The PM will unveil help with energy bills, starting with support for households using heating oil, and a wider scheme to follow. The UK is preparing to deploy drones and uncrewed boats to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Disrupted routes are pushing up prices of fresh produce.

The US and Israel have intensified military operations targeting Iranian sites around Tehran, seeking a breakthrough after weeks of confrontation. The UK coordinates with allies on diplomacy and calls for restraint.

Britain is preparing naval protection for commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, working with allies amid threats to block key shipping lanes. Royal Marines could deploy at short notice from the Bahrain base. Officials warn disruption could hit global oil supply and markets.

Files show Peter Mandelson accessed classified material before full clearance. The national security adviser called his appointment ‘weirdly rushed’. After dismissal he sought £550k but accepted £75k. The documents appear to contradict earlier No10 denials and raise questions over vetting.