Independent

Putin is demanding that certain eastern provinces be surrendered as a condition for ending hostilities, while Western leaders continue to support a just and free outcome for all affected regions.

The PM has reaffirmed strong support for Zelensky, highlighting Europe’s commitment to a fair peace settlement and stressing the need for robust action to ensure lasting security.

Zelensky has warned that Putin is not serious about seeking peace, insisting that any agreement on the future of Ukraine must involve its legitimate leaders and cannot include compromises made without their participation.

Smuggling arrests have declined significantly under Labour, as small boat crossings increase and the government faces criticism for failing to keep up with criminal gangs facilitating these crossings.

Senior judges who once imposed indeterminate public protection sentences have voiced remorse and urged swift reform to end the ongoing injustice that leaves more than 2,500 inmates still imprisoned without a release date, calling on ministers to act decisively.

Legal experts have been appointed by the Charity Commission as interim managers at the Aspinall Foundation, following allegations of financial mismanagement involving the wildlife charity where Carrie Johnson previously held a communications role.

Millions of motorists have been denied compensation after the Supreme Court ruled lenders are not liable for hidden commissions on most car-finance agreements, trimming expected payouts from about £45bn to as little as £5bn–£15bn and easing pressure on banks while consumer groups voice concern over fairness.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have aligned with the UK’s stance by urging Hamas to relinquish its weapons and authority in Gaza, a diplomatic development the PM argues could clear the way for recognition of a Palestinian state despite a freed British-Israeli captive denouncing the approach as morally flawed.

Sir Keir Starmer has declared that the UK will recognise Palestine within weeks, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza, marking the most significant shift in British Middle East policy in decades and drawing applause at the UN.

A surge in take-up of Labour’s promised free childcare hours is forecast to create an annual £1bn funding gap, raising concerns that nurseries could come under serious strain unless the party clarifies how it will cover the shortfall.