The monarch said the law “must take its course” after a senior royal was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, questioned, and released under investigation. Officers are searching several properties. The palace signalled cooperation with the inquiry.

The government plans to require platforms to remove non-consensual intimate images and deepfakes within 48 hours or face heavy fines and potential blocking in the UK. The PM will hand Ofcom stronger powers to enforce compliance, aiming to protect victims and curb AI-enabled abuse.

One in nine homes built in England since 2022 are in areas at significant flood risk, prompting concerns that housing targets are steering development onto vulnerable land. Insurers warn owners may face higher premiums or struggle to get cover, as properties built after 2009 are excluded from Flood Re.

The PM has dropped a plan to postpone May’s local elections after advice suggested a likely court defeat. Ministers confirmed polls will proceed on schedule, following backlash from councils and opposition figures over cost, confusion and the risk to democratic fairness.