A record 81 new investigations into sewage spills have been launched, with water companies under heightened scrutiny and a minister pledging tougher penalties for offenders.

Seeking to recalibrate relations with Brussels, the PM struck a fresh agreement hailed by Starmer for potentially lowering costs and easing travel, despite critics accusing it of offering too many concessions.

Two people lost their lives when a tall ship collided with a major US city bridge, prompting a desperate rescue effort as trapped sailors clung to the rigging.

New figures indicate a staggering £9.5bn in benefit fraud and erroneous claims, prompting renewed calls for tighter measures to safeguard taxpayers’ money.