First Thing: Trump launches tirade against Europe for not joining Iran war 01. April 2026 (12:30) Some European countries have blocked Israeli and US planes from moving weapons through their airspace. Plus, a rocket heads to the moon for the first time since 1972Don’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning.Donald Trump has launched a tirade against European countries that refused to join the Israel-US war against Iran, calling out the UK and France, as transatlantic relations continue their downward spiral and the war wreaks havoc on the global economy.What pushback has there been from Europe? France has blocked Israeli planes from flying weapons through its airspace, while Italy refused last-minute permission for US bombers to land in Sicily. Spain has already denied the US use of its bases and airspace. The UK, however, has allowed the US to use its bases for a war that its government says is illegal.For the latest updates, follow our live blog. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US tech firm Oracle cuts thousands of jobs as it steps up AI spending 01. April 2026 (12:20) Company chaired by Trump ally Larry Ellison seeks to reassure investors that bet on AI infrastructure will pay offOracle is cutting thousands of jobs as the US technology company seeks to reassure investors that its bet on AI infrastructure will pay off.The $420bn firm, headquartered in Austin, Texas, started making employees redundant on Tuesday, with thousands of Oracle’s 160,000-strong workforce expected to leave. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Iran war shows UK needs ‘ambitious’ new EU ties, Starmer says, as Trump again criticises Nato 01. April 2026 (12:08) PM to focus on European defence and economic partnership for ‘dangerous world’ in pivot away from USUK politics live – latest updatesBritain’s long-term national interest requires closer partnership with the EU, Keir Starmer has said, citing war in the Middle East and the increasingly volatile international situation.The prime minister indicated that the conflict had refocused the government on “ambitious” new ties with Europe, economically and in defence, and said how Britain emerged from the crisis “would define us for a generation”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Starmer says he will push for ‘closer partnership’ with EU after Iran war highlights global volatility – UK politics live 01. April 2026 (12:03) Prime minister says UK will host meeting later this week with other nations on the reopening of the strait of HormuzStarmer says he understands why people are concerned about the cost of living.He says he has already set out a five-point plan to deal with the crisis.Just look at what’s happening today. Today your energy bills will be cut because of the action that we took at the budget. And whatever happens in Iran, that price is now fixed until July.The most effective way we can support the cost of living in Britain is to push for de-escalation in the Middle East, and a reopening of the strait of Hormuz, which is such a vital route for energy.To that end, we’re exploring each and every diplomatic avenue that is available to us. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US supreme court to weigh whether Trump can deny birthright citizenship 01. April 2026 (12:00) Trump issued executive order in January 2025 that seeks to undo birthright citizenship, overriding the constitutionSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe US supreme court will hear arguments on Wednesday over whether Trump can reverse generations of precedent and deny birthright citizenship to babies born on US soil, which would impact hundreds of thousands of children annually.On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order that sought to undo birthright citizenship, overriding the US constitution – or, as his administration has argued, interpret the constitution correctly, in defiance of supreme court precedent. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
