MBDA’s Alabama factory makes components for Boeing’s GBU-39 bombs used to kill civilians in Gaza. Its profits flow through Stevenage to Paris — and it is one of the British government’s favourite firms, reveals SOLOMON HUGHES

KEN MACHARIA arrived into Britain in 2009 to study a masters degree in mechanical engineering at the the University of the West of England.
“When I was in Kenya,” he tells me over the phone, “I was hiding my sexuality and at the time that was normal practice. I had to hide who I was.
“And when I first came to Britain I was still overcoming the same fears I had back there. I didn’t let people know I was gay and felt shy and fearful about it.”

Fan group The 1873 issues scathing response to owners’ statement saying the club will not close

Israeli media awash with leaks and rumours of Netanyahu’s plans to seize Gaza. Meanwhile, the unrelenting siege of Gaza continues unabated

Mr Smalls and 13 other Freedom Flotilla Coalition activists who tried to break Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza aboard the Handala ship remain in detention and on hunger strike