Britain is expected to swelter in temperatures reaching up to 36C, as a so-called “heat dome” grips parts of Europe and prompts warnings of possible disruption to travel and everyday activities.

Dame Esther Rantzen’s daughter firmly dismissed unfounded rumours about her mother’s condition, citing a recent family celebration to underscore her mother’s continued vitality.

Nurses have launched a legal campaign to preserve dedicated female-only facilities, insisting on the importance of clear guidelines and continued safeguards to protect women’s wellbeing in healthcare settings.

The Government is urged to ready itself for potential direct threats while cracking down on alleged illegal work by certain asylum seekers delivering for food platforms, prompting calls for more robust immigration controls and heightened national vigilance.