Chancellor said to be prepared to shelve budget in event of second spike

Sir Keir Starmer's comments follow chaos in Scotland where predicted grades are to be reinstated after thousands of pupils were downgraded by a statistical model

UK ships would be required to withdraw under maritime law

'It's not a criticism of teachers to say there is going to be some downgrading,' one school leader says

Figure rises to 73 per cent among Brexit voters and among Tory voters

'If children and separated families cannot access family reunion, they are going to have no choice but risk their lives'

New national guidance issued after investigation into restraint of man over London parking violation

Defendant claims travellers threatened to kill his family unless he paid them £1m

'It is well-known that other suspects were also involved in the events which unfolded that night and it is deeply frustrating that we have been unable to bring them to justice,' says commissioner

'Common sense group' of backbenchers condemned for lacking 'humanity and decency' – but its chair claims people can simply 'paddle in'

In one case, 900 Royal Mail workers were told they may have deadly bug - but would have to wait four days to get checked on site

Calls for 'sinister' technology to be banned, but police vow to continue using it

Job situation may worsen after furlough scheme winds down in October, warn experts

Bird is six foot tall and can't fly – but officials and owner struggling to find it

Swindon, Preston and Bedford also placed on government's at-risk register.

Exclusive: Undercover footage also reveals birds deemed unprofitable at Red Tractor-backed business killed painfully by the neck

Some have reported shaving off eyebrows and DIY highlights resulting in green hair

'The fact that religious-only marriages can go under the radar effectively allows men to enter into polygamous relationships that leave the women with absolutely no marital rights,' says report author

Large search launched on Monday afternoon after blow-up boat containing phone and other possessions found off Lancing

Follows revelation aid budget will face multi-billion pound cut due to economic fallout of pandemic

Former partner describes mother as 'wonderful person' who loved gardening

Car park cordoned off and public told to stay away while explosive disposal experts examine item

Former Conservative prime minister attempted to get BBC presenter 'taken off the job'

'I haven't seen the final results of that and I don't think anyone else has,' says Edward Argar

Watch the latest UK weather forecast from the Independent for today.

Negotiations hit snag as trade secretary Liz Truss insists on preferential treatment for Britain's blue cheese makers

Potential for flooding in some areas while sweltering heat persists

Exclusive: Home secretary sat on committee that concluded asylum seekers had 'little choice but to make dangerous journeys by land and sea'

It comes after major expansion of eligibility criteria

IOPC launches witness appeal and probes whether officers treated Marcus Coutain differently 'because of his race'

The government is expected to face a huge backlash from parents and pupils when results are announced

Since the pandemic began, scientists have been monitoring our furry friends to understand what role they might play. Willie Weir explains how they found the disease in a cat, and what this might mean

Yes, a comprehensive scheme is long overdue, but No 10's one-size-fits-all approach falls short of what is required to tackle the problem, say Lucie Nield and Jenny Paxman

Number of contact tracers will be scaled back from 18,000 to 12,000 in two weeks' time

Smoke seen from miles away as at least 100 firefighters tackle flames

Organisers admit the party 'got out of hand'

Police had been called to reports of three youths in difficulty in River Leven

Accusation of racial profiling

Sites in Kent, Sussex, Dorset and Cornwall left filthy after daytrippers go home

Pubs will have to close to keep schools open if there is a local outbreak of Covid-19 next month, No 10 has confirmed. Schools will be the "absolute last" group to close in a local lockdown, Downing Street said.

Ministry of Defence deploys surveillance aircraft to Channel as crossings continue

'Not out of realms of possibility' a month's worth of rain could fall in three hours, Met Office says

'I was shaking with happiness,' says treasure hunter after discovering pre-Christian items

Group of whales were feeding less than half a kilometre from coast

New cluster comes days after 51 staff at Iceland distribution centre test positive

Prime minister praised efforts to make schools safe.

Death comes after surge in incidents for HM Coastguard during weekend heatwave

Slip comes as UK set to experience high temperatures and severe thunderstorms this week

She claims there is 'institutional racism' in police

'The stakes are too high to tolerate failure in either the operation or the design of this crucial public service', Matt Hancock told

PM vowed to 'take back control' – but dithering has handed advantage to countries on other side of the table, Institute for Government says

Government plan is for all children to be back from September

It comes days after tightened restrictions for Preston were announced

'Everyone needs to stay incredibly vigilant – the virus is still out there, and the situation remains extremely serious,' says council chief

'We have to acknowledge there are lots of difficult issues in relation to women-only spaces, but shouting at each other doesn't help anybody,' says former EHRC chief

Exclusive: Nearly 300 people removed to eastern Europe, escorted by 374 immigration officers, despite UK government instructing against all non-essential travel

Councils, coastguard and police issue multiple warnings for people to stay safe or find less busy spots

Ministers looking to pinpoint vulnerable groups, including elderly people, to avoid national lockdown

Labour's former leader claims the party was fewer than 2,500 votes away in key seats from forming a government and blames Blairites for his failure

Public Health England research finds 'very little evidence' of coronavirus transmission where pupils have returned

Push for return comes as Downing Street says PM would sooner close pubs than schools in second lockdown

Company denies 'sweet deal' that will import sugar cane from countries with lower employment and environmental standards

Warnings of drowning, threats of legal action and idea branded 'completely potty' – but home secretary puts ex-royal marine in charge

Prime minister reportedly set to travel with his fiancee and their son next weekend

'If the government changes the rules while you're away, and it costs you two weeks' work, then it's the government's responsibility,' says MP David Davis

Thunderstorms are expected to start today, intensifying as the week begins

'If you ask me would I rather fly on a plane or go to a pub, I'd rather fly on a plane,' says professor

Warning that 'conspiracy theories and mistrust of government, authority and science' threaten best chance of beating Covid-19

Exclusive: Flop attacked after Black Lives Matters protests proved need to 'build trust and confidence in the police among black communities'

Police say suspected resisted arrest made on suspicion of racially aggravated assault

'If you had a decent pension, like Germany or France, then you could have a holiday. Or do the things you dreamed of doing in your retirement, that you didn't have time to do when you were younger,' says Pauline Hinder

Record temperatures could see UK experiencing exceptionally long-running heatwave

But government report says fatalities would have been far greater had restrictions not been put in place and virus allowed to run wild

Exclusive: No call for evidence issued – three months after it was promised – risking action by equalities watchdog which has threatened its own probe

System's success put down down to using local number and callers with local knowledge

Packs have been sent out to care homes and individuals

Some areas see 63 unemployed people for every job listing amid fears of surging poverty

Asked about the winners from new funding rules, introduced under pressure from Tory MPs, Nick Gibb says 'They may well be in leafy suburbs'

Hardline Australia-style tactics to block fragile vessels also condemned as 'completely potty' by defence official

Exclusive: Ministers accused of prioritising immigration enforcement over public health as charter flight set to remove up to 20 asylum seekers next week

Committee chair joins calls for PM to publish purported evidence proving adviser's innocence

Initiative aims to help deliver government's goal of getting all pupils back into full-time education by September

Submission to party internal inquiry says there was 'clear evidence of factional activity' against the leadership

Figures follow suggestion home secretary could use Royal Navy to tackle surge in crossings

Met Office warns 'exceptionally warm and humid nights' are expected this weekend

Centralised system failing and resources must be redirected, experts say

France has been placed 'on notice' to crack down on new cases or face being placed on the list

People could underestimate heat, which could cause dehydration and sunburn, Met Office warns

Restrictions in other parts of the country to remain in place

Photographer says he saw 'couple of thousand' jellyfish at coast around Devon

The Home Office is yet to provide a full breakdown of the crossings, meaning the total number could be higher still

Social distancing not possible on packed beaches, council warns

There are fears the heatwave may tempt people to stop social distancing

Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are at risk of being disproportionately hit by the economic impact of Covid-19, Doreen Lawrence has warned.

Sturgeon says situation in Aberdeen is 'extremely challenging' with 101 cases confirmed as part of cluster

Labour leader overseen sharp rise in party's popularity since taking over in April

'We have been fair with people,' says deputy chief constable. 'Now this weekend we are going to be using a lot more enforcement. Enough is enough'

Former shadow minister had pleaded guilty to offence

'What we've said, in all cases, there won't be a return to austerity,' chancellor adds on government spending plans

The treatment of vulnerable people is a 'matter of embarrassment', custody watchdog says

Temperatures to reach 37C in London and southeast England

The force only used firearms once last year.

Infections in Belgium have soared to triple the UK rate

'Our findings clearly highlight high levels of difficulties being experienced by young people aged 19 and 30, especially young women,' says report author

SNP says Sunak should apologise to people in Scotland 'paying the price' for his party's Brexit policy

Several new hotspots appear to be emerging in areas throughout the country

Charities and anti-racism campaigners point out people have right to claim asylum in the UK

Met Office issues heatwave warning as temperatures to reach 37C

Boris Johnson's refusal to sack aide branded 'a monumental misjudgment'

Downing Street urged to prove evidence of Johnson adviser's whereabouts after new Durham sightings reported

In one borough, just 47 per cent of people exposed to deadly bug have been tracked down

'We are surrounded by areas that have had enforced measures implemented by government and we want to act now to stop that from happening'

Flagging trade talks have seen little progress

As hopes of a V-shaped recovery fade

Ministers want to abolish Section 106 powers responsible for half of social housing construction

Coroner rules television star's struggles with mental health and assault charge part of reason for suicide

'It's about 20 per cent at the moment where people can't remember or never knew the contact'

Mask supplier Ayanda Capital under scrutiny as legal document reveals government contract was arranged by adviser to Department for International Trade

'I wish I hadn't been sat next to a developer at an event and I regret sharing text messages with him afterwards'

One man is being treated for serious injuries at Oxford hospital

Charities call for immedate suspension of policy to stop wave of homelessness

Ian Johnston speaks to Latin Americans living in north London who fear the market, which hosts the second-largest Latino community in the UK, could soon be forced to close its doors for good

Youngster found lying on back with arms and legs outstretched as TV documentary recommends

'I feel guilt and desperation every day knowing that my family needs my support, but I cannot promise them I will be there soon,' says Elif Gunes, who cannot visit her dying father because of visa system delays

Exclusive: Home Office facing legal challenge after subsistence rates for modern slavery survivors in hotel accommodation reduced to nothing without warning, leaving some without basic essentials and forced to beg

Education secretary told to step in after 'disastrous handling' of Scottish results – blamed on use of 'prior attainment' figures

Experts stress the need for a diverse demographic of developers

Lockdown restrictions reimposed after 54 new cases emerge in coronavirus cluster

Certain groups being 'pushed to the front of the queue' when it comes to redundancy, Citizens' Advice warns

Killer dumped victim's body face-down in stream and covered her with branches after night out to celebrate her birthday

'There can be grave dangers from not being fully on the ball. But the menopause is a taboo. It really would not have occurred to me to mention it to my bosses,' says doctor

New system will 'cut red tape' and boost construction firms, ministers say

Nigel Henbest on the celestial mystery at the centre of the Milky Way. Plus, what to look out for in the skies this month

'There is no excuse for what I did – I should have known better,' says Labour councillor pictured on social media less than two metres from other guests

Government announces emergency relief package as 300,000 made homeless by blast

Debbie Adlam criticises 'lenient and insufficient way in which the justice system deals with criminals who take the lives of our emergency workers'

Families say government does not want to acknowledge huge death toll and mistakes

'He focused on unity and peace, and giving that dignity to every person'

Departmental boards meant to be staffed through 'transparent competition' – but roles go to allies of ministers they are meant to scrutinise

German Shepherd cross Max locates pair on ravine edge

Organisation which drove UK to a hard Brexit made up of 'climate change deniers' and 'Trump sympathisers', new book is told

Mother claims daughter nearly 'choked' on disposable face covering

'People on one side of the political divide have sent me threatening letters,' says Shaun Bailey

Identity shift comes less than two months after Oxford University said it was looking into removing statue of Victorian imperialist from outside Oriel College

Sir Keir Starmer also warns PM's 'repeated refusal to accept that test and trace isn't functioning properly is a roadblock to fixing the issues and restoring public confidence'

Like so many, the Derryman took part in the civil rights protests and marches that began in 1968. Despite harassment and death threats from every side, he went on to form a party that eschewed violence and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his cr...

Duchess of Sussex suing Associated Newspapers over article that reproduced 'private and confidential' letter she sent to estranged father

UK 'almost unique' in rejecting border checks in crucial March period – without scientific basis – as hundreds of infected passengers arrived every day

She alleges she saw them at London nightclub Tramp, US lawyer says

International students targeted by immigration enforcement may have been 'branded as cheats, lost their course fees, and been removed from the UK without being guilty of cheating or being given adequate opportunity to clear their names', says Nationa...

Action is needed to stop nationwide provider failure, care home alliance chairperson says

'It's stupid behaviour, he has put lives at risk'

Highs of 27C expected around Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire

Research finds 21 per cent of people now rely on credit to get by

'Too often during the first lockdown, children were an afterthought,' says Anne Longfield

Conservatives have not suspended the MP, who was detained over four alleged incidents

All students are expected to return in September

Girlfirend says yes after fire service puts out blaze

Pupils received grades by post, text or email

Royal dons face covering during visit to baby bank in Sheffield

Gatherings of two or more people banned in 'private dwellings' in Manchester, east Lancashire and West Yorkshire

'Streaming tool' said to contribute to disproportionate rate of visa refusals for people from African countries

'All of my thoughts and prayers are with those caught up in this terrible incident,' tweets Prime Minister

Iain Duncan Smith says the financial liabilities signed up to by Boris Johnson in the withdrawal agreement were too great

Air Accidents Investigation Branch looking into incident after craft found north of Heathfield

Andrea Charles Fidelis, who works for the Ministry of Justice, said she felt 'humiliated and broken' by officer who she says racially profiled her

Emergency traffic measures to last until 'end of October 2021' – with a giant lorry park to hold 2,000 goods vehicles

Despite having healthy financial attitude, 53 per cent of those aged 60 and over still worry about money

Key worker housing could make a comeback in the capital

'When I saw my penis go black I was beside myself. It was like a horror film,' says Malcolm MacDonald

Three quarters of those polled unsure how they will continue to keep business afloat in coming weeks

Trade union suggests luxury resort is using health crisis to make 'savage cuts'

Durham University study says belief in effectiveness of measures is important for compliance

Borough has highest infection rates in England — but hundreds of residents falling through gaps of Boris Johnson's 'world beating' service

Police officer's widow Lissie has written to Boris Johnson asking for retrial

'I was just trying to do the right thing,' says Megan Metcalfe, who worked at Birds Bakery for over 40 years

Investigators scour CCTV to trace route taken by white Range Rover thought to be linked to shooting

'Schools are going to reopen in full in autumn,' says Simon Clarke

More climate change-induced heatwaves and flooding to come, scientists predict

'Is it 2020 or 1720? Please ⁦⁦Amazon take it down', Mr Lammy wrote

High temperatures could trigger thunderstorms, Met Office says

Migration from UK to Europe states averaged 56,832 people per year from 2008-15, but climbed to 73,642 a year from 2016-18

Government to focus on restricting mixing of households if outbreaks occur

Exclusive: Hollywood stars and other actors and singers back open letter asking for animals to be handed over after The Independent revealed horrors behind closed doors

But pharmaceutical industry has warned that sufficient buffer stocks may not be possible by December

Government urged to be more transparent about why restrictions are placed on foreign countries

Sarah Sauchelli Toran and Karen Coulman explain that while we depend on BMI, it may not actually be the best measure of our health. But there are better ways

'I think it's completely ridiculous to charge someone for looking after the health of their family, neighbours and work colleagues,' says penalty recipient Geoff Pugh

Current test-trace-isolate system 'not good enough', say researchers

'It means I'm getting more of my team out of furlough,' says manager

The government appears to be focusing on avoiding a second nationwide lockdown

Owners warned after spike in thefts of pets worth thousands of pounds

'It is indicative of the state becoming more punitive rather than supporting people,' says campaigner

Murder convictions carry mandatory death sentence in the country

Party's chief whip had conversation with alleged victim on 1 April – four months ago

'War game' suggested motorway would be boundary in event of Covid-19 outbreak

Increase in cases accompanies slight upward trend in infections confirmed by department for health and social care

Follow the latest political developments

Ex-trade secretary's account broken into multiple times in attack with 'hallmarks of state-backed operation', it is alleged

Follow-up message admits mistake

Bodies were discovered in Swanage, police say

Just 6.2 per cent backed Boris Johnson's party in last year's election – throwing doubt on whether he will carry out pledge to abolish time limit on expat voting

Police discover Lithuanian Ricardas Puisys in woods near Wisbech and now believe he fled exploitation in 2015

A closer look at the spread of Covid-19 across the UK

The SDLP founder was recognised for his part in ending paramilitary violence in Northern Ireland

Scottish first minister warns restrictions could be re-imposed if virus returns in earnest

Police bodycam video reveals violent scuffle inside intensive care ward after father refuses to leave critically ill daughter

'Free and automatic indefinite leave to remain would give me space to grieve,' she says

It was created in limited numbers during reign of James I and just 20 pieces are known to have survived

Arrests follow attack on 21-year-old man on 22 July

Blackburn with Darwen has highest infection rate, with 78.6 cases per 100,000 people

Announcement made three days after health secretary Matt Hancock imposed local lockdowns across region

Locals 'concerned' as visitors crowd popular UK destinations during pandemic

Met Office predicts that parts of south-east could reach 36C on Friday

Brexit party leader makes remarks in 10-minute video cataloguing failed attempt to book hotel room in late July

Neighbours call police after Airbnb property used to host 'gigantic party that quickly got out of hand'

Pub failed to enforce social distancing in packed beer garden

The announcement follows a leak showing regular care home testing has been delayed

City mayor calls on government to reimpose shielding advice across region

Local Government Association urges ministers to recycle any leftover funds into small business support

Daughter had pillows made with pictures of their faces on so they can 'hug'

Broadcaster and doctor fronting new Channel 4 series to help people who have piled on pounds in lockdown

Robert Jenrick also distances government from reports on proposed lockdown 'border' around London

Warning of link between convictions and police stop-and-search policy

Fomer minister was questioned by police in London on Saturday and released on bail

Dining bills slashed by up to £10 per diner from Monday morning

Solicitor acting for relatives concerned evidence 'nearly remained hidden'

Asking over-75s to send in bank statements could put pensioners at risk, campaigners warn

Teaching union calls for more clarity after confusion over direction of lockdown

Rollout of regular Covid-19 testing delayed because of problems with supplies

'I've got a minor on board. I'm going off the f***ing bridge,' claims Samuel Birch during pursuit

Far-right activist predicts Boris Johnson will become more populist

Len McCluskey plans 'gathering' of the left and warns Labour will 'go under' if leader steers it to the right

Exclusive: Lib Dem leadership contender Layla Moran voices concern after experts reveal one-third do not know symptoms of Covid-19

Former parliamentary employee reportedly accuses ex-minister of sexual assault and coercive control

Protesters temporarily block major junction, forcing cars and buses to stop and turn around

The prime minister seemed to be contradicting himself in his news conference yesterday, yet maybe that's what the people want him to do

Saturday sees easing of some measures but many postponed due to rising infections

Gloucestershire Constabulary say they expect the issue to take 'some time' to be resolved

Fresher conditions bring relief after UK's hottest day of the year on Friday

Vulnerable people could be allocated specific times a week for exclusive access to shops under 'differential shielding' proposal, according to report

Exclusive: Anneliese Dodds urges chancellor to look to example of French and German schemes stretching years into the future

Professor Susan Michie calls for financial support and accommodation for self-isolation as part of a drive to eliminate coronavirus from the community

Opinium survey finds 75 per cent expecting second wave of coronavirus this year

'It was full-scale. The soldiers were more used to fighting than the footmen. They got quite badly injured'

Victim scarred for life following Bristol attack which left glass and gravel lodged in his face

Derbyshire town faced being wiped off map if reservoir walls had collapsed

Autonomous machines identify street furniture and high risk touch points - then spray them with alcohol dilute

Hire vehicle scheme billed as having potential to tackle climate change and coronavirus is 'as useful as chocolate fire guard,' says local MP

Duke of York whispered 'sweet nothings' in ear of Virginia Giuffre and licked her feet, claim papers filed during now-settled defamation lawsuit