Questions mount over a 30‑hour delay in informing the public after a missile incident at the joint US‑UK base on Diego Garcia. The opposition accuses the PM of a culture of cover‑ups and demands an explanation, while ministers say security concerns dictated the timing.

Market turmoil from escalating Middle East tensions has led lenders to withdraw mortgage deals. The Bank of England warns inflation could rise, prompting up to three base-rate increases this year, lifting repayments for millions and heightening unemployment risks.

Iran threatened action against oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, prompting evacuations and sparking fears crude could hit $200 a barrel. The warning followed an incident at a major gas field. Analysts say global energy security and prices face heightened risk.

Officials have declared a national incident over a meningitis outbreak, described as the worst in a generation. Cases have spread beyond Kent to London and France. Two students have died and a baby is in intensive care. Public health teams are tracing contacts and urging vaccination.