{"id":942121,"date":"2026-05-06T18:52:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T18:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/942121\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T18:52:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T18:52:00","slug":"starmer-set-to-signal-path-to-an-even-softer-brexit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/942121\/","title":{"rendered":"Starmer set to signal path to an even softer Brexit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Sir Keir Starmer is poised to make a major intervention on the European Union within weeks, signalling a path to an even softer Brexit, The i Paper can reveal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBig, expansive, ambitious conversations\u201d are also under way at the heart of Government about the UK\u2019s future relationship with the EU, according to a Cabinet source.<\/p>\n<p>Discussions have been taking place in Whitehall for weeks on a potential major speech from the Prime Minister to flesh out the case for <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/politics\/uk-collision-course-eu-brexit-visas-under-30s-4316277?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">his Brexit reset<\/a>, which could happen as soon as this month, according to a Government insider. However, nothing is firmly set in stone.<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\tShorts \u2013 Quick stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tScroll to previous short<br \/>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tScroll to next short<br \/>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"542\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_293270586.jpg\" alt=\"Brain scans\" class=\"wp-image-4358506\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Alzheimer\u2019s can be seen on brain scans (Photo: Tek Image\/Getty)<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">HEALTH<\/p>\n<p>The at-home test that can predict Alzheimer\u2019s risk<\/p>\n<p>Scientists have developed an at-home test which can predict a person\u2019s risk of\u00a0Alzheimer\u2019s\u00a0disease, according to a study led by the University of Exeter. <\/p>\n<p>It involves a finger-prick blood test and an online brain assessment to help identify people at the highest risk. <\/p>\n<p>\nHow does the test work?\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_245349803.jpg\" alt=\"A young woman does a fingerprick blood test\" class=\"wp-image-4025815\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>Caption: Cropped shot of young woman using blood test kit at home while doing health check and consultation online. Home finger-prick blood test.<br \/>Photographer: Oscar Wong<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Moment RF<\/p>\n<p>Blood test<\/p>\n<p>Finger-prick blood tests look for biomarkers, p-tau217 and GFAP, which have been linked to Alzheimer\u2019s disease. \u00a0 <\/p>\n<p>Online brain tests <\/p>\n<p>Scientists look at the blood test alongside computerised cognitive testing to identify risk.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"506\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/PRI_157681526.jpg\" alt=\"Students are offered free laptops as an incentive for joining universities (Photo: PA)\" class=\"wp-image-537098\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>Students are offered free laptops as an incentive for joining universities (Photo: PA)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_293343872.jpg\" alt=\"File photo dated 18\/05\/17 of an elderly man holding a walking stick. Drugs that are said to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease &quot;make no meaningful difference to patients&quot; while increasing the risk of swelling and bleeding in the brain, according to a new review. The effects of the medicines on those with early-stage Alzheimer's and dementia were &quot;either absent or consistently small&quot;, researchers said. Issue date: Thursday April 16, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-4358894\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>Caption: File photo dated 18\/05\/17 of an elderly man holding a walking stick. Drugs that are said to slow the progression of Alzheimer\u2019s disease \u201cmake no meaningful difference to patients\u201d while increasing the risk of swelling and bleeding in the brain, according to a new review. The effects of the medicines on those with early-stage Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia were \u201ceither absent or consistently small\u201d, researchers said. Issue date: Thursday April 16, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens\/PA Wire<br \/>Photographer: Joe Giddens<br \/>Provider: Joe Giddens\/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA<\/p>\n<p>Prioritise patients<\/p>\n<p>The test results can be used to prioritise high-risk people for further testing and treatment.<\/p>\n<p>At-home tests to \u2018revolutionise\u2019 diagnosis<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n<p>Finger prick blood tests could revolutionise dementia diagnosis \u2013 they offer a low cost, scalable way to identify people who may be at higher risk of\u00a0Alzheimer\u2019s\u00a0disease and who should be offered further checks.<\/p>\n<p>DR SHEONA SCALES, ALZHEIMER\u2019S RESEARCH UK<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"570\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_240345890.jpg\" alt=\"A scientist holds a test tube of blood, in front of brain scans\" class=\"wp-image-3539669\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Scientists have long been trying to understand the root cause of Alzheimer\u2019s (Photo: Andrew Brookes\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"488\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_246685501.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 7: The Bank of England is pictured on April 7, 2025 in London, England. Global markets tumbled on opening today in the face of Trump's tariff announcement last week. The FTSE 100 plunged 6%, to a one-year low. (Photo by Carl Court\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4398926\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/>The Bank of England held interest rates last month (Photo by Carl Court\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">MONEY<\/p>\n<p>How many interest rate rises experts expect<\/p>\n<p>The Bank of England (BoE) kept interest rates on hold last week, but some experts predict rises later in 2026, which could mean mortgage deals increase yet again.<\/p>\n<p>Here are all the potential interest rises later this year, and what they could mean for your finances.<\/p>\n<p>Back to basics<\/p>\n<p>Why coud interest rates increase? <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--bulletted-heading\">Rising inflation<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--bulletted-sub\">The BoE increases rates as inflation climbs above its 2 per cent target. It is currently 3.3 per cent and set to rise to 3.75 per cent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--bulletted-heading\">Iran war<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--bulletted-sub\">The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to rise due to the Middle East conflict pushing up oil prices which trickles down to goods and services.<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/money\/property-and-mortgages\/bank-england-mortgages-4397052?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_295924257.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Explained<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">5 min read<\/p>\n<p>\nWhich interest rates could rise?\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"490\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_292494047.jpg\" alt=\"A customer shops for food items inside a Tesco supermarket store in east London on January 10, 2022. - UK annual inflation rocketed last November to 5.1 percent, more than double the Bank of England's 2.0-percent target -- price rises for fuel, clothing, food, second-hand cars and increased tobacco duty all helped drive up inflation. (Photo by Daniel LEAL \/ AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL\/AFP via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4344517\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>The impacts of instability in the Gulf could push up UK food prices (Photo: Daniel Leal\/AFP\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>Inflation<\/p>\n<p>Last week, the BoE published three scenarios for the Middle East conflict \u2013 all of which saw inflation rising.<\/p>\n<p>Base rate<\/p>\n<p>Some forecasters are predicting that the base rate could rise twice this year, taking it to 4.25 per cent.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/PRI_116708799.jpg\" alt=\"Embargoed to 0001 Tuesday January 07 File photo dated 26\/01\/18 of money. British-based banks and financial services handed over ?75.5 billion in taxes last year, accounting for more than ?1 in every ?10 paid to the Government, according to new figures. PA Photo. Issue date: Tuesday January 7, 2020. The total was made up of ?33.4 billion of direct taxes including corporation tax and business rates and ?42.1 billion through indirect ones such as employee National Insurance contributions, the City of London Corporation said. See PA story CITY Tax. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-3762511\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>(Photo: Dominic Lipinski\/PA).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_291625140_67ff98.jpg\" alt=\"Estate agents 'for sale' and 'let' signs outside residential properties in Guildford, UK, on Monday, July 28, 2025. The number of UK home loans given the green light rose to a three-month high in June, as the housing market continued to shake off the impact of April's tax hike.??Photographer: Jason Alden\/Bloomberg via Getty Images\" class=\"wp-image-4387509\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\/1;object-fit:cover;width:100px\"  \/>Caption: Estate agents \u2018for sale\u2019 and \u2018let\u2019 signs outside residential properties in Guildford, UK, on Monday, July 28, 2025. The number of UK home loans given the green light rose to a three-month high in June, as the housing market continued to shake off the impact of April\u2019s tax hike.??Photographer: Jason Alden\/Bloomberg via Getty Images<br \/>Photographer: Bloomberg<br \/>Provider: Bloomberg via Getty Images<br \/>Source: Bloomberg<br \/>Copyright: ? 2025 Bloomberg Finance LP<\/p>\n<p>Mortgage rate<\/p>\n<p>What happens to your mortgage depends on which product you have and a range of external factors. <\/p>\n<p>What it means for your mortgage<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you are on a tracker mortgage, this will follow the BoE changes directly.<\/li>\n<li>Your lender doesn\u2019t have to follow the BoE on a standard\u00a0variable mortgage, but they are likely to.<\/li>\n<li>If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, the rate you locked in is not affected by the base rate at all.<\/li>\n<li>But if you\u2019re getting a new fix, it will be impacted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/money\/buying-house-miles-away-mortgage-application-4389534?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_262824378.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">MONEY<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">TRAVEL<\/p>\n<p>Should morning airport pints be banned? Ryanair boss thinks so<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_296012211.jpg\" alt=\"Drink beer with a view of airplanes at the airport\" class=\"wp-image-4401511\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: Drink beer with a view of airplanes at the airport<br \/>Photographer: Saichol Chaleewun<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: iStockphoto<\/p>\n<p>Ryanair CEO Michael O\u2019Leary says serving alcohol before morning flights should be banned to tackle bad passenger behaviour. <\/p>\n<p>With the problem getting worse, could this spell the end of a pre-flight pint? <\/p>\n<p>\nWhat\u2019s the issue?\n<\/p>\n<p>O\u2019Leary said Ryanair is now having to divert one aircraft a day because of passengers behaving badly. Ten years ago, this was just one diversion a week.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_280073294.jpg\" alt=\"glasses of Real ale beer on bar in traditional English pub\" class=\"wp-image-4351942\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover;width:204px\"  \/>Caption: glasses of Real ale beer on bar in traditional English pub<br \/>Photographer: Peter Cade<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Photodisc<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_103524946.jpg\" alt=\"ORIO AL SERIO, ITALY - MAY 08: Passengers board Ryanair airplanes at Caravaggio ??? Bergamo Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) on May 8, 2022 in Orio al Serio near Bergamo, Italy. Primarily fueled by low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, global airline capacity has climbed back to 83 percent of its level in 2019 prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Additionally, a pan-European mask mandate for passengers on airplanes and in airports will be lifted on May 16, as high vaccinations levels help prevent more serious cases of the virus. (Photo by Adam Berry\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-2819901\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover;width:195px\"  \/>Ryanair came in at second from bottom with a one star for customer service<br \/>(Photo: Adam Berry \/Getty) <\/p>\n<p>He said the mix of alcohol and drugs means the problem is getting worse, with passengers becoming aggressive and \u201chyper\u201d rather than just falling asleep.<\/p>\n<p>Who drinks beer at 6am? <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n<p>I fail to understand why anybody in airport bars is serving people at five or six o\u2019clock in the morning\u2026Who needs to be drinking beer at that time?<\/p>\n<p>MICHAEL O\u2019LEARY, RYANAIR CEO<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_294444495.jpg\" alt=\"Chief executive of Ryanair DAC Eddie Wilson speaks during a press conference in Berlin, Germany, April 24, 2026. REUTERS\/Christian Mang\" class=\"wp-image-4401466\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: Chief executive of Ryanair DAC Eddie Wilson speaks during a press conference in Berlin, Germany, April 24, 2026.  REUTERS\/Christian Mang<br \/>Photographer: Christian Mang<br \/>Provider: REUTERS<br \/>Source: REUTERS<\/p>\n<p>The worst offenders <\/p>\n<p>Routes from Britain to Ibiza, Alicante and Tenerife have posed a particular problem, but flights from Ireland and Poland also experience disruption. <\/p>\n<p>It is a criminal offence to be drunk on board an aircraft, with those convicted facing large fines and up to two years in prison. <\/p>\n<p>If a flight is diverted, the offending passenger can face airline bans, large compensation fees and prosecution in the country where the aircraft lands. <\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/travel\/ex-ryanair-cabin-crew-reputation-customers-rude-4265320?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_287054401.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">TRAVEL<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p>Pornhub to become accessible again for some UK users<\/p>\n<p>Pornhub\u2019s parent company Aylo said Apple users who had confirmed their age with the company\u2019s updated iOS would <br \/>be allowed back on the site.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"505\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_295996488.jpg\" alt=\"The Pornhub logo is displayed on a smartphone screen with a multitude of pornographic website logos in the background. The pornographic website announces that it blocks its services to new users starting in February 2026 in response to the age verification requirements imposed by the Online Safety Act (OSA), in Creteil, France, on January 28, 2026. (Photo by Samuel Boivin\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4400849\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: The Pornhub logo is displayed on a smartphone screen with a multitude of pornographic website logos in the background. The pornographic website announces that it blocks its services to new users starting in February 2026 in response to the age verification requirements imposed by the Online Safety Act (OSA), in Creteil, France, on January 28, 2026. (Photo by Samuel Boivin\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: NurPhoto<br \/>Provider: NurPhoto via Getty Images<br \/>Source: NurPhoto<br \/>Copyright: Samuel Boivin\/NurPhoto<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s the latest? <\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In February, Pornhub limited access for most UK users unless they had previously verified their age.<\/li>\n<li>Parent company Aylo said Online Safety Act age verification rules had not been fairly applied and refused to join in a flawed system. <\/li>\n<li>Now, it said Apple users who had confirmed their age with the latest iOS update would be allowed on.<\/li>\n<li>Aylo argues device-level checks are the best way to stop young people accessing explicit content. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/inews-lifestyle\/stopped-watching-porn-addiction-age-verification-4021550?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_273265203.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIFESTYLE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">4 min read<\/p>\n<p>Has the Online Safety Act worked? <\/p>\n<p>Major platforms have been affected by the landmark Online Safety Act, with Pornhub seeing a 75 per cent drop in UK users since the introduction of more robust age checks. <\/p>\n<p>However, critics have questioned whether people are simply using VPNs instead, allowing them to evade age checks by masking their IP addresses.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_295996489.jpg\" alt=\"BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 07: In this photo illustration, a age-restriction warning screen for the adult website Pornhub is displayed on a iPhone digital screen, on February 7, 2026 in Bristol, England. Last year UK communications regulator Ofcom issued guidance under the Online Safety Act that required websites with pornographic material to introduce \" robust=\"\" age-verification=\"\" measures=\"\" for=\"\" uk=\"\" users=\"\" by=\"\" july=\"\" aylo=\"\" the=\"\" parent=\"\" company=\"\" of=\"\" website=\"\" pornhub=\"\" has=\"\" criticised=\"\" such=\"\" saying=\"\" they=\"\" simply=\"\" force=\"\" to=\"\" darker=\"\" corners=\"\" web=\"\" that=\"\" do=\"\" not=\"\" require=\"\" age=\"\" checks.=\"\" anna=\"\" barclay=\"\" images=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4400848\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM \u2013 FEBRUARY 07: In this photo illustration, a age-restriction warning screen for the adult website Pornhub is displayed on a iPhone digital screen, on February 7, 2026 in Bristol, England. Last year UK communications regulator Ofcom issued guidance under the Online Safety Act that required websites with pornographic material to introduce \u201crobust\u201d age-verification measures for UK users by July 2025. Aylo, the parent company of the website Pornhub, has criticised such age-verification measures, saying they simply force users to darker corners of the web that do not require age checks. (Photo by Anna Barclay\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Anna Barclay<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/politics\/starmer-showdown-musk-online-safety-4238026?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_284211112_90197f.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">POLITICS<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_294061299.jpg\" alt=\"The Princess of Wales during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth. Picture date: Tuesday April 21, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jordan Pettitt\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-4400859\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: The Princess of Wales during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II\u2019s birth. Picture date: Tuesday April 21, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jordan Pettitt\/PA Wire<br \/>Photographer: Jordan Pettitt<br \/>Provider: Jordan Pettitt\/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA<br \/>Copyright: PA<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">ROYAL<\/p>\n<p>Kate to make first overseas trip since cancer diagnosis<\/p>\n<p>The Princess of Wales is set to make her first official foreign visit since being diagnosed with cancer.<\/p>\n<p>Kate, who revealed she was in remission last year, will travel to Italy next week on a trip with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.<\/p>\n<p>\nMajor milestone for the future queen\n<\/p>\n<p>Kate\u2019s trip to Italy will be the first official overseas engagement in nearly three-and-a-half years. Her last visit was in December 2022, when she went to Boston, USA, with Prince William for his Earthshot Prize award ceremony.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"543\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_249225652.jpg\" alt=\"(FILES) Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, following their wedding on April 29, 2011. Prince William and wife Catherine will celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary on the Scottish island of Mull on April 29, 2025, the latest step on the princess's road to recovery from cancer. Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed in January that she was &quot;in remission&quot; having announced last March she had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of the disease and was undergoing chemotherapy. (Photo by JOHN STILLWELL \/ POOL \/ AFP) (Photo by JOHN STILLWELL\/POOL\/AFP via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4258823\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover;width:204px\"  \/>Caption: (FILES) Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, following their wedding on April 29, 2011. Prince William and wife Catherine will celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary on the Scottish island of Mull on April 29, 2025, the latest step on the princess\u2019s road to recovery from cancer. Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed in January that she was \u201cin remission\u201d having announced last March she had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of the disease and was undergoing chemotherapy. (Photo by JOHN STILLWELL \/ POOL \/ AFP) (Photo by JOHN STILLWELL\/POOL\/AFP via Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: JOHN STILLWELL<br \/>Provider: POOL\/AFP via Getty Images<br \/>Source: AFP<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"763\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_296000268.jpg\" alt=\"NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to the Northside Center for Child Development on December 8, 2014 in New York City. The royal couple are on an official three-day visit to New York with Prince William also due to meet President Barack Obama in Washington D.C today. (Photo by Mark Stewart - Pool\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4400908\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover;width:195px\"  \/>Caption: NEW YORK, NY \u2013 DECEMBER 08:  Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to the Northside Center for Child Development on December 8, 2014 in New York City. The royal couple are on an official three-day visit to New York with Prince William also due to meet President Barack Obama in Washington D.C today.  (Photo by Mark Stewart \u2013 Pool\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Pool<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images North America<\/p>\n<p>She has been on unofficial trips to Marseille, France, for the Rugby World Cup in autumn 2023 and to the Crown Prince of Jordan\u2019s wedding in Amman in June 2023.  <\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s on the agenda?<\/p>\n<p>The princess will visit the city of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy for two days from 13-14 May to focus on early years child development. <\/p>\n<p>A Kensington Palace spokesperson said Kate is \u201cvery much\u201d looking forward to the trip, where she will learn about the Reggio Emilia Approach, an educational philosophy which focuses on children\u2019s self-development. <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_296000367.jpg\" alt=\"TOPSHOT - Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, visit the Harbour Defenses of Boston, Massachusetts, as the city contends with rising sea levels, on December 1, 2022. (Photo by BRIAN SNYDER \/ POOL \/ AFP) (Photo by BRIAN SNYDER\/POOL\/AFP via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4400915\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: TOPSHOT \u2013 Britain\u2019s Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, visit the Harbour Defenses of Boston, Massachusetts, as the city contends with rising sea levels, on December 1, 2022. (Photo by BRIAN SNYDER \/ POOL \/ AFP) (Photo by BRIAN SNYDER\/POOL\/AFP via Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: BRIAN SNYDER<br \/>Provider: POOL\/AFP via Getty Images<br \/>Source: AFP<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"506\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_292095778.jpg\" alt=\"The Prince and Princess of Wales arriving with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, arriving to attend the Easter Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Picture date: Sunday April 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown\/PA Wire\" class=\"wp-image-4393898\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: The Prince and Princess of Wales arriving with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, arriving to attend the Easter Service at St George\u2019s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Picture date: Sunday April 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Aaron Chown\/PA Wire<br \/>Photographer: Aaron Chown<br \/>Provider: Aaron Chown\/PA Wire<br \/>Source: PA<\/p>\n<p>Kate\u2019s cancer diagnosis <\/p>\n<p>Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer following abdominal surgery in January 2024, sparking widespread speculation. <\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>March 2024: Kensington Palace announces Kate has cancer and releases a personal message from the princess.  <\/li>\n<li>June 2024: Kate releases an update, saying her \u201ctreatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months\u201d.  <\/li>\n<li>September 2024: The princess announces she is cancer-free after finishing chemotherapy. <\/li>\n<li>January 2025: Kate reveals she is in remission at an official visit to the Royal Marsden, the hosptial where she received treatment.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">WORLD<\/p>\n<p>What is Trump\u2019s \u2018Project Freedom\u2019 in Strait of Hormuz?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_295422323.jpg\" alt=\"WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES - MAY 1: United States President Donald Trump speaks to the press before departing the White House for Florida on May 1, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Celal Gunes\/Anadolu via Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4395360\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Donald Trump threatens fresh military action as he signals frustration over peace talks with Iran (Photo: Celal Gunes\/Anadolu\/Getty)<\/p>\n<p>Donald Trump said his operation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz will be paused \u201cfor a short period of time\u201d due to \u201cgreat progress\u201d towards a deal with Iran. <\/p>\n<p>Here is all you need to know about \u201cProject Freedom\u201d and what it means for tense relations between Iran and the US.<\/p>\n<p>\nWhat\u2019s the latest?\n<\/p>\n<p>Trump puts \u2018Project Freedom\u2019 on hold <\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trump has halted the operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after less than 48 hours.<\/li>\n<li>However, a US blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place.<\/li>\n<li>Trump said the U-turn was at the request of Pakistan and others, and also due to \u201ctremendous\u201d military success and progress towards a deal. <\/li>\n<li>But Iranian state media described the move as a \u201cretreat\u201d after Trump\u2019s \u201ccontinued failures\u201d to reopen the vital waterway for global shipping.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What is \u2018Project Freedom\u2019 <\/p>\n<p>Trump announced Project Freedom on Sunday, saying it was a \u201chumanitarian gesture\u201d to help seafarers stuck in the Gulf.<\/p>\n<p>The plan launched on Monday, with US Central Command (Centcom) saying it was \u201cessential\u201d to regional security and the global economy. <\/p>\n<p>Iran responded saying it would attack US forces if they entered the strait. <\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/us-iran-boats-strait-missiles-launched-4398130?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_288119632.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIVE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">1 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/world\/trump-claims-iran-has-told-us-it-is-in-state-of-collapse-4386172?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_294959039.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">LIVE<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">1 min read<\/p>\n<p>\nGo deeper on this topic\n<\/p>\n<p>Is a deal imminent? <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_295792583.jpg\" alt=\"In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency on May 4, 2026, vessels are pictured anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards on May 4 denied that any commercial ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, after the US military earlier said two US-flagged merchant vessels had transited through the vital waterway. (Photo by Amirhossein KHORGOOEI \/ ISNA \/ AFP via Getty Images) \/\" class=\"wp-image-4399356\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: In this picture obtained from Iran\u2019s ISNA news agency on May 4, 2026, vessels are pictured anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guards on May 4 denied that any commercial ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, after the US military earlier said two US-flagged merchant vessels had transited through the vital waterway. (Photo by Amirhossein KHORGOOEI \/ ISNA \/ AFP via Getty Images) \/<br \/>Photographer: AMIRHOSSEIN KHORGOOEI<br \/>Provider: ISNA\/AFP via Getty Images<br \/>Source: AFP<\/p>\n<p>On Friday, Trump said he was \u201cnot satisfied\u201d with Iran\u2019s latest peace proposal. Trump has repeatedly called for Iran\u2019s nuclear programme to end, while Tehran has demanded the release of frozen assets. On Tuesday, he said \u201cgreat progress\u201d has been made on a deal, but it remains to be seen what that looks like.<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/four-things-know-trump-not-satisfied-iran-war-4395309?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_295461391.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">Analysis<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">4 min read<\/p>\n<p>Four key takeaways from Starmer\u2019s antisemitism summit<\/p>\n<p>Iran\u2019s attempts to incite antisemitism in the UK \u201cwill not <br \/>be tolerated\u201d, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said. <\/p>\n<p>Here are the main points from <br \/>the Downing Street summit.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"508\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_295901895.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 5: Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a meeting with civic leaders to discuss tackling antisemitism at Downing Street on May 5, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah McKay - WPA Pool\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4398880\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND \u2013 MAY 5: Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a meeting with civic leaders to discuss tackling antisemitism at Downing Street on May 5, 2026 in London, England.  (Photo by Hannah McKay \u2013 WPA Pool\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: WPA Pool<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<\/p>\n<p>\nKey takeaways\n<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1Starmer said one of the lines of inquiry is whether a foreign state is behind the attacks. <\/li>\n<li>2He announced \u00a31.5m funding to strengthen community cohesion and protect Jews in at-risk areas. <\/li>\n<li>3Ministers are \u201cfast-tracking legislation\u201d allowing them to ban state threats such as Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guard Corps. \u00a0<\/li>\n<li>4Universities must publish the scale of antisemitism on campus and show how they are tackling it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Go deeper on this topic<\/p>\n<p>The measures to protect the Jewish community come after the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green and a series of attacks at synagogues and other sites in recent months. <\/p>\n<p>Starmer has faced criticism that he has not done enough to keep the community safe, and was heckled during a visit to the north London suburb on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_295340674.jpg\" alt=\"TOPSHOT - Local residents look on from outside a cordoned off area in the Golders Green neighbourhood of north London on April 29, 2026, following the stabbing to two people nearby. Two people were stabbed on April 29 in north London, Jewish groups said, following a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in the area. A man was arrested after he was seen running with a knife \" attempting=\"\" to=\"\" stab=\"\" jewish=\"\" members=\"\" of=\"\" the=\"\" public=\"\" shomrim=\"\" neighbourhood=\"\" watch=\"\" said=\"\" on=\"\" social=\"\" media.=\"\" by=\"\" justin=\"\" tallis=\"\" afp=\"\" via=\"\" getty=\"\" images=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395361\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: TOPSHOT \u2013 Local residents look on from outside a cordoned off area in the Golders Green neighbourhood of north London on April 29, 2026, following the stabbing to two people nearby. Two people were stabbed on April 29 in north London, Jewish groups said, following a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in the area. A man was arrested after he was seen running with a knife \u201cattempting to stab Jewish members of the public\u201d, the Shomrim Jewish neighbourhood watch said on social media. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS \/ AFP via Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: JUSTIN TALLIS<br \/>Provider: AFP via Getty Images<br \/>Source: AFP<br \/>Copyright: AFP or licensors<\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/everything-we-know-about-golders-green-stabbing-attack-4389961?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_295117819_1808ff.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">7 min read<\/p>\n<p>Starmer\u2019s message to Iran<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"position: relative;\">\n<p>One of the lines of inquiry is whether a foreign state has been behind some of these incidents\u2026Our message to Iran, or to any other country that might seek to foment violence, hatred or division in society, is that it will not be tolerated.<\/p>\n<p>SiR KEIR STARMER, PRIME MINISTER<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"506\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_295252004_af968b.jpg\" alt=\"LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C) and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood (CR) meet members of Shomrim, the Jewish community security organisation, in Golders Green following yesterday's attack on April 30, 2026 in Golders Green, England. A 45-year-old British-Somali man was arrested yesterday, after stabbing two Jewish men, Shloime Rand and Moshe Shine, in a terrorist attack in Golders Green. Both victims are in a stable condition, and the suspect was caught by police after being tasered. The government has since pledged ??25 million to improve security for the Jewish community following the incident. (Photo by Leon Neal\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-4391958\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND \u2013 APRIL 30: Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C) and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood (CR) meet members of Shomrim, the Jewish community security organisation, in Golders Green following yesterday\u2019s attack on April 30, 2026 in Golders Green, England. A 45-year-old British-Somali man was arrested yesterday, after stabbing two Jewish men, Shloime Rand and Moshe Shine, in a terrorist attack in Golders Green. Both victims are in a stable condition, and the suspect was caught by police after being tasered. The government has since pledged ??25 million to improve security for the Jewish community following the incident. (Photo by Leon Neal\/Getty Images)<br \/>Photographer: Leon Neal<br \/>Provider: Getty Images<br \/>Source: Getty Images Europe<br \/>Copyright: 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"509\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_249788474.jpg\" alt=\"Co-op is confident it\u2019s stores will be \u2018back to normal\u2019 within days (Photo: Chris J Ratcliffe\/Reuters)\" class=\"wp-image-3691295\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"  \/>Co-op is confident it\u2019s stores will be \u2018back to normal\u2019 within days (Photo: Chris J Ratcliffe\/Reuters)<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--badge\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p>The supermarket using invisible spray to combat shoplifting<\/p>\n<p>Co-op has been secretly marking frequently shoplifted groceries with a special forensic spray to tackle the resale of stolen goods. <\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how the invisible spray works, and how the company hopes it will make shoplifting less profitable. <\/p>\n<p>\nWhat\u2019s the story?\n<\/p>\n<p>Co-op has been marking items with an invisible spray that contains a unique forensic code linked to the shop where it was originally sold, according to Retail Gazette.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"507\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_185168000.jpg\" alt=\"Retail Shoplifting. Woman Stealing In Supermarket. Theft At Shop\" class=\"wp-image-2824394\" style=\"aspect-ratio:5\/4;object-fit:cover;width:204px\"  \/>Retail theft on the increase \u2013 woman stealing in UK supermarket. (Photo: <br \/>Andrey Popov\/Getty Images <br \/>Copyright: Copyright (C) Andrey Popov<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"473\" width=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_284289561.jpg\" alt=\"A shopper walks along an aisle inside a Tesco supermarket in Manchester, Britain, February 5, 2026 REUTERS\/Phil Noble\" class=\"wp-image-4227187\" style=\"aspect-ratio:9\/10;object-fit:cover;width:195px\"  \/>Caption: A shopper walks along an aisle inside a Tesco supermarket in Manchester, Britain, February 5, 2026 REUTERS\/Phil Noble<br \/>Photographer: Phil Noble<br \/>Provider: REUTERS<br \/>Source: REUTERS<\/p>\n<p>Co-op has invested \u00a3250m in store security, including body-worn cameras for staff, reinforced kiosks for items such as spirits and tobacco, and shelf fixtures designed to stop thieves sweeping products into bags.  <\/p>\n<p>How does the scheme work? <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--bulletted-heading\">Where? <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--bulletted-sub\">The scheme has been trialled in Manchester and London and will be rolled out across the UK. <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--bulletted-heading\">Which items? <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--bulletted-sub\">High-risk items such as alcohol, laundry detergent and confectionary have been sprayed.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--bulletted-heading\">Why? <\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--bulletted-sub\">The aim is to help Co-op and the police identify where stolen products are being resold, making theft less profitable. <\/p>\n<p>\t<a class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_thumbnail post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/up-to-12000-prolific-shoplifters-could-avoid-jail-under-new-law-4337270?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SEI_244078466.jpg\" width=\"110\" height=\"110\" alt=\"\"\/><br \/>\n\t<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_label\">NEWS<\/p>\n<p class=\"inews--shorts-card--article_min-read\">2 min read<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/inews-theme\/assets\/images\/chevron.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Any speech would be viewed as a response to the rising pressure Starmer could face over Brexit, as the Labour Party deals with the fallout of local election losses, particularly to the Greens, and with how to reunite the party\u2019s centre-left voter coalition.<\/p>\n<p>Despite wider Cabinet discussions on the long-term future of the EU relationship and whether the Prime Minister needs to adopt a radically more pro-Brussels stance, his possible intervention is likely to focus on his existing strategy and, potentially, on expanding proposals for greater alignment with the single market.<\/p>\n<p>Starmer would likely set out the <a class=\"post_in-line_link\" href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/news\/politics\/eu-uk-pay-access-electricity-brexit-reset-4325571?ico=in-line_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trade-offs<\/a> inherent in the reset. The UK is currently negotiating with the EU to follow Brussels\u2019 rules on food and drink trade, electricity and carbon taxes in return for single market access. He may also argue that while there will be winners and losers, his approach will be good for the British economy and businesses.<\/p>\n<p>It comes with the EU demanding the UK regularly pays into the Brussels budget as the price of single market access, with some estimates suggesting this could be around \u00a31bn a year, and asking Starmer for a youth mobility deal to allow under-30s to move more freely between both sides with no hard cap on numbers and lower university tuition fees for Europeans in Britain.<\/p>\n<p>Starmer may also use any speech to unveil more details on how the UK wants to go further in aligning with EU rules across more economic sectors \u2013 with industry pushing for chemicals, cars and pharmaceuticals \u2013 to secure single market access for more British businesses than those covered by the food and energy deals.<\/p>\n<p>Officials in the Cabinet Office have for months been working up a plan for further alignment, an approach endorsed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in March when she cited a study suggesting Brexit had caused an 8 per cent hit to the economy.<\/p>\n<p>But the likelihood of Starmer announcing more details would depend on whether these new ambitions have been discussed with Brussels in advance and on their response.<\/p>\n<p>The Government is understood to be eyeing up a number of \u201cquick wins\u201d as part of a new offering to the electorate. Regulatory reform is one area the Government has been keen to implement in order to boost growth.<\/p>\n<p>Starmer sticking to Brexit \u2018red lines\u2019<\/p>\n<p>There are growing discussions at the highest levels of the Labour Party about whether a new ambition is needed, particularly in light of dire poll ratings, but Starmer will stick to his red lines: that the UK will not rejoin the single market or the customs union, or return to free movement of people under his Government.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, there are discussions under way at the heart of Government about the UK\u2019s long-term relationship with the EU following calls by senior Labour figures and business leaders to rejoin the bloc.<\/p>\n<p>One Cabinet minister said: \u201cNone of the red lines in the manifesto [on this issue] are about to be ripped up, but if you are asking whether there are big conversations going on about where the country might be in 10 or 15 years\u2019 time, then the answer is yes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou cannot drive a car on a journey with every twist and turn and expect to end up at a particular destination unless you know what that destination is.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>EU won\u2019t give \u2018something for nothing\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Appearing to break with the strategy to ride \u201cthree horses\u201d regarding trade ties with the US, the EU and China, the Cabinet source added that there is an acknowledgement that the \u201cprimary\u201d relationship for the UK was with Brussels.<\/p>\n<p>However, they also said that the Government was not \u201cnaive\u201d enough to think the EU would give the UK \u201csomething for nothing\u201d and that it would take \u201ctime to negotiate change\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, a Government source warned they were expecting critics of the Prime Minister to reach for the \u201ceasy option\u201d of pushing for closer EU ties after the local elections, but that demands may not be \u201crealistic or deliverable\u201d, and may not win back Green voters who have deserted the party over issues like migration and Gaza.<\/p>\n<p>Senior Labour figures have told The i Paper that any policy reset, which is expected in the days following the local election results, must include looking at rejoining the EU. A recent YouGov poll suggested this would be backed by 53 per cent of the public, with only 32 per cent opposed and a vast majority of Labour, Green and Liberal Democrat voters favouring a reversal of Brexit.<\/p>\n<p>One source said: \u201cOne of the only things that would help us rebuild the economy and the kind of coalition we would need to win the next election would be a promise to hold another vote on whether to rejoin the EU.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Rejoining EU won\u2019t fix all of the country\u2019s problems\u2019<\/p>\n<p>It is understood that several Cabinet ministers back former Labour leader Lord Kinnock\u2019s view that Brexit has inflicted \u201cserious harm\u201d on Britain.<\/p>\n<p>However, Peter Kyle, the Business Secretary, cautioned against thinking that rejoining the EU would fix all the country\u2019s problems.<\/p>\n<p>He told The i Paper: \u201cDuring the Brexit era, Brexiteers blamed every problem on the EU.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe should not fall into the same trap and think that all our problems will be solved by rejoining the EU.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Any leadership debate likely to be \u2018dominated\u2019 by EU pledges<\/p>\n<p>Brexit expert Anand Menon said any leadership contest to replace Starmer is likely to be \u201cdominated\u201d by pledges to get closer to the EU \u201cbecause that is where the [party] members are\u201d who will potentially decide the new leader.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the Labour Movement for Europe (LME), a grouping of dozens of MPs, is to launch a bid to amend the Brexit bill to be announced in the King\u2019s Speech next week. <\/p>\n<p>It is understood that the LME is planning to push for amendments to the bill to boost British workers\u2019 rights by adopting a narrow set of EU regulations and to bolster MPs\u2019 power to oversee the reset in Parliament, likely through a new select committee.<\/p>\n<p>LME chair and Labour MP Stella Creasy told The i Paper: \u201cBoth the public and parliamentarians have not been part of the reset, that has to change.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Tom Bruffato, policy director at the pro-EU Best for Britain campaign group, said the logic of Starmer\u2019s Brexit reset approach would inevitably lead to a discussion on rejoining.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUltimately, it gets tougher from now on: the incrementalist approach will be running its course and that means that you are going to have to look at the red lines,\u201d he told The i Paper.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen you do, advocating for a customs union or single market, or a version of Switzerland, is not really going to work for you, your party or the country, because you won\u2019t be able to carry the persuadable middle [of voters] with you.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you look at the red lines, which is what you\u2019re going to have to do, you need to push for the UK\u2019s full EU membership, because that\u2019s how the public actually comes out and thanks you for it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The mooted EU speech from Starmer will come after the Prime Minister\u2019s planned major policy speech next week, which is likely to focus on regulatory reform and boosting the economy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Sir Keir Starmer is poised to make a major intervention on the European Union within weeks, signalling 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