A Bulgarian spy network convicted of undertaking covert operations across Britain has been handed a total of 50 years in prison, underlining the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security.

A high-profile figure has declared readiness for direct negotiations with a controversial counterpart to pursue a peaceful outcome, an approach deemed promising by Britain and the West.

A new pontiff has been elected in an unusually swift conclave, marking a historic first with an American taking the papal seat.

The singer died without a will, leaving an estimated £24million to his eight-year-old son Bear.