Author: Fatimah Idera

The UK government has announced plans to hold annual national security exercises to prepare for potential attacks on British soil, following stark warnings from security chiefs that the homeland is at risk for the first time in many years. The drills, part of a broader update to the UK’s national security strategy released on Tuesday, aim to test whole-of-society preparedness for threats ranging from wartime scenarios to cyberattacks and infrastructure sabotage. The first major exercise, codenamed Pegasus, will take place this autumn and simulate a response to a new global pandemic. Future drills may include scenarios such as missile strikes,…

The UK government is set to purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, marking the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation. The fighter jets, which can also carry conventional weapons, will enable the UK to participate in NATO’s airborne nuclear mission. The decision will be officially announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the NATO summit in the Netherlands this week. The F-35A aircraft will be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk and will join a multinational fleet of dual-capable jets used by NATO allies such as the US, Germany, and…

Nigerians have reacted to the United States Mission in Nigeria’s statement warning its citizens to avoid military and government facilities in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The United States Embassy in Nigeria issued a security advisory warning on Sunday, advising its citizens to avoid military and government facilities in Abuja, citing increased global security threats. The directive, which came late Monday, prohibits U.S. embassy staff and their families from making any non-official visits to such locations within the Federal Capital Territory. In a statement published on its official website, the U.S. Mission Nigeria noted that the measure was…

The UK government has announced a £275 million investment in technical training and apprenticeships, positioning it as the centrepiece of its long-awaited industrial strategy. The move is seen as a direct response to Nigel Farage’s growing influence in England’s manufacturing regions, especially in traditional Labour strongholds. The package, unveiled by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds on Sunday, will fund the establishment of new Technical Excellence Colleges, short courses in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital manufacturing, and significant capital upgrades for training providers across England. The investment is designed to address critical skills shortages in sectors such as engineering, defence, battery production,…

Nigel Farage has defended Reform UK’s controversial proposal to attract wealthy individuals to the UK with a £250,000 residency fee and preferential tax treatment, prompting Labour to brand the scheme a billionaires bonanza. At a press conference in London, the Reform UK leader said the plan is designed to reverse the trend of high-net-worth individuals leaving the country, arguing that their presence could boost spending and job creation. Under the proposal, wealthy foreigners would pay a one-off £250,000 fee for 10 years of residency in the UK and receive exemptions from taxes on international income and inheritance. Reform UK estimates…

“This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy,” Starmer said.

Britain is facing a heightened threat of Iranian retaliation following US airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities, a senior Cabinet minister has warned. On Saturday night, US President Donald Trump authorised the B-2 bomber strikes on Iran’s three main nuclear sites, calling it a very successful attack. In response, Iran’s foreign minister warned of everlasting consequences, prompting countries across the world to brace for possible reprisals. Speaking on Sunday, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said Iran’s hostile activities in the UK were already at a significant level, including cyberattacks and covert surveillance, and that the threat could now increase. “I think it…

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched a sweeping national investigation into the state of maternity services across England, following a series of high-profile scandals and persistent safety failings. Announcing the review at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists World Congress, Mr Streeting said the investigation would be modelled on the landmark Darzi review into NHS care and aims to restore public confidence in maternity services. The decision follows emotional meetings with bereaved families whose babies died at hospitals including Nottingham, Leeds, East Kent, Shrewsbury, Telford, and Morecambe Bay, all areas previously identified for serious failings in maternity and neonatal…

British Airways and Singapore Airlines have suspended flights to and from Dubai following overnight US airstrikes on Iran, as airlines respond to the rapidly escalating security situation in the region. The UK’s flag carrier cancelled two scheduled flights to Dubai and Doha, both set to depart from London Heathrow on Sunday afternoon. A BA spokesperson confirmed that no flights would operate to or from the Gulf states on Sunday, citing safety concerns. “As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority,” the…

A senior UK Cabinet minister has warned that the threat of Iranian retaliation on British soil could intensify following overnight US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. President Donald Trump authorised B-2 bomber strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites, calling the operation a very successful attack. In response, Iran’s foreign minister warned the bombings would have everlasting consequences, prompting international fears of reprisal attacks. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said Iran’s covert activity in the UK was already at a significant level, citing persistent cyber attacks and espionage operations. “Hardly a week goes by without an Iranian cyber attack on the…