Timelines
How the main stories unfold, day after day: each timeline gathers the articles about one event, with a summary.
- UK withdraws staff from its East Jerusalem consulate as Israel retaliates over a settlement trade ban
Israel ordered the closure of the UK consulate in East Jerusalem in response to a UK ban on trade with illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and sanctions on those who help build or finance them, and the mission was to shut its doors on Thursday. The Guardian described the forced closure as a low point in UK-Israeli relations, with reports that the UK is considering the retaliatory expulsion of Israeli diplomats from London. On Thursday 8 October, Israel said the consulate had 'ceased to function' and its foreign minister said 20 diplomats including the consul general would be leaving Israel, while the UK withdrew staff and families. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband insisted the building would not be shuttered but was downgraded in name only, becoming the UK Mission, Jerusalem, which 'will continue to deliver vital services'.
- Burnham meets Merz in Berlin for talks on a UK-Germany security partnership
Prime Minister Andy Burnham met German chancellor Merz for security talks in Berlin on his first official visit to Germany, where the pair are expected to confirm a new UK-Germany joint partnership to counter sabotage, cyber attacks and other threats. Downing Street said deeper co-operation in the face of rising hybrid threats from Russia would be high on the agenda. According to Euronews, the meeting comes amid increasing warnings of hybrid threats in Europe and follows a drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport in August, which Berlin has accused Russia of orchestrating. The Independent notes that the trip comes amid an intelligence scandal that has rocked Germany, and the Financial Times reports that Burnham seeks Merz's support for closer EU ties after embarking on a review of the government's European policy.
- Three killed in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia airports as the conflict escalates
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed new attacks on military facilities and airports in Saudi Arabia and on Yemen's Aden airport on Wednesday 7 October, their military spokesperson saying ballistic missiles and drones targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Three people were killed in Houthi attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia, officials said on 8 October, and the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks, which mark an escalation in the conflict.
- Rubio says a defence spending hike shows 'Europe can awaken from long slumber'
Rubio said a hike in defence spending was a sign that 'Europe can awaken from long slumber'. The top diplomat highlighted the importance of the transatlantic alliance despite strains on 'the bonds of affection'.
- Drumcree stand-off: protesters block an Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road in Portadown
Thousands of protesters have blocked the Garvaghy Road in Portadown against an Orange Order parade that the Parades Commission has given the green light, although the Drumcree march had faced a prohibition since 1998. Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant has hosted talks and repeatedly appealed for calm, while PSNI chief Jon Boutcher warned that 'mob rule must not be allowed to win'. Residents say they will accept a deal if the Orange Order does, but talks have ended without agreement and both sides vow to stay 'as long as it takes'. DUP leader Gavin Robinson says Stormont cannot be 'business as normal' after alleged law-breaking by Sinn Fein ministers, and First Minister Michelle O'Neill has urged Sir Chris to intervene and stop the parade. On 7 October, Fine Gael minister McEntee said that, 'irrespective' of the Court of Appeal judgment, an agreement between the Orange Order and residents was the only solution, Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said the dispute was in a 'dangerous and lingering limbo', and residents' groups from a number of former flashpoints across Northern Ireland met in Portadown, the dispute being described as 'now bigger than Garvaghy Road'.
- Former German spy chief August Hanning arrested on suspicion of espionage and treason
August Hanning, the former president of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service (BND), has been arrested on suspicion of espionage and treason, Germany's federal prosecutor's office said, on allegations that he 'spied out state secrets'. He is accused of obtaining classified information from his former agency, during his time in office and after leaving it. The BBC and the Financial Times report he is suspected of obtaining or selling state secrets for a foreign power, while Euronews reports the information was used for his personal consultancy work.
- UAE shared FlyDubai flight details with Israel, including pilot information
The United Arab Emirates shared information about a FlyDubai flight with Israel, including details about the pilot and other crew members. The data was provided ahead of the flight's departure, which raised concerns about security procedures. A pilot attempted to take control of the Israel-bound aircraft and force it to crash, according to regional officials. An investigation is ongoing, and preliminary findings have revealed significant security lapses. The incident has led to questions about how pilot clearance was handled prior to the flight.
- North Korea claims Kim oversaw hypersonic missile drill
North Korea has claimed that Kim Jong Un oversaw a hypersonic missile drill. On October 4, the country fired an intermediate-range missile, which it said had evasive flight and AI features. Japan's military reported the missile landed in waters outside its exclusive economic zone, while South Korea's military stated the missile travelled more than 700 kilometres. The drill, according to KCNA, was aimed at training missile troops. The event has drawn attention from regional military forces, with South Korea questioning the accuracy of North Korea's claims about its capabilities.
- Scottish Tory Leader Criticizes Independence and FM's Sinn Fein Summit
Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, has expressed opposition to Scottish independence and the UK foreign minister's summit with Sinn Fein. His remarks come amid ongoing political tensions surrounding Scotland's future and international relations. Findlay is set to address the Tory conference in Birmingham, where he is expected to elaborate on his stance. The event marks a significant moment in the debate over Scottish sovereignty and cross-party diplomacy.
- North Korea launches ballistic missile after Seoul demands apology
North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the sea off its east coast. The missile test followed South Korea's demand for an apology over an incident in which North Korean mines injured three South Korean soldiers. The action occurred a day after North Korea rejected Seoul's accusations and its military sister, Kim Yo Jong, announced the test of an intermediate-range strategic missile. Tensions escalated following a blast during a search operation near the border, which further complicated diplomatic efforts.
- Miliband to represent Burnham at G7 energy talks
The Foreign Secretary, Miliband, will represent the Prime Minister, Burnham, at emergency G7 energy talks. Burnham is attending his father’s funeral on Friday afternoon, prompting Miliband to step in. The discussions focus on global energy markets, with the Foreign Secretary expected to join the call. The talks come amid US pressure on European countries to use their diesel reserves.
- US Deploying Aircraft Carrier and Troops Amid Threats of Iran Strikes
The United States has deployed a third aircraft carrier and additional troops to the Middle East. These actions come as President Trump threatens new strikes on Iran. The troop deployment and carrier movement highlight the escalating tensions in the region. The situation is further complicated by the approaching US midterm elections.
- UK Citizen Detained in India for Nine Years Released
Jagtaran Singh Johal, a UK citizen, was detained by Indian authorities in 2017 on allegations of terrorism. He remained in custody for nearly nine years without being convicted. His release came on bail after years of legal challenges and diplomatic pressure. The case highlighted concerns over legal procedures and international relations between the UK and India.
- Somali pirates kill oil tanker crew during hijacking
Somali pirates killed five crew members aboard a hijacked oil tanker, according to officials. The incident occurred during a hijacking off the coast of Somalia. The vessel is flagged to Palau, and the deaths mark the first reported fatalities caused by Somali pirates in over a decade. Piracy in the region has seen an increase in recent years following a decline after international naval operations began in 2011. The situation remains under investigation with no resolution reported.
- NATO scrambles F-18 jets to Ukraine border over unidentified object
NATO scrambled fighter jets near the Ukraine border in response to an unidentified object detected on radar. The action took place in Poland and Romania, with additional scrambles reported in subsequent days. Spanish F-18 jets were deployed on Enhanced Air Policing duty to monitor the situation. The incidents occurred amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine. The unidentified object reappeared on radar, prompting further NATO response.
- Estonia blames Russia for arson at defence company supplying Ukraine
Estonia has accused Russia of carrying out an arson attack on a defense company that supplies military vehicles to Ukraine. The attack occurred in mid-August and was described by Estonian authorities as an act of sabotage commissioned by Russian security services. European and NATO leaders have expressed support for Estonia following the incident. The attack targeted a manufacturer in Tallinn, and Russia has been accused of launching similar sabotage attacks in other NATO countries assisting Ukraine. The situation remains under investigation, with no resolution or further action reported.