Starmer has authorised an agreement handing the Chagos Islands to Mauritius for an estimated annual cost of £100 million, maintaining Britain’s military foothold despite a late injunction.

Following a government U-turn, pensioners will now face a year’s delay before receiving winter fuel payments, with Starmer pledging that more people will ultimately benefit from the new arrangement.

Britain is prepared to sanction senior Israeli figures over the situation in Gaza, with leaders cautioning that further escalation may breach international law.

Starmer has welcomed a substantial new arrangement with the EU, presenting it as a fresh phase in post-Brexit relations and improved market access, while sceptics claim the £9bn commitment compromises UK fishing rights and raises concerns over sovereignty.