UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rebuffed Vladimir Putin's threat that NATO countries would be at war with Russia if they allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles. Putin warned that such a move would change the "nature of the conflict". Starmer, en route to meet US President Joe Biden, retorted that Russia started the conflict with its illegal invasion of Ukraine and can end it immediately. He reaffirmed UK support for Ukraine's right to self-defense, including providing training and capabilities, while stressing that the UK does not seek conflict with Russia.

The prison population in England and Wales has decreased by over 2,000 in one week following the government's temporary early release scheme to reduce overcrowding. The plan, which began on 10 September, allows prisoners with sentences under five years to be released after serving 40% of their sentence instead of the usual 50%. Those with sentences of five years or more will be eligible from 22 October, though serious offenders like killers and terrorists are excluded. The prison population dropped from 88,521 to 86,333 as part of the effort to free up space in overcrowded facilities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a fresh warning to NATO over the use of Western-supplied long-range missiles in Ukraine, threatening escalation if attacks target Russian territory. This comes as Moscow's FSB security service expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of involvement in espionage and sabotage. The FSB claims to have documents showing a British foreign office department coordinating efforts to escalate the political and military situation in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The British embassy in Moscow has yet to comment on the expulsion or the spying allegations. The situation underscores the growing tensions between Russia and Western nations.

The UK government has introduced the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, requiring venues and events with over 200 capacity to take steps to prevent terror attacks. The bill, named after Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett, aims to make public spaces safer. Venues that fail to comply may face fines up to £18m. The move comes seven years after the Manchester Arena attack, which killed 22 people. The bill will be debated and voted on by MPs and peers, with campaigners welcoming the move as a step towards improved security.

Donald Trump has ruled out another presidential debate with Kamala Harris before the November election. Trump claimed he won the first debate, despite instant polls suggesting Harris performed better. Harris called for another debate, citing the high stakes. The two candidates are in a tight race, with polls showing a close contest. Trump's decision comes after their first debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Harris responded at a campaign rally in North Carolina, emphasizing the importance of another debate for voters.

Despite UK government efforts to attract skilled migrants, high-wage foreign workers are increasingly favoring countries like France and the Netherlands over the UK. Data from job-search platform Indeed shows that only 20% of clicks on UK job postings from abroad were for high-wage positions, a lower proportion than most advanced economies. In contrast, 40% of foreign clicks targeted the UK’s lowest-paid jobs, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Conservative policies aimed at limiting low-skill migration. The UK trails behind other nations in attracting top-tier talent, as high-wage workers opt for better opportunities elsewhere in Europe.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in the US for talks with President Joe Biden on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Starmer is set to meet Biden at the White House on Friday, with discussions expected to focus on Ukraine's request to use Western-supplied long-range missiles against Russian targets. Although Ukraine has urged the West to lift restrictions on its weaponry, concerns over escalation have delayed approval. The visit comes ahead of the US presidential election and follows Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s trip to Kyiv with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Key decisions on military aid are still pending.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will not participate in another debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump made the declaration on Truth Social, stating, "THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!" after engaging in previous debates with President Joe Biden in June and Harris earlier this week. His decision to skip a third debate comes amid heightened tensions as the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, with both candidates vying for public support in a deeply polarized political landscape.

Kristina Joksimovic, a former Miss Switzerland finalist, was brutally murdered by her husband, Thomas, in Binningen, Switzerland. Discovered on February 13, authorities concluded she was strangled before her body was dismembered with a jigsaw and other tools. Some remains were "pureed" in a blender and dissolved in chemicals. Thomas claimed self-defence, alleging she attacked him with a knife, but forensic reports contradicted this. Investigators uncovered Thomas's sadistic tendencies and mental illness, revealing previous violent behavior toward Kristina and a former partner. The federal court rejected his appeal for release.

A video of King Charles warmly hugging New Zealand’s women’s rugby team, the Black Ferns, at Buckingham Palace is winning hearts online. In the clip, shared on Instagram by the Black Ferns and The Royal Family, team member Ayesha Leti-I’iga asks the King if he would share a hug, to which he cheerfully agrees, replying, “Why not?” The King also posed for a selfie with the team. Social media users praised the heartwarming moment, with many commenting on the joy and breaking of royal traditions. One user wrote, “This made me teary! Breaking barriers with one hug.”