Makerfield By-election: Polls opened in Ashton-in-Makerfield for a historic contest that could decide whether Labour PM Keir Starmer survives—Labour’s Andy Burnham is expected to win but must beat Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, with the result seen as a potential trigger for a leadership fight. Thames Water: Clean-water campaigners and MPs pressed for tougher action as government scrutiny grows over Thames Water’s rescue plans, with calls for special administration and debate over a proposed creditor deal. Defence Funding Row: Starmer said he will divert money from other departments to boost defence spending after resignations tied to the military budget plan, while NATO chief Mark Rutte demanded credible routes to higher spending ahead of the Ankara summit. Social Security & Disability: DWP confirmed a Timms Review update for PIP in July, as MPs heard concerns about rising anxiety, depression and neurodiverse cases. Universal Credit: A parliamentary session heard about a “young parent penalty” in Universal Credit that can leave under-25s up to £1,600 a year worse off. BBC Cuts: Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy faced questions after BBC plans to decommission TV and axe radio roles, with MPs criticising the way decisions were handled. Church Apology: The Archbishop of Canterbury issued an apology for Church of England mother-and-baby homes forced adoptions, following government plans for a wider state apology. Online Safety: The government’s under-16s social media ban continues to roll out alongside further rules on how it will work in practice. EU Travel Rules: New EU passenger rights and pricing transparency rules were agreed, likely to affect UK travellers using Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz and Jet2.