Streeting’s sweeping takeover of the £192bn health service heralds a major shake-up that promises to streamline bureaucracy, cut thousands of jobs and invest in frontline care, although staff have already expressed alarm over the scale of planned workforce reductions.

Treasury proposals to cut sickness and disability benefits are prompting a heated stand-off, with Labour MPs pushing back to safeguard the vulnerable and No 10 scrambling to contain backlash over the potential reforms.

A fresh 30-day provisional accord and a new minerals deal with the US is under consideration, firmly upheld by Western allies and awaiting consensus from key decision-makers.

A tanker carrying jet fuel was struck by a container ship off the East Yorkshire coast, sparking multiple explosions and raising concerns over potential chemical leaks into the sea while rescue teams continue to search for a missing crew member.