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The British government announced that it is putting on hold a bill that would return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after President Donald Trump signaled a lack of US support for the arrangement.A UK spokesperson told Reuters and AFP that the deal would only move forward with American backing, stating, "We have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support." The statement added that the islands, particularly Diego Garcia, remain a critical military asset for both nations.Last May, London and Port Louis unveiled a plan under which Britain would cede full sovereignty of the 60‑plus islands to Mauritius while retaining a 99‑year lease on Diego Garcia to preserve the US‑run base that anchors American power in the Indian Ocean.Trump dismissed the proposal in January as an "act of great stupidity," arguing that relinquishing the archipelago would undermine the strategic partnership. In response, the UK reiterated that the base’s long‑term security is the primary reason for the agreement and that it continues to engage with both Washington and Mauritius.At an Indian Ocean conference in Mauritius, Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful pledged that his government would "spare no effort" to pursue every diplomatic and legal avenue to complete the decolonisation of the Chagos archipelago, calling the issue a matter of justice.After an initial softening of tone following a February conversation with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump later resumed his criticism on Truth Social, labeling the cession a "big mistake" and a "blight on our Great Ally." The dispute has unfolded against a backdrop of strained US‑UK relations over the ongoing US‑Israel conflict in Iran and the UK's leadership of a 30‑nation coalition protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz without US participation.Former senior civil servant Simon McDonald told BBC Radio that Trump’s hostility has forced the agreement into a "deep freeze," noting that when the US president is openly opposed, the British government must reassess its position.Britain has administered the Chagos Islands since 1814, even after Mauritius gained independence in the 1960s. The Diego Garcia base has been pivotal in US operations in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The displaced Chagossian community continues to seek compensation, and a 2019 International Court of Justice advisory opinion recommended that the archipelago be returned to Mauritius.

Eamonn Holmes, the 66‑year‑old presenter of GB News’s breakfast programme, is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke last week.A GB News spokesperson confirmed that the Northern Irish broadcaster is responding well to treatment and has requested privacy while focusing on his recovery. The network added that “his colleagues and everyone at GB News wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready.”In Holmes’s absence, the channel said that Alex Armstrong will co‑anchor the morning slot alongside Ellie Costello for the coming week.Holmes, who previously fronted ITV’s This Morning and co‑presented with his former wife Ruth Langsford for 14 years, has a documented history of serious health issues. He has undergone spinal surgery, a double hip replacement, and endured multiple falls, including a live on‑air incident when a studio chair collapsed.Speaking about that on‑air fall, Holmes recalled, “It was a bit of a shock for me because I’d had a fall in my bathroom two weeks earlier that hospitalised me, and it hit me again right in the back.” He described the aftermath as “really, really sore.”His health struggles have also impacted his personal life. In 2022, Holmes told the Sun that chronic pain and mobility problems strained his marriage to Langsford, and he later disclosed a dislocated pelvis in 2021 that led to three slipped discs.Holmes is now in a relationship with 44‑year‑old counsellor Katie Alexander. The pair were photographed together at a recent event, with Holmes using a wheelchair.GB News chief executive Angelos Frangopoulos expressed support, stating, “Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family, and we’re with him every step of the way as he recovers.”

A 20‑year‑old male was taken into custody by the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) after a Molotov cocktail was hurled at the North Beach residence of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman in the early hours of Friday, around 4 a.m. local time (11:00 GMT). The incendiary device ignited part of an exterior gate before the suspect fled on foot.Police confirmed that the suspect was located about an hour later, approximately 4.8 kilometres (three miles) from the scene, near OpenAI’s headquarters, where he allegedly threatened to set the building ablaze. No injuries were reported.OpenAI released a statement thanking the SFPD for its rapid response and emphasizing that the company is fully cooperating with investigators. “Thankfully, no one was hurt,” the spokesperson said, adding that the incident highlights the need for continued vigilance in protecting employees.The attack arrives amid a wave of security concerns targeting OpenAI’s facilities. In November, a separate threat prompted a temporary lockdown of the company’s San Francisco office, and activists have increasingly singled out Altman and OpenAI for the perceived risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence.Critics also point to OpenAI’s recent partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, arguing that the collaboration intensifies scrutiny of the firm’s role in military technology. Public sentiment toward AI remains divided; a recent NBC News poll indicated that AI is viewed less favorably than the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.Despite the controversy, OpenAI’s growth trajectory remains robust. The company announced a valuation of $852 billion following a funding round that raised $122 billion. Its flagship product, ChatGPT, continues to dominate the consumer AI market with over 900 million weekly active users and roughly 50 million subscribers. Usage of OpenAI’s search features has also tripled over the past year.While the motive behind the Molotov attack remains unclear, the incident underscores the escalating security challenges faced by leading AI firms operating at the intersection of technology, public policy, and national defense.

Prince Harry, the youngest son of King Charles III, is facing a defamation lawsuit from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honor of Princess Diana. The charity claims that Harry and Mark Dyer, a former trustee, orchestrated a media campaign that caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the organization.The dispute began in 2023 over a new fundraising strategy, leading to Harry and Prince Seeiso stepping down as patrons in March 2025. Sophie Chandauka, the charity's chair, accused Harry of bullying and harassment, but a UK Charity Commission inquiry found no evidence of bullying. The commission did criticize the parties for allowing the internal dispute to become public.Harry's spokesperson has categorically rejected the libel claim, calling it offensive and damaging. The lawsuit, filed in the High Court of England and Wales, seeks the court's intervention, protection, and restitution for the harm caused to Sentebale, its leadership, and strategic partners.

Despite a supposed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, thousands of families are still unable to bury their loved ones six months into the agreement. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has left about 10,000 Palestinians missing and believed to be buried under collapsed buildings.An internationally mediated agreement was signed between Israel and Hamas on October 10, 2023, aiming to end the conflict. However, for many, the war has not ended. The United Nations reports that Israeli bombardment has generated over 61 million tonnes of rubble in the besieged Gaza Strip.Al Jazeera's Hind Khoudary spoke to a Palestinian father, Abu Mohammed, who survived an Israeli attack but lost four of his children. He has been trying to retrieve their bodies for three years but faces significant challenges due to the massive concrete slabs and lack of heavy equipment.The ceasefire has not allowed heavy machinery into Gaza to begin recovery efforts and reunite families. According to Mahmoud Basal, Gaza's civil defence spokesperson, nothing has entered Gaza except limited equipment for retrieving Israeli captives. Across Gaza, thousands remain buried, with at least 50 bodies trapped beneath the rubble in one apartment block in Bureij.Conditions on the ground have barely shifted six months into the ceasefire. Families continue to wait as bodies are not yet recovered, and Israeli attacks persist. Since the ceasefire took effect, at least 738 people have been killed and 2,036 wounded. Authorities have recovered 759 bodies from the rubble.Israel's actions in Gaza have resulted in over 72,317 Palestinian deaths and 172,158 wounded. Despite the ceasefire, Israel still occupies more than half of the Gaza Strip, having levelled most buildings in these areas and forced residents out.

The US Court of International Trade is hearing oral arguments in a case aimed at overturning President Donald Trump's global import tariffs. The tariffs, which were imposed in February, have been met with opposition from several US states and small businesses.The plaintiffs, including 24 mostly Democratic-led states and two small businesses, argue that the 10% global import tax sidesteps a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated most of Trump's previous tariffs. They claim that the tariffs are based on archaic authority meant to protect the US dollar from sudden depreciation in the 1970s, not to address routine trade deficits.Oregon's lawyer, Brian Marshall, told the judges that they should block the tariffs rather than let them expire on the normal 150-day timeline, to prevent Trump from invoking laws to keep them indefinitely. "[If] we have a successive series where there's always tariffs in place, that's a problem," Marshall said.The Trump administration has argued that the global tariffs are a legal and appropriate response to a persistent trade deficit caused by the fact that the US imports more goods than it exports. "President Trump is lawfully using the executive powers granted to him by Congress to address our country's balance of payments crisis," White House spokesperson Kush Desai said.The case is significant as it challenges Trump's use of Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorises duties of up to 15% for up to 150 days on imports during "large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits" or to prevent imminent depreciation of the dollar.

Starbucks's UK retail arm secured a significant £13.7m corporation tax credit last year, even as it reported a 6% increase in sales to £556.3m and added over 90 new stores, bringing its total to 1,304. The tax credit, which can be used to offset future tax bills, follows losses widening to £41.3m in the 12 months to September.The company's financial performance was impacted by £40m in royalty and licence fees paid to its parent company, Starbucks Emea. These fees, which are paid to a UK-based entity that collects similar fees from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, significantly contributed to the losses.Despite the losses, Starbucks UK's sales growth was driven by price increases, new loyalty schemes, and the introduction of “freshly baked in-store food”. The company also shifted its workforce towards full-time staff, reducing overall staff numbers by 244 to 5,352.Critics, such as the Fair Tax Foundation, argue that this situation highlights a recurring issue where large corporations like Starbucks use complex financial structures to minimize their tax liabilities. “This all feels so very Groundhog Day,” said Paul Monaghan, chief executive of the Fair Tax Foundation. “As per a decade ago, Starbucks UK reports annual growth in income and store numbers, whilst at the same time declaring a loss due to the payment of hefty royalty fees to other Starbucks subsidiaries. The end result, no corporation tax is paid.”In response, a Starbucks spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to paying all taxes due, stating that it “manages its global tax responsibilities in keeping with its mission and values.”The company's financial challenges are expected to continue, with Starbucks UK citing a “challenging consumer environment” characterized by inflationary pressures, reduced discretionary spending, and increased competition. The company has received financial support from its parent group, including £30m in cash to keep the business afloat and a further £60m in February.

Stefano Gabbana left his post as chair of Dolce & Gabbana effective 1 January 2026, describing the move as part of a "natural evolution" of the company’s organisational structure and governance.The luxury house stressed that the resignation will not affect Gabbana’s creative responsibilities within the group.According to Bloomberg, Alfonso Dolce – Domenico’s brother and the group’s chief executive – assumed the chairmanship in January, taking over the role from the co‑founder.Sources indicate that Gabbana is exploring options for his 40 % equity stake as the brand continues negotiations with its bank lenders. In parallel, former Gucci chief Stefano Cantino has been appointed to a senior management position as part of the reshuffle.A D&G spokesperson added that the company “has no statement to make at this time” regarding its debt position, as talks with banks remain ongoing.The Italian label, founded in 1985, is grappling with a slowdown in the high‑end fashion market, a trend intensified by uncertainty surrounding the war in Iran – a region that represents a crucial market for luxury brands.In March, Dolce & Gabbana hired Rothschild & Co as its financial adviser to prepare for creditor discussions. At that point the group carried €450 million (£391 million) of bank debt, incurred after a 2025 refinancing aimed at supporting a new growth strategy while preserving independence. Lenders had temporarily waived certain borrowing terms.Ownership of the company remains split: each designer holds a 40 % stake through a holding vehicle, while the remaining shares are owned by Alfonso Dolce and their sister Dorotea.Founded by Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, the brand quickly became synonymous with a “molto sexy” Italian aesthetic, gaining global visibility after Madonna commissioned costumes for her 1993 Girlie tour. By 2009, Dolce & Gabbana reported a turnover of €1 billion.Despite its commercial success, the house has faced a series of controversies over the past 15 years, ranging from accusations of racism and homophobia to backlash over culturally insensitive advertising, which have at times threatened its market position.

Protesters in Ireland and Norway have escalated demonstrations against rising fuel costs, turning major highways into blockades and prompting a convoy of lorries to converge on Oslo’s parliament. The unrest is linked to the broader spike in oil prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. In Dublin, hauliers, farmers and other groups have shut down motorways for the fourth consecutive day, causing fuel shortages, traffic chaos and warnings that essential supplies—food, clean water and animal feed—are at risk. The Irish police force, An Garda Síochána, described the blockades as unlawful and warned that continued defiance could lead to arrests. The Irish government has placed the army on standby to clear the obstructions, while the justice minister accused outside actors, including far‑right figures such as Tommy Robinson, of exploiting the protests for political gain. Fuel prices have surged dramatically: Irish diesel has risen from roughly €1.70 per litre to €2.17, and petrol from about €1.74 to €1.97. In Norway, despite a recent fuel‑tax cut on 1 April, diesel prices jumped 23.6 % from February to March, with overall fuel and lubricants up 17.9 %. Statistics Norway noted this as the steepest month‑on‑month increase on record, comparable only to the post‑Ukraine‑invasion spike of spring 2022. Irish Prime Minister Mícheál Martin warned that blockades of the Whitegate refinery and key depots in Galway and Foynes were pushing the country to the brink of turning away oil shipments. He called the situation “unconscionable and “illogical.” In response, Dublin unveiled a €250 million relief package that includes a temporary excise duty cut, an expanded diesel rebate for hauliers and bus operators, and an extended fuel allowance. Nevertheless, industry leaders remain skeptical about the measures’ ability to quell the unrest, and many protesters demand direct talks with ministers. Across the North Sea, Norwegian demonstrators—part of the “Dieselbrølet” (diesel roar) movement—marched a convoy of 70‑80 trucks toward the Storting. Their banners read “nok er nok!” (enough is enough). While only a few vehicles were permitted into Oslo, the show underscored hauliers’ demand for more predictable, lower fuel prices despite Norway’s status as an oil producer. Other nations have taken emergency steps: the Philippines declared a national energy emergency, and France authorized fuel tankers to operate on weekends and holidays until 11 May to stave off shortages. Back in Ireland, the blockade of the sole refinery and depots has left dozens of petrol stations empty, prompting a rush of motorists to fill up before supplies run out. Emergency services report slower response times, and the Irish Medical Organisation warns that delayed care could jeopardise patient health. Courier firm DPD has halted deliveries, and protesters have vowed to remain in Dublin for weeks, with spokesperson John Dallon stating, “If it takes a month, we are prepared to sit here.” The crisis has also forced the Irish Taoiseach to postpone a trade mission to Canada, highlighting the domestic political fallout of the fuel‑price turmoil.