A controversial recruitment policy, deemed unlawful for prioritising specific groups, has left the RAF short of experienced pilots and raised concerns about the PM’s defence commitments.

Security experts have raised concerns over possible infiltration by clandestine operatives following recent convictions, prompting renewed scrutiny of national security measures.

Controversy has erupted over proposals that could grant specific groups preferential treatment in court, sparking accusations of a two-tier system and concerns over fairness, while a foreign political figure’s child faces allegations of being among the country’s most serious offenders.