Trump accused the PM of being ‘no Churchill’ and said the UK is uncooperative, as scrutiny grows over naval readiness with key ships kept in port amid maintenance and shortages. The dispute piles pressure on the government over defence funding and ties with Washington.

Washington criticised the PM’s response to a recent military operation in Iran, after he barred use of UK bases and questioned its legality. Kemi Badenoch said he fears alienating voters, amid warnings his stance risks straining the Special Relationship.

Ministers are preparing a mass evacuation of Britons from Gulf states, using air and land corridors via Saudi Arabia amid regional unrest. The PM has allowed an ally to use UK bases for operations, and the FCDO has registered 94,000 nationals for assistance.

Calls mount for police to probe alleged ‘family voting’ in the Manchester by-election after poll monitors reported voters being directed inside booths. Senior politicians demand swift action to safeguard ballot integrity and determine whether electoral rules were breached.