1. Isis still threat to Europe, warns MI5 chief
The head of MI5 is warning today that Islamic State is planning “devastating” and “more complex” attacks in Europe after losing its territory in the Middle East. Andrew Parker will tell a meeting of EU security chiefs in Berlin that 12 terror attacks have been thwarted in the UK in the past 14 months.
2. US embassy moves from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka, and her husband Jared Kushner, are in Israel today for the opening of the new US embassy in Jerusalem. The embassy is controversially moving from Tel Aviv, where most foreign nations keep their diplomatic missions to Israel. The head of al-Qa’eda has called for a jihad on the US in response to the decision.
3. Brain cancer research to increase in tribute to Jowell
Downing Street announced this morning that government funding for research into cancers that affect the brain will double to £40m, and NHS hospitals will carry out “gold standard” tumour diagnosis tests, in tribute to Dame Tessa Jowell. The former Labour cabinet minister was diagnosed with brain cancer last year and died on Saturday, at the age of 70, after suffering a haemorrhage.
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4. Britons kidnapped in DR Congo ‘grateful’ for release
Two British tourists who were kidnapped in a national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo say they are “very relieved” and “very grateful” after being released. No details have been given of how their freedom was secured, but it is known that a female park ranger, 26-year-old Rachel Masika Baraka, was killed trying to protect them.
5. Complaint against homeless charity over deportations
Homelessness charity St Mungo’s assisted Home Office enforcement officials to identify and unlawfully arrest migrant rough sleepers, according to a complaint has been brought to the Charity Commission. The Government is to pay hundreds of thousands in compensation to homeless EU citizens who were illegally detained and deported.
6. Government to invest £2.5bn in nuclear subs
The UK’s nuclear submarine programme is to receive an investment of £2.5bn, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson is due to announce today. He will say that the technology will secure the country “from intensifying threats” and also help sustain thousands of jobs. A new Astute-class submarine will be built, at a cost of £1.5bn.
7. Victims of serious crime face immigration arrest
More than half of the UK’s police forces hand over victims of serious crime to face arrest over their immigration status, an investigation by the BBC has found. Both victims and witnesses are being referred to the Home Office despite guidance from the National Police Chiefs Council that says immediate arrest “will not be made” in these circumstances. Campaigners say the practice is unfair.
8. Most Britons ‘have felt overwhelmed by stress’
Most Britons have felt “overwhelmed” by stress within the past year, with one in three left feeling suicidal and one in six self-harming in response, a new survey suggests. The research, commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation think tank, is the biggest ever carried out into the impact of stress. Experts say the NHS should do more.
9. Surprise win for Peaky Blinders at Bafta awards
BBC drama series Peaky Blinders last night won the best drama category at the Bafta TV Awards, confounding predictions of a clean sweep by Netflix. It was a good night for the BBC all round, with Molly Windsor taking the best leading actress award for Three Girls and Sean Bean taking best leading actor for Broken. Netflix won just one major award.
10. Briefing: Stephen Hawking’s memorial service
Admirers of Stephen Hawking can enter a ballot for a chance to pay their respects in person at a memorial service in his honour at Westminster Abbey next month.
The physicist and author of pop science bestseller A Brief History of Time died at the age of 76 on 14 March and was cremated at a private funeral ceremony in Cambridge on 31 March.
How to enter the ballot for Stephen Hawking’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey
