The PM has shelved plans to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia base. Kemi Badenoch hailed the climbdown and urged the deal’s scrapping. The bill won’t feature in the King’s Speech, and senior figures call for an inquiry to put British interests first.

An ‘ambitious’ Brexit reset is being explored by the PM, aiming for a new EU trade deal. Treasury estimates suggest about £3bn a year in contributions to ease border frictions and join schemes. Critics say this quietly binds Britain closer to Brussels; supporters say it will cut red tape and boost growth.

Britain’s National Crime Agency warns criminal groups are set to exploit AI to forge videos and images, create false alibis and discredit witnesses, risking jurors losing trust in genuine CCTV. It urges rapid safeguards, verification tools and training across the justice system.

Defence firms say UK indecision is costing contracts, with drone makers diverting resources overseas amid weak demand and delays at the MoD. The Opposition warns of harm to industry. Ministers promise a Defence Investment Plan by late autumn, following a review with dozens of reforms.