Good evening. Leo Varadkar has resigned as Ireland’s prime minister in a surprise move that he said would give his Fine Gael party the best chance of success in looming elections.
Elsewhere, the Government has suffered its first defeat of the day on the Rwanda Bill in the House of Lords. Follow live updates here.
Leo Varadkar resigns as Irish prime minister
The Taoiseach said he would quit in a noon announcement outside Government Buildings, bringing an end to his second stint as Ireland’s leader for reasons that were “both personal and political”.
‘No place’ for staff who break patients’ trust, London Clinic says amid Princess of Wales security breach
There is “no place” for hospital staff who breach the trust of patients, the CEO of the clinic where the Princess of Wales recently underwent treatment has said, after allegations of a security breach.
‘Deeply damaging’ BBC trans row has been overhyped, says Tim Davie
Criticism of the BBC’s transgender coverage has been exaggerated and is damaging public debate over the issue, the broadcaster’s boss has said. Tim Davie, BBC director general, accused people of “whipping up” outrage as he defended the corporation’s stance on the topic.
Evening Briefing: Today’s essential headlines
Jeremy Hunt | HM Revenue & Customs has halted plans to close its phone lines for almost six months after the Chancellor ordered a rethink.
Comment and analysis
Tom Harris | Scotland is no longer a free country
Ruth Dudley Edwards | Farewell Leo Varadkar, no one will miss you
Ben Wilkinson | HMRC bosses must be trying their hardest to get sacked
Ross Clark | Good riddance to self-service checkouts – an infuriating invention
Jeremy Warner | Labour only has one tool to stop Britain’s collapse into a third world country
Feature of the day
The 10 greatest passenger planes of all time
From the dashing Comet to the iconic jumbo jet, our fantasy league table of trailblazing aircraft should provoke plenty of travel nostalgia.
Business news: Security law will not stop us doing business in Hong Kong, says Prudential
British insurer Prudential has said it will continue doing business in Hong Kong despite the introduction of a draconian new security law.
Live markets news: High taxes make UK unattractive place to invest, says Santander boss
Editor’s choice
Dear Richard Madeley | My fiancée’s mother keeps pinching my bottom – is it a test?
Crime | How the ‘banana trick’ is forcing the retreat of self-checkouts
Workplace | Why the push for a four-day week is backfiring
Sport briefing: Today’s essential headlines
Rugby | How the 2025 Lions squad is shaping up
Football | Dani Alves released from prison on €1 million bail
Liverpool | Club accelerate search for Jurgen Klopp successor
Sepp Blatter | ‘I don’t want anything special – just a thank you’
Paula Badosa | Playing Aryna Sabalenka will be ‘uncomfortable experience’