Mediators have presented a final draft for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, with discussions reaching a crucial stage as pressure mounts to finalise the deal before Donald Trump assumes office, according to senior US officials.

Rachel Reeves has faced criticism for allegedly prioritising economic growth over principles by engaging in discussions with China, with former prominent figures comparing her actions to historic appeasement, though she defends the new £600 million investment as vital for Britain’s future.

Keir Starmer is set to announce a plan aimed at reducing NHS waiting list backlogs, pledging to create millions of additional appointments through increased access to community diagnostic centres and new surgical hubs, though the British Medical Association cautions that further measures are needed.

The analysis of the five-year economic impact of Brexit highlights significant costs, including a £30.2 billion divorce settlement, a £27 billion drop in goods exports to the EU, and serious challenges faced by sectors such as food, agriculture, and fishing, alongside broader issues like reduced workforce availability and changes in migration patterns.