Monday, March 23, 2026

Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent.

Israel's warnings about Iran having ballistic missiles capable of reaching the UK are exaggerated, a senior minister said, Keir Starmer's government was accused of a cover-up after messages between his chief adviser and Peter Mandelson were missing, and Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Putin will benefit from a "long war" in Iran.

Top stories

1 | Minister insists UK is safe as Israel accused of exaggerating Iran threat

Read more

2 | Missing McSweeney phone prompts accusations of Mandelson 'cover-up'

Read more

3 | Meningitis B cases fall but experts call for 'vigilance'

Read more

4 | Zelensky warns of missile shortage as he says Putin will benefit from 'long war' in Iran

Read more

5 | Four ambulances set on fire in London in suspected antisemitic hate crime

Read more

Editors' picks

'More hardship than joy': Readers on why people aren't having children

There was a time when a man worked and a woman stayed at home to bring up children and do the housework. They both had a role to play within a marriage, and it worked well. Today it's a different story, with the cost of living and people in full employment sometimes having to go to food banks to make their money stretch further.

Share your opinion and read the full debate here.

WATCH 

Israeli airstrike destroys key bridge in southern Lebanon

STAT OF THE DAY

40,000

The seven locations for new towns to be built across the UK have been selected, with several locations expected to deliver more than 40,000 homes

Read more

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"His bravery, dedication, and passion for helping others will not be forgotten"

A police officer has died in the line of duty while "trying to save the lives of others", Kent Police said

Read more

Other stories you might like

Don't miss out – these champagne deals at Amazon are worth celebrating.

Use discount code: "SAVE15" for 15% off cashmere socks at Peper Harow.

Join the conversation and follow us

Download our apps:

Please do not reply directly to this email

You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Evening Headlines newsletter.

To unsubscribe from The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.

This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345

Read our privacy policy and cookie policy