Michael Desmond was a Hackney Labour councilor. He invited Jonathan Turner, the CEO of UK Lawyers for Israel, to speak at a Hackney Council meeting and used his position to attack the pro-Palestine movement in Hackney.

Yesterday he lost his seat.

[RT]

Another Hackney Labour councillor, Ian Rathbone, spent time smearing the pro-Palestine movement, saying “your self righteousness takes over. .. It starts to get out of control & goes past the usual democratic discussion phase into name calling, shaming & violence”.

Yesterday he was voted out.

[RT]

Voters in Croydon elected Starmer's niece, Ellie Standover.

[RT]

Hezbollah released footage similar to scenes from the Ukraine-Russia war, showing FPV drones chasing Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.

V

Spokesperson for UK Defense Ministry:

“We can confirm that HMS Dragon will deploy to the Middle East to pre-position ahead of any future multinational mission to protect international shipping when conditions allow them to transit the Strait of Hormuz”

The HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer previously stationed in the eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus, will “pre-position” in the region and stand ready to join a UK- and French-led maritime initiative once conditions allow, multiple UK news outlets reported, citing the ministry spokesman.

The proposed mission, backed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

[RT]