Russia says it could hit UK military targets over supply of missile technology to Ukraine – as it happened

Russia has issued a stark warning to the UK, threatening to target British military sites in Ukraine and potentially beyond, in response to the UK's decision to provide classified technology to Kyiv.

The threat, delivered by Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, comes after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the country's support for Ukraine's access to Storm Shadow long-range cruise missile technology.

Zakharova accused the UK and France of "playing with fire," stating that Russia would retaliate against any Ukrainian strikes utilizing British weapons by striking British military facilities in Ukraine and potentially further afield.

Despite the tense geopolitical situation, the Labour government had reasons to celebrate today. Statistics released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed a positive trend in youth employment and education, with a decrease in the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) from 1,012,000 to 981,000 between January-March and April-June 2026.

Additionally, the number of asylum seekers temporarily housed in UK hotels has decreased significantly, standing at 16,021 in June 2026, a 70% drop from the peak of 56,018 in September 2023. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood attributed these figures to the government's efforts to restore control at the border.

On the domestic front, Prime Minister Burnham has been touring the UK, visiting Wales and Northern Ireland. In Wales, he expressed support for the reindustrialization of the region, promising to build the world's biggest green steel production, a move he described as a "huge prize" for the devolved nation.

Burnham is expected to continue his engagement with political leaders across the UK, aiming to address the cost-of-living crisis and other pressing issues.