Israel to shut UK consulate in response to sanctions

The UK has announced a ban on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. France, Canada and nine other European countries will do likewise. Mr Miliband accused the Israeli government of turning a blind eye to what he described as the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians by Jewish settlers and said its inaction was undermining the possibility of a two-state solution. Israeli Foreign Minister called Miliband's comments "outrageous lies" and announced that Israel will close the British consulate in Jerusalem. We answer listener questions from around the world.

A study of hundreds of thousands of 15 year olds across more than 90 countries has recorded the lowest ever average levels of performance in science, reading and mathematics. The report said it was troubling that there had been a decline in the skills that mattered most in the age of AI, such as evaluating information and thinking critically. We speak to teachers around the world.

We hear the latest from the US and Canada as a wave of Canadian retaliatory tariffs on American goods come into force.

Presenter: Luke Jones

Photo: New housing units are seen in the Israeli outpost settlement of Mitzpe Makada near the West Bank Palestinian city of Dura, 31 August 2026. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock