Fund defence spending from tax rise on middle earners, thinktank tells Healey

The US military hit targets in Iran on Tuesday as Tehran reponded with retaliatory strikes as hostilities between the two countries flared once again in an intermittent war that has lasted more than six months. One US strike hit a home hosting a wedding, killing four people and wounding dozens, local officials said.

Germany on Tuesday blamed Russia for an attempted "hybrid attack" involving an explosive-laden drone at a strategic airport last month and announced diplomatic counter-measures. The European Union expressed "full solidarity" with Germany, NATO assured that it would defend its members and countries including Britain, Estonia and Poland offered strong backing. Germany will close Russia's consulate in the former capital Bonn later this month, and cancel the contract for the Russian House, a cultural centre in Berlin, said Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. FRANCE 24's Carys Garland reports.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced lawmakers in the House of Commons on Tuesday for the first time since becoming U.K. leader six weeks ago, with wars in Europe and the Middle East weighing on his promise to kick-start the economy, ease the cost of living and oversee a radical redistribution of power from London to Britain's regions. FRANCE 24's Mark Owen speaks with Dr Martin Farr, Senior Lecturer in British Contemporary History at Newcastle University.