Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the Middle East crisis will be high on the agenda when he travels to the US to meet President Joe Biden this week.
On Sunday, he hit back at claims the US was angry at Britain for its decision to suspend some arms sales to Israel.
It comes as the UK announced an arms embargo on 30 weapons export licences to Israel that authorities said might have been used to commit “serious violations” of international humanitarian law.
Mr Starmer said it was “wrong” to claim the US was angry at Britain.
Asked about the issue by the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Starmer said: “You are wrong about that. We have been talking to the US beforehand and afterwards. They are very clear that they have got a different legal system and they understand the decision that we have taken.”
Last week, Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the House of Commons that the evidence meant Britain had no choice but to impose the ban.
The Labour government came under pressure during the general election campaign over its support for Israel while civilians were being killed in large numbers in Gaza.
Mr Lammy said it was the government's “legal duty to review this export licence” and while the decision was not “a determination of guilt”, it had been forced into it after the vast scale of violence in Gaza, in which more than 40,900 Palestinians have been killed since October last year.
On Friday, Mr Starmer is due to travel to the US for talks with Mr Biden about continuing efforts to secure a hostage and ceasefire deal in the Israel-Gaza war. It is his second visit since he was elected to office in July.
“The reason I am actually going and having the visit is not about that [the suspension of arms sales] at all,” he said. “It is because the situation in Ukraine is becoming evermore pressing, as is the situation in the Middle East.”
Mr Starmer said he had had a number of discussions with Mr Biden both in person and on the phone and with other allies in recent weeks, adding his coming visit to the US would be focused on a “strategic discussion” about the next few months in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Reports had suggested that the US had privately warned Britain against suspending export licences over concerns it could hamper efforts to achieve a ceasefire.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the leaders will have “an in-depth discussion on a range of global issues of mutual interest”.
Other topics due to be discussed include threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea posed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, western support for Ukraine as it tries to repel Russia's invasion and shared concerns about the Indo-Pacific.
“They will also discuss opportunities to strengthen US-UK co-operation to secure supply chains and increase climate resilience,” the White House said.
“President Biden will underscore the importance of continuing to strengthen the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.”
Asked about Kamala Harris’ selection as the Democrat candidate for US president, Mr Starmer replied: “Of course, it is really good to see the election developing as it is in the US.
“I have been very clear as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom that I will deal with whoever the American people elect in as their president.”
RACECARD
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
In Full Flight: A Story of Africa and Atonement
John Heminway, Knopff
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
RESULTS
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Brraq, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Taamol, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
Winner: Eqtiraan, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Soft Whisper, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
9.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner: Etisalat, Sando Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
Monster
Directed by: Anthony Mandler
Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., John David Washington
3/5
