Senior Tories have accused the Government of undermining the nation’s security by “bending the knee” to China, criticising a perceived eagerness to court an adversarial power at potential cost to British interests.

Despite suggestions he might ease his workload following recent health concerns, the King remains resolute in maintaining his busy schedule, prompting Camilla’s light-hearted dismissal of any talk of him taking it easy.

There are warnings that an Iron Dome-style defence would fail to fully shield Britain from advanced missile threats in a potential war with Russia, prompting the PM and Western allies to pursue more robust protective measures.

Campaigners are urging MPs to focus on the suffering experienced by terminally ill people, as the deepening divide over proposals to permit assisted dying sparks passionate debate.