
US President Donald Trump has threatened to alter a trade agreement with the UK, which currently caps US tariffs at 10 percent on most British-manufactured goods. This threat comes as Trump criticized Britain's lack of support in the Iran war. Despite the tensions, Trump stated that the strained relationship would not negatively affect King Charles III's upcoming state visit to the US. The trade agreement, concluded last year, saw the UK open its markets to American ethanol and beef in exchange for favorable US tariffs. However, this advantage has been weakened by a Supreme Court decision and subsequent temporary tariffs imposed by Washington. Transatlantic ties have deteriorated, particularly over the Middle East conflict, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer refusing initial US requests to use British bases for strikes on Iran. Starmer's government has recently adopted a tougher stance towards the US, with Finance Minister Rachel Reeves criticizing Trump's war with Iran and Health Minister Wes Streeting calling his language "incendiary, provocative, outrageous."
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Must ReadSpain secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final by defeating France 2-0 in Tuesday's semi-final match in Arlington, Texas. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from a penalty in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal. Pedro Porro then doubled Spain's lead in the 58th minute following a play orchestrated by Dani Olmo. This marks Oyarzabal's fifth goal of the tournament. France, aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final appearance, struggled against Spain's defense. A post-match report from FIFA stated that Spain "outplayed France," limiting their chances and scoring through Oyarzabal and Porro. Spain will now face the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina in Sunday's final. France will compete for the bronze medal on Saturday.
Must ReadThe Oyo State House of Assembly has reiterated its support for Governor Seyi Makinde's request for an independent international investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area. The House believes an international probe is essential to establish facts, strengthen Nigeria's security, and prevent future attacks on schools. This stance comes after Governor Makinde, following the rescue of the victims, called on the United Nations and International Human Rights Organizations for an investigation, citing the gravity and unusual circumstances of the incident. The Assembly also addressed the Senate's caution against such a probe, clarifying that Governor Makinde's call is a patriotic appeal for transparency, accountability, and international collaboration against terrorism and mass school abductions, not an indictment of the Federal Government or security agencies. The House emphasized that commending security efforts and seeking a transparent review are not mutually exclusive, especially as terrorism and school attacks have transnational dimensions. They concluded that Makinde's proposal aims to understand lessons from the Oriire abduction and translate them into stronger security measures, complementing efforts to improve security agencies' welfare and equipment.

Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has issued a warning against what he perceives as attempts to undermine the opposition party through judicial manipulation and the misuse of state institutions. In a statement on Tuesday, George condemned recent developments surrounding the PDP's leadership crisis, suggesting that certain forces are working to destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He referenced a Supreme Court judgment from April 30 that nullified a PDP national convention, leading to a reconstituted Interim National Working Committee that operates alongside another faction recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. George criticized the projection of an individual with no known democratic pedigree as National Chairman, stating that leadership is earned through sacrifice and democratic legitimacy, not political manipulation. He urged the judiciary and INEC to uphold the Constitution and remain impartial, emphasizing that institutions must not determine political party leadership. George cautioned that misusing political power and suppressing opposition is dangerous for national stability and that governments should not weaken democratic institutions. He called on the judiciary to remain faithful to the Constitution, INEC to act without bias, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure government institutions remain above partisan interests.