The UK is expected to experience its highest temperatures of 2023 over the upcoming bank holiday weekend, with forecasters predicting fine weather. The warmest day could see temperatures reaching 24°C in the West Midlands and south-east Wales. However, the east coast may only see highs of 15°C. The Met Office has indicated that the weather will be slightly above average for May, with no immediate signs of a heatwave. Last year's record-breaking heatwave saw temperatures soar to 40.3°C. The current warm conditions are due to an area of high pressure, with the Met Office dismissing reports of intense heat from southern Europe or North Africa.

The UK has sanctioned five Russians, including FSB agents and a judge, connected to the poisoning and arrest of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a British-Russian dual national and critic of President Putin. Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years for treason and spreading false information about the Russian military. UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly demands his immediate and unconditional release. Kara-Murza, who survived two poisoning attempts, was nominated for a human rights prize and has been a vocal opponent of Putin's invasion of Ukraine and advocate for Russian political prisoners.

Mohammad Farooq, 27, from Roundhay, Leeds, has been charged with terrorism, explosive, and firearms offences following an incident at St James’s Hospital in Leeds. He is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court via video link. The incident prompted evacuations in the hospital's Gledhow wing. Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley stated that the incident was isolated with no increased risk to the public, but emphasized the importance of public vigilance as the UK threat level remains substantial.

Prince Harry, in interviews with ITV's Tom Bradby and CBS' Anderson Cooper, made several claims ahead of his memoir 'Spare' release. He accused the Royal Family of negative media relations and expressed a desire for reconciliation but stressed the need for accountability. Harry denied calling the family racist, discussed his mother Princess Diana's death, and detailed a physical altercation with his brother Prince William. He also touched on the Royal Family's initial mistrust of Meghan Markle and his hope for future peace. The interviews suggest deep-seated issues within the Royal Family and Harry's strained relationships with his father and brother.

Cheryl Korbel, mother of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, paid tribute to her daughter at her funeral in Liverpool, describing her as 'chatty and bubbly' and loved by all. Olivia was killed when a gunman entered their home three weeks prior. Despite nine arrests, no charges have been filed, and a £50,000 reward is offered for information leading to the killer. Olivia's school, St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School, and the community honored her memory. Merseyside Police continue to seek information and the recovery of the firearms used.

Claire Mercer, whose husband was killed on a smart motorway, is skeptical about the effectiveness of the newly launched Road Safety Investigation Branch (RSIB), fearing it may only offer recommendations without enforcing action. The RSIB, initiated by the Department for Transport, will investigate UK road collisions to prevent future incidents. Smart motorways, which have seen 38 fatalities from 2015 to 2019, are a potential investigation topic for the RSIB. Despite National Highways claiming smart motorways are the safest, the government has paused their expansion due to safety concerns. Mercer advocates for the reintroduction of hard shoulders and questions the RSIB's independence. The RSIB will not investigate every crash but will focus on patterns to improve safety, drawing on data from various sources.

Finland has formally announced its intention to join NATO, a significant shift from its long-standing non-military alignment, prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Public support in Finland for joining NATO has surged to approximately 75%. Sweden is also expected to pursue NATO membership. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned against the expansion of NATO and has cut power supplies to Finland in response. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has welcomed the potential new members, while some NATO countries have called for an expedited membership process. Turkey has expressed objections to Finland's membership due to concerns over support for the PKK. However, NATO's Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana is confident these issues can be resolved among allies.