Ministers are attempting to contain a significant revolt over disability benefit cuts, with potential concessions such as allowing certain MPs to abstain and exploring measures to alleviate child poverty.

A ruling establishing that references to “woman” and “sex” in certain legislation are determined by biological criteria has prompted debate over the potential impact on existing protections and rights, with some anticipating a far-reaching legal effect while others welcome the clarity it provides.

Britain’s largest teaching union has described Reform UK as “far-right and racist,” with members pledging to oppose the party’s candidates and calling for vigilance against discriminatory rhetoric.

Senior Labour figures are pressing the PM for an urgent reassessment of Chinese involvement in critical national infrastructure, citing security risks and advocating tighter oversight.