Freezing income tax thresholds will push about one million more pensioners into paying tax on the state pension, new estimates suggest. Announced with the Spring Statement, the move drew claims of a stealth tax on OAPs, while the Treasury says it is required to meet fiscal rules.

A former US president criticised the PM for delaying approval to use the UK’s Chagos base for operations concerning Iran, saying it took far too long and risked straining the UK-US relationship. Permission was eventually granted.

Britain is preparing a potential mass evacuation of nationals across the Gulf after airspace closures amid rising regional tensions. Over 94,000 have contacted officials and are urged to register with embassies and follow shelter-in-place guidance while plans are readied to bring people home.

Police have arrested a suspect after a prominent statue in central London was defaced. The incident is being treated as criminal damage. Restoration is under way and officials are reviewing monument security, with extra patrols planned.