Donald Trump has indicated a readiness to engage with the UK and Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands, criticising a proposed deal by the current British government. The UK plans to cede sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining the strategically vital US military base on Diego Garcia through a lease agreement.
Peter Murrell, formerly the Scottish National Party's chief executive, faces an embezzlement charge for allegedly misappropriating £459,000 over a 12-year period. He attended a preliminary hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh.
UK officials reportedly proposed a single market for goods with the EU, indicating a desire for a closer post-Brexit economic relationship. The suggestion was not advanced after European scepticism, with current negotiations focused on food, farm, and energy trade. This initiative precedes an anticipated July summit and follows public calls for deeper economic ties from the Chancellor and Prime Minister.
