Makerfield By-election & Labour Leadership: Keir Starmer says Andy Burnham would “play a big part” in government if he wins Thursday’s Makerfield vote, as leadership speculation and internal pressure intensify. State Pension Age: DWP confirms the State Pension age will rise again for people born after 1977, with eligibility reaching 68 between 2044-2046, alongside an early review of whether the timetable should be brought forward. Online Safety & Social Media: MPs back the plan to ban under-16s from major social platforms, while critics and campaigners warn it risks surveillance and censorship-by-default. BBC Cuts: BBC director general Matt Brittin signals major programme closures and compulsory redundancies as the corporation begins a cost-cutting drive. G7 & Middle East: G7 leaders issue a joint call for an “immediate ceasefire” in Lebanon amid ongoing Iran deal diplomacy and domestic US criticism. Forced Adoption Apology: Education secretary Bridget Phillipson confirms a full apology on behalf of the state for historic forced adoption in England. North Sea Energy Policy: MPs hear arguments that scrapping the North Sea windfall tax could boost investment and help tackle fuel poverty. Policing & Elections: A Norfolk police and crime commissioner by-election is challenged as “little sense” given the role is due to be abolished in 2028. NHS Scotland Digital Access: NHS Scotland launches its first smartphone app, MyCare.scot, to let patients view key health records and services.