An explainer from Middle East Eye outlines the differing levels of European involvement in the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began in late February. The UK has provided significant support, allowing US bombers to use bases like Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, while France has permitted limited US aircraft landings but criticized the strikes. Spain has taken the firmest stance, closing its airspace and refusing base use, drawing US ire. Germany, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania have also navigated complex positions, balancing US pressure with domestic opposition and Iranian threats.

The UK Home Office announced that French police tactics are becoming more effective at intercepting small boats in the English Channel, with 185 potential crossings involving 4,300 migrants intercepted this summer and 12 boats stopped at sea using new undisclosed techniques. The UK-France Border Security deal, including £501m in funding, has led to a 61% interception rate, up 5% from last year. Crossings are down about 40% year-on-year, though 250 migrants arrived on Monday. The opposition criticized the approach, and Reform UK's proposal to return migrants to French ports was rejected by France as a sovereignty violation.

Background: Andy Burnham, UK prime minister, has established 'No. 10 North' in Manchester as part of his devolution agenda to shift power and resources from London to regional mayors and councils. Today's development: The office, now operational with around 50 civil servants, many of whom are still based in London and commuting weekly, is planning significant cuts to the national civil service to transfer staff to local authorities. Caroline Simpson, deputy chief of staff and former chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, indicated that the plan will move 'significant resource' from Whitehall to regions, with details expected in the October budget. The office also hinted at flexibility for local leaders in spending funds, potentially including rebates to residents. The team, led by Simpson and Director General Sam Lister, is developing a detailed policy paper in a 100-day sprint. The office is temporarily housed in Heron House, a refurbished 1980s block, with plans to move to a permanent location in the coming years. Burnham has pledged to work from the office weekly. The move is part of Burnham's broader effort to reverse the decline of England's industrial heartlands and counter political polarization.

Background: Counter Terrorism Policing North West had arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with the October 2025 Manchester synagogue attack, where Jihad Al-Shamie killed two worshippers before being shot by police. Today: Hekmat Omar Ali Hakim, 49, of St James Road, Higher Broughton, Salford, has been formally charged with failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity, marking the first charge directly related to the attack. He appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court and pleaded not guilty, speaking only to confirm his name and indicate his plea. He was remanded into custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 25 September. Prosecuting, Sally-Anne Russell alleged CCTV evidence of conversations between Hakim and Al-Shamie show him 'condoning and supporting' the terrorist action. Hakim attended the same mosque as Al-Shamie and travelled in a car with him on various occasions before the attack, which took place on Yom Kippur. The attack killed Melvin Cravitz, 66, from knife wounds, and Adrian Daulby, 53, from a gunshot wound fired by an armed police officer. Three other men were treated in hospital for serious injuries. Greater Manchester Police said there have so far been eight arrests, but this is the first charge that 'relates directly'.

The UK held its first national day for victims and survivors of terrorism on 21 August, coinciding with the UN International Day of Remembrance. The event, centered in London with a two-minute silence, aimed to recognize those impacted by terrorism, including victims, families, witnesses, and emergency services. Survivors and campaigners, such as Travis Frain and Brendan Cox, welcomed the day but called for reforms to the state compensation scheme, which they say dehumanizes victims and has not been updated. The day follows a Home Office review and a rise in the UK terror threat level to 'severe'.

JD Sports lowered its full-year profit forecast to £700m-£800m from £750m-£850m, citing cost of living pressures exacerbated by the US-Israeli war on Iran, which raised fuel prices and impacted trainer sales. The company reported a 3.1% decline in like-for-like sales in Q2, with North America down 6.8% and Europe down 2.7%, while the UK saw growth due to World Cup-related football kit sales. Shares fell 12% to their lowest since July. The company cut prices and offered promotions to counter weak demand, expecting continued consumer spending declines in H2.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a new government drive to clear illegal waste dumps in West Yorkshire, Surrey, and Kent, containing about 22,000 tonnes of waste. The government will raise fines for rogue dumpers from £300 to £5,000, give the Environment Agency powers to seize assets, and use AI-powered drones for detection. A new 'waste crime crackdown group' chaired by Environment Secretary Angela Eagle will coordinate enforcement. Opposition parties welcomed the measures but called for broader action on fly-tipping and landfill issues.

Reform UK has proposed an 'apprenticeship wage credit' that would give small and medium-sized businesses a 30% rebate on wages for apprentices aged 16-18, plus a £2,000 retention bonus for apprentices who stay with their employer for two years after completion. The party aims to reach 600,000 apprenticeship starts per year by 2034, funded by banning foreign students from taxpayer-funded loans and cutting certain university courses. The policy has drawn criticism from Labour, Liberal Democrats, and education sector representatives, who argue it would harm universities and devalue degrees.