Stories from london · United Kingdom

BP reported profits of £2.4 billion for the first three months of the year. High oil prices also contributed to the results. Refining margins for products like petrol and jet fuel have increased due to rising crude oil prices. Other financial institutions including Deutsche Bank and UBS also reported profits exceeding expectations. Deutsche Bank's results were described as its largest profits in recent times. Pretax profit reached £2.03 billion for the three months ending in March. Net interest income rose to £3.57 billion during the same period. The bank allocated £295 million for loan loss provisions. Lloyds reiterated its financial guidance through 2026 but warned that rising energy prices could trigger inflationary pressures. The company is the United Kingdom's largest mortgage lender. The report follows a period of sustained interest rate levels.

An ambassador has denied reports that he telephoned and swore at former Foreign Office chief Sir Philip Barton. The outcome remains uncertain. The opposition is investigating whether Downing Street pressured the process to accelerate the appointment. An analysis of the voting incident suggests the Mandelsohn case is being used by the Conservative opposition to question Prime Minister Starmer's leadership regarding bureaucratic and security procedures. Dong Yifan, a researcher at Beijing Language and Culture University, noted that the opposition is attempting to extend the issue to Starmer's overall governing capability. The issue is expected to impact the ruling party's standing ahead of local elections in early May. Sir Philip Barton, a former head of the Foreign Office, testified before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee regarding security vetting procedures.

A new BBC documentary has been produced to mark the 50th anniversary of the series Life on Earth. The series began filming in the late 1970s and featured Sir David Attenborough's encounter with mountain gorillas in Rwanda. It is estimated that approximately 500 million people have viewed the series' most famous moments. The documentary features discussions with Sir David and producer John Sparks.

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer refused the use of British military bases for initial American strikes in the war against Iran. This decision reportedly caused anger for Donald Trump, who has criticized Starmer for weeks. The refusal comes amid economic tensions as the US president threatens protectionism and potential denouncement of trade agreements with the UK ally. President Trump expressed disappointment and anger regarding the United Kingdom's refusal to allow the United States to use British military bases. The source noted that the President sounded shocked by the decision. This development follows ongoing discussions regarding international cooperation and regional tensions. Discussion suggests this decision follows concerns regarding potential nuclear capabilities in the region.

Voices in the United Kingdom have called for the cancellation of the King's visit due to security concerns. The memo indicates potential shifts in US policy regarding the territory claimed by Argentina. Voices in the UK are calling for the cancellation of King Charles's upcoming visit to the White House. The calls stem from security concerns following a recent shooting incident near a White House dinner event. The visit follows recent security tensions in the United States. Political calls to cancel King Charles's upcoming visit to Washington D.C. The opposition stems from the King's repeated criticisms of Keir Starmer regarding the war. Trump stated the visit agenda will proceed with minor adjustments due to current security alerts in Washington D.C. Political calls to cancel the King's visit are ongoing following criticisms of Keir Starmer's responses to war-related issues.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that couples on Universal Credit will receive a benefit increase of £465 per year.

Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister's former chief of staff, stated he made a serious error when recommending Peter Mandelson for the role of US ambassador. The debate is expected to continue as MPs consider accountability to constituents and the opposition. He stated he did not speak to Oli Robbins about the appointment or start date. He noted having one or two conversations with Philip Barton during a wider Zoom call focused on proceeding at pace. McSweeney provided this evidence during a session regarding Mandelson's appointment as the US ambassador. Zakir Starman's former chief of staff has denied allegations of swearing at the head of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Singer Harry Styles and actress Zoe Kravitz are engaged, according to People magazine. The couple reportedly shared the news with a small circle of friends and family. Engagement speculation began after Kravitz was seen wearing a ring while kissing Styles in London last week. The pair has been dating since August.

BP reported that first-quarter profits more than doubled. Oil giant BP is facing criticism for earning £366 per second during the ongoing Iran war. The criticism highlights the contrast between the company's high profits and the financial struggles of households. The report notes the company's branding colors are being used in arguments regarding profiteering. BP reported a increase in profits, which analysts attribute to rising energy prices since the start of the conflict. Average prices have been approximately $84 since January but have consistently exceeded $100 since the conflict began. Financial experts suggest profits may rise further as price trends continue. The company's performance is linked to volatility in commodity markets, specifically oil. Volatile markets provide opportunities to buy and sell, benefiting from price differences.

The Epstein case continues to impact the UK political landscape. The investigation is reportedly looking into what information was shared and whether it should have been disclosed. The organization Labour Together, involving Peter Mandelson and Morgan McSweeney, was responsible for deciding the long list of candidates for Members of Parliament. The group reportedly removed several left-wing MPs from the selection processes to favor allies. Reports indicate that several Labour MPs in Parliament received campaign money from Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, and Peter Mandelson. Some MPs are reportedly reflecting on their reliance on these funds. Former Foreign Office boss Sir Philip Barton previously noted that making the announcement before completing vetting was not normal. Morgan McSweeney clarified that he did not oversee national security vetting or pressure officials to ignore procedures.