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The United Kingdom’s cyber‑defence agency has issued a stark warning: Russian‑affiliated hackers are targeting everyday internet routers to conduct espionage operations. By compromising these edge devices, attackers can steal user credentials, redirect traffic to fraudulent sites, and potentially infiltrate other connected gadgets such as smartphones and computers. According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the campaign appears opportunistic, casting a wide net before filtering for high‑value intelligence targets. This mirrors a broader trend where threat actors focus on hardware that bridges users to the cloud, often overlooking the security of routers and network cameras. Professor Alan Woodward of the University of Surrey emphasized that routers are frequently forgotten, becoming weak points in home and small‑business networks. "If a router is compromised, attackers can reroute users to fake banking sites, establish persistence on the network, and probe connected devices for further vulnerabilities," he explained. The NCSC attributes the activity to the notorious group APT28, also known as Fancy Bear, which is almost certainly linked to Russian intelligence services. APT28 previously orchestrated high‑profile attacks, including the 2015 breach of the German parliament that exposed confidential emails and legislators' schedules. In a parallel move, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has prohibited the sale of all consumer‑grade routers manufactured outside the United States, citing "unacceptable risks to national security." The FCC warned that foreign‑made routers have been exploited to facilitate espionage, disrupt networks, and steal intellectual property. While most routers are produced in China or Taiwan, exceptions like Elon Musk’s Texas‑made Starlink devices are unaffected. Privacy specialists caution that a blanket ban will not resolve existing vulnerabilities, especially for legacy routers that no longer receive security patches. Woodward urged small businesses and individuals to keep firmware up to date and monitor network activity for anomalies. The article also revisits the 2016 Bangladesh central bank heist, where hackers siphoned $80 million by exploiting cheap, second‑hand routers that were exposed to the internet. Investigators believe a North Korean state‑linked group was behind that attack, illustrating how compromised routers can serve as gateways to critical financial systems. Overall, the NCSC’s alert underscores a growing geopolitical cyber‑threat landscape, where state‑sponsored actors leverage everyday hardware to gather intelligence and disrupt adversaries.

Israel has reaffirmed that its military operations in Lebanon will persist, defying US President Donald Trump's ceasefire announcement aimed at Iran. The Israeli military has continued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, with civilians in southern Lebanon being told to move north of the Zahrani River.The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Trump's two-week pause in military action against Iran does not include Lebanon. This stance directly contradicts statements made by Iran and Pakistan, which has been mediating in the conflict.Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced that Iran, the US, and their allies had agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon. However, Israel maintains that its conflict with Lebanon, particularly with Hezbollah, is separate.On Wednesday morning, an Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that operations against Hezbollah were ongoing. The military also issued a warning in Arabic to people in Tyre to move away from a building, a common precursor to an airstrike in a populated area.The conflict in Lebanon has resulted in over 1,500 deaths, many of them civilians, and has displaced more than 1.1 million people, with many living on the streets. The situation remains volatile as Hezbollah is expected to issue a formal statement outlining its position on the ceasefire and Netanyahu's assertion that Lebanon is not included in the agreement.

Opening new oil and gas fields in the North Sea would send a shock wave around the world, senior climate diplomats warned, saying the move would imperil international climate targets, erode the United Kingdom’s reputation as a climate leader and embolden developing countries to exploit their own fossil‑fuel reserves.The UK government faces intense lobbying from the oil industry, Conservative MPs, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, certain trade unions and factions within the Treasury. Yet research shows that new drilling would do little to lower energy prices and would have almost no impact on gas imports.Two of the remaining large North Sea prospects – the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields – sit in a basin that is over 90% depleted and increasingly costly to develop. Even if fully exploited, they would displace only about 1% and 2% of the UK’s gas imports respectively, according to recent analysis.Senior figures in international climate diplomacy described the prospect of new drilling as dangerous for global emissions‑reduction efforts and a step back from the phase‑out of fossil fuels.Lord Nicolas Stern, professor at the London School of Economics, warned that “new drilling and a slowdown in climate action would be bad for growth and for energy security in the UK, and a damaging signal for the world.” He added that the UK’s pioneering climate legislation and its role as the first G7 nation to commit to net‑zero by 2050 give its actions “extra weight” on the global stage.An anonymous senior African negotiator reacted angrily to the proposal, stating that Africa would “reject any proposal for the UK to expand oil drilling” because it is “fundamentally inconsistent with both the letter and spirit of the Paris Agreement” and would “weaken trust with climate‑vulnerable nations”.Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief and co‑founder of the Global Optimism think‑tank, argued that true energy independence lies in “scaling clean, domestic energy, not in extending the life of declining industries”. She cautioned that reverting to old‑fashioned oil expansion would lock in infrastructure at odds with the direction of the global energy system.The UK has been a vocal supporter of an upcoming conference in Colombia on the “transition away from fossil fuels”, a pledge made three years ago at COP28 that remains largely unfulfilled. However, the Guardian learned that Ed Miliband, the UK secretary of state for energy security and net‑zero, will not attend; the government’s climate envoy, Rachel Kyte, will travel in his place.Campaigners had urged Miliband’s presence, citing his pivotal role in securing a last‑minute deal at COP30 in Brazil last November.Experts caution that licensing new fields before the Colombian summit could undermine progress in persuading developing nations to forgo fossil‑fuel‑based economies and adopt cleaner energy pathways.Mohamed Adow, director of the Power Shift Africa think‑tank, warned that a UK approval would “send a shock wave around the world that short‑term interests are being prioritised over long‑term responsibility”. He stressed that many African countries are being asked to leapfrog to clean energy with limited financial support, and that wealthy nations continuing to invest in fossil fuels “undermine this message and diminish their credibility”.Several developing‑country officials echoed this concern, asking, “Why shouldn’t we tap into our own fossil‑fuel resources if the UK is doing so?” They argued that leadership on climate must be consistent with actions.An ally of Miliband praised the UK’s stance, calling “no new exploration licences” a “landmark global leadership position” that shows a major oil‑producing country can align policy with climate science to avoid a 3‑4°C warming scenario.A government spokesperson reaffirmed the administration’s commitment, stating that the UK has placed “clean energy and climate at the heart of its agenda”, and that it will continue to “stop issuing licences to explore new fields, in line with the science and in securing a just transition in the North Sea”.

Lin Yu-ting, the 30‑year‑old Taiwanese Olympic champion, secured a bronze medal at the Asian Boxing Elite Championships in Mongolia, marking her return to competition after a gender‑eligibility controversy that clouded her 2024 Paris Olympic triumph.Competing in the 60kg division for the first time, Lin was defeated in the semifinals by North Korea’s Won Un Gyong, resulting in a third‑place finish.Her coach, Tseng Tzu‑chiang, told Taiwan’s Central News Agency that the shift to a higher weight class presented “new opponents’ skills, strategies and styles,” and that the tournament served as a valuable learning opportunity.Lin had opted out of last year’s World Championships after World Boxing announced mandatory sex testing for female athletes, a policy introduced following the high‑profile gender disputes involving Lin and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif after their gold medals in Paris.Following an appeal by Taiwan’s boxing federation, World Boxing cleared Lin to compete in the female category last month, enabling her participation in the Asian championships.Looking ahead, Tseng indicated that Lin aims to compete at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan later this year, noting that while her physical condition was not yet optimal, the experience provides “room for improvement and a clear path forward.”In parallel, the International Olympic Committee has introduced a new eligibility policy that excludes transgender female athletes from women’s events, aligning with a U.S. executive order. The IOC stated that eligibility will be determined by a mandatory gene test, limiting participation to “biological females.”

As the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches, Iranians are bracing for a potential catastrophe. With over 90 million people facing uncertainty, daily life in Iran could drastically change by Wednesday.Trump has issued ominous warnings, stating that if Iran does not comply, its electricity, bridges, and other critical infrastructure will be targeted, despite this violating international law. Such actions could lead to the destruction of a whole civilisation, as Trump previously mentioned.In the hours leading up to the 8pm US Eastern Time (23:00 GMT) deadline, residents of Tehran express their fears. A Tehran resident noted, “We all know he’s crazy enough to do it. He doesn’t care as long as he believes it serves his interest.” This sentiment reflects the anxiety gripping the nation as the threat of an attack looms.Preparations for potential blackouts and shortages are underway. Iranians are charging phones and power banks, using household appliances, and stocking up on essentials like bread, flour, and bottled water. The price of bottled water has surged due to chronic inflation and the ongoing conflict.The impact on vulnerable populations, including the sick and disabled, could be severe. Long-lasting power cuts would hinder access to essential medicines and medical equipment, exacerbating the crisis.Market prices for electrical devices and generators have skyrocketed, with many struggling to afford these necessities. A resident from the northern province of Gilan shared that he purchased a generator to power essential items, spending nearly all his earnings.Despite the threats, there is some optimism about Iran’s decentralised power distribution system potentially mitigating damage. The Ministry of Energy assured the public that they are prepared for worst-case scenarios and urged calm.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced readiness to expand its target list and attack critical infrastructure in neighbouring countries if the threatened attacks proceed. Iranian politicians, including former President Hassan Rouhani, have condemned Trump’s statements, highlighting Iran’s resilience and cultural heritage.As the situation unfolds, protests and demonstrations are taking place across the country. State-backed motorcades are roaming the streets of Tehran, playing revolutionary songs, while armed checkpoints maintain control over highways and public spaces.

According to the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 180 people are feared dead or missing after a series of shipwrecks in the Mediterranean over the past ten days, pushing the year‑to‑date death toll to almost 1,000 since January 2026. The agency disclosed that approximately 765 deaths have occurred in the Central Mediterranean alone, surpassing the same period last year by over 460 fatalities. Across the entire Mediterranean, IOM recorded at least 990 deaths, describing it as "one of the deadliest starts to a year since 2014," when systematic data collection began. Since March 28, five separate shipwrecks have claimed the lives of or left missing at least 181 individuals. The most recent tragedy on Sunday involved a vessel that departed from Tajoura, Libya, with roughly 120 migrants aboard; rough weather caused the boat to capsize, leaving more than 80 people missing. Rescue efforts saved 32 survivors, who were later transferred to Lampedusa by the Italian coast guard, and two bodies were recovered. Libya continues to serve as a primary transit hub for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East, a situation exacerbated by the country's ongoing instability since the 2011 uprising that ousted Muammar Gaddafi. Lampedusa, the tiny Italian island that functions as Europe’s main entry point from North Africa, has witnessed a grim pattern of loss. An earlier shipwreck on April 1 off Lampedusa resulted in at least 19 confirmed deaths and the rescue of 58 people, many of whom remain in critical condition. Survivors reported that the vessel had left the Libyan port of Zuara between March 28 and 29. IOM chief Amy Pope emphasized that these incidents highlight a persistent humanitarian emergency: "These tragedies show, once again, that far too many people are still risking their lives on dangerous routes," she said. Pope called for immediate action, stating that saving lives must be the priority and urging the international community to strengthen coordinated efforts against traffickers, expand safe and regular migration pathways, and prevent future deaths. The surge in fatalities underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and increased rescue capacity in the Mediterranean, as the region grapples with a mounting humanitarian crisis that threatens both lives and regional stability.

The match between Lancashire and Northamptonshire saw Ben Sanderson thwarting Lancashire's chances with a crucial contribution to Northamptonshire's tail-end resilience.

Amid growing international focus on the Iran‑Israel conflict, Israel is pressing ahead with a systematic annexation of the West Bank, centred on the contentious E1 settlement project. The plan envisions the construction of 3,400 new homes on Palestinian land, a move designed to split the territory and undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly condemned the annexation drive, labeling the E1 scheme illegal. Although the war in Iran and Israel’s military actions in southern Lebanon have delayed the release of construction tenders, officials confirm that the tenders will be issued on 1 June. Criticism from the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy has so far failed to deter the Israeli government, which appears accustomed to rhetorical rebukes without concrete repercussions. As former EU officials note, the Union has yet to leverage its economic and diplomatic weight to stop the settlement expansion. The British Prime Minister has reaffirmed the stance of the International Court of Justice, declaring the 1967 occupation of Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank unlawful. This follows the United Kingdom’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine last year, alongside France, Canada and Australia. Given its historic ties and recent diplomatic recognitions, the UK is uniquely positioned to galvanise European and Commonwealth partners. Experts propose a three‑pronged approach: first, issue a clear warning that any contractor involved in designing, building or financing the E1 settlement jeopardises its commercial interests with the UK; second, impose a comprehensive ban on UK trade in goods, services and investment linked to the settlements; and third, suspend the trade concessions granted under the UK‑Israel trade and partnership agreement for breaching its human‑rights provisions. New Prime Minister Keir Starmer is urged to embed these measures within a broader strategy to strengthen European cooperation, champion equal rights, and secure mutual security for Israelis and Palestinians. Without enforceable consequences, the illegal settlement programme is likely to expand, heightening the risk of further violence. Vincent Fean – former consul‑general in JerusalemDavid Hannay – former UN ambassadorAnn Grant – former high commissioner to South AfricaEmyr Jones Parry – former UN ambassadorDavid Manning – former US ambassadorDavid Richmond – former FCO director generalPeter Westmacott – former US ambassadorJeremy Greenstock – former UN ambassadorFrances Guy – former Lebanon ambassadorPeter Millett – former Jordan ambassadorDerek Plumbly – former Egypt ambassadorEdward Clay – former Kenya high commissionerTony Brenton – former Russia ambassadorWilliam Patey – former Afghanistan ambassadorColin Budd – former Netherlands ambassadorAnthony Cary – former Canada high commissionerAlan Charlton – former Brazil ambassadorEdward Chaplin – former Iraq and Jordan ambassadorPeter Collecott – former Brazil ambassadorRichard Dalton – former Iran ambassadorMichael Hone – former Iceland ambassadorNicholas Hopton – former Iran ambassadorPeter Jenkins – former UN (Vienna) ambassadorRupert Joy – former EU ambassador to MoroccoRobin Kealy – former Tunisia ambassadorRobin Lamb – former Bahrain ambassadorAnthony Layden – former Morocco ambassadorRichard Makepeace – former UAE ambassadorMark Matthews – former Chad ambassadorRichard Northern – former Libya ambassadorChristopher Segar – former Iraq ambassadorAdrian Sindall – former Syria ambassador

A group of 32 former UK ambassadors and high commissioners has urged the UK government to take action against companies bidding to build an illegal Israeli settlement in the West Bank. The planned E1 settlement, which would involve the construction of 3,400 houses on "Palestinian soil," is part of Israel's "systemic West Bank annexation."The letter, published in the Guardian, calls for a UK trade ban on settlement products and services, as well as "suspending trade concessions with Israel for its breach of the human rights provision in the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement."The E1 plan, which has been on hold for two decades, poses an "existential threat" to the future of the two-state solution. Critics argue that it would extend the existing Jewish settlement of Ma'ale Adumim towards Jerusalem, further cutting occupied East Jerusalem from the West Bank, and further separating the north and south of the territory.Keir Starmer has stated that the Israeli settlements, including the E1 settlement, are a "flagrant breach of international law" and threaten the viability of a two-state solution. The UK government has recommended that "settlement products are labelled so that consumers are informed."The letter calls for Britain to lead the way in taking action against the Israeli settlement plans. "Britain is ideally fitted, both by that decision and its historic responsibilities in the region, to give a lead to like-minded European and Commonwealth partners," it states.