Labour pledges £3.5bn to tackle homelessness, aiming to halve rough sleeping and stop families being stuck in B&Bs. Housing minister Steve Reed says the plan will make homelessness rare and brief. A shelter estimates 382,600 people are without a secure home this Christmas.

Auditors say £10.9bn from pandemic support was lost to fraud and error, most unlikely to be recovered. Rapidly designed schemes with limited checks are blamed. Ministers are pursuing select cases, including funds linked to a PPE contractor associated with Michelle Mone, but prospects remain slim.

Families affected by the Southport incident say a shared bond has helped them endure grief. In a BBC piece they shared cherished photos and spoke of finding strength together, honouring their loved ones while slowly rebuilding their lives.

Kevin Sinfield has completed a seven‑day ultramarathon challenge, taking his MND fundraising past £11m in tribute to Rob Burrow. Supporters and rugby leaders are urging a knighthood, citing years of endurance events that boosted care and research.