Breaking: A MOD spokesperson says: “We are investigating reports of an incident in the Channel.” Reports were received from a UK-registered yacht alleging that a Russian Navy vessel fired warning shots nearby at a distance of approximately 500 yards. The incident is understood to have taken place about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters. No injuries or damage have been reported by the yacht, which is continuing its journey. HMS MERSEY was monitoring the Russian vessel at the time. A seaboat from HMS TYNE has visited the yacht to gather details and check that they are safe. Investigations are ongoing and the MOD is viewing this an isolated incident - not linked to the UK’s interception of SMYRTOS.

'It's impossible not to conclude that our society is more divisive than was the case 10 years ago.' A decade on from Jo Cox's murder, @DanJarvisMBE acknowledges what the Defending Democracy Taskforce has done, but adds that there is still more work to do. @NatashaC

Vance was notably less forthright this morning than Trump about the Strait of Hormuz being reopened "toll free" immediately. The VP suggested the nature of the Strait's reopening will be part of the 60-day technical talks that begin once the MOU is signed "Well, our expectation is that the Strait is going to be opened in a toll free way for the long term. And that's the sort of thing that we're going to figure out in these technical negotiations," he told CNBC

We owe those who serve the UK the kit to do the job and the loyalty to stand by them when it's done. We are failing on both. I’ve spent my whole time in government making that case. Number 10 will not listen, so I am resigning as Minister for the Armed Forces. Letter to the PM below.🫡🫡🫡⬇️⬇️

Crikey

All within four swipes of the timeline.

Within hours of being announced as the nominee to be the U.S. Director of the CIA, I received a hand-delivered message on MI6 stationery congratulating me on my nomination. It was signed simply "C" in green ink. Legendary. I shared it with my son and even he thought I was now cool! More than that, this note, from Sir Alex Younger, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service of the United Kingdom, confirmed what I already believed: the work that the CIA and MI6 did together mattered, that the partnership was critical, and that two leaders focused on the mission could save lives and provide tools for our nations to deter our adversaries. Alex's passing this week brought back so many memories of our time in service together. He flew to Langley to see me the day I was confirmed. We brought our two senior teams together in the UK to plan and coordinate and build in the first several weeks of my time on duty: making clear to them all that this relationship was more than special - it was critical for the security of our two countries. Alex was a remarkable intelligence partner. When we needed help, it wasn't "let me see;" it was "this matters to you and America we'll get it done." And he and his team always did. I think he knew we would do the same for him and his team and his nation. Many Americans are alive today because of his leadership of MI6, I never knew how to thank him enough. Alex became a friend as well. In the years since we both left office we would see each other from time to time. He was always so kind, so thoughtful, so smart. His deep love of his country was surpassed only by his deep commitment and love of his family. Decent and proper - and funny as hell - Alex was "C." As espionage requires, he was quiet, not attention seeking. He knew what evil was and he was ruthless in his efforts to crush it with every legal tool at his command. And he knew who his friends were and committed himself to supporting them. I miss Sir Alex Younger. He was a role model for me and a man with whom every minute I spent was valued and savored. Blessings to you Alex. Praying for you and for your family. Well done and may you rest in peace in His hands.

Awfully sad news about Sir Alex Younger. A hugely impressive but also a very kind man. Sir Alex Younger obituary: long-serving head of MI6 thetimes.com/article/895220b…

".... so that WE may survive."

Can’t believe I almost missed this gem from the Daily Star.

RIP Alan Haselhurst

LOL

📣 In some professional news, I’m thrilled to say I’m joining LBC as their political correspondent! Over the last few years I’ve fallen in love with radio as a way to connect with audiences, especially through unpacking the twists and turns of British politics

Tony Blair says he is “anxious” and “pessimistic” about Labour's future. "There’s no point in deciding who leads the country on the basis of personality unless you understand our purpose in governing". @jonsopel

EXC: PM speaks to ITV News after net migration figures published He says this "is really good delivery" after I ask if it is too little too late