Amid an escalating Middle East crisis, the UK is deploying a Royal Navy ship to Cyprus. The US President has berated the PM’s response, straining ties. Officials warn fuel and energy costs could rise as allies increase deployments and press for a firmer stance from London.

After the killing of Iran’s leader, the PM publicly rebuked Washington, rejecting regime change from the air and insisting on a viable, legal plan before deeper involvement. The US President expressed disappointment over delayed UK base access as operations widen; Britain urges caution and allied unity.

Officials are preparing contingency plans to evacuate UK nationals from parts of the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. The MoD is readying routes from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. The PM has authorised the US to use British bases for defensive operations.

After a heavy by-election defeat in Gorton and Denton, where Green candidate Hannah Spencer won with 41% and Reform UK came second while the Tories lost their deposit, Labour fell to third. Angela Rayner is urging the PM to shift left, intensifying leadership pressure amid MPs’ warnings of serious jeopardy.