Reform UK has made big gains at the expense of Labour and the Conservatives in English council elections, with around a quarter of councils still to declare.

Results are also coming in from parliamentary elections in Wales and Scotland, with Labour set for an historic defeat in Wales and the SNP claiming victory in Scotland.

The polls across Scotland, Wales and 136 English local authorities are the biggest set of elections since the 2024 election, and widely seen as a crucial test of Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership.

Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews

For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news

#Elections2026 #BBCNews

source

Vladimir Putin has used his annual Victory Day speech in Moscow, marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War, to justify his war in Ukraine and denounce Nato.

He was speaking as he oversaw a scaled-back parade on Red Square, held under heavy security, with fears of a Ukrainian attack and growing public concern in Russia over the war.

For the first time in years, no armoured vehicles or ballistic missiles featured in Moscow’s Victory Day parade. They were instead shown large TV screens.

The Russian president said he was fighting a “just” war and called Ukraine an “aggressive force” that is being “armed and supported by the whole bloc of Nato”.

His remarks come amid muted celebrations across Russia to mark the nation’s biggest national holiday.

Ahead of the celebrations Russia and Ukraine agreed to observe a three-day ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump on Friday.

Jane Hill presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Steve Rosenberg in Moscow.

Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews

For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news

#BBCNews

source

The Royal Navy is sending a warship to the Middle East where it could join an international mission to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US is still waiting for Iran’s response to a peace proposal that could end the conflict. That’s despite President Trump saying he expected a reply by Friday night.

Lebanese officials say Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon have killed at least seven people, despite a ceasefire agreed last month.

Bahrain says it has detained 41 people accused of links with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews

For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news

#Trump #Iran #BBCNews

source

Two people are dead and several others injured after a car drove into a crowd in the eastern German city of Leipzig on Monday afternoon, local authorities said.

Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung said the suspected perpetrator – who authorities have confirmed is a 33-year-old German citizen – was arrested. Jung added that authorities were not yet clear about a motive.

Police confirmed a car had struck several people in the central Grimmaische Straße area before driving off. Authorities said 22 people were injured, including three seriously.

Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews

For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news

#Leipzig #Germany #BBCNews

source

On the afternoon of 8 April in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the neighbourhood of Hay el Sellom was hit by an Israeli air strike.

source