Nick Lester
UK
Nasa sticks by 2027 launch of next mission despite Blue Origin rocket explosion
The agency expresses confidence in the space firm founded by the billionaire Amazon businessman as it names its Artemis III crew.
By Nick Lester
9 Jun 2026
Politics
Trump told Netanyahu of need for ‘a lot of common sense’ amid Iran strikes
The president said if he tells the Israeli leader to do something ‘he does it’, after he appeared to ignore a White House request.
By Nick Lester
8 Jun 2026
Politics
Ex-Cameron aide and California governor hopeful hits out at election ‘shambles’
The Republican candidate stopped short of backing the US president’s unfounded claim that the race is ‘rigged’ amid count delays.
By Nick Lester
8 Jun 2026
Politics
Iran and Israel halt strikes after Trump tells both sides to ‘stop shooting’
Despite the clashes, the US president says peace talks are progressing ‘subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way’.
By Nick Lester
8 Jun 2026
Politics6 Jun 2026
Trump legal team objects to releasing records in BBC defamation case
The broadcaster’s lawyers dismissed claims of a ‘fishing expedition’, saying the details are needed to assess the president’s claim.
Science
Space station astronauts stood ready to evacuate during air leak repairs
Nasa told five members to take refuge in a docked spacecraft in case they needed to escape quickly from the orbiting laboratory.
By Nick Lester
5 Jun 2026
Politics
Trump takes fresh tilt at ‘windmills’ while announcing cash boost for US coal
The president has long voiced his opposition to turbines and been a stern critic of Britain’s energy stance
By Nick Lester
5 Jun 2026
Politics
Nato summit most important in its history, says Rubio amid US force cutbacks
Allies told they will have to ‘step up’ to fill the gap left by the reduced American military capability in Europe.
By Nick Lester
3 Jun 2026
Politics
UK-France mission to secure Strait of Hormuz ‘a catch-22’, says Marco Rubio
The top diplomat questioned the need for naval escorts ‘if no one’s shooting’ when he appeared before Congress.
By Nick Lester
3 Jun 2026
Politics
Trump says talks with Iran are continuing at ‘a rapid pace’, amid fresh strikes
Earlier, the US president said he ‘couldn’t care less’ if discussions with Tehran were over.
By Nick Lester
1 Jun 2026
Politics
Chaos over Trump’s red box ‘like The Thick Of It’ – Mandelson
Efforts in Whitehall to arrange a bespoke case sought after by the US president were branded ‘incompetence’ by Lord Mandelson.
By Nick Lester
1 Jun 2026
Politics
Jail transfer of Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell questioned in Congress
Moving the British socialite to a less restrictive facility after official interviews ‘seemed too coincidental’, say critics.
By Nick Lester
29 May 2026
Science
Moon base plans suffer early setback after Blue Origin rocket explosion
The space company founded by billionaire Amazon entrepreneur Jeff Bezos has a key role from the outset in establishing a lunar outpost.
By Nick Lester
29 May 2026
Politics
Trump holding meeting in White House situation room to decide on Iran deal
The tentative deal emerged despite the US and Iran trading fresh attacks in the three-month-long conflict.
By Nick Lester
29 May 2026
Politics
Any deal with Iran is ‘going to be president’s decision’ – Scott Bessent
The sign of progress came as the fragile truce in the three-month conflict was shaken after the US and Iran traded fresh strikes
By Nick Lester
28 May 2026
Tech
Life and death decisions must be made by humans not machines, says Vance
The US vice president told graduating air force cadets to use technology to make them better ‘but never submit to it’.
By Nick Lester
28 May 2026
Politics
Trump says he did not launch strikes against Iran ‘to get a crummy agreement’
The president also warned Oman to ‘behave’ over the Strait of Hormuz or the US ‘will have to blow them up’.
By Nick Lester
27 May 2026
Science
Moon base plans revealed as Nasa chief says ‘the grand return is close at hand’
The outpost at the satellite’s south pole may eventually spread out over hundreds of square miles
By Nick Lester
26 May 2026
Music
Billy Idol honoured for 50-year rock career he thought would last six months
The Rebel Yell singer received a lifetime achievement accolade to a standing ovation at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas.
By Nick Lester
26 May 2026
Politics
Carney says Alberta’s independence vote ‘a dangerous bluff’ like Brexit
The former Bank of England governor says the UK is still dealing with the fallout of the 2016 decision to leave the EU.
By Nick Lester
26 May 2026
Politics
Rubio urges Strait of Hormuz plan B as UK mission for ‘when no one shooting’
America’s top diplomat stresses the need for an alternative if Iran refuses to give up control of the channel and enforces tolls
By Nick Lester
22 May 2026