Hospital doctors begin a six-day strike, disrupting thousands of appointments. Ministers warn walkouts have cost the NHS about £3bn over three years and around £50m a day during this action. Unions say pay and conditions remain unresolved, while urgent care is being prioritised.

Senior royals marked Easter with a joint appearance at a church service, presenting a united front and greeting well‑wishers before private family time. The outing signalled steady continuity in royal engagements as the spring calendar gets underway.

The PM faces a row over aligning UK food rules with the EU, which may require marmalade to be sold as “citrus marmalade”. Critics warn of lost control; supporters say alignment would cut red tape and ease trade with Europe. Ministers are considering the labelling change.

A funeral director admitted in court to offences at his business, including failing to care for remains and giving families incorrect ashes. Relatives called for a lengthy prison term as the judge considered sentencing.