The BBC will overhaul its editorial standards process and create a deputy DG following a bias row. Reforms aim to curb political influence on the standards panel, tighten governance, and improve transparency and accountability to rebuild public trust.

The PM urged Nigel Farage to purge Reform of any ties to a hostile foreign state after disclosures that a former party figure received payments to promote that state. Starmer criticised Farage’s leadership and demanded action; Farage denies wrongdoing and says he will investigate.

An official report says the government’s early pandemic response was delayed and chaotic, citing a toxic No 10 culture, poor preparation and missed meetings by the then PM. It concludes an earlier lockdown could have saved many lives. Bereaved families urge accountability and rapid reform.