Donald Trump accuses the PM of undermining the UK-US special relationship by delaying permission for US use of UK bases amid the Iran crisis. Critics call the response a dereliction of duty, while No 10 says ties remain strong and diplomatic work continues.

A senior royal urges children to spend less time on phones and rediscover reading. Citing a fall in reading for pleasure, they pledge a literacy drive, encouraging families and schools to support book clubs, storytelling and writing to spark imagination.

After UK bases in Bahrain and Cyprus were targeted, Kemi Badenoch urges a more assertive stance against a hostile Middle East regime, saying Britain cannot rely on others. She will outline higher defence spending to reassure allies who fear the UK is stepping back.

Kemi Badenoch accuses the PM of putting job security above national security, calling him “weak” on China, Iran and defence. She cites rows over a proposed Chinese embassy in London and an alleged spy case, arguing these show poor judgement and indecision.