UKMTO said ships reported VHF broadcasts claiming the Strait of Hormuz was closed, but it could not independently confirm the reports.
NPCC-led data recorded 98 suspected suicides following domestic abuse in 2024, but a suicide prevention programme in Kent found domestic abuse affected about a third of suspected suicides locally. Researchers said that if the Kent proportion applied nationally it could mean up to 1,500 deaths a year, far above police-recorded figures. Campaigners and lawyers are calling for earlier homicide-style investigations and reforms to improve accountability.
Parliament will debate a petition calling for automatic by-elections when MPs defect to another party after it reached 127,396 signatures, with a debate scheduled for 16 March 2026. The Government said it has “no plans” to change the current arrangements, arguing voters elect individual candidates, and MPs who switch parties can keep their seat unless they choose to resign.
Iran reopened its airspace after a near five-hour shutdown that disrupted regional flights, as the White House said “all options remain on the table” and warned of “grave consequences” if protest killings continue. The US requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting and announced new sanctions targeting Iranian officials it said directed the crackdown. Iran said threats of force violate international law, while UN officials cautioned that talk of strikes could worsen the crisis.
