He also said he'd had the option of deploying HMS Dragon to the Mediterranean for weeks. Interviewed at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, the minister was asked by Sky's Europe correspondent Ali Bunkall if he could rule out Britain joining the conflict in an offensive capacity. He responded: "As circumstances in any conflict change, you've got to be willing to adapt the action you take." Iran war latest: First UK evacuation flight departsPolitics latest: PM to 'stand firm' by British values Mr Healey then listed defensive measures that were being taken, including the use of anti-drone helicopters, deploying HMS Dragon to the eastern Mediterranean, and bringing in planners to co-ordinate an international response. Pressed on whether he would rule out British aircraft taking part in offensive operations over Iran, Mr Healey again demurred. "Everything that we have done is defensive, is legal, and is coordinated with other allies," he said. The minister's visit to the island comes after a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri on Monday, with two more UAVs intercepted en-route to the base later that day. During his visit, Mr Healey met with his Cypriot counterpart Vasilis Palmas "to discuss how the UK is further reinforcing our air defences to support our shared security", a government spokesman said. Iran has been unleashing rocket and drone attacks across the Middle East after the US and Israel launched a joint-attack on the country on Saturday. In the aftermath of Monday's drone attack, the decision was made to deploy HMS Dragon, an air-defence warship, to the Mediterranean. But Sky News revealed on Wednesday that the ship was not ready to depart and would not sail until next week. Asked when the option of deploying HMS Dragon first crossed his desk, Mr Healey deflected. Read more:Kurdish fighters chomping at the bit to fight Iran regimeUK terror threat 'absolutely' under review after Iran strikes He said it was one of the options he'd had available when he made decisions weeks before the start of the conflict to strengthen British defences in the region. He added that the decision to deploy the warship had been taken because the government was "now in a position to judge better the nature of the Iranian response".

The star was detained by highway patrol officers at 9.28pm on Wednesday and released at 6.07am, according to Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Its online records give Spears' height as 5ft 5ins and her occupation as "celebrity". She has been scheduled to appear in court on 4 May. Various US media reports say she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in California. Her representative said after the news emerged that her arrest was "completely inexcusable" and the incident "can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life". In a statement they said: "This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable. "Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life. "Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time. "Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being." Ventura County, where she was arrested, is an area to the north of Los Angeles that's home to many celebrities. The singer went through a high-profile court battle in 2021 to end the legal arrangement that had allowed her father to control her freedom and finances due to concerns over her mental health. Spears has been musically inactive for years and has not released an album for a decade. However, her hits such as Toxic and Baby One More Time remain popular and last month it was reported she had sold the rights to her work. Sources told TMZ the deal was in the ballpark of the $200m (£150m) deal signed by Justin Bieber when he sold his back catalogue. Such agreements allow a company to license the performer's music for use in adverts, films, TV and gaming.

The home secretary has said the government is consulting on precisely how the removal of families with children will work. Politics Live: UK to send more fighter jets to the Middle East Speaking to Trevor Phillips on Sky News on Thursday, Ms Mahmood said it was important to "enforce" the law. She said: "This is about immigration enforcement and it's about being in a process where you are able to enforce your rules. "If you don't do that, the flip side is you just end up picking up the tab for hundreds of families, hundreds of thousands of pounds per family every single year. "And it is the taxpayer in the end that's paying the price of that." The cabinet minister said there is "no easy solution" to cutting illegal immigration but "if you're going to have rules, then you better enforce them". She added: "Otherwise you might as well say to everybody, there's no rules enforced at all. It's an open border situation. And I don't think that has public support either." Read More:Politics of migration 'difficult' for Labour, Mahmood saysUK's first visa ban in asylum crackdown However she insisted that where children were concerned, this would be done "humanely". "We already have arrangements in this country, legal arrangements about how we would handle children, whether that's in a school setting, whether that's with the police, whether that's in... other parts of public service. "So, there are already well-used rules about the way that we approach the handling of children. And, of course, we would want to do this as humanely and as effectively as possible." In a speech setting out immigration reforms today, Ms Mahmood said failed asylum seeker families will be offered £10,000 per person up to a max of £40,000 to leave the UK and if they don't voluntarily leave, they will be deported. She said a similar model in Denmark had been a "great success" and that this would reduce the cost to the taxpayer of housing asylum seekers in hotels. In her speech she said: "For too long, families who have failed their claims have known that we are not enforcing our rules, which created a perverse incentive to make a channel crossing with children in a small boats."

England conceded over 250 in a T20 international for the first time as India posted a massive 253-7 after being inserted at the toss, but Bethell's 45-ball hundred took Harry Brook's side to the cusp of a remarkable victory. Bethell shared in a superb 77-run partnership with Will Jacks (35 off 20) for the fifth wicket, leaving England needing a gettable 82 off the final six overs when the latter departed. Axar Patel, who had earlier taken a terrific, tumbling catch over his shoulder to dismiss Brook (7), also played his part in a stunning relayed effort on the boundary to do for Jacks. Scorecard: England vs India, T20 World CupMen's T20 World Cup 2026: Full fixtures and resultsStream T20 World Cup without a contract on NOW Sam Curran (18 off 14) couldn't clear the boundary as effectively, while the returning Jasprit Bumrah (1-33) was typically miserly, ensuring England's required rate steadily climbed - even with Bethell's hundred heroics at one end. Bethell went through to three figures as he hammered his seventh six, to go with eight fours, off the first ball of Hardik Pandya's penultimate over. But just three more runs were added from the next five balls - which included Curran's demise - to see 30 needed off the last, where Bethell was run out first ball. The game finally beyond England, Jofra Archer struck three sixes to get them closer to the initial target, but it's India who advance as they bid to successfully defend their title in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Samson stars again as India set T20 World Cup record Sanju Samson had earlier proven the mainstay of India's extraordinary total - a new T20 World Cup record - as he smashed seven sixes and eight boundaries in his 89 off 42 - but he should have been dismissed for just 15. Serving up a chipped chance to Brook at mid-on in the third over, the skipper somehow shelled the simple grab - and Samson made him and England pay. Abhishek Sharma (9) holed out to deep midwicket in Will Jacks' second over, but Ishan Kishan came in and blasted 39 off 18 as part of an explosive 97-run stand with Samson for the second wicket. The 100 came up for India in the ninth over as a 19-run Liam Dawson over was bettered by a 20-run hammering of Curran. England, desperate for an answer, finally found one as Adil Rashid (2-41) removed Kishan, but Samson found another more than useful foil in Shivam Dube (43 off 25). Samson would ultimately fall to Jacks (2-40) to start the 14th over, perishing unselfishly in pursuit of more boundaries as opposed to playing for a potential century. India's momentum was far from derailed with his departure, as Dube, Hardik (27 off 12) and Tilak Varma (21 off 7) continued to dish out the punishment to England's attack - Archer, in particular, getting the treatment as his four overs cost 61. Tasked with pulling off the second-highest T20I run chase of all time, there was at least a clarity afforded England's batters in the approach required - and Bethell certainly enjoyed himself. England were 38-2 when Brook (7) fell cheaply to start the fifth over, bringing Bethell to the crease. He swiftly struck his second ball for six, and hit three more to start Varun Chakravarthy's next over. Varun would bowl Buttler (25 off 17) two deliveries later but it would otherwise be a torrid night for the leg-spinner, as he conceded 64 from his four overs. A quickfire Tom Banton (17 off 5) cameo, as well as the more telling contributions from Bethell and Jacks, helped England soar past the 100 mark off the first ball of the ninth over, Bethell bringing up a 19-ball half century in the 11th. But the wicket of Jacks - to a fine bit of work on the boundary by Axar - ultimately proved decisive as Bethell didn't quite have enough support at the end to see England over the line. Brook on drop and 'unbelievable' Bethell England captain Harry Brook: "We gave it a red hot crack and unfortunately we were on the wrong side. "I will hold my hands up and say that I made a big mistake dropping Samson because catches win matches, it's that old famous phrase. "Unfortunately it just didn't go our way in the field tonight, but on another day it comes off. There was a little bit of poor execution here and there, so we probably didn't execute as well as we could have. "Bethell was unbelievable. I think he's going to earn some serious money in his career, and he will definitely have a long career with England. "He has shown the world how good he is tonight. That innings is an extremely big positive to take from this tournament." McCullum: I would love to stay as head coach England head coach Brendon McCullum: "At a hostile ground with total Indian support, the toughness the lads showed to take the game as close as we did, I am incredibly proud. "I think they have been incredibly led by Harry Brook, who has grown as a leader. Young players have grown as well, so should be proud." "I love the job. It's a great job. It doesn't come without its challenges of course but that is the nature of it. "I feel we have achieved some really cool things over the last couple of years but there is still so much to achieve across all formats. "I would love to carry on so we will see what unfolds. Right now, it's about getting home, seeing some fast horses and playing some shocking golf. "A bit of time to reflect. To let things land and objectively look at what is and isn't working. We will see what happens and I would love to help lead the team through to the next stage." Watch the T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 1pm, Sunday (1.30pm first ball). 2026 Men's T20 World Cup knockouts All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports Semi-finals Wednesday March 4 New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets (Kolkata) Thursday March 5 India beat England by seven runs (Mumbai) Final Sunday March 8 New Zealand vs India (Ahmedabad, 1.30pm)

Donald Trump put out a social media post announcing she was being replaced by a senator from Oklahoma. He said Ms Noem would be moving to a new job, special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, in about three weeks. He said the role would be a "new Security Initiative in the Western hemisphere" that will be further detailed on Saturday. She becomes the first cabinet secretary to leave during Trump's second term. Ms Noem came under scrutiny after calling the actions of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota an "act of domestic terrorism" after she was shot dead by ICE agents. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents two weeks later. Mr Trump said on Truth Social: "I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026. "The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. "I thank Kristi for her service at 'Homeland.'" Noem addressed a Department of Homeland Security event moments after Trump's announcement but didn't mention her change of role. She instead read prepared remarks reinforcing Trump's message from the State of the Union last month. At hearings in Congress, she this week faced stinging criticism from fellow Republicans - particularly over a £165m ($220m) ad campaign she appeared in that encouraged people in the US illegally to leave voluntarily. She insisted that Trump was aware of the campaign in advance, but he contradicted her in an interview, saying he did not sign off on it. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Yalda Hakim, who hosts international news show The World With Yalda Hakim, won presenter of the year, home news correspondent Mollie Malone was named emerging talent of the year, and 24 Hours In The Kill Zone by international news correspondent John Sparks won in the digital journalism category. It is the ninth year in a row Sky News has won the channel of the year award. Executive Chairman David Rhodes said: "We are so proud to continue the rich legacy of Sky News in live and breaking news for people across the UK and, especially at this time, around the world. "Sky News has changed so much since we first won this award, when we were a single TV channel. "Adding streaming and digital audiences, we've never left behind that commitment to eyewitness video that the judges have recognised, which makes it more meaningful for so many hardworking colleagues to receive this award." Yousra Elbagir: TV journalist of the year Elbagir has reported extensively on the war in Sudan over the last year, including an investigation into the "killing fields" where thousands have been targeted. "It is a crisis that has slipped from global attention even as the suffering worsens," she said. "The siege of my hometown, Khartoum, and the destruction of my family home brought the realities of this war painfully close - a reminder of what's at stake in the stories I share." 'A privilege to be on the ground' Hakim was unable to receive her award in person because she's reporting on the ground in the Middle East. She has also reported from Israel and Ukraine and has interviewed numerous world leaders in the past year. "During one of the most intense and consequential periods for global affairs it's a privilege to be on the ground, face to face with the people most impacted by conflict," she said. Among her interviews was one with Pakistan's defence minister who, when asked about funding and training terrorists, said his country had been "doing this dirty work for the United States for about three decades". Malone has covered growing issues with safety in UK prisons including how drones are being used to transport contraband inside. She has also reported on criticism of the government's violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy. Sparks' digital journalism award follows his coverage after he joined Ukrainian troops in an area targeted by explosive-carrying drones. Like Hakim, his coverage of the war in the Middle East means he was not able to accept his award in person. Sky News also had nominations for deputy political editor Sam Coates in the political journalist of the year category; data and forensic correspondent Tom Cheshire was nominated for specialist journalist of the year, special correspondent Alex Crawford was also nominated in the television journalist of the year category. And Sky News' coverage of Syria: After Assad was also nominated in the news coverage - international category.

As the war in the Middle East enters its sixth day, questions remain over the prime minister's stance - but did a cabinet revolt shape the UK's response? Reports suggest Sir Keir Starmer was in favour of granting the US access to UK military bases sooner, but was overruled by an alliance of Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Attorney General Lord Hermer. Sam and Anne unpack the power dynamics at the top of government and the pressure the PM faces from international allies - some of whom are wondering which side Britain is on. Away from the conflict, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveils tougher immigration plans in a major speech - but will the rhetoric cross the line? Plus, the duo have insider gossip from Morgan McSweeney's leaving do, the PM's former chief of staff who resigned over the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US.

"It's Carrick, you know. Hard to believe it's not Scholes." You may have seen United legend Paul Scholes' surprise jab at his former team-mate on social media in the aftermath of his first defeat in the job. "Michael has definitely got something special about him...because United have been c*** the last four games." It was a strange intervention from Scholes to say the least. This is a man he partnered in midfield for seven seasons. They were team-mates and played in more than 150 games together. Plus, Carrick had won six of the last seven games. Report & highlights: Newcastle 2-1 Man Utd Got Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺 Rather than analyse why this United legend turned podcaster might have decided to two-foot Carrick with the type of tackle he was famous for in his playing days, it is more worthwhile to dig into the point he raises, because it is not enitrely without merit. The defeat at Newcastle felt like it had been coming after the performances against West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace. However, when Jacob Ramsey was sent off, awarded a second yellow for an apparent dive, it seemed Carrick's run would go on. This was the third time an opponent had received a red in Carrick's eight games in charge, which is certainly not nothing. There has been an element of good fortune since he took over. On those previous occasions, against Tottenham and Palace, Carrick's team capitalised but what followed at St James' Park was more akin to Ruben Amorim's defeat to 10-man Everton at Old Trafford in November. Manchester United missed the chance to move into the top five that night. This time they remained third, which is a clear indication of the progress made under Carrick, albeit they could have moved three points clear of their Champions League qualification rivals. The problem for Carrick is that this was another scenario when his team were expected to dominate. They had a man advantage for the entire second half but you would not have known it. Newcastle had more expected goals, more shots on target and, crucially, more goals. This was also a Newcastle team considered physically shot and on a rotten run without their captain Bruno Guimaraes. They had played 45 games against Manchester United's 30 this season and not had a midweek off since the November international break. This was only Manchester United's third midweek fixture of 2026. They have failed to win any of them. After two of those, including the Newcastle trip, at least a week off has followed. Yet it was the team in red that faded on Tyneside. Carrick has inherited the limitation of only having 13 first-team players that do not markedly weaken the team. Tyrell Malacia and Manuel Ugarte came off the bench at Newcastle. Their impact was as advertised. Surely, they cannot stay another season. Looking at Newcastle, the Manchester United hierarchy must be concerned about what is on the horizon, whoever is in charge. Barring an almighty late-season collapse, this squad will be playing in Europe and on a schedule they are ill-equipped to cope with. This reality will only further complicate the challenge of ending United's overreliance on being a counter-attacking team. United are by no means the only team that come unstuck when the onus is on them to attack and Carrick has had limited time on the training pitch to work on the patterns of play that might address this shortcoming. It tends to take time. However, time is not on Carrick's side to convince United's hierarchy that he is worth taking a gamble on. The question Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada and Sir Jim Ratcliffe must answer is whether Carrick can take that step or if what we're seeing now is his ceiling. Carrick's changes against West Ham and Everton made up for United's below-par performances with Benjamin Sesko scoring decisive goals off the bench. Both goals came from moments of individual brilliance as opposed to a wider tactical plan, though. Smart tweaks against Palace also brought about improvements. His instruction for the team to spread wide stretched the defence and led to the penalty. However, the impact of Maxence Lacroix's contentious sending off cannot be underestimated. In eight games, Carrick has produced two outstanding performances and results against the best teams in England, Arsenal and Manchester City. Save for the wins over Fulham and 10-man Spurs, it has been a slog ever since. Newcastle was simply dire. Carrick is on an eerily similar path to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, under whom he worked as an assistant at United. History may remember Solskjaer more fondly than we do now after his second and third-placed finishes, but this association is unhelpful for Carrick. The fear of repeating mistakes of the past is only adding to the uncertainty around Carrick. INEOS cannot afford to make another bad appointment, especially not one taken straight from the Ed Woodward handbook of how to run a football club. How the team responds to this setback after their nine-day break is important. More of the same against Aston Villa, who are tied on points behind them in fourth, and it could spell trouble. This is a group of players that have been known to crumble under pressure. Conversely, a strong performance and return to winning ways would be the perfect antidote to the doubts and put Carrick's side in a strong position to seal Champions League qualification with only seven matches left to play after that and every midweek free. Carrick is unlikely to convince anyone that he is a "special" coach between now and then. Certainly not Scholes, it seems. But this is his last chance to address the lingering scepticism around him staying on at Old Trafford. Improvement is required. Man Utd's remaining Premier League fixturesSunday March 15: Aston Villa (H) - live on Sky SportsFriday March 20: Bournemouth (A) - live on Sky SportsMonday April 13: Leeds United (H) - live on Sky SportsSaturday April 18: Chelsea (A) Monday April 27: Brentford (H) - live on Sky SportsSaturday May 2: Liverpool (H)*Saturday May 9: Sunderland (A)*Sunday May 17: Nottingham Forest (H)*Sunday May 24: Brighton (A) *Fixtures subject to change