Today in Focus

On the ground in the Belfast riots

The Guardian reporter Hannah Al-Othman on the anti-immigrant rioting in Northern Ireland and the residents afraid for their lives. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Defence secretary quits with ‘blistering’ swipe at Starmer - The Latest

John Healey has resigned as defence secretary over the government’s military spending plans, in another significant blow for Keir Starmer. In a scathing letter to the prime minister, Healey said the long-awaited defence investment plan “falls well short of what is required for defence” and that he would have had to take decisions that “could make Britain less safe”. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian’s policy editor, Kiran Stacey Healey quits in row with Starmer over military spending [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/11/john-healey-resigns-defence-secretary-military-spending]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

Mehdi Hasan on Donald Trump’s big, beautiful birthday

As the US prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary and Trump turns 80, what state is the country in? And its president?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

The view from Belfast after a night of violent protests - The Latest

Violence erupted in Northern Ireland last night in response to a stabbing attack in Belfast that was captured in a graphic video. Crowds, including masked men, burned vehicles and houses, hours after Elon Musk, Tommy Robinson and other agitators encouraged people to take to the streets. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to Ireland correspondent Rory Carroll – watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@todayinfocuspodcast]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]

‘Grandpa in a bunker’: is Putin losing control?

Russian affairs reporter Pjotr Sauer on Vladimir Putin’s increasing isolation – and seeming paranoia – as ordinary Russians become more restive over the toll of the war in Ukraine and a struggling economy at home. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus [https://www.theguardian.com/infocus]