The UK is rallying a new multinational force of navies from among northern allies to be ready to fight and defend their seas amid a growing threat from Russia, the head of the Royal Navy has said.

The suspect accused of opening fire outside the White House correspondents' association dinner took selfies with weapons before the attack, newly released files appear to show.

This was always going to have been a deeply controversial royal tour to America.

UK long-term borrowing costs have hit their highest level since 1998 while oil prices have notched a new Iran war peak amid fears of extended disruption to energy flows from the Middle East.