The UK Foreign Office has warned that deadly hantavirus is now a health concern in Argentina after the MV Hondius departed from that country before being hit by an outbreak

The Foreign Office has advised British travellers that hantavirus has emerged as a serious health risk in Argentina. The alert was triggered by a suspected outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise liner, which has seen five of eight suspected infections confirmed and resulted in three fatalities.

Argentinian authorities suspect a Dutch couple, regarded as the primary cases, caught the deadly virus during a birdwatching excursion. While their travels included Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay before they joined the cruise, the ship’s departure from Argentina has led investigators to focus their search for the infection’s origin there.

In a fresh development, a missing Briton who departed the vessel early has been located but remains overseas. While this individual has been traced, they have not yet arrived back in the United Kingdom, The Mirror reports.

The cruise ship is currently voyaging towards the Canary Islands after a previous scheduled stop at Cape Verde. The vessel remains at the heart of the ongoing health investigation as authorities continue to track the spread of the virus.

Under the health section of its travel advice for Argentina, the UK Foreign Office states: “Hantavirus is present in Argentina. Read more information about hantavirus in Argentina on TravelHealthPro. Further guidance on hantavirus is available from the UK Health Security Agency and Argentina’s Ministry of Health (website in Spanish).”

Tests have confirmed that at least five people who were on the ship were infected with a hantavirus found in South America, called the Andes virus.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, said that while the risk to the public is low, there could be more cases due to the incubation period of the Andes virus.

“Given the incubation period of the Andes virus, which can be up to six weeks, it’s possible that more cases may be reported,” he said. “While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low.”

He added: “I would also like to thank the ship’s operator for its co-operation, and the passengers and crew who are going through a very difficult and frightening situation.

“I’ve been in touch with the ship’s captain regularly, including this morning. He told me morale has improved significantly since the ship started moving again.”

Manchester United have ruled out a blockbuster summer move for unsettled Chelsea star Cole Palmer, according to reports.

Palmer has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge following a frustrating season both for him and the Blues.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation since his £40m move from Manchester City in 2023, winning the Premier League Young Player of the Year award at the end of his first season in west London.

Palmer had a staggering 42 goal involvements that season and scored a further 18 goals last term as Chelsea qualified for the Champions League and won the Club World Cup and Conference League.

The England international has also hit double figures this season but failing to hit his top form has raised doubt over his place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Reports have suggested Palmer is unsettled at Chelsea and the Daily Express say he would ‘welcome’ a move to Manchester United, the team he supported growing up, after they qualified for the Champions League.

The report adds that Palmer has been ‘impressed’ by United’s revival under Michael Carrick, who is in pole position to get the job on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

United have been strongly linked with a move for the Chelsea talisman but it is claimed Old Trafford bosses have ruled out a summer move.

While the Red Devils admire Palmer, they do not view him as a ‘primary objective’ and will instead focus on the signing of at least two central midfielders and two defenders.

Should Manchester United change their mind, the Daily Express say Chelsea would want around £90m to part ways with Palmer.

Even if United’s interest in Palmer has faded, it still appears unlikely that the playmaker will see out his contract with Chelsea, which runs until 2033.

Ex-Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend has suggested Palmer will need to leave Stamford Bridge to ‘rediscover his game’.

‘First and foremost, Cole Palmer needs to rediscover his game,’ Townsend told BetVictor. ‘From where he was a year ago, compared to where he is now is chalk and cheese.

‘He needs something. I get the impression with Cole that he’s looking around the team and saying: “Who’s inspiring me? Who’s getting me going? Who’s really there to carry the fight with me?”

‘There aren’t too many at Chelsea. I think Joao Pedro is a real talent. His performance at Villa Park earlier this season was one of the best I’ve seen from a striker anywhere this season. It was terrific.

‘Enzo [Fernandez] looks like he’s already laying the foundations for getting out, with what’s been said and done recently.

‘So with Cole, the problem might be at a club like Chelsea when so much traffic comes and goes, he might eventually think he’s the one that has to go.

‘If you’re going to keep seeing better players come in and then go, or the best young talent being sold for profit, then sometimes after a while it can frustrate you.

‘It wouldn’t surprise me at some point if things don’t rapidly improve, that he turns around and says: “I think I might have to go elsewhere.”‘

Chelsea are just ninth in the Premier League ahead of their trip to Anfield to face reigning champions Liverpool on Saturday.

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Explosions have been heard in cities around the Strait of Hormuz, but a US official insisted it does not mean fighting has resumed.

Fear is growing over the fragile ceasefire in the Iran war after reports of fire in the region and across Iran.

Iran’s state broadcaster described explosions in the Strait as an ‘exchange of fire’ between Iranian forces and the ‘enemy.’

Blasts were heard in the ports of Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas port.

An unnamed American official told NBC News that the US carried out strikes on at least two locations in Iran.

They did not constitute the restarting of major fighting against Iran, the official insisted.

The US Central Command said in a statement: ‘U.S. forces intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks and responded with self-defense strikes as U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman, May 7.

‘Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones and small boats as USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), and USS Mason (DDG 87) transited the international sea passage. No U.S. assets were struck.

‘U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking U.S. forces including missile and drone launch sites; command and control locations; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance nodes.

‘CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces.’

In the capital Tehran, air defences are said to have been activated, Iran’s IRIB broadcaster said.

Earlier today, Tasnim news agency with links to the regime, said Iranian forces clashed with the US Navy following an attempted attack on an Iranian oil tanker.

The US Central Command has declined to comment on the claims.

Meanwhile, talks to end the conflict are meant to continue between the US and Iran.

Pakistan, which has been a mediator in the peace talks, put out a statement today through its foreign ministry, saying it expects an agreement to be reached ‘sooner rather than later.’

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A man has been charged following an incident near Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s home.

Officers were called shortly after 7.30pm yesterday following a report a man was behaving in an intimidating manner in the village. Officers attended, and the man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and possession of an offensive weapon. He was taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Alex Jenkinson, aged 39 and of Stowmarket, Suffolk has since been charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to harass someone or cause alarm or distress and failing to provide a specimen of blood in custody.

He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates Court tomorrow (Friday 8 May 2026).

“I am concerned over the council’s park summer programme as it looks to be very juvenile in nature and appeals only to families with children. I wouldn’t go.”

A Northern Ireland council deputy mayor has criticised a summer entertainment programme for being for families with children.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s communities committee heard calls this week for the authority to copy its neighbours Ards and North Down over “juvenile” concerns.

The annual ‘Park Life’ programme provides family fun events throughout July and August according to the Lagan Valley website, but its deputy mayor wants more jazz like shows for more mature tastes.

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Deputy Mayor Hazel Legge said: “I am concerned over the council’s park summer programme as it looks to be very juvenile in nature and appeals only to families with children.

“I wouldn’t go. But, perhaps we could look at the likes of how Ards and North Down bring in tribute acts with singers on a pleasant July afternoon. Can we start putting meat on the bones of who will play?

The council website describes its previous ‘Park Life’ 2025 programme as a summer of “free family fun” across five of the district’s public parks over the school summer holidays.

It reads: “The Park Life Summer Programme is bursting with exciting children’s activities and imaginative themed days.

“With something happening every week throughout the summer, the Park Life Programme 2025 is the perfect way to enjoy free fun, fresh air, and family time.”

In chambers a council officer responded: “The programme for this year is due to go out next month. We have different types of music such as Jazz and various others.

“I would be delighted to get feedback from members. We will have communications going out by the end of the month.”

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Firefighters are battling the blaze which erupted earlier this evening in the South Lanarkshire town.

A huge blaze has erupted in Rutherglen, prompting a major emergency response. The alarm was raised around 6.40pm after a fire started at a shop on Baronald Street in the South Lanarkshire town on Thursday, May 7.

Mercy crews, including Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, rushed to the scene. The incident has locked down Baronald Street along with Dalmarnock Road and Farmeloan, all of which are currently closed.

Members of the public are being urged to steer clear of the area as firefighters battle the inferno. Photos taken at the scene and shared by the Record show large plumes of smoke billowing from the Nisa Local on Baronald Street.

Several blue-lit fire vehicles can be seen parked up outside as personnel work to temper the flames and bring the blaze under control. Worried residents can be seen gathering in the street to watch the concerning event unfold.

A cordon is erected around the affected premises, while drivers over the M74 have apparently reported sightings of the fire.

South Lanarkshire Council confirmed that road closures are in place on Farmeloan Road, Dalmarnock Road and at the Cambuslang Road junction. The exact cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

It is also unclear if anyone has been involved in the fire or suffered any injuries.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Emergency services are in attendance following a fire at a shop premises in Baronald Street, Rutherglen which was reported at 6.40pm on Thursday, 7 May, 2026.

“Baronald Street along with Dalmarnock Road and Farmeloan are currently closed.

“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area at this time.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.

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Pakistan has emerged as a central diplomatic broker in the conflict between the US and Iran. When announcing a pause to the US operation to guide stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz on May 6, Donald Trump said he had made the decision “based on the request of Pakistan”.

The Pakistani prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, subsequently expressed hope “that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond”. This latest intervention comes a month after Pakistan secured its biggest diplomatic win in years by brokering a ceasefire in Iran.

But how did Pakistan emerge as the most trustworthy mediator in this conflict, and what drove Islamabad to involve itself? Pakistan’s biggest advantage is that it enjoys relationships with both the US and Iran, which has helped it be seen as a neutral party by each side.

Pakistan has worked with the US in dealing with Iran for decades. Since 1981, two years after the US and Iran severed diplomatic ties following the Islamic revolution, a dedicated section of the Pakistani embassy in Washington has handled Iranian diplomatic affairs in the US.

Pakistan has also worked with the US in mediation efforts elsewhere. Most notably, it facilitated former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger’s secret visit to China in 1971. This paved the way for the normalisation of relations between the US and China later that decade.

Relations between the US and Pakistan have not always been smooth. In 2011, a decade after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Atlantic magazine in the US referred to Pakistan as the “ally from hell”. Whether or not it did so knowingly, Pakistan hosted al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden following the attack.

Trump himself also denied Pakistan military aid during his first term as president, saying it was not doing enough to combat terrorism. And Pakistan’s human rights record, particularly concerning democratic backsliding and restrictions on civil liberties, have at times led to tension with the US government.

However, Pakistan’s relationship with the US has improved markedly in Trump’s second term. Trump, who often uses personal ties to guide US foreign policy, has developed a strong relationship with Sharif and the chief of Pakistan’s army, Asim Munir. In June 2025, Munir was even invited to the White House for a private lunch. This was the first time a US president had hosted a non-head of state military leader at this level.

Pakistan’s recent efforts to court Trump have played a key role in building these ties. Over the past year Pakistan has nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, joined his Board of Peace and launched a collaboration with his World Liberty Financial crypto platform.

And in July, Islamabad signed a deal with the US to allow Washington to help develop Pakistan’s largely untapped oil reserves. “We read him [Trump] right,” said the former chairman of the Pakistani Senate’s Defense Committee, Mushahid Hussain Syed, in an interview with the Washington Post on April 20.

The relationship between Pakistan and Iran has also been characterised by ups and downs. While Iran was the first country to recognise Pakistan’s independence in 1947, their relationship has often been fraught with tension. This largely stems from Iran’s territorial claim to the Balochistan province of Pakistan, as well as from Pakistan’s ties with Iranian rivals.

As recently as January 2024, tensions between the two countries appeared to be escalating again over Balochistan. However, hostilities soon receded and both countries formally resumed their bilateral ties. They subsequently expanded their security cooperation and invited each other’s ambassadors and foreign ministers for a formal reconciliation ceremony.

Strategic necessity

Some commentators argue that Pakistan’s decision to step in as the primary mediator in Iran has been driven by strategic necessity. Its Balochistan province is currently grappling with an insurgency. Islamabad will thus want to avoid a situation where the Iran war spills into Pakistan, as this could destabilise its border regions even further.

There are also economic reasons explaining Pakistan’s involvement. Pakistan has been severely affected by the disruption to Gulf shipping. It imports between 85% and 90% of its crude oil from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and almost 99% of its liquified gas from the UAE and Qatar.

Before the war broke out, Pakistan’s economy had been starting to gain momentum. But higher oil prices are now affecting government revenues, increasing its fuel import bill from US$300 million (£220 million) before the conflict to US$800 million now. Pakistan’s authorities have been forced to raise consumer fuel prices by more than 50%.

Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which employs around 40% of the country’s population, is also vulnerable to the conflict due to its reliance on fertiliser imported through the Strait of Hormuz. Prices of urea fertiliser have surged by 50% since the war broke out. Prolonged disruption to the agriculture sector risks plunging some of the most vulnerable people in Pakistan further into poverty.

Remittances are another area that could be affected by a protracted conflict, with as many as five million Pakistani people living in the Gulf region. Pakistan received roughly US$30 billion in remittances between 2025 and 2026, 54% of which came from the Gulf.

If the war continues to affect Gulf economies, many Pakistani workers may be forced to return home. This will cause remittance revenues to fall, depriving Pakistan of a vital source of foreign exchange, while simultaneously pushing up domestic unemployment.

Pakistan’s relationships with the US and Iran put it in a strong position to intervene in the conflict diplomatically. But its mediation has also been a calculated effort to stabilise its borders and protect its economy.

Voters in Wandsworth in London have had their say in the 2026 local elections.

Seats on Wandsworth London Borough Council were up for election in the wards of Balham, Battersea Park, East Putney, Falconbrook, Furzedown, Lavender, Nine Elms, Northcote, Roehampton, Shaftesbury & Queenstown, South Balham, Southfields, St Mary’s, Thamesfield, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Trinity, Wandle, Wandsw^{orth Common, Wandsworth Town, West Hill, and West Putney.}

All 58 seats on Wandsworth London Borough Council were up for grabs, with each ward represented by either two or three councillors.

Before the 2026 election, the London borough council was run by Labour, who had 34 seats.

Councillors have been elected in all 32 London boroughs, with a total of 1,817 seats up for grabs. London borough elections take place every four years.

Polls closed at 10pm on Thursday, May 7, with the count taking place overnight. Results for the Wandsworth local elections are due from 4am on Friday morning.

In total, more than 5,000 council seats were up for grabs across 136 local authorities in England on election day. Mayoral elections also took place in six areas.

Below you can see the full results for every seat up for election in Wandsworth. You can select your ward from the drop-down list.

Mr Burnham had been expected to address the second annual Festival of Childhood in Manchester on the morning after the elections, but on Thursday evening organisers said he had been replaced by Caroline Simpson, group chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.