Keir Starmer is facing a £4.5bn gap in public finances after reversing benefit and winter fuel cuts, prompting economists to warn of tax hikes in the autumn as the PM’s authority suffers another blow.

European leaders have agreed to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, crediting the US president

The PM calls on Trump to exercise restraint and pursue a diplomatic course, while speculation grows over potential US action with Israel against Iran in the coming weeks, and Starmer emphasises that a peaceful outcome depends on dialogue.