Kemi Badenoch condemned Conservatives who defected to Reform UK, calling them “not serious” and driven by “sour grapes”. She said some were upset over missed roles and accused them of offering no plan to fix the country, asserting her party is for “serious people, not drama”.

The PM’s returns deal with France faces scrutiny after figures showed 350 arrivals and 281 removals in six months. The Home Secretary admitted more people came than were sent back but rejected claims of failure, saying the scheme is bedding in and removals will increase.

Holocaust survivor Eva Clarke, 80, urges action on Holocaust Memorial Day to confront rising antisemitism. Born in a concentration camp and having 15 relatives killed, she calls for education, remembrance and the courage to challenge prejudice to help secure a safer, more tolerant future.

Labour’s NEC voted 8-1 to block Andy Burnham from seeking selection in a city by-election, ending his bid to return to Westminster. Critics claim the move shields the PM from a potential leadership challenge, while party sources cite rules and the need to maintain unity.