Officials are preparing contingency plans to evacuate UK nationals from parts of the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. The MoD is readying routes from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. The PM has authorised the US to use British bases for defensive operations.

After a heavy by-election defeat in Gorton and Denton, where Green candidate Hannah Spencer won with 41% and Reform UK came second while the Tories lost their deposit, Labour fell to third. Angela Rayner is urging the PM to shift left, intensifying leadership pressure amid MPs’ warnings of serious jeopardy.

A bid to legalise assisted dying is set to fail after the Government signalled no extra Lords time. Supporters accuse peers of talking it out; critics say scrutiny shows it’s unsafe. Lord Falconer alleges filibustering; Esther Rantzen decries ‘sabotage’.

Chancellor Reeves says Andrew must repay any misused taxpayer funds if confirmed. Civil servants allege he billed for personal services and excessive travel while trade envoy. Police are examining potential misconduct in public office.