



Better late than never? Keir Starmer finally unveils plans to modernise the UK’s armed forces
The UK government published its long-delayed defence spending plans, investing £270bn (€313bn) over the next four years. Plus: yet more conflicting narratives from Iran and the US. And: from scoring goals to corking bottles, Brazilian footballer Neymar turns his hand to winemaking.

Would a ‘No 10 North’ be a good idea for the UK?
Andy Burnham makes the case for greater devolution if he becomes Britain’s next prime minister. Then: Tensions flare between Afghanistan and Pakistan. And: South Korea invests big in chipmaking and AI.

The Monocle Quality of Life Survey ranks Tokyo first and Copenhagen second
We look at the best the Danish capital has to offer with Monocle’s Michael Booth as our most liveable cities list is released. Plus: we meet leading Australian choreographer Stephanie Lake. And: Fernando Augusto Pacheco talks Angèle, Italo Disco and bikinis.

Live from Almedalen 2026: Defence, intelligence and space technologies
Live from Almedalen 2026 on the island of Gotland in Sweden, Andrew Mueller is joined by Tom Edwards, Andreas Carlson, Pia Sandvik and Seppo Aaltonen to discuss the day’s big stories.

If Putin is ready for peace talks, who should mediate them?
Ukraine strikes put Putin under pressure – but who could mediate peace talks? Then: President vs PM in Czechia, heated debates in France and our Quality of Life Survey 2026. Plus: Andrew Mueller live from Sweden’s Almedalen.

Live from Almedalen 2026: How important is the gathering to Swedish politics?
Live from Almedalen 2026 on the island of Gotland in Sweden, Andrew Mueller is joined by Tom Edwards, Karin Karlsbro, Henrik Jönsson and Elly Reinolds to discuss the day’s big stories.

Starmer steps aside but will Burnham be better?
Andy Burnham looks likely to be the next prime minister of the UK but what will happen if nothing changes under his leadership? Then: JD Vance walks a tightrope. Plus: Remembering Alan Greenspan.

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Midori House weighs in on its World Cup teams
Georgina Godwin speaks to former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar about how Europe views Brexit 10 years on. Plus: Monocle staff share their World Cup hopes and fears. Is it coming home to England? Will Brazil add a record sixth star to its jersey? Can New Zealand find some glory?

Ukraine targets Moscow with its biggest drone strike of the war
Ukraine’s president calls the overnight strikes on Moscow a totally just response to Russia’s recent attacks as senior EU officials hold calls with the Kremlin. Then: the US defense secretary scorns Nato allies. And: as the US blockade holds fast, we look at Cuba’s new economic reforms.

Donald Trump threatens to resume ‘dropping bombs’ if Iran agreement fails
On the final day of the G7 summit in France, the US president says that the peace memorandum agreed with Iran is “not final”. Then: Germany and Poland sign a new defence deal. And why are Japanese ice-cream makers in hot water?