Over 30 banks have cut savings rates despite the recent interest rate shift, while the first mortgage deals have dropped below 4%, prompting both anxiety for savers and cautious optimism for homeowners.

Ministers are alarmed by the potential imposition of hefty US tariffs on steel, fearing significant job losses and prompting the PM to seek urgent talks in Washington in an effort to protect the industry.

Labour is preparing a fresh migration strategy aimed at countering Farage’s election challenge by tightening entry rules, with details expected in spring.

Officials expect the White House to demand lower UK taxes for Musk, Zuckerberg, and Bezos in exchange for a tariffs accord with the US, prompting concern over potential further corporate tax concessions.