The Metropolitan Police is preparing to deploy considerable resources to address potential vandalism and protests as London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) expands to cover greater London. The expansion, which charges vehicles not meeting emissions standards £12.50 a day, has been defended by Mayor Sadiq Khan as a necessary measure against air pollution. The Met has noted an increase in criminality targeting Ulez cameras and infrastructure and is monitoring planned protests. Transport for London has invested over £3m in an advertising campaign to inform drivers about the Ulez expansion.

Royal Liverpool Golf Club, located between Hoylake and West Kirby, is the second oldest golf links in England. Originally founded in 1869 as 'Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake', it became Royal Liverpool in 1871 and is often referred to as Hoylake. The club has a rich history, including a period when it served as both a golf course and horse-racing track. Despite being off the Open rota from 1967 to 2006, it has hosted 12 Opens, with notable winners such as Harold Hilton and John Ball, who have close ties to Hoylake.

Tiger Woods' iconic 4-iron shot at the 14th hole during the 2006 Open at Royal Liverpool is recounted. Woods, who was playing with Sir Nick Faldo and Shingo Katayama, executed a strategic play that contributed to his third Claret Jug and 11th Major win. He described his approach and the shot's execution, which he couldn't initially confirm as successful until informed by a TV crew member. Woods reflected on his ball-striking during the tournament, comparing it to his performance at Pebble Beach in 2000.

The golfing world is reacting to the PGA Tour's announcement of a new entity with the DP World Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, leaving the future of the LIV Golf League uncertain. Players like Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer express optimism for LIV's future, while others like Nick Faldo are skeptical. The integration of different tours and the team/franchise model of LIV are discussed as potential value additions to the sport.

The US Open at Los Angeles Country Club is set to offer a respite from the controversies in professional golf, with a Hollywood spectacle expected. The event marks the first Major in LA since 1995 and features storylines such as the Saudi Public Investment Fund's 'merger' with the PGA and DP World Tours, Brooks Koepka's potential success, Phil Mickelson's career Grand Slam attempt, and the performances of top players like Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler. Rory McIlroy is also a fan favorite, while the course's Bermuda grass rough and emphasis on second shots will challenge players. The event is anticipated to be a memorable US Open.

An investigation by the anti-fascist group Hope not Hate has revealed a symbiotic relationship between senior Tories and the extreme rightwing, with government rhetoric on migration feeding the far right. Analysis of Telegram messages showed spikes in anti-migrant hostility following government statements. Home Secretary Suella Braverman's comments have been echoed by far-right groups and individuals, with a noted increase in the use of the word 'invasion.' The report also highlights the media's role in reinforcing government narratives, creating an ecosystem of hostility towards migrants. The overlap between government, media, and far-right rhetoric has normalized extremist views, with far-right groups adopting government slogans for protests. The report calls for the government and media to take responsibility and end their inflammatory approach to immigration.

Suella Braverman's criticism of Essex Police for seizing racist golly dolls from a pub has led to a dispute, with the Home Office reportedly apologizing for the false claim that Braverman reprimanded the force. Senior police officials express growing concern over Braverman's focus on 'anti-woke' issues rather than major policing challenges. The controversy is heightened by Braverman's public criticism of police forces over 'culture war' issues without prior contact. Conservative peer Baroness Warsi and other senior Conservatives have criticized Braverman's 'racist rhetoric', with some labeling her an electoral liability and a 'real racist bigot'. Meanwhile, Essex Police continue their investigation into the reported hate crime at the White Hart pub in Grays.

Nicola Sturgeon has committed to fully cooperating with police following the arrest of her husband, Peter Murrell, the SNP's former chief executive, amid an investigation into the party's finances. Sturgeon, who recently resigned as SNP leader, spoke after their Glasgow home was searched by police. She emphasized her understanding of public scrutiny but also her right to privacy. Meanwhile, SNP president Mike Russell acknowledged the severity of the crisis facing the party and expressed doubts about achieving Scottish independence in the current climate, emphasizing the need for a new, unified independence movement.

An Observer investigation revealed that approximately one in 100 police officers in England and Wales faced criminal charges in 2022, with a 590% increase since 2012. The Police Federation, representing around 140,000 officers, has been criticized for defending members accused of serious crimes, including sexual offences. High-profile cases such as those of David Carrick and Wayne Couzens have highlighted issues within the police force. Metropolitan Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have called for reforms to allow for the immediate dismissal of officers suspected of serious crimes. The Home Office is reviewing policing's dismissal processes, but Khan has urged for urgent changes. The Police Federation did not comment on the findings, and campaigners argue that the organization is a major obstacle to addressing police misconduct.

The Metropolitan Police and MI5 have disrupted 15 attempts by Iran to kidnap or assassinate individuals in the UK deemed as 'enemies of the regime.' Following credible threats, Iran International TV has moved from London to the US. The Met's counter-terrorism head, Matt Jukes, highlighted the increased workload from foreign state threats, quadrupling over two years. Protective measures are in place for other UK targets. The station's general manager, Mahmood Enayat, cited the move as a response to significant threats to British public safety and an assault on sovereignty and free speech. The situation reflects broader challenges faced by journalists globally, as evidenced by recent actions against the BBC in India.

The Metropolitan Police is being called to reopen the investigation into the Partygate scandal after new allegations surfaced from a podcast and an ITV investigation. These allegations suggest Downing Street staff coordinated their responses to the Met's questionnaires and destroyed evidence. The London Assembly’s police and crime committee's deputy chair, Unmesh Desai, has written to Met commissioner Mark Rowley, highlighting contradictions in Boris Johnson's claims and the single fixed penalty notice he received. The Met had previously issued 126 fines to 83 people for events on eight different dates. Johnson is also set to face the privileges committee next month. Additionally, the National Audit Office is reviewing the decision to fund Johnson's legal defense with £220,000 of taxpayers' money, while Johnson's declared income since leaving office has reached nearly £4.8m.

Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, warn of the possibility that Russia may attempt to re-enact its original invasion plans of Ukraine around the late February anniversary of the war. Major General Andriy Kovalchuk foresees potential invasions from multiple directions and states Ukraine is preparing for such scenarios. Despite a standstill in the 10-month war, Ukrainian military figures are urging the West for more weapons. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cautious approach to assessing the war's progress has caused some disquiet among military chiefs. The Ministry of Defence noted an increase in Russia's long-range strikes against Ukraine's infrastructure, with recent attacks resulting in casualties, including a toddler in Kryvyi Rih.

After 12 years, a framework agreement involving P5+1, the European Union, and Iran may lead to profound changes in the Middle East's political and economic landscape. Despite skepticism from the US Congress and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, analysts believe a full accord is likely by June 30. The deal, which includes increased IAEA inspections and phased sanction waivers, could result in significant investment in Iran's economy, particularly in energy and banking. Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia, are concerned about Iran's return to oil markets, which could impact oil prices.

Saudi Arabia's 2015 budget projections reveal a deficit of SAR 145bn ($38.7bn) due to a significant drop in oil prices. Despite this, the government plans to maintain high spending to support the economy, with substantial reserves to back its expansionary state. The budget includes increased spending on education, health, and social affairs. Analysts were surprised by the scale of the deficit, which is around 5.2 percent of GDP. The Kingdom's efforts to diversify the economy have seen limited success, and it remains vulnerable to further oil price declines. The International Monetary Fund estimates Saudi Arabia needs a fiscal breakeven oil price of $106 a barrel in 2015. With substantial capital buffers, Saudi Arabia has options to finance the deficit, including using reserves or tapping international bond markets. The Kingdom's decision to maintain oil production levels is seen as a response to US shale competition and regional geopolitical ambitions.