London’s Metropolitan Police said a 45-year-old British man born in Somalia was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the late-morning assaults, which left two men aged 76 and 34 hospitalized in stable condition.

Police said the suspect, who also allegedly attempted to stab officers during the arrest, is believed to have been involved in a separate incident earlier the same morning in southeast London in which another person sustained minor injuries.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said the suspect had “a history of serious violence and mental health issues,” while counter-terrorism officers were leading the investigation to determine motive and possible links to a broader pattern of attacks targeting Jewish communities.

The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. local time when the Shomrim Jewish neighborhood watch group reported that a knife-wielding man was attempting to stab Jewish members of the public in Golders Green, an area with a large Jewish population.

The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. local time when the Shomrim Jewish neighborhood watch group reported that a knife-wielding man was attempting to stab Jewish members of the public in Golders Green, an area with a large Jewish population.

Members of Shomrim helped detain the suspect before police arrived and used a Taser to subdue him. The victims were treated at the scene by Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer ambulance service, before being taken to hospital.King Charles III, currently on a state visit to the United States, said he was “deeply concerned” by the attacks in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the stabbings as “appalling” and convened an emergency meeting of senior ministers and officials, saying the government would ensure a swift response from criminal justice agencies.“The government is taking action in relation to security, cohesion, extremism,” Starmer told broadcasters, adding that he would meet officials on Thursday to review security arrangements and legal responses.

The attack follows several recent arson incidents targeting synagogues and Jewish institutions in north London, including fires involving Hatzola ambulances and attacks on synagogues in Kenton and Finchley.Police have arrested 28 people in connection with those incidents and Wednesday’s stabbing since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran on Feb. 28.

A little-known group believed to be linked to Iran, Harakat Ashab Al-Yamin Al-Islamiya (HAYI), claimed responsibility for the stabbing through an online video cited by SITE Intelligence Group, saying one of its “lone wolves” carried out the attack. The claim has not been independently verified.

Israel’s foreign ministry said the attacks showed Britain was failing to protect its Jewish community.“After attacks on synagogues, Jewish institutions, community ambulances and now Jews targeted in Golders Green, the UK government can no longer claim this is under control,” it said in a post on X.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the Jewish community remained resilient but demanded stronger action.“Such attacks need to stop now. Zero tolerance that’s what our community wants,” he told reporters.

Monitoring groups in Britain have reported a sharp increase in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with tensions further intensified by the broader regional conflict involving Iran.

A surge in investment linked to artificial intelligence is reshaping Britain’s real estate market, as demand for data centre infrastructure drives up land values, strains electricity networks and fuels speculative development activity.

Across the United Kingdom, industrial landowners, property developers and investors are repositioning sites to attract technology firms seeking locations for large-scale data centres.

The shift is being driven by anticipated spending from major technology companies including Google, Microsoft and Nvidia, which have pledged billions of dollars toward digital infrastructure.At the centre of this transformation is the Wilton International site in northeast England, where disused land once tied to the declining chemical industry is being repurposed for potential AI data centre development.

The site benefits from existing energy infrastructure, including grid connections and on-site power generation, making it an example of what industry participants describe as “powered land.”Owned primarily by Sembcorp UK, a subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, the Wilton site is being marketed in partnership with developer Digital Reef to attract a hyperscale tenant.

Such tenants—large cloud computing providers including Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft require significant and reliable power supplies to support AI workloads.Industry participants say the defining requirement for AI data centres is access to electricity rather than proximity to financial hubs, allowing development to shift away from high-cost urban centres such as London toward less expensive industrial or rural areas.

According to construction analytics firm Barbour ABI, plans for 119 data centres have been submitted across Britain, spanning locations from former industrial facilities to repurposed commercial sites. This surge has led to a sharp increase in applications for electricity grid connections.

Data from Britain’s energy authorities show that demand for grid connections rose by 460% in the first half of 2025. Applications to connect to the high-voltage network reached 96 gigawatts, with an additional 29 gigawatts requested for local networks. For comparison, the country’s total electricity generation capacity is estimated at around 72 gigawatts.

The National Energy System Operator reported that approximately 140 data centre projects are currently in the connection queue, representing around 50 gigawatts of demand. The volume of applications has extended waiting times for grid access to between 12 and 15 years, creating a bottleneck that industry participants say is delaying viable projects.

The backlog has also been exacerbated by speculative applications. Some landowners have sought grid connections without confirmed planning approval or end users, leading to the emergence of so-called “zombie projects” that occupy capacity in the queue without clear development prospects.

In response, the operator has proposed reforms to prioritise projects deemed strategically important, including data centres, and to filter out speculative demand. A similar approach applied to renewable energy projects previously reduced connection requests by half.The scarcity of grid access has significantly altered land valuations.

According to Savills, industrial land in London typically sells for between 4.5 million and 6 million pounds per acre. Sites suitable for data centres can command between 8 million and 15 million pounds per acre, reflecting the premium attached to reliable power supply.

Comparable trends are evident in the United States, where real estate adviser Colliers reports that powered land can sell for more than twice the value of standard industrial land, with even higher multiples in established data centre markets such as northern Virginia and northern California.

Developers are increasingly adopting unconventional approaches to secure power access. In one case, a project acquired by Equinix obtained a grid connection by partnering with a battery storage developer and converting its allocation to suit data centre requirements.

Equinix plans to invest approximately 3.9 billion pounds in the development, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and operations targeted for 2031.However, securing a connection does not guarantee timely access to power.

Industry executives report instances where connection timelines have been delayed by more than a decade, forcing developers to explore alternative energy solutions to maintain project viability.Despite the surge in proposals, Britain lags behind other markets in actual project delivery.

Data compiled by DC Byte indicates that only 7% of tracked UK data centre projects are under construction or completed, compared with 46% in Germany, 40% in France and 24% in the United States.High industrial electricity costs and regulatory challenges have further complicated development. OpenAI recently paused plans for a large data centre in northeastern England, citing concerns over energy pricing and regulatory conditions.

Nonetheless, industry stakeholders maintain that underlying demand for AI infrastructure remains strong. At the Wilton site, existing grid capacity of 240 megawatts, combined with on-site generation from gas, biomass and waste-to-energy facilities, provides a foundation for expansion. Plans include integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, with the potential to scale capacity to one gigawatt.

Developers estimate that achieving this scale could require investment of approximately 15 billion pounds over the next decade. Discussions with potential tenants are ongoing, with project backers expressing confidence in long-term demand driven by the adoption of AI technologies.The expansion of data centre infrastructure is increasingly viewed by policymakers and industry as central to economic modernisation strategies.

However, the pace of development will depend on resolving constraints in energy supply, planning approvals and infrastructure capacity, which continue to shape the trajectory of Britain’s AI-driven real estate market.

Speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged the difficulty of the task and provided no operational details but indicated that other countries were prepared to assist. “It won’t be easy, we will have that open fairly soon,” he said, adding that multiple nations reliant on the waterway were offering support.

The Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has seen traffic severely curtailed since Tehran effectively blocked passage following the outbreak of hostilities. The disruption has triggered sharp volatility in global energy markets and raised concerns over supply security.

The conflict escalated after U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Israel and U.S. military installations in Gulf states. The broader regional confrontation has resulted in significant casualties, mass displacement and sustained pressure on oil prices.Trump has also pressed allies to contribute more actively to securing the waterway.

Following talks with the U.S. president, Mark Rutte urged European governments to provide concrete commitments within days, according to Reuters reporting.A fragile ceasefire announced earlier this week between Washington and Tehran has yet to restore normal shipping flows through the strait.

Separately, the United Kingdom is set to convene another meeting next week involving countries seeking to reestablish safe maritime transit through the strait. The discussions are expected to include senior officials and focus on coordinated diplomatic, economic and potential security measures to ensure passage for commercial vessels.

The meeting follows earlier consultations involving dozens of countries, including foreign ministers and military planners, as governments weigh options ranging from sanctions on Iran to maritime security operations once conditions permit.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said a credible plan is needed to reopen the route and stabilize global trade flows.

Speaking to UK broadcasters before departing Qatar, Starmer described NATO as a longstanding defensive alliance that has underpinned transatlantic security for decades, while acknowledging that European members must increase their financial contributions.

His remarks came in response to renewed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to withdraw from the alliance following disagreements with NATO partners over participation in the U.S.-Israel war against Iran.“It is in America’s interests. It’s in European interests,” Starmer said, emphasizing the alliance’s role in maintaining collective security.

The British leader’s visit included stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, where discussions centered on sustaining a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran and addressing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global energy supplies.

Starmer said he held a phone call with Trump late on Thursday, during which he conveyed regional concerns, particularly regarding the continued closure of the strait. Although the waterway was expected to reopen under the ceasefire agreement announced earlier this week, recent Israeli strikes on Lebanon and disputes over compliance have delayed progress.

He added that the United Kingdom is working to assemble a coalition of more than 30 countries to coordinate diplomatic and military efforts aimed at restoring safe navigation through the chokepoint.

In a separate interview, Starmer expressed frustration over the economic impact of geopolitical tensions, citing volatility in energy prices. He drew comparisons between the influence of Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on global markets, stating that fluctuations in energy costs were placing pressure on households and businesses.

The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world’s oil shipments, and prolonged disruption has raised concerns among governments and markets about supply stability and price volatility.

“I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” Starmer said in a statement, adding that efforts must now focus on sustaining the truce and reopening the vital maritime route.

Starmer said Britain would work with partners to support and uphold the ceasefire and turn it into a lasting agreement, while seeking to protect global economic stability by restoring access through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for oil and gas shipments.

The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic activity following the ceasefire, with London positioning itself in efforts to stabilise energy flows and reduce disruption to global markets.

Starmer, who has faced criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump for not backing recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has in recent days convened multinational discussions on securing the reopening of the strait.

According to the British government, the prime minister’s discussions in the Gulf will focus on diplomatic measures to reinforce the ceasefire and prevent further escalation that could threaten international trade.

The trip had been scheduled prior to the ceasefire announcement, but now takes on added significance as global attention turns to ensuring uninterrupted passage through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, discussing coordinated diplomatic steps to reopen the strait, including a UK-led meeting last week that brought together more than 40 countries to address the issue.

The meeting underscored the growing alignment between the two nations on global aid priorities and the need for long-term, resilient solutions that address rising humanitarian pressures.

The Saudi delegation was led by Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, advisor at the Royal Court and supervisor-general of KSrelief, accompanied by representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance and the Saudi Fund for Development.

The UK delegation was headed by Minister of State for International Development and Africa, Baroness Jennifer Chapman. Their discussions highlighted the significant progress made since the previous session held in Riyadh.

The dialogue showcased the continued expansion of joint humanitarian initiatives.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah noted that Saudi Arabia and the UK had collaborated on five major projects with a combined value exceeding $30 million, aimed at enhancing humanitarian response, supporting communities in crisis and promoting global stability and prosperity.

The partnership has become an essential pillar in international development planning.

Participants emphasized the importance of aligning aid with long-term outcomes. Both sides discussed ways to transition from emergency interventions to sustainable development models that improve health systems, strengthen educational infrastructure, and expand livelihood opportunities.

The focus on sustainability reflects global shifts in aid frameworks as humanitarian needs grow across conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable regions.

The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of the workshop on Saudi-British official development assistance held in London earlier in 2025, along with joint participation in international forums such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

These engagements have helped both partners explore new opportunities, exchange expertise and enhance coordination mechanisms.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah highlighted Saudi Arabia’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

He presented a forward-looking vision that integrates the Kingdom’s capabilities in healthcare delivery, education support and economic empowerment with UK experience in long-term development strategy.

The approach aims to create durable, self-sustaining solutions for vulnerable communities.

The Strategic Aid Dialogue is taking place at a time when humanitarian needs are rapidly increasing. Conflicts, climate disruptions and economic instability have placed added pressure on relief systems worldwide.

Against this backdrop, the Saudi-UK partnership serves as a model of joint international responsibility, showing how coordinated action can strengthen the global humanitarian landscape.

For both nations, the continued expansion of cooperation reflects strategic priorities. It enables more effective resource allocation, enhances the impact of aid programming and opens avenues for future initiatives that address emerging global challenges.

The dialogue in London provided an important platform to evaluate progress, refine shared goals and set a roadmap for the next phase of partnership.

As international development becomes more complex, Saudi Arabia and the UK are working to promote stability, resilience and dignity in communities most affected by global crises.

Their partnership illustrates the growing international recognition that sustainable humanitarian action requires collaboration, long-term planning and a commitment to inclusive global development.

U.N. figures show daily settler attacks in the Israeli-occupied West Bank have more than doubled since the Palestinian militant group Hamas’s deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel from Gaza.

“Extremist settlers, by targeting and killing Palestinian civilians, are undermining security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians,” Cameron said on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Israel must take stronger action to stop settler violence and hold the perpetrators accountable. We are banning those responsible for settler violence from entering the UK to make sure our country cannot be a home for people who commit these intimidating acts.”

On Monday, foreign office minister Andrew Mitchell told parliament that Cameron had discussed the issue of travel bans with his U.S. counterpart last week.

While much international attention has focused on the cross-border assault and Israel’s subsequent war against Hamas in Gaza, European officials have also expressed increasing concern about rising violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Earlier this week European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he would propose sanctions against Jewish settlers responsible for violence against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Borrell did not say what the sanctions would entail but EU officials have said they would involve bans on travel to the EU.

The settlements are one of the most contentious issues of the decades-long Israel-Palestinian conflict. They are built on land captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East War but which the Palestinians seek for a future independent state. They are deemed illegal by most countries but have consistently expanded over the years.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said it had fined the Ministry of Defence (MoD) 350,000 pounds, saying the department did not have operating procedures in place to ensure group emails had been sent securely to the Afghan nationals who had worked for or with the British government.

“This deeply regrettable data breach let down those to whom our country owes so much,” Information Commissioner John Edwards said in the statement.

“While the situation on the ground in the summer of 2021 was very challenging and decisions were being made at pace, that is no excuse for not protecting people’s information who were vulnerable to reprisal and at risk of serious harm.

Ben Wallace, who was defence minister at the time, had already issued an apology in front of the British parliament and launched an investigation into the breach.

The MoD said it recognised the severity of the issue and repeated that apology, adding that it would set out further details on the measures it was implementing to address the ICO’s concerns in due course.

The department had sent an email to a distribution list of Afghan nationals eligible for evacuation on Sept. 20, 2021 with all applicants copied, causing the personal information of 245 people to be inadvertently disclosed, the ICO said.

The MoD’s own probe found two other similar breaches during the same month, compromising 265 email addresses in total, the ICO said, adding that the data disclosed could have resulted in a threat to life if it had fallen into the hands of the Taliban.

The company, behind hit shows such as “Fleabag” and “Midsomer Murders,” is owned jointly by Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O) and Liberty Global (LBTYA.O). It reported its best ever year in 2022, with revenue topping $1 billion.

The deal may enter exclusive negotiations before Christmas and other groups are still interested, according to the report.

RedBird IMI is led by former CNN executive Jeff Zucker and backed by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and the owner of soccer club Manchester City.

Warner Bros Discovery, RedBird IMI and All3Media did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Just hours after flying in from Austria in February, Magomed-Husejn Dovtaev is said to have tried to record the security arrangements of the Persian-language Iran International channel’s headquarters in west London, the court heard.

Dovtaev, 31, is charged with a single count of attempting to collect information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism. He has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor Nicholas de la Poer told London’s Old Bailey on Monday that Iran International became a target for reprisals following its reporting on the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in Iran last year and subsequent protests in the country.

Iran’s minister of intelligence later declared Iran International a terrorist organisation, de la Poer said, which meant its employees “became targets for violent reprisals”.

“The prosecution does not suggest that (Dovtaev’s) purpose on Feb. 11 was to carry out such an attack or that it was intended that he would participate in an attack on a further date,” de la Poer said.

But, de la Poer added, Dovtaev went to Iran International’s headquarters, “no doubt acting on the instructions of others”, in order to gather information about its security arrangements.

He told the jury this information would be useful to anyone planning a terrorist attack against Iran International.

Dovtaev’s visit “demonstrates that planning by others was already under way”, de la Poer said, saying that videos pre-dating Feb. 11 of Iran International’s headquarters and security protection had been saved to his phone.

The trial, which is expected to conclude next week, continues.