A law lowering the voting age to 16 is being enacted, with polling indicating the move could chiefly benefit Reform, Jeremy Corbyn and the Greens, as ministers emphasise the principle of taxation requiring representation while critics question whether the change is an electoral gambit.

UK inflation has surged to 3.6 per cent for the first time in 18 months, economists pin this on the Chancellor’s £25 billion National Insurance increase that retailers say is feeding through to food, fuel, clothing and fares, while mortgage lenders cool their price war ahead of a Bank of England rates decision and the PM clamps down on internal dissent by dismissing welfare rebels.

Following the most serious data breach in recent government history, a botched email that exposed thousands of Afghans who aided British operations has led ministers to approve asylum for about 24,000 people and their families, with costs projected at £6 billion amid mounting scrutiny over the long-running cover-up and potential legal action.

Health officials warn of a summer measles surge as vaccination rates slump, following the tragic death of a young patient and concerns over outbreaks in popular holiday destinations.