The Government has approved plans for a large new Chinese embassy near the Tower of London, ending years of debate over security concerns. The site, purchased by China in 2018 for over £200 million, would become the largest Chinese embassy in Europe. Ministers say national security has been their foremost consideration, stressing that intelligence agencies were involved throughout the process and that extensive mitigation measures are in place. However, critics across the political spectrum have condemned the decision. Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and Reform UK figures argue the embassy’s size and location could increase the risk of espionage and intimidation, particularly toward dissidents living in the UK. MI5 has acknowledged that security risks cannot be entirely eliminated, though it judged the safeguards to be proportionate. Supporters of the decision say approving the embassy reflects pragmatic engagement with a major global power and helps maintain diplomatic dialogue on trade, security, and human rights. Opponents warn it sends the wrong signals about Britain’s willingness to stand firm on national security and democratic values.

A small Palestinian children’s football pitch in Bethlehem has been granted a temporary reprieve after Israel postponed its planned demolition. The Aida Youth Centre pitch, built in 2020 to serve more than two hundred children from the nearby Aida refugee camp, was declared illegal for lacking permits and for its proximity to Israel’s security barrier. A demolition order issued late last year sparked a widespread international campaign, including a petition signed by more than half a million people and appeals from figures within global football. The Israeli military, which still maintains that the pitch poses security concerns, says the postponement is ‘for the time being’. For local families, the issue carries deep emotional weight, symbolising dignity, hope, and normal childhood amid overcrowding and restriction. While the immediate threat has eased, the community fears the order could return once attention fades, and has vowed to keep campaigning.

Iran’s foreign minister has issued his most direct warning yet to the USA, threatening a full military response if Iran faces renewed attack, as the country remains under intense pressure following its deadly crackdown on protests. Writing in a US newspaper, he defended the government’s actions and blamed armed unrest for the violence, despite video evidence suggesting security forces fired on unarmed demonstrators. His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions, with a US aircraft carrier group moving toward the Middle East and American military assets repositioned across the region. Iran has also been accused of launching missile and drone strikes against a Kurdish separatist group in northern Iraq, further escalating concerns. Human rights organisations report more than 4,500 people killed and over 26,000 arrested during the protests, with fears growing that some could face execution. Iran’s Supreme Leader has acknowledged thousands of deaths while blaming the United States. Though protests have subsided amid internet shutdowns, the scale of casualties and rising military rhetoric have raised alarms about wider regional conflict and severe consequences for civilians.

US forces have begun transferring IS prisoners out of Syria, moving 150 detainees to Iraq under plans that could see up to 7,000 relocated. The move follows growing instability after Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrew troops from parts of northeast Syria, raising concerns over the security of prisons and detention camps holding thousands of IS members and affiliates. US officials said recent unrest allowed around 200 low-level fighters to escape one facility, though many were later recaptured. More than 10,000 IS fighters remain imprisoned in Syria, alongside thousands of women and children connected to the group. The transfers are being carried out in coordination with the Iraqi government as part of efforts to prevent a resurgence of IS and maintain regional security. The changes come amid a wider political shift, with Syria’s new government seeking to reassert control after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. A ceasefire has been agreed with the SDF, which has been urged to integrate into the Syrian state, marking a significant transition in security arrangements.

A new report from the parliamentary defence committee warns that Britain is not adequately prepared to defend itself, its overseas territories, or its NATO allies from modern threats. Despite plans to boost domestic defence production - including six new munitions factories and increased spending toward ‘war-fighting readiness’ - MPs say progress is too slow; the country remains over-dependent on the USA for critical capabilities such as intelligence, air-to-air refuelling, and troop transport. Noting severe gaps in air and missile defence, they are concerned that promised improvements in civil resilience are moving at a ‘glacial pace’. The committee’s chair Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi urged the Government to communicate more clearly with the public about real security risks, including drone incursions and cyber threats, noting that national defence requires national engagement. Ministers say new factories and investments will create jobs and strengthen security, but the report insists urgency is needed. The report coincides with concerns about a Russian spy ship operating just outside British territorial waters: see

Hackers who targeted Kido Schools, a nursery chain, by stealing and publishing sensitive images and personal data of around 8,000 children, have backtracked after widespread public outrage. The group, calling themselves Radiant, initially demanded a ransom of £600,000 in bitcoin, threatening to continue releasing profiles. Parents even received direct threatening calls. Following condemnation, the hackers blurred photos, later removed all data, and apologised, claiming it was deleted. Experts remain sceptical, noting cyber-criminals often falsely promise deletion while retaining or selling stolen material. Radiant appears inexperienced and may have underestimated the moral backlash of exploiting children. Much of the stolen content came from Kido’s use of Famly, a popular education platform, though Famly insists its infrastructure was not breached. Kido confirmed the incident is under investigation with external specialists and authorities.

Captain Ibrahim Traore, Africa’s youngest leader at 37, is gaining attention across the continent for his defiant rhetoric of pan-Africanism, anti-colonialism, and youth empowerment. Since seizing power in a 2022 coup, Traore has distanced Burkina Faso from France and ECOWAS, aligning instead with fellow coup-led nations Niger and Mali. His image, recently plastered over Russian state media when he visited Moscow, resonates with African youth disillusioned with older leadership and stalled democracies. However, behind the populist appeal, the country’s security has deteriorated sharply. Attacks from both government forces and jihadists have killed over 7,200 people in the past year - more than double the pre-coup toll. With 60% of the country beyond state control, millions are displaced or need aid. Yet for many, Traore’s revolutionary language reflects real frustrations with Western influence and entrenched corruption, making him a symbol of resistance - however flawed.

Japanese prime minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr have reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to peace, stability, and resistance to foreign aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders highlighted expanding defence, economic, and diplomatic cooperation, especially amid increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Without naming China directly, both underscored maritime security as a shared concern. Marcos praised Japan's contributions, including coastal surveillance equipment, which have upgraded the Philippines' defence capabilities. He noted that amid growing international divisions, cooperation between the two countries was ‘more important than ever’ to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific. Japan has also supported the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through loans for large patrol vessels. These ships are actively deployed in Philippine waters to assert sovereignty and monitor Chinese activity. Both leaders described the alliance as grounded in shared values and mutual respect, marking a new chapter in their long-standing diplomatic relationship.

Sixty British troops have joined the United States Air Force (USAF) to investigate a series of unidentified drones spotted flying over three bases in Suffolk and Norfolk. The incidents have raised concerns about security, although the drones have not been deemed hostile. The bases play crucial roles in US military operations. USAF has confirmed multiple sightings during nighttime hours, but no source or intent has been identified. The Ministry of Defence emphasised robust security measures at all defence sites, and both British and US authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of personnel and infrastructure. Efforts to determine the origin and purpose of the drones continue.

The Philippines and Japan have agreed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) to enhance defence cooperation. Aiming for an independent foreign policy, Ferdinand Marcos Jr is aiming to diversify the country’s security partnerships. Both countries have considerable concerns over China’s maritime assertiveness in the area. Once ratified, the pact will pave the way for large-scale joint exercises and defence equipment transfers. Although it is not a defence treaty, it is an effort to further ‘promote security and defence cooperation between the two countries and firmly support peace and stability in the region’. It focuses on enhancing readiness for potential contingencies, particularly around Taiwan. Japan's favourable standing in the Philippines, coupled with its role as a major trade partner and investor, underscores the strategic importance of this pact.