Kyiv attacks warplane and missile parts plant

Ukraine has launched a cross-border drone attack, striking a Russian semiconductor plant responsible for producing parts for ballistic missiles and warplanes.

Ukraine’s military said in a statement that it had struck the Bolkhov semiconductor plant in Oryol Oblast overnight. The plant is one of Russia‘s leading producers of semiconductor devices and components, focusing on diodes, microcircuits, optoelectronic switches, and more, the General Staff said.

Unverified footage published online appeared to show the plant on fire. Ukraine’s military said 10 drones hit the premises, resulting in a fire.

The region’s governor initially claimed there had been no damage from the attack, but subsequently admitted that the plant and several buildings were damaged.

The plant was placed under US sanctions last year over its role in the Russian military-industrial complex. The factory supplies at least 19 Russian plants tasked with producing Sukhoi warplanes or Iksander and Kinzhal ballistic missiles.

Russia’s ministry of defence claimed to have downed 150 drones overnight, including 53 in Oryol, but did not provide evidence to substantiate these claims.

Tommy Robinson charged with harassment causing fear of violence

Tommy Robinson has been charged with harassment causing fear of violence against two journalists.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is accused of two counts of harassment causing fear of violence between 5 and 7 August last year.

The 42-year-old will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 June, the Crown Prosecution Service said on Wednesday.

A CPS spokesperson said: “We have authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, 42, with harassment causing fear of violence against two men.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.”

Ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe recorded making ‘antisemitic’ remark in leaked video

Former Reform UK MP has been recorded making an “antisemitic” remark during a meeting in parliament this year, it has emerged.

Video footage shows Rupert Lowe, who was suspended from the party after a bitter public spat with Nigel Farage, commenting in front of parliamentary staff.

In a leaked recording, obtained by The Guardian, Mr Lowe commented on the size of a camera being used to film him. “In days gone by, you’d call it a Jewish camera, but that would be politically incorrect. Because it’s so small,” Mr Lowe is recorded as saying.

Others present began laughing, before one reassured him the footage would not be shared and another joked that his “career would be over in a second”.

Responding to the resurfaced video, Mr Lowe said he could not remember making the comment. “But if it was said, it was clearly a joke as anybody reading it can understand,” he added.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned the “bizarre and outdated antisemitic language” and said it played into the trope that Jewish people are frugal with money.

A spokesman said it “has no place in our politics” and called for an apology from Mr Lowe. Reform has been approached for comment.

Mr Lowe was suspended from Reform this year pending an investigation into his conduct and claims he had threatened violence against its chair, Zia Yusuf.

That came after he publicly criticised Mr Farage, accusing the party leader of having “messianic” tendencies, and Mr Lowe maintained he was the victim of a political hit job for speaking out.

The police have since dropped an investigation into claims Mr Lowe threatened Mr Yusuf, while the now independent MP has renewed his attacks on Mr Farage.

Mr Farage “is a coward and a viper and must never be prime minister”, he has since said.

Mr Lowe, a former MEP for the Brexit Party, has been toying with a defection to the Conservatives or the idea of forming a new right-wing party to rival the Conservatives.

He is a staunch right-winger and campaigns fervently on issues including illegal migration, grooming gangs and free speech.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight this month, Mr Lowe said he would join a reformed Conservative Party or form a new party with the backing of Elon Musk.