The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, banning the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, was passed by the House of Commons and the House of Lords and now awaits royal assent; when enacted, it will introduce a permanent restriction

An outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent, with 27 reported cases and two victims, has prompted an immediate response including screening, preventative antibiotic treatment and vaccines; NHS has raised a national alert asking to report any symptoms

Peter Mandelson has been appointed as ambassador to the US notwithstanding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender; PM Starmer made the choice despite warnings of “general reputational risks”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, younger brother of King Charles III known as Prince Andrew before he was stripped of his royal title, was arrested and held in custody for 11 hours on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid Epstein scandal

The Prince and Princess of Wales in their first public statement on the Epstein scandal said they are "deeply concerned" and "focused on the victims" in light of the latest information released from the US