The PM’s visit to Beijing delivered limited gains: a halving of tariffs on whisky and visa‑free short visits for tourists and business travellers. But there was no movement on freeing British campaigner Jimmy Lai or on lifting sanctions imposed on UK parliamentarians.

Washington warned Tehran to accept a nuclear deal or face overwhelming action, as a naval group took position. Tehran vowed a severe response and said any action would cross a red line. The standoff deepened amid regional tensions and domestic pressure.

Pressure on the PM is mounting after 50 Labour MPs signed a letter protesting his move to block Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. They want an emergency party meeting to reverse it, warning it could trigger a leadership challenge before May’s local elections.

The PM is warned he could face a leadership challenge after personally moving to block Andy Burnham’s bid to enter Parliament via a by-election. The decision has intensified Labour infighting, with Burnham criticising the party’s process and senior figures voicing dismay.