Starmer: UK not involved in Venezuela strikes

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed the UK was “not involved” in the US military strikes on Venezuela or the capture of Nicolas Maduro earlier this morning.

Speaking to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer said: “I haven’t [spoken to President Trump] and it’s obviously a fast-moving situation. We need to establish all the facts.

“What I can say is that the UK was not involved in any way in this operation and as you’d expect we’re focusing on British national in Venezuela and working very closely with our embassy.

“I will want to talk to the president, I will want to talk to allies, but at the moment I think we need to establish the facts.”

However, when pressed, Starmer declined to condemn the actions taken by the US President.

He said: “As you know, I always say and believe we should all uphold international law, but I think at this stage, fast-moving situation, let’s establish the facts and take it from there.”

Starmer also confirmed that approximately 500 British nationals were in Venezeula and work was ongoing to “safeguard” them.

Opposition response

Liberal Democrats leader, Sir Ed Davey, has called on Starmer to condemn Trump over the strikes, which the Venezuelan government stated had taken place in capital Caracas and states Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.

In a post on X, Davey said: “Keir Starmer should condemn Trump’s illegal action in Venezuela.

“Maduro is a brutal and illegitimate dictator, but unlawful attacks like this make us all less safe.

“Trump is giving a green light to the likes of Putin and Xi to attack other countries with impunity.”

Green Party leader Zack Polanski also called on Starmer to condemn the “illegal strike”.

However, Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, said the US “unorthodox” military action could prove a deterrent to potential future Russian and Chinese aggression.

In a post on X, he said: “The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law- but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing.

“I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro.”

Shadown foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel also said that “nobody will shed tears” over Maduro’s capture and indictment in the US.

The Conservative frontbencher said: “We have always strongly condemned Maduro’s brutal and repressive regime and the Conservative government did not consider Maduro’s administration as legitimate.

“Nobody will shed tears for him being removed.”

Trump’s support

Speaking to Fox News, Trump did not confirm if he would support Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who is currently in Norway, to take over running the nation.

He said the administration is going to “look at” supporting Machado, whilst hailing the 2024 election of Maduro a “disgrace”.

He also warned that Maduro’s capture “sends a signal we’re not going to be pushed around anymore”.

The US President also said that both Maduro and his wife are en route to New York, where Maduro has been indicted of multiple drugs and weapons charges.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro indicted in New York on drugs and weapons charges

Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, will stand trial in the US, after both he and his wife were captured and flown out of the country by US special forces on Saturday morning.

US Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has confirmed that both Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York.

Bondi said Maduro had been charged with “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machine guns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machine guns and Destructive Devices against the United States”.

Bondi added: “They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”

Bondi did not confirm what Maduro’s wife had been charged with.

Marco Rubio comments

The confirmation of charges follows Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, earlier stating that Maduro would stand criminal trial, likely on drug trafficking charges.

In a social media post, Mike Lee, a Republican senator for Washington, said: “[Rubio] informed me that Nicolas Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant.”

Lee also added that Rubio “anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody”.

Rubio also shared an old post in the form of a screenshot on X, in which he condemned Maduro and his government.

In the post, Rubio said: “Maduro is NOT the President of Venezuela and his regime is NOT the legitimate government.

“Maduro is the head of the Cartel de Los Soles, a narco-terror organisation which has taken possession of a country. And he is under indictment for pushing drugs in the United States.”

US officials also confirmed that members of Delta Force, the US military’s top special mission unit captured Maduro.

Global figures react

A score of global leaders have begun reacting to the news that Maduro had been captured by US forces, with Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief confirming she had spoken to Rubio about US strikes on Venezuela.

She wrote on X: “The EU had repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transistion.

“Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint.”

Elsewhere, Russia has condemned the US strikes, saying that “ideological hostility” has prevailed over diplomacy.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement: “This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable.”

Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign ministry have also shared a statement, denying any involvement in the attack, after providing support to the US military to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean, saying it “continues to maintain peaceful relations” with the nation.

Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, said she was “closely monitoring the situation” whilst Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, called for “de-escalation and responsibility”.

Venezuela response

Following the strikes, Venezuelan defence minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, confirmed the nation will resist the presence of foreign troops.

In a video statement, he added that US strikes on the country had struck civilian areas and confirmed that the Fort Tiuna military installation in Caracas was attacked, and that the nation is working to compile information about both the injured and the dead.

Meanwhile, Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, said that Maduro’s location was unknown, adding “we demand proof of life”.

The country also called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council in response to the strikes, according Yvan Gil Pinto, the foreign minister.

Electric vehicle sales set to experience slowest growth since the pandemic

Electric vehicle sales are set for their slowest annual growth since the pandemic damaged sales in 2020, as demand for the vehicles weaken.

First reported by the Financial Times, electric vehicle (EV) sales are expected to reach just 13 per cent to 24m in 2026, down from an estimated 22 per cent increase last year, according to research firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.

The Trump administration’s decision to scrap incentives for EVs, coupled with the EU weakening a ban on petrol cars set to take effect from 2035 and a cooling of demand in China will shape the industry’s 2026 performance according to analysts and executives.

The fall in sales outlook follows years of surging China-led demand, that appeared to be leading the demise of petrol based cars.

Chinese market

According to Benchmark, US sales will tumble 29 per cent to 1.1m vehicles in 2026, after reaching a record breaking 1.5m in 2025.

Sales in Europe are predicted to rise 14 per cent to 4.9m, following a an estimated 33 per cent increase last year, while China, the largest EV market, are forecast to see sales hit 15.5m, up from 13.3m in 2025.

The projected growth in China is below that recorded in the five years leading to 2025, when sales, including those of plug-in hybrids, rocketed from 1.1m to over 13m.

Chinese manufacturers, led by electric vehicle and rechargeable batteries specialist BYD, also helped spur sales in Europe, through the rollout of cheaper models, undercutting both European and US carmakers.

According to figures released this week, BYD overtook Tesla as the world’s biggest electric-car maker in 2025, as the Chinese group continued to take up more space in overseas markets.

Hybrid sales

Despite the expected drop in overall EV sales, executives expect a continued pick-up in sales of hybrids and plug-in hybrids, which have grown more popular as poor charging infrastructure turned consumers away from purchasing completely electric vehicles.

Ford chief executive, Jim Farley, told the Financial Times: “Both markets are learning that partial electrification is as interesting as full electrification.”

Farley added that EV’s share of the new car market in the US could fall from the approximate 10 per cent recorded last year to five per cent in the near term.

In contrast to the struggling US market, executives expect the Chinese market to continue to grow in 2026, but slower than recent years.

UBS also predicts sales in China will inch up eight per cent this year.

Trump says Nicolas Maduro has been captured and flown out of Venezuela

Donald Trump has said the US has captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flown him out of the country, after weeks of growing tensions between the two nations.

Trump confirmed the US has launched air strikes on Caracas earlier this morning, using black hawk helicopters and chinooks, following reports the capital had been hit by multiple explosives.

The president then broke the news that Maduro, alongside his wife, had been taken into custody and flown out of the country.

Videos posted on social media showed what appeared to be a series of strikes on Venezuela’s military complex Fuerte Tiuna in the west of Caracas, as well as an air base at La Carlota in the centre of the capital, while multiple areas suffered power outages.

“Brilliant operation”

In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump said: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.”

He added that a news conference would take place at his private Palm Beach club, Mar-a-Lago at 11am EST, 4pm UK time.

In a phone interview with The New York Times, Trump hailed the plan to capture Maduro as a “brilliant operation”, involving “a lot of good planning” and “great, great troops and great people”.

However, he refused to confirm whether he had sought congressional authority, stating he would address that point in Mar-a-Lago.

Months of threats

The early morning bombing raid came after months of threats from Trump, who said he would take action if Venezuela did not stop drug-smuggling boats from heading towards the US, while Maduro was branded the head of a narco-terrorist state by the US State Department.

Since August, the US has been increasing pressure on Maduro’s regime, conducting operational military flights close to the border and bulking up naval forces presence, with the US military attacking boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

According to the Trump administration, about three dozen boat strikes have taken place.

Just this week, Trump declared a “total blockade” on US sanctioned oil tankers heading to and from Venezuela, while on Thursday Maduro wanted to reach a deal with Trump.

Venezuelan government response

In the wake of the strikes, the Venezuelan government urged its supporters to take to the streets, stating strikes had taken place in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.

It said: “The Bolivarian government calls on all the social and political forces of the country to activate the mobilisation plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.”

The government added that Maduro had “ordered all national defence plans to be implemented” and declared “a state of external disturbance”.

President Gustavo Petra, of neighbouring Colombia, said his country was watching with “deep concern” while Bruno Rodriguez, foreign minister of Cuba, “strongly condemned” the attacks as a “cowardly” act against a country that had not “attacked the US or any other nation”.

Three sport law disputes to watch for in 2026

Joel Leigh and Rufus Scholefield take a look at the sectors that could define sport law in 2026

The left over mince pies are running out and the sporting world is looking ahead and bracing for a year that promises thrilling competition but also, significant legal and regulatory challenges. 

2026 looks certain to be remembered for controversies surrounding the forthcoming World Cup, significant changes of governance in the Premier League and an entirely new and highly contentious multi-sport event, intent on breaking into a space dominated by the Olympics. 

Here are the top three areas likely to grab sports dispute headlines in the year ahead. We have excluded Manchester City’s alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. 

Fifa, Donald Trump and the World Cup

The 2026 Fifa World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico in June and July, is already shaping up to be one of the most politically charged tournaments in history. The close relationship between Fifa President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump has sparked furious accusations of politicisation and even collusion.

Trump’s administration has introduced travel restrictions affecting several nations that have qualified for the tournament, including Iran and Haiti, raising fears of visa denials for fans and officials. Iran has already boycotted the draw in protest, citing broken promises from Fifa in respect of guaranteed access for its delegation.

Further controversy surrounds Trump’s threats to relocate matches from Democrat-run cities such as Boston and Los Angeles, citing “security concerns”. While these remarks may amount to little more than bluster, they create deep uncertainty for broadcasters, and sponsors and teams alike. Add to this the introduction of ‘Oasis style’ dynamic ticket pricing and blockchain-based ticket tokens, which critics argue will make this the most expensive World Cup ever for fans, and the stage is set for further disputes over both consumer rights and contractual obligations.

Human rights groups have also warned that discriminatory policies and mass surveillance could breach Fifa’s own commitments, potentially triggering legal challenges from multiple advocacy organisations.  

Closer to home, English football faces a major governance battle. The Premier League has approved new financial regulations that will come into effect for the 2026–27 season. These include the Squad Cost Ratio, which limits clubs to spending no more than 85 per cent of their football revenue on wages and transfers, replacing the existing Profit and Sustainability Rules. While the league argues these measures promote competitive balance and financial health, critics see them as a de facto salary cap.

The Professional Footballers’ Association has already warned that legal challenges are “inevitable”, claiming the rules infringe on players’ rights and restrict trade. Several clubs, including Manchester City and Manchester United, are expected to oppose the changes, and competition law specialists have raised concerns about whether the rules comply with UK law. 

The inaugural Enhanced Games, scheduled for May 2026 in Las Vegas, will openly permit performance-enhancing drugs, positioning itself as a radical alternative to the Olympics. Organisers claim the event will “rewrite the rulebook” by embracing science and transparency, offering athletes substantial financial incentives, including bonuses of up to $1m to those who break world records. However, this approach raises profound legal and ethical questions.

Anti-doping agencies, sports federations and even governments may challenge the legitimacy of the event, arguing that it undermines decades of work to ensure fair play and athlete safety. There is also the risk of litigation over health outcomes, particularly if enhanced protocols lead to long-term harm.

Insurance coverage for participants and broadcasters could become another flashpoint, as traditional underwriters may refuse to back an event that actively encourages banned substances. With Silicon Valley investors and high-profile athletes already committed, expect much quarrelling over sponsorship contracts, intellectual property rights and regulatory compliance to dominate headlines. 

Conclusion

From the politicised World Cup to the provocative Enhanced Games and the Premier League’s financial revolution, 2026 is set to test the outer boundaries of law, ethics and governance in sport. For lawyers, regulators and stakeholders, the year ahead will be less about who wins on the pitch and more about who prevails in the courtroom.

Joel Leigh is a partner and Rufus Scholefield is an associate at Howard Kennedy 

The 13 unmissable TV shows to watch in 2026, from Industry to Bridgerton

It’s set to be another blockbuster year for TV shows in 2026, with the return of much-loved franchises like Bridgerton and Industry, as well as a range of new launches, including – for the young and perpetually online – Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty, a thrilling-sounding look at “ozempic culture,” and the return of Dawn French in a prime time BBC slot in her new comedy series.

Here are the 13 biggest TV shows launching in 2026 and when to catch them.

Can You Keep A Secret?

When grandmother Debbie Fendon’s husband William is mistakenly declared dead, the pair realise they can capitalise on the mistake, hiding him in the loft so they can claim life insurance. But the conceit gets messy with their son Harry and his police officer wife Neha living nearby. Can You Keep a Secret? is based on a bestselling novel by Sophie Kinsella and the six part series starring Dawn French will premiere on the BBC. In a statement, Simon Mayhew-Archer, creator and producer of the show, described it as “clever, quirkily charming family romp.” Early 2026; BBC One and iPlayer.

The Beauty

Long time collaborators Ryan Murphy and Matthew Hodgson take on “ozempic culture” in this new body-horror series. Based on comic books by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, The Beauty is a sexually transmitted virus that transforms those who catch it into the perfect versions of themselves – it slims, chisels and sculpts – until it burns the host to death from the inside. The series follows an FBI investigation into the STD, which mysteriously begins wiping out supermodels. The star studded cast will feature Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall as lead FBI investigators, and Ashton Kutcher as the tech billionaire baddie, starring as the man behind “The Corporation”. Murphy told Variety the show asks essential questions like “what would you do for beauty? What would you do for money? It has all of those things that I’ve grappled with in my entire career, all in one package.” Premieres 21 January; Disney Plus

The Night Manager

Tom Hiddleston returns as retired spy Jonathan Pine nearly a decade after The Night Manager’s inaugural season in 2016. Pine has been living off the radar, but dives back into his old life to infiltrate an arms operation in Colombia when he spots a mercenary known to him through a ruthless billionaire arms dealer, played by Hugh Laurie. Along with Hiddleston, Olivia Colman and Alistair Petrie return to the series. The show is based on John le Carré’s 1993 novel of the same name. Creator David Farr told the Guardian that Le Carré, who died in 2020, had “given his blessing to a second season”. Premieres 1 January

More unmissable TV shows to watch in 2026

The Apprentice

Lord Alan Sugar, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell return to the boardroom for the 20th season of The Apprentice this January. The show returns with its regular format where candidates compete to win a £250k investment and a 50/50 business partnership with billionaire Lord Alan Sugar. For The Apprentice’s big anniversary, the BBC will launch their first full length version of Celebrity Apprentice with proceeds going directly to BBC Children in Need. January 2026

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

The Game of Thrones universe returns with prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The Game of Thrones series spanned eight seasons and followed a power struggle for the Iron Throne in the mythical kingdom of Westeros and Essos. This new series is set a century ahead of GoT in the year 209 AC (After Aegon’s Conquest) and is adapted from George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. The story follows Ser Duncan “Dunk” and his young squire Egg through the kingdom of Westeros, while Egg’s true identity remains hidden. Many fans of the series consider the novellas to be some of Martin’s best work but others are sceptical about how HBO will find enough material to adapt them into a series. This story will focus closely on the pair’s relationship as they face the challenges of knighthood together. The first season will be a six part series at half an hour each and the show has already been renewed for a second season. 19 January; Sky Atlantic and NOW

Industry

The high stakes financial drama, Industry, is back for another season. The show is known for shining a light on the dark and dirty underbelly of the banking industry. Returning for their fourth season with a few leavers and additions to the cast, Industry will be facing the pressures of operating under a new Labour government and there’s a sparkly new Fintech competitor on the scene. The show’s creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay told ELLE that the new episodes are the franchise’s most “compulsively watchable” yet. January; BBC One and iPlayer

A Thousand Blows

A Thousand Blows is from Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight and stars Adolescence actor Stephen Graham. Set in 1880s Victorian England, the drama follows two best friends who immigrate from Jamaica to London’s East End and become embroiled within the world of gritty bare knuckle boxing. The story is dropping all at once on Disney+ and continues one year on from the last season’s finale. Knight told the Daily Express that “the stakes are higher” this time around. 9 January; Disney Plus

Bridgerton

The much anticipated historic fantasy Bridgerton is returning for Season 4. Part 1 of this season follows Benedict Bridgerton, who is reluctant to settle down, but falls in love with a Lady he meets at his mother’s masquerade ball. While fans are excited to see the new release, some say that the show has been losing its magic – with costumes lacking in quality and style being modernised. Showrunner Jess Brownell told Entertainment Weekly that the chemistry between Benedict and Sophie has been defined by “tension and sparkle and chemistry.” Adapted from the writer Julia Quinn’s novel, An Offer from a Gentleman, the new release will perhaps answer fan’s pleas for more focus to be placed on the lead couple of each season’s story. The second half of which will be released on 26 February. Late January; Netflix

The Traitors 

Claudia Winkleman is back to host 22 new players for another season of deception, in which contestants work together to build up a £120k prize pot. Fans have their fingers crossed that the show will be able to live up to the last season, which will be difficult to top. According to the BBC, there will be “even more twists, turns, secrets, epic missions, deception, banishments and, of course, murders aplenty”. Episodes will be coming out consecutively on the first three days of the new year, and for those who just can’t get enough, The Traitors: Uncloaked podcast – which dives deep with unseen content – will be dropping episodes alongside the main series. 8pm, 1 January; BBC One and iPlayer

The Boys

April 2026 will mark the last season of the much loved satirical show The Boys. The corrupt reckless superheroes known as Supes are protected by the powerful corporation Vought International, but go head to head with the vigilante group called The Boys, who seek to eliminate the Supes with blackmail and violence. The series has scheduled its big finale for 20 May, and fans are wondering who will survive. We’re expecting big twists, more deaths and less justice. April 2026

Euphoria

It’s been a long time coming for Euphoria’s third season, which fans have been waiting for since season 2 over 3 years ago. The past two seasons have seen the group of teenagers deal with addiction, abuse and control, sexual identity and exploitation. Creator Sam Levinson doesn’t shy away from heavy issues and self-destructive behaviours that young people might be dealing with, but fans have been critical of his sexualisation of female characters of the show, with theories that characters will be pushed into sex work by the end of the final season. All will be reviewed this spring. April 2026; Sky Atlantic

House of the Dragon

House of the Dragon is set almost 200 years before the Game of Thrones series – when the Targaryens were still riding dragons, long before Daenerys Targaryen’s time. House of the Dragons is one of the most anticipated TV shows returning in 2026, although its release date is unconfirmed at the moment. The show is suspected to air in August, according to actor Matt Smith in a recent interview with ITV. Late 2026; Sky Atlantic

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast

Three childhood friends in their late 30s – Saoirse, Robyn and Dara – come together after news of their old friend’s death and embark on a “hilarious odyssey through Ireland” in a hunt for the truth, according to creator Lisa McGee in an interview with Tudum. McGee also created the cult comedy Derry Girls, which holds a 99 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Premieres February; Netflix

For more inspiration for the latest TV shows, films, books and theatre to book visit City AM Life&Style

King and Ascend could deliver Eustace a Swift double

RACING continues to come thick and fast in Hong Kong, with an 11-race programme at Sha Tin on Sunday following hot on the heels of the New Year card at the same venue on Thursday.

The feature race on the card, the Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (8.05am), a handicap over five furlongs, is full of the usual suspects, but with one exception, the David Eustace-trained COLOURFUL KING.

The son of Blue Point produced the wow factor when coming from last to first, and in the commentator’s own words “ran past them for fun”, over the course and distance in November, with jockey Zac Purton easing up in the closing stages.

On that form he is difficult to oppose, and despite his hefty penalty, carries only five pounds more in the saddle.

Top-weights Beauty Waves, Wunderbar and Invincible Sage should find this company less demanding from taking on the likes of Ka Ying Rising and Fast Network in Group One and Two contests this season, but it will still take a leap of faith to expect them to successfully concede weight to Colourful King.

Course-and-distance specialist Magic Control, who has won three times over the straight five furlongs, didn’t get too much luck behind Colourful King, but subsequently ran well when chasing home Sky Trust over six furlongs last month, and could make the frame.

Trainer David Eustace is capable of striking a quick-fire double, when he saddles top-weight SWIFT ASCEND in the Tai Tong Shan Handicap (8.40am) over six furlongs on the all-weather surface.

The son of Lord Kanaloa caught the eye when coming from miles back to finish a fast-closing third to Gorgeous Win, after suffering a tough and wide journey at his first attempt on the surface early last month.

With a favourable inside gate in two to exit from, he should get a dream journey and be hard to stop in the closing stages.

Last-start winner Victory Sky, also well drawn in three, looks the principle threat, but keep an eye on Super Joy N Fun who was given too much to do in the race won by Victory Sky, and with more luck could be capable of causing a surprise.

POINTERS

Colourful King                8.05 am             Sha Tin

Swift Ascend                   8.40am             Sha Tin 

Sagacious Life looks Smart enough for Purton

WITH the all-important Four-Year-Old Classic Series starting with the Classic Mile at the beginning of next month, it is imperative for many stables that their potential contenders have a rating high enough to take part in the contests.

One horse that has no such worries about his present rating is lightly raced, but potentially smart, SAGACIOUS LIFE, who will use the Leighton Handicap (7.35am) over a mile as a stepping stone to the Classic Mile.

The former four-time winner in Brazil, reached a rating of 90 after winning on his debut over the course and distance in October, and subsequently lost little in defeat when inexperience and a troubled journey saw him finish a close-up sixth to smart Hong Lok Golf.

With a recent trial suggesting he has made giant strides since November, a favoured inside gate three, and Zac Purton sufficiently impressed to take the ride, he should take plenty of beating.

Opposition includes another Four-Year-Old Series contender in Top Dragon, who should appreciate the step up in distance, and old campaigner Karma, who will be fit after his seasonal run, and is likely to outrun his odds.

The Tai Tong Handicap (9.50am) over a mile is another contest which may have some bearing on the forthcoming Four-Year-Old Series, and notably features the former Ralph Beckett-trained Seraph Gabriel.

The son of Saxon Warrior was beaten in a photo in the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot in June, and, now housed with the David Eustace stable, has impressed work-watchers with a series of encouraging trials, including two over a mile on turf.

He will not be far from peak condition but has some experienced four-year-old campaigners to contend with, including the likes of Everyone’s Star, Pope Cody and Wukong Jewellery.

Lightly-raced SMART AVENUE also catches the eye after a couple of encouraging efforts behind Invincible Ibis, and notably when coming with a sustained run to gun down Everyone’s Star over seven furlongs last month.

That form can be upgraded with him having come from a double-figure draw, and with gate two a plus, he should have a rails-hugging journey and be hard to keep out of the frame.

POINTERS

Sagacious Life                 7.35am                      Sha Tin

Smart Avenue e/w        9.50am                      Sha Tin

City minister: FTSE 100 record proves London’s got its spark back

The FTSE’s 10,000 point milestone is a sign of global confidence in London’s capital markets, writes City minister Lucy Rigby

This morning the FTSE 100 broke through 10,000 points for the first time in its history. That is a milestone moment for the index, for our capital markets and for the millions of savers whose futures are tied to the strength of the UK economy. 

Last year, the FTSE 100 rose by around 21 per cent – its strongest year since 2009 – and outperformed the S&P 500.

You can see that new confidence in the recent listings we’ve secured. Princes Group – the owner of household names like Flora and Napolina – chose London. So did Shawbrook Bank and the Beauty Tech Group, showing the depth, sophistication and international reach of our capital markets. 

London’s attractions are manifest and growing. Last summer’s overhaul of the UK listing rules made our regime more flexible and more competitive. That is why Fermi America completed the first ever dual listing – exactly the kind of innovative play we want to see. 

We’ve backed those regulatory changes with targeted tax reform. Our three-year Stamp Duty relief for new IPOs is a clear signal: if you are an ambitious company looking to go public, London wants you here – and we are prepared to put our money where our mouth is. Alongside that, we are deploying British Business Bank funding to support scaling firms so that more of them can stay, list and grow in the UK rather than feeling they must look abroad. 

How to keep the momentum in 2026

And we are going further. This month, changes to the Prospectus Rules are going live and later this year we are delivering PISCES, a brand-new type of stock exchange for private company share trading, setting the stage for UK businesses to thrive, grow and strengthen our economy. 

The result is what we are now seeing across the market: the City’s spark is back. 

But this moment is about more than transactions in the Square Mile. It is about the wider stability and confidence that underpins a healthy stock market – a climate that’s seen six interest rate cuts, £340bn of private investment into the UK and the IMF forecast that the UK will be the second-fastest growing economy in the G7 over the next two years. 

This is the backdrop to today’s FTSE 100 record: a country that has started to restore stability and attract long-term investment at scale. From major financial institutions expanding in the City to the new Revolut HQ in Canary Wharf, and increased investment in Edinburgh, Leeds, Birmingham and many other cities besides, global firms are voting with their feet – and choosing Britain. 

We are determined to keep this momentum going in 2026. My ambition is a City that is once again the outstanding, obvious choice for the world’s most exciting companies, to the benefit of the country as a whole. Our strong 2025 listings performance and breaking of the 10,000 mark are very positive steps in the right direction. 

Lucy Rigby KC MP is economic secretary to the Treasury

Interactive Brokers’ Individual and Hedge Fund Clients Outperformed the S&P 500 on Average in 2025

Interactive Brokers (Nasdaq: IBKR), an automated global electronic broker, today announced that its clients outperformed the S&P 500 Index in 2025, reflecting the benefits of cost efficiency, execution quality, and broad access to global markets.

In 2025, Interactive Brokers’ individual clients achieved an average return of 19.20%, compared with the 17.9% return of the S&P 500 Index. During the same period, Interactive Brokers’ hedge fund clients achieved an average return of 28.91%, outperforming the index by approximately 11 percentage points.

These results demonstrate how Interactive Brokers helps enhance client returns across the investment lifecycle. Global market access enables clients to allocate capital across various regions and asset classes, while lower trading and financing costs, along with efficient execution, help IBKR investors retain more of their returns over time.

“Investment returns are not just about picking the right trades. They are influenced by the costs you pay, the prices you get, and how efficiently your capital is put to work,” said Thomas Peterffy, Founder and Chairman of Interactive Brokers. “When investors pay less in fees and trade with efficient execution, those advantages add up and compound over time. All of this is more evidence that the best-informed investors choose Interactive Brokers.”

How Interactive Brokers Helped Support Client Success in 2025:

IBKR is Nasdaq-listed, a member of the S&P 500, and serves more than 4 million clients worldwide, with over $750 billion in client assets.

The best-informed investors choose Interactive Brokers.

To learn more about how IBKR helps clients invest efficiently, visit:

For Individuals:
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United Kingdom and Dubai: IBKR Hedge Fund Outperformance
Europe: IBKR Hedge Fund Outperformance
India: IBKR Hedge Fund Outperformance
United States and all other countries served: IBKR Hedge Fund Outperformance

Returns shown are based on aggregate data for Interactive Brokers accounts meeting minimum thresholds as of January 1, 2025 ($50,000 for individual accounts and $1,000,000 for hedge fund accounts). Results may vary significantly among clients. Comparisons to the S&P 500 are for informational purposes only.

About Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.:
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: IBKR) is a member of the S&P 500. Its affiliates provide automated trade execution and custody of securities, commodities, foreign exchange, and forecast contracts around the clock on over 160 markets in numerous countries and currencies from a single unified platform to clients worldwide. We serve individual investors, hedge funds, proprietary trading groups, financial advisors and introducing brokers. Our four decades of focus on technology and automation have enabled us to equip our clients with a uniquely sophisticated platform to manage their investment portfolios. We strive to provide our clients with advantageous execution prices and trading, risk and portfolio management tools, research facilities and investment products, all at low or no cost, positioning them to achieve superior returns on investments. Interactive Brokers has consistently earned recognition as a top broker, garnering multiple awards and accolades from respected industry sources such as Barron’s, Investopedia, Stockbrokers.com, and many others.

Follow Interactive Brokers on social media:
US and World (except Europe): Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, TikTok
UK and Europe: Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok

Interactive Brokers clients outperforming S&P 500 in 2025 due to lower costs, global market access, and efficient execution

Contact

Contacts for Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. Media: Katherine Ewert, media@ibkr.com

Abstract

Interactive Brokers (Nasdaq: IBKR) announced that its clients outperformed the S&P 500 Index in 2025.

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“Investment returns are not just about picking the right trades. They are influenced by the costs you pay, the prices you get, and how efficiently your capital is put to work,” said Thomas Peterffy, Founder and Chairman of Interactive Brokers.

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