Ministers will scrap the family‑court presumption that contact with both parents is automatically best. Prompted by reviews highlighting risks in abuse cases, judges will prioritise safety and welfare, deciding contact on evidence rather than default, case by case.
A new book alleges Andrew’s team sought to hire online “trolls” to target Virginia Giuffre, and that he stayed at Balmoral to avoid being served US court papers. It also says her settlement included a one‑year non‑disparagement clause to avoid overshadowing the Platinum Jubilee.
Israel conducted military action in Gaza as mediators rushed to stabilise a fragile ceasefire. Aid access was tightened after reports of an incident involving an armed group. Officials traded accusations over violations, while talks focused on hostages and preventing further civilian harm.
Reeves signalled pre‑Budget welfare reforms, saying the system can’t remain unchanged. She will proceed with changes to the health element of universal credit for new claimants from April 2026, and is exploring further savings and tax options while ruling out unfunded pledges.
MPs are pressing the DPP to explain why prosecutors dropped a high‑profile espionage case tied to alleged Chinese interference. Select committee chairs seek details on the decision, evidence handling and safeguards, after MI5 signalled frustration at the collapse.
Rachel Reeves says the budget will raise taxes on wealthier people to repair public finances after weaker growth forecasts. She rejects claims it would drive people away, signalling a November package aimed at stability and sustainable funding for services.
Israel has curtailed aid to Gaza, saying a truce was breached in a dispute over the return of hostage remains. The move strains fragile calm as negotiators haggle over exchanges and access for relief, with warnings that reduced supplies could deepen the humanitarian crisis.
A truce saw the final 20 living hostages taken in 2023 released, alongside nearly 2,000 detainees. Crowds gathered in celebration in Gaza and Israel. Leaders hailed a historic step and urged talks to convert the ceasefire into a lasting agreement.
Talks have secured the imminent release of 20 captives held in Gaza, with a handover via a humanitarian agency and a parallel exchange of prisoners forming part of a mediated truce that could pave the way to a wider ceasefire.
Displaced families in Gaza began returning under a fragile ceasefire as forces withdrew to agreed positions, with a US-backed plan including a staged detainee exchange offering cautious hope amid widespread damage and uncertainty.