Ministers are drawing up a large-scale evacuation for UK holidaymakers and expats in the Middle East after a wave of cross-border incidents. The PM has cleared US aircraft to use British bases, saying this will help deter further launches while prioritising getting citizens home safely.

Greens won the Gorton and Denton by-election, overturning Labour’s 13,000 majority. Labour fell to third behind Reform. The PM called the result disappointing but vowed to keep fighting, while Angela Rayner labelled it a wake-up call and urged the party to be braver.

Ian Huntley is in a critical condition after an assault in a workshop at HMP Frankland. A fellow inmate is suspected. Police and prison authorities have launched inquiries and are reviewing security procedures.

Keir Starmer urges voters in a key by‑election to reject “hate” and block a breakthrough for Reform, warning that backing Greens or Lib Dems could split the vote and let Nigel Farage’s party win. He frames the contest as a fight for the nation’s soul and asks for support for Labour.