Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is set to meet US President Donald Trump for dinner at Mar-a-Lago tonight, where he plans to discuss the Chagos Islands deal. The announcement came after Farage attended a 'Save Chagos Boat Party' yesterday, according to GB News.
Downing Street has denied any U-turn on UK policy regarding Iran, following comments from Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy suggesting Royal Air Force jets could legally strike Iranian missile sites targeting British interests. Lammy emphasised that current operations involve shooting down missiles and drones fired by Iran at allies.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office confirmed a second charter flight has brought stranded Britons back from Oman, with more flights expected. Over 160,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the region. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also spoke with the King of Bahrain, agreeing that operational teams will collaborate on plans for jets deployed to Qatar to defend Gulf states from Iranian attacks.
In other political news, the Green Party announced a surge in membership, growing by over 2,000 a day following their byelection victory in Gorton and Denton, reaching over 215,000 members. A YouGov poll showed the party overtaking Labour and trailing Reform UK by just two points.
Additionally, Tory peer Lord Chadlington announced his retirement from the House of Lords after a report recommended a 12-month suspension over a Covid-era PPE deal. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended her asylum reform plans, which include ending permanent refugee status, amid criticism from backbenchers.
