“Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, has directly blamed Iran and said the UK is working on a “concerted response” after a drone attack killed a British citizen on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman on Thursday night. Earlier on Sunday Israel claimed they had intelligence that Iran was behind the attack. The two countries have been waging a long-running shadow war. “We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran. UK assessments have concluded that it is highly likely that Iran attacked the MV MERCER STREET in international waters off Oman on 29 July using one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),” Mr Raab said in a statement. “Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law.” – Daily Telegraph
Prince Charles fears he’s collateral damage amid row over Tory ‘peddling access’
“Prince Charles believes he has become “collateral damage” amid infighting in the Conservative Party, it was reported last night. Sources said there were concerns that the future king was “being dragged into” a political row as the Tory party chairman, Ben Elliot, faces allegations of having sold ultra-wealthy clients access to the Prince of Wales, who is his uncle. It is viewed in Clarence House as a political story that the prince was being wrongly involved in, The Daily Telegraph said. Friends were said to have pointed out that Charles has a number of charitable interests and it was no surprise that he sought funds from wealthy benefactors. A member of the Conservative Party’s board told The Times they would be asking Elliot about claims that he profited from granting access to Charles, possibly at the next board meeting.” – The Times
News in brief:
- Weekly Briefing: Pick battles, not fights, John Ashmore – CapX
- Bad trip: SNP are the wreckers of devolution, the Editorial Board – Reaction
- Did the New York Times stifle lab leak debate? Ashley Rindsberg – UnHerd
- What should the post pandemic railway offer us? John Redwood – John Redwood’s Diary
- Is it fair for Laurel Hubbard to compete against women? James Kirkup – The Spectator