A poll finds most UK voters favour a new Europe‑focused defence pact, reducing reliance on Washington if Trump returns. 55% back a UK‑EU security alliance without the US, 11% oppose. Supporters cite doubts over future US guarantees, while NATO would still underpin UK defence.

JL Partners polling for The Independent finds 38% of 2024 Labour voters think the party would perform better at the next election if the PM stepped down, versus 13% who expect worse results. 19% favour Andy Burnham as successor, though he is not an MP and cannot currently run.

The PM reversed course, raising the inheritance tax threshold for farm estates to £2.5m after months of protests. The move is set to spare most family farms and ease succession pressures, while reducing expected receipts.

New figures show a sharp rise in assault and misconduct convictions among police officers since the killing of Sarah Everard. Critics call the scale shameful and demand tougher vetting, suspensions and oversight to stop offenders joining the ranks; the Home Office says the data is alarming.