A National Audit Office report says the Home Office lacks reliable data on how many asylum seekers have gone missing and the true cost of the system. Spending is estimated at about £4.6bn in 2024–25, largely on hotels. The watchdog urges stronger data, oversight and value for money.

The First Sea Lord urged the Chancellor to raise defence spending, saying current budget limits leave the Forces underfunded while a rival state pours billions into North Atlantic dominance. He warned Britain could lose a strategic edge and called for investment to protect vital energy and data links.

A poll shows only a quarter of people are confident they’d receive good NHS care if diagnosed with dementia. Concerns include delayed diagnosis and a postcode lottery in support. A campaign with Alzheimer’s Society calls for earlier detection, better training, and consistent services across the country.

Dementia causes one in nine deaths, around 76,000 a year, with the NHS missing diagnosis targets in over half the country. Campaigners highlight a postcode lottery in care, no drugs available on the NHS, crippling care home fees and thin research funding, urging fair access and urgent reform.