police said. The quick and thoughtful actions of the suspect's family and authorities were lauded by experts and officials alike.

‘A growing cancer’: The right’s growing acknowledgment of its own antisemitism

CNN, 24/10/2025

Vice President JD Vance last week presented the Republican Party and the conservative movement with a fork in the road. They could either denounce the increasing examples of racist, antisemitic and extremist rhetoric in their ranks, or they could whatabout them away. Vance suggested the latter course. Responding to newly published vile text messages from Republican officials and staff, he pointed to violent texts from Democratic Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones. “I refuse to join the pearl clutching when powerful people call for political violence,” Vance said. The approach made political sense.

Nigerian army kills over 50 Boko Haram militants as it fights off drone attacks

Associated Press, 23/10/2025

Nigeria’s military killed more than 50 Boko Haram militants in response to drone attacks on military bases in the country’s northeast, the army said Thursday. Army spokesperson Sani Uba said in a statement that militants launched simultaneous attacks on military bases in Borno and Yobe states early Thursday. It added that a combination of ground and air assaults enabled the military to defeat the militants who launched their attacks from northern Cameroon and Katarko, a village located in Yobe State. The spokesperson said that ground troops, backed by the Air Component, are still pursuing more than 70 wounded militants “in close coordination.”

Turkey says it will help boost Lebanese army's capacity under mandate

(£) Reuters, 23/10/2025

Turkish peacekeeping forces will continue to help boost the Lebanese army's capability under a renewed deployment mandate in Lebanon, Turkey's Defence Ministry said on Thursday. Turkey's parliament passed a bill on Tuesday to renew the military's deployment mandates in Syria and Iraq by three more years, and its deployment mandate under the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by two years. "Efforts will continue to improve security conditions in the region, ensure stability and assist in the capacity building of the Lebanese armed forces, with the aim of establishing and maintaining peace in Lebanon," the ministry said in a statement.

Nearly a year after truce, women in south Lebanon say war never ended

(£) Reuters, 23/10/2025

Nearly a year after a truce was meant to bring calm to Lebanon's border with Israel, tens of thousands of people have not yet returned to ruined towns in the south, kept away by deadly Israeli strikes and slim prospects of rebuilding. Among them, 50-year-old farmer Zeinab Mehdi, who fled her home in the border town of Naqoura last year when the war between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hizballah intensified, joining more than a million people fleeing the south's hilly villages. Mehdi, like many of those who left, placed her hopes in a US-brokered ceasefire agreed on November 26, 2024, that ordered hostilities to stop “to enable civilians on both sides of (the border) to return safely to their lands and homes.”

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.

Three people arrested in London on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence services

(£) LBC News, 23/10/2025

Three men have been arrested in London on suspicion of 'spying' for Russian intelligence services.

UK govt should adopt new Islamophobia definition: Ex-faith minister

Arab News, 23/10/2025

A former faith minister in the UK has urged the government to fully adopt a new definition of anti-Muslim prejudice to help tackle hate against Muslims.

From Maccabi fans row to charity runs, UK media is conjuring a Muslim threat

Middle East Eye, 23/10/2025

Faisal Hanif writes, ‘Selective questioning, sensational headlines and ideological framing are transforming normal civic life into an illusory menace’.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

London student activist facing deportation to Egypt at risk of torture

Middle East Eye, 23/10/2025

An Egyptian student who campaigned for Gaza at his London university is at risk of imprisonment and torture if he is deported, after being suspended for his pro-Palestine activism.

Court summons sought for British citizen accused of serving in Israeli military

Middle East Eye, 23/10/2025

A legal group has applied for a court summons to prosecute a British-Israeli who allegedly served in the Israeli military, with an initial hearing expected in the coming weeks.

After bashing UN, Trump administration says it will ask for mandate in Gaza

Middle East Eye, 23/10/2025

The US admits it may need to ask the United Nations for a mandate for an international stabilisation force to enter Gaza, a move that somewhat confounds the Trump administration’s antipathy towards the international organisation.

Ben Gvir calls for death penalty as he faces bound Palestinian prisoners

Middle East Eye, 23/10/2025

Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was filmed at an Israeli prison where he called for the execution of Palestinian detainees.

'Disappointing': ICJ grants Israel another extension in South Africa genocide case

Middle East Eye, 23/10/2025

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has granted Israel another extension to submit its evidence in response to South Africa's argument that it has committed genocide in Gaza.

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.

Arson ringleader ‘discussed kidnapping UAE-based Revolut founder with Russian handler’

National Newspaper, 24/10/2025

The ringleader of an arson attack on Ukraine-linked businesses in London last year discussed kidnapping Nikolay Storonsky, the co-founder of finance app Revolut , a British court heard on Thursday.

UK PM pledges £10m more to protect British Muslims from hate crimes

The News International, 24/10/2025

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged an additional £10 million in security funding to protect Muslim communities from hate crimes after an increase in attacks on Muslims and mosques across the UK.

Also: Geo News

Assad-era commander who ruled notorious Sednaya prison arrested in Syria

National Newspaper, 23/10/2025

A former Syrian military official, accused of being responsible for the execution of detainees at the notorious Sednaya prison during the Assad regime, has been arrested.

CTD arrests two ‘terrorists’ of banned sectarian outfit Zainabiyoun Brigade

The News International, 24/10/2025

Personnel of Sindh’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested two alleged notorious terrorists of a banned sectarian outfit, Zainabiyoun Brigade, who were wanted by the police in a number of terrorism cases, including target killings, in an operation in Karachi on Thursday.

KP CM stages brief sit-in outside Adiala jail, seeks to meet Imran after IHC order

The News International, 23/10/2025

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday staged a brief sit-in outside the Central Jail Rawalpindi, calling for the implementation of an Islamabad High Court order permitting his meeting with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan.

Sindh govt seeks bulletproof vehicles returned to federal govt by KP

The News International, 24/10/2025

The Sindh Home Department on Thursday wrote a letter to the federal government, requesting the bulletproof vehicles returned by Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa be allocated to Sindh.

Bokhari says decision on TLP's fate 'expected soon' as federal cabinet set to meet today

The News International, 23/10/2025

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that a decision to ban the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) is “expected soon” as the federal cabinet is set to meet later today, wherein the matter of proscribing the religious party is expected to be taken up.

Our Taliban problem

The News International, 24/10/2025

Ebad Ahmed writes, "A proxy, once given covert state patronage for our perceived strategic interests, celebrated as a symbol of resistance against the West, lauded by wider society for being our David fighting a holy war against Goliath, defended for its distinction from the ‘bad Taliban’ (those attacking Pakistan), and hailed for breaking the ‘shackles of slavery’ has arguably now become our biggest national security threat."

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Saudi Arabia, others condemn Israel’s West Bank annexation bills: Joint statement

Al Arabiya, 23/10/2025

Saudi Arabia and several other Muslim and Arab states condemned on Thursday a pair of Israeli bills calling for the annexation of the occupied West Bank, in a joint statement reported by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Pakistan strongly condemns Israel's West Bank annexation push

The News International, 23/10/2025

Pakistan on Thursday condemned Israel’s bid to extend its so-called “sovereignty” over parts of the occupied West Bank, including illegal settlements, via a draft law introduced in the occupying power’s legislature.

Trump warns Israel would lose ‘all US support’ if it annexes West Bank

Al Arabiya, 23/10/2025

US President Donald Trump said he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, warning that Israel would lose US support if it does.

Trump says he will be 'making a decision' on Israel's release of Palestinian leader Barghouti

National Newspaper, 23/10/2025

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he will be "making a decision" on whether he thinks Israel should release Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti from prison.

Israeli UN envoy urges international stabilisation force be posted in Gaza as soon as possible

National Newspaper, 23/10/2025

Israel said on Thursday that a mix of regional and international forces should lead the proposed stabilisation mission in Gaza, stressing the need to begin the process swiftly.

Marco Rubio warns Israeli parliament vote for West Bank annexation threatens Gaza peace deal

National Newspaper, 23/10/2025

Marco Rubio has warned Israel against annexing the occupied West Bank after the Knesset gave initial approval, with the US Secretary of State saying it threatened the Gaza peace deal.

Israeli UN envoy urges international stabilisation force be posted in Gaza as soon as possible

National Newspaper, 23/10/2025

Israel said on Thursday that a mix of regional and international forces should lead the proposed stabilisation mission in Gaza, stressing the need to begin the process swiftly.

Team Trump's week of 'Bibi-sitting' in Israel to protect Gaza truce

National Newspaper, 23/10/2025

With the arrival of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a packed week of trips to Israel by senior figures from the Trump administration enters its final stage.

From illusion to real peace: Trump’s test in Gaza and Ukraine

Al Jazeera, 23/10/2025

Jeffrey Sachs and Sybil Fares write, ‘Real peace demands Palestinian statehood, Ukrainian neutrality and the courage to defy the war lobby’.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Requiem for Gaza

The News International, 24/10/2025

Chris Hedges writes, "Once Israeli hostages are released, the genocide will continue."

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Israeli strikes kill four in new Lebanon ceasefire breach

Al Jazeera, 23/10/2025

At least four people have been killed in Israeli air strikes on eastern and southern Lebanon, according to the country’s Ministry of Health, the latest violation of the ceasefire agreement signed last November.

Also: AFP, National Newspaper

Asean prepares for a summit where anything could happen

National Newspaper, 23/10/2025

Summits of the Association of South-East Asian Nations – or Asean – don’t always attract huge attention internationally, but this weekend’s gathering in Kuala Lumpur could be one of the most consequential for a long time. It has already prompted headlines such as “the world comes to Asean”.

This is comment or editorial reporting.

Al Jazeera (Middle East, Arabic Language)

• Why 25-year-old Mahnoor Omer took Pakistan to court over periods; Trump says trade talks with Canada terminated over Reagan advertisement; As Trump makes rare visit to Malaysia, PM Anwar’s balancing act faces test; ‘Kill them’: Trump says no Congress nod needed to attack ‘narco-terrorists’

Al Arabiya (Middle East, Arabic Language)

• US mulls Gaza aid plan that would replace controversial GHF aid operation; Saudi Arabia, others condemn Israel’s West Bank annexation bills: Joint statement; Trump warns Israel would lose ‘all US support’ if it annexes West Bank; Putin says Russia will never bow to US pressure, warns on missiles

Geo TV (Pakistan, Urdu and English)

• PM Shehbaz unveils ‘Roshan Economy Power Package' to spur growth; High-level team formed to probe SP Akbar's 'suicide'; Federal cabinet approves Punjab govt's plea to ban TLP after violent protests; China state oil majors 'suspend' Russian oil buys due to sanctions