Trump orders 25% tariffs on ‘any country doing business with Iran’

Donald Trump says any country doing business with Iran will face 25 per cent US tariffs “effective immediately”.

The White House also reiterated its threat to use military action against Tehran over its violent crackdown against economic protesters.

At least 646 people have now died in clashes between demonstrators and security forces across Iran, according to a monitoring group.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has told reporters that airstrikes are among the “many, many options” that the US president is considering but that “diplomacy is always the first option for the president”.

“We are ready for war but also for dialogue,” Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi responded.

Mr Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran including cyber-attacks and direct strikes by the US or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions.

But the US president also said Tehran had been in touch and “they want to negotiate” to prevent such action.

Jewish MP’s visit to school cancelled after pro-Palestine campaign

A Jewish MP visit to a local school in his constituency was cancelled after a campaign by a pro-Palestine group, it has emerged.

Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, had been due to visit Bristol Brunel Academy in September, but the booking was called off shortly before his appearance.

The cancellation was labelled a “victory” by the Bristol branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which protested against the visit.

The decision has now been highlighted by communities secretary Steve Reed, who described the move as an “absolute outrage”.

Speaking to the Jewish News editor on Sunday, Mr Reed said: “I have a colleague who is Jewish, who has been banned from visiting a school and refused permission to visit a school in his own constituency, in case his presence inflames the teachers. That is an absolute outrage.”

Condemning the move and asked what actions would be taken, he said: “They will be called in, and they will be held to account for doing that, because you cannot have people with those kinds of attitudes teaching our children. You just can’t have it.”

Mr Reed did not name the colleague, but sources have confirmed he was referring to Mr Egan, who has not commented.

In a Facebook post after the visit was cancelled, Bristol’s Palestine Solidarity Campaign branch said: “Victory for parents, teachers and the community. The planned school visit today (Friday September 5) by Damian Egan, MP for Bristol North East, has been cancelled after concerns were raised by the NEU trade union staff group, parents and local constituents.

“This is a clear message — politicians who openly support Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza are not welcome in our schools. Egan is vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel and has visited Israel since the current onslaught on Gaza began, demonstrating his support.

“We celebrate this cancellation as a win for safeguarding, solidarity, and for the power of trade unionists, parents, and campaigners standing together.”

During the event on Sunday, Mr Reed told the Jewish Labour Movement: “We have to call this stuff out. We have to have consistency, and we have to be prepared to change the law when it happens. Otherwise, we are legitimising this at the fringes, and that’s where it grows from.”

It comes after Bridget Phillipson wrote to vice-chancellors of universities in October urging them to take “practical and proportionate steps” to protect Jewish students as part of Government efforts to stamp out antisemitism.

Some 600 training sessions will be offered to university staff over the coming weeks to help them “identify harassment and hate” and facilitate “open, respectful debate”, the Department for Education (DfE) said.

The Independent has contacted Bristol Brunel academy. In a statement to The Guardian, an academy spokesperson said: “On the evening before Mr Egan’s scheduled visit, we were made aware of plans for a public protest outside the school. We opted to postpone Mr Egan’s visit to ensure everyone would continue to feel safe when entering and exiting school and to prevent any disruption to our students’ learning.

“We have remained in contact with Mr Egan, and an alternative date for his visit was arranged some time ago. We have also been in contact with the police and followed their advice.”

Petrol stations set to stop selling diesel by 2030

Some filling stations in London will stop selling diesel within the next four years as demand dwindles, according to a new report.

The analysis by electric vehicle (EV) think tank New AutoMotive also predicted that many of the roughly 8,400 filling stations across the UK will have stopped selling the fuel by 2035.

It predicted this will encourage more motorists to switch to EVs.

Diesel vehicle numbers and fuel use are consistently falling nationwide.

In 10 years, there will only be about 250,000 diesel cars left on the roads, the report forecast, down from 15.5 million as of the end of June 2025.

London is expected to be the UK’s first city with no diesel cars.

The expansion of the ultra-low emission zone in 2023 means using a diesel car registered before September 2015 anywhere in the capital incurs a £12.50 daily fee.

The report stated: “It is likely that some, and perhaps many, filling stations in London will stop stocking diesel before the end of the decade.”

It added: “Nationwide, it is clear that diesel fuel sales are falling, and this is being driven by the reduction in car numbers.

“Whilst it is impossible to accurately predict when the majority of filling stations will stop stocking diesel, it is clear that there is a distinct possibility that many will over the 2030s.”

Some filling stations now offer EV charging.

The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) said last year only 57 per cent of its members believe fuel will be a core source of their revenue in a decade.

New Automotive said the amount of diesel sold for cars rose steadily from 2005 to 2017, but has been declining since then.

Sales in 2023 were 22 per cent lower than the peak.

The government plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, but there is no proposal to outlaw the use of existing vehicles.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show just 5.1 per cent of new cars bought last year were diesels.

The market shares of petrol and pure battery electric new cars were 46.4 per cent and 23.4 per cent respectively.

New Automotive chief executive Ben Nelmes said as fewer people drive diesel cars, filling stations will “stop stocking their fuel” as “diesel does not keep well”.

He went on: “If fuel sits in tanks without selling at pace, it degrades.

“As diesel availability tightens, many motorists will conclude the smartest option is to avoid the headache and go electric.”

Delvin Lane, chief executive of chargepoint supplier InstaVolt, said some filling stations have already started offering high-powered EV charging to “deliver journeys which are smoother, cleaner and more convenient”.

He added: “For drivers, this is not about being pushed into electric.

“It’s a rational choice, driven by better technology.”

A PRA spokesperson said its members have “no definitive plans to cease selling diesel”.

He continued: Nonetheless, they consistently track evolving customer preferences and adjust their services in response.

“This is reflected in investments such as expanded retail shops, EV charging facilities and first-class valeting services.”

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said “it might seem ironic” that concerns over the lack of public EV chargepoints will be “reversed” when diesel drivers “anxiously seek service stations where they can still fill up”.

He added: “There will come a tipping point when the number of diesel cars and vans on the road falls so far that the commercial viability of stocking the fuel at every forecourt falls away.

“But it feels like a brave move to call the death of diesel today when the vast majority of the vans and trucks that power our economy are still diesel-fuelled.”

Szoboszlai marries the sublime and the ridiculous in muddled display

Few score from 30 yards and create a goal with a backheel in the same game. When a player does, it could be cause for unadulterated joy. The sight of a crestfallen Dominik Szoboszlai told another tale. He struck for Liverpool in spectacular style, gifted Barnsley a goal with an embarrassing blunder and was the man of the match in the sense that it revolved around him to a remarkable extent; Barnsley wanted a penalty for his shirt tug on the lively Reyes Cleary. The night ended with Liverpool progressing in the FA Cup simultaneously because of and despite Szoboszlai.

Szoboszlai has usually been the one who was blameless this season. Not this time, though a gaffe at least allowed Adam Phillips to realise an ambition. “Scoring in front of the Kop, Liverpool fan, coming through the academy; it’s something he can look back on for the rest of his life and say he did that,” said his manager, Conor Hourihane.

When Szoboszlai looks back, it may be with more regret. The Hungarian first showed his side the way and was then punished for his showboating. His night began with a celebration and ended with an apology. “Sorry to the team again,” he said. “I made it hard for us. It was an easy mistake.”

It may not spare him an inquest from an unhappy Arne Slot. “I don’t think you should do that in an FA Cup game or League Cup, a friendly game or even a training session,” he said. “It’s a weird choice but I prefer to speak about that with Dom.”

Indeed, Szoboszlai united the two managers in criticism. “A little bit disrespectful from their player, I don’t think he does that against Chelsea or Arsenal or in a Champions League game,” said Barnsley’s Hourihane. Szoboszlai does at least score against both Arsenal and Barnsley. His sixth of the season means only Hugo Ekitike has more for Liverpool.

It still necessitated a display of bench strength from Slot to take Liverpool through. Perhaps scarred by last season’s exit to Plymouth, when many of his replacements were rookies, he summoned Florian Wirtz and Ekitike, saw both score and assist and ended with a 4-1 scoreline that flattered his side. But on the day a former Liverpool favourite, Xabi Alonso, became an unemployed manager, victory may have been timely for Slot. His side are now unbeaten in 11 games and if the figure is more emphatic than many of the performances, Liverpool have booked a date with Brighton. The temptation is to suggest it could have been Liverpool against Manchester United.

It might, though, have been Barnsley against Brighton. The Tykes fell to their first defeat at Anfield since 1959, a few months before Liverpool appointed Bill Shankly, but the team 17th in League One may wonder if it might have been their third straight win here. They struck the woodwork inside 30 seconds and played with a verve that belied their recent form.

They also justified Slot’s choices. “Not that it is a compliment to myself but I think I made the right decision to play a lot of starters,” he said. He made six changes, with Rio Ngumoha the sole youngster to start. When Liverpool’s lead sometimes seemed precarious, Slot made a triple change to bring on Ibrahima Konate, Wirtz and Ekitike, who have a combined cost of over £200m. If Barnsley could take that as a compliment, the reinforcements finished off the third-tier team. Wirtz’s third goal in five games was set up by Ekitike with a backheel – that, he may have showed Szoboszlai, is how to do it – and curled in from 25 yards. Then the German escaped down the right flank, centred and Ekitike was given a relatively simple finish.

So three Liverpool players made and scored a goal, but only two purely for the Reds. As Liverpool conceded a terrible goal, they scored three crackers. “It is not always easy to unlock a low block,” said Slot, repeating a favourite theme. He often says it takes a moment of magic. As Barnsley played 5-4-1, the Premier League champions got three.

Indeed, Alexis Mac Allister got a pair of assists for two distinctly unexceptional passes. The finishes were rather more memorable. First came the good from Szoboszlai, a swerving shot from 30 yards that flew past Murphy Cooper.

Then Jeremie Frimpong cut in to lash in an unstoppable shot for his first goal at Anfield. The worrying element for Liverpool was that, without Conor Bradley for the remainder of the season, Frimpong was troubled defensively.

If there were moments when Liverpool looked frail at the back, especially against counterattacks, Barnsley’s goal came in rather different fashion. Szoboszlai has often been the role model for Liverpool this season. This was the example of how not to do things. An attempt at a backheel in his own six-yard box was an attempt to be clever that left him looking foolish. He then presented Phillips with a tap in with an attempt to be too clever. “It is not the first time we are 2-0 up and concede a sloppy goal but that stands out even for us,” said Slot.

His night just got harder. It had almost begun terribly. Liverpool had defended wonderfully against Arsenal but started shambolically. With 28 seconds gone, Davis Keillor-Dunn headed Phillips’s cross against the post. Joe Gomez was culpable then. It was not to prove Liverpool’s worst aberration at the back, though.

Chechen warlord hospitalised with kidney failure, Ukrainian intelligence says

Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov has been hospitalised with kidney failure, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

Rumours are swirling that Mr Kadyrov’s health is deteriorating to the point that the Kremlin is already considering who will take up his position as the head of the Chechen Republic, Ukrainian state-owned news agency Ukrinform reported, citing a source.

The source in the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, who remained anonymous, said Mr Kadyrov has been undergoing dialysis, with doctors not making any firm predictions about his condition.

They added that members of his powerful clan, including family members from abroad, have flocked to his bedside as he is treated at a private hospital in Chechnya.

The emergency treatment has sparked growing concern behind the scenes, according to reports, especially since Mr Kadyrov last appeared in public over a week ago, when he was seen using a walking stick.

Ukrinform reported the Kremlin’s search for Mr Kadyrov’s replacement has intensified. Magomed Daudov, Apti Alaudinov, and Mr Kadyrov’s eldest son, Akhmat Kadyrov, are among the frontrunners, although it will ultimately be Russian president Vladimir Putin’s decision.

It was announced last week that 20-year-old Akhmat Kadyrov had been appointed to the role of acting deputy head of the republic’s government by his father, on top of his position as Minister of Sports and others. The move was widely seen as preparing the way for a potential succession and led to accusations of nepotism.

Mr Kadyrov appointed another of his sons, Adam Kadyrov, as his head of security in 2023 – the same year he beat up a prisoner in custody over claims they burnt the Quran, the Moscow Times reported.

Mr Kadyrov is said to have appointed at least 96 relatives to official or corporate posts since he began his rule of Chechnya in 2007.

Critics accuse him of governing the republic like a personal fiefdom over the past two decades.

He was installed as Chechnya’s leader by the Kremlin after the republic came under Russian control following a decade of bloody fighting for independence.

Human rights groups have accused Mr Kadyrov of a string of abuses, including the forced disappearance of opponents, torture and the persecution of homosexuals. He has also been linked to several assassinations, some of them in Europe. In 2021, he was sanctioned by the US for his alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings. He denies all allegations.

Mr Kadyrov has been vocal in his support for pro-Kremlin rebels in eastern Ukraine and for Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Chechen forces have fought in Ukraine as part of Russia’s invasion.

The Chechen leader has been a key ally of Putin and one of the most powerful and feared men in Moscow.

His poor health puts the future of Chechnya – and Moscow’s grip on the republic – into question.

Your dream cruise formula: From Caribbean islands to European cities

If your ideal holiday is one that blends fuss-free adventure with great culinary choices and sumptuous relaxation, then book yourself onto a cruise immediately. From experiencing rich cultures, visiting breathtaking beauty spots, and dining on delicious delicacies – cruising has become one of the most luxurious ways to travel.

This dream-holiday formula is something that Virgin Voyages has perfected with its multi-award-winning, adult-only cruises, which sail across Europe, North America and the Caribbean. From entertaining onboard experiences and modern facilities to exciting escapades on land, these are the types of trips that are worth writing home about, and why Virgin Voyages has been named Travel + Leisure ® World’s Best #1 Mega Ship for an impressive three years in a row.

Here’s what would-be Sailors can expect from a Virgin Voyages cruise…

Whichever of the 150-plus destinations you choose to sail to, one thing remains guaranteed, you’ll get an unforgettable journey, and leave with happy stories to share with loved ones back home. Why not make those memories on Virgin Voyages’ impressive Lady Ships, with Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady each offering a distinct personality which is encapsulated in everything from decor to destinations. Expect enough amenities and activities to entertain a small city: from tequila tasting to spa days and over 20 premium eateries serving menus curated by Michelin starred chefs. There’s a whole holiday’s worth of experiences before you’ve even docked at your first port.

Be gone any thoughts of pokey, old-fashioned interiors and get ready to embrace charming cabins with a super-yacht aesthetic. No matter which of the Virgin Voyages sleeping quarters you choose from, you’ll be met with super comfortable beds, a roomy rainshower, mood lighting, free Wi-Fi and a large flat-screen HDTV. Want to really push the boat out? Opt for luxury suites that promise five-star comfort and opulence, with champagne tables, sun loungers, handwoven terrace hammocks and in-room bars. Virgin Voyages ‘RockStar’ Sailors can also enjoy everything from VIP entrances to private access to rooftop terraces.

Whether your spirit is one of a dancing queen or a sophisticated theatre-goer, Virgin Voyages has nightlife and entertainment options to suit every taste – developed with the help of the world’s most-talked-about directors, choreographers, and artists. Choose from 80s parties, festival acts or classic stories like Romeo and Juliet – reinvented with a circus twist. Each ship offers something different, so if you’re a Virgin Voyages regular, you’ll never see the same thing twice. Save your vocal chords for the private karaoke rooms, while the casinos and gaming arcades could elevate an already winning mood even further.

Don’t want to leave your full-on fitness regime behind when you go on holiday? Or are you just curious to try a new healthy group class? Whatever your wellness wishes, there’s plenty to keep you busy onboard with workouts for every level. There’s yoga, HIIT, weight training, boxing, meditation and more, plus running or walking the signature 255-metre-ish Virgin red running track, which curves around the top of the ship in a halo shape. If relaxation is your main goal, head to the spa for everything from steam room and sauna to hot stone massage and seaweed wrap. The beauty salon offers a range of professional treatments, from manicures, pedicures and nail art to IV therapy, Botox and fillers.

While you’re free to enjoy port cities at your own leisure, Virgin Voyages also curates an array of land excursions or ‘Shore Things’ for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture. Why not enjoy a barefoot fish cookout on the Mexican island of Cozumel, a late night party on the Greek Island of Mykonos or visit the historic halls of Harvard University when sailing through Boston, Massachusetts. If you’re cruising the Caribbean, choose from a beach day in St Vincent and The Grenadines; explore the private island of Mustique or visit the colourful buildings of the capital Kingstown. Do as much or as little as you like – you’re always in charge!

Proving that there really is a cruise for everyone, Virgin Voyages’ child-free cruises visit almost endless destinations that span Europe, North America and the Caribbean. Choose a five-night cruise from New York to Bermuda, taking in the paradise pink-sand beaches, maritime history and cafe culture of the island, or maybe a seven-night voyage starting in Los Angeles and sailing to Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan in Mexico. For a trip closer to home, soak in the Mediterranean sunshine while visiting Europe’s most famous cities and islands starting in the homeports of Greece and Spain. Tick off an array of bucket list destinations with the Idyllic Ibiza cruise aboard the Valiant Lady; set sail from Rome to Barcelona with stop offs at the superluxe Amalfi Coast, Cannes and Ibiza – now, that’s what you call an A-list adventure.

With so many incredible destinations to visit and on-board luxury to explore, a cruise with Virgin Voyages is a holiday you’ll never stop talking about.

Discover Virgin Voyages luxury range of cruises and plan your next adventure today

Art teacher banned after telling pupils to improve their work in exam

An art teacher has been banned from the classroom after telling GSCE students how to improve their work during an exam and allowing them to take their work home.

Wendy Lewis, 59, also told pupils at St Dunstan’s School in Glastonbury that they could receive additional time due to “strike days” and “bank holidays” which was not true.

Having worked as a food technology and art teacher since 2001, she resigned from her position in August 2023 after an internal disciplinary investigation.

A panel hearing at the Teaching Regulation Agency heard that Ms Lewis had broken strict exam rules which stated that students must not add to or amend work produced during the 10 hours of supervised time.

However, on 26 and 27 April 2023, she gave pupils suggestions which included telling one to add black background and recommending that another mute the colours in her work.

She was also found to have carried out some drawing for more than one pupil, allowed them to ask her questions and said she could come around and help them.

At the end of the assessment, she said: “If you have any unfinished work that you need to get done… I am going to leave the room and I think you know what I mean”. This allowed the pupils to take home their unfinished assessment and complete it outside of exam hours.

An investigation concluded that her behaviour had lacked integrity and was dishonest, bringing the teaching profession into disrepute through her actions.

It was noted: “In the panel’s view, it was clear that providing advice and assistance, offering unauthorised extensions, enabling pupils to access their work beyond the permitted time and providing false justifications for this, were all clear examples of conduct falling short of the higher standards expected from a teacher.”

Ms Lewis made full admissions and expressed remorse for her actions, with the panel noting that she had an otherwise good record and was considered to be a “well-respected and high performing teacher”.

However, it was ruled that her actions were “deliberate” and that she had failed in her duties of being in a position of responsibility.

As a result, she has been prohibited from teaching at any schools, college or children’s home indefinitely. She can apply for the prohibition order to be removed in December 2027.

Illegal workers ‘have nowhere to hide’ as arrests reach record levels

New figures reveal a significant surge in enforcement actions against illegal working in the UK, with both visits to businesses and arrests reaching their highest levels since records began in 2019.

Data indicates that 12,791 visits were conducted in 2025 to establishments such as nail bars, car washes, barbers, and takeaway shops.

This marks a substantial 57 per cent increase from the 8,122 visits recorded in the previous year.

Arrests related to illegal working also hit a record high, with 8,971 individuals apprehended last year – a nearly 59 per cent rise compared to the 5,647 arrests made in 2024, which was previously the highest point in Home Office data.

Of those arrested, 1,087 people have so far been removed from the UK.

These intensified efforts are part of the government’s broader strategy to crack down on illegal working and deter individuals from entering the country unlawfully.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: ”There is no place for illegal working in our communities.

“That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide.

“I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders.”

The Home Office also said visits were up 77 per cent and arrests were up 83 per cent since Labour came to power.

Some 17,483 visits and 12,322 arrests were recorded between July 2024 and December last year, up from 9,894 and 6,725 respectively across January 2023 to June 2024.

Of the arrests, 1,726 people have been returned so far, up 35 per cent on the 1,283 removed from visits in the previous 18-month period.

Among visits by immigration enforcement, officers arrested 13 people at a warehouse in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, on November 25 which led to 11 Brazilian and Romanian nationals being detained for removal from the UK.

On December 16, officers arrested 30 Indian and Albanian men at a construction site in Swindon, Wiltshire, the Home Office said, nearly all of whom were detained for removal from the UK, including five released on immigration bail.

Home Office director for enforcement teams, Eddy Montgomery, said: “While this is a great achievement, our activity won’t stop here, we will continue to bear down on this criminality in our towns, cities and villages to ensure there is no hiding place from immigration laws.”

Immigration enforcement was given £5 million to arrest, detain and remove migrants working illegally at sites such as takeaways, beauty salons and car washes.

Officers have also been wearing body-worn cameras since September to help with arrests and prosecutions.

Elsewhere, tighter right-to-work checks have also been introduced under the Government’s new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, forcing casual, temporary or subcontracted workers to have to prove their status.

Employers who fail to carry out checks could face up to five years in prison, fines of £60,000 for each illegal worker they have employed, and having their business closed.