Post-recess statement will focus on damage caused by Brexit and the need to cooperate on immigration and trade Andy Burnham will put Brexit back on the Commons agenda as MPs return from recess, warning that failing to pursue a better deal with the EU would be a “major dereliction of duty”. The prime minister will use a statement to the Commons on the first day back after the party conference break to urge MPs to face up to the damage caused by Brexit, and embrace closer ties with the EU to increase economic growth and tackle illegal immigration. Continue reading...

Ukrainian president earlier rejected US call for Kyiv to stop bombing oil refineries, saying Moscow must first end attacks on energy infrastructure * US politics – live updates Donald Trump has announced an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, apparently without consulting Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said the deal to stop long-range attacks was “news to me”. In a social media post, the US president claimed the two sides had reached an agreement. “Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!” he wrote on Truth Social. Continue reading...

The prime minister has revealed UK authorities told him there was ‘clear evidence’ that Moscow meddled in the referendum

Research challenges the notion that the growing visibility of crosses and other symbols reflects a revival of Christianity Christian nationalism in Britain is being driven largely by people who rarely attend church and are more concerned with defending the country’s Christian heritage, according to research. The report, by the thinktank Theos, identified five different groups within the UK in a survey that looked at their attitudes to Christianity and Britishness. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Former minister’s review warns that dramatic action is needed over huge drop in youth apprenticeship starts A national apprenticeship readiness scheme should be introduced in England to close the gap for young people between leaving school and starting work, the government is to be told. Alan Milburn, who is leading a major review into Britain’s youth jobs crisis, will call for a new “national pre-apprenticeship route” to offer young people further education, training and work experience. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Firms made more than £340m last year from processing industrial and commercial wastewater at sewage works that are unable to remove many chemical pollutants

Kent prison to gain nearly 250 extra places as part of largest prison expansion since Victorian era

Security pact promises information-sharing and coordinated disruption, but offers little detail on agencies or funding

UK PM is welcomed by German chancellor on his trip to Berlin

Former Selfridges owners buy UK high street institution from long-term backer Stefano Pessina

A £2.3m study will look at whether a personalised pain management plan can improve the quality of life of women who have the debilitating condition.

TaxWatch contradicts claims about David Reuben’s departure and questions stories of super-rich exodus

If recent complaints are believed, London and the UK are no longer welcoming for ultra-high net worth individuals

How the occupants of No 10 brought us austerity, Brexit, Partygate and an economic crash

Exclusive: Officials working on further radical changes that would change how much energy companies could charge customers