Richard Ratcliffe has forged a media career by painting himself as the embattled husband of an “oppressed woman” and an “innocent mother”.

The United Kingdom’s decision to deploy more naval assets to the Persian Gulf has caused worry and anxiety in the international community for fear that the augmented British military presence in the region will dramatically inflame tensions.

The Supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran condemned British “piracy” in the wake of Britain’s seizure of a Russian super-tanker, carrying Iranian crude oil, off the Spanish coast of Gibraltar. He asserted that “Evil Britain commits piracy and steals our ship ... and gives it a legal appearance. Iran, and those who believe in our system, will not leave such evil deeds unanswered”.

Recently released figures, which suggest Scotland may have the highest drugs mortality rate in the world, have caused shock and consternation in Scotland, as well as across the rest of Britain.

The European Union foreign policy chief on Wednesday called it a “joint responsibility” to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, saying the deal serves the “collective interest” of all.

Europe’s unconventional experiment with negative interest rates to spur economic growth and inflation is looking like a trap.

Ministers are ignoring a ‘cocktail of toxic chemicals’ in furniture, food packaging and children’s prams which could harm the health of Britons, even before they’re born, MPs have warned.

International Desk

Russia has rejected starting talks with Japan on the return of two disputed islands despite an agreement last year, in a move that could further delay the signing of a peace treaty, Kyodo news agency says.

Imports of a ‘green fuel’ source may be inadvertently increasing deforestation and the demand for new palm oil, a study said.