Trump ‘makes trade deal with UK second-order priority’ in blow to ministers

US officials have split negotiations with countries into three phases, sources say, with South Korea taking priority

Nationalise gas power plants to boost energy security, thinktank urges UK ministers

Common Wealth says private gas-fired stations can charge exorbitant fees when renewable energy is in short supply

Labour’s benefit cuts will cost UK economy billions, charity says

Trussell report finds that higher levels of poverty mean Britain is losing out on £38bn a year of potential output

No extra money for NHS staff and teacher pay rises, warns Treasury

Sources say pay increases will not be covered by borrowing and must come from existing budgets, creating possibility of strikes

Fathers ‘betrayed’ by Labour workers’ rights bill, say paternity leave campaigners

Exclusive: Promised ‘day one’ right will not include statutory pay for new dads who have been in job for less than six months

African diplomats urge UK government to back bill to speed up debt restructurings

Countries are struggling to manage expensive loans, with much of debt transacted through London

Britain will find ‘common ground’ with US on energy policy, says Miliband

Energy secretary says countries must work together during conference at which US delegate called net zero ‘dangerous’

Reeves holds ‘positive and upbeat’ trade talks with Bessent

Chancellor discusses ‘prosperity deal’ with Treasury secretary Scott Bessent but US calls for reduced tariffs on car imports to UK

Starmer and Reeves try to ride three horses with US, EU and China trade ties

The UK is being dragged in opposing directions by international forces in its quest for growth

Wood-burning stoves to be allowed in new homes in England despite concerns

Campaigners condemn decision amid growing evidence of harm to health and climate from heating appliances

Ofcom announces new rules for tech firms to keep children safe online

Companies will be legally required to block children’s access to harmful content under UK’s Online Safety Act or face large fines

Labour’s great nature sellout is the worst attack on England’s ecosystems I’ve seen in my lifetime

The horrifying planning bill, which rips up environmental protections, was drafted with CEOs in mind. We know because Keir Starmer told us, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot

Thursday briefing: Rachel Reeves heads to Washington in pursuit of a trade deal – will she get one?

In today’s newsletter: ​The chancellor faces a pivotal moment in the US as she navigates high-stakes negotiations with the Trump administration

UK seeks global green investors with windfarm cash and planning policies

Government is ‘setting up conversations’ as companies arrive in London for clean energy summit

Rachel Reeves dashes hopes of early breakthrough in UK-US trade deal

Chancellor says UK is ‘not going to rush a deal’ and rejects new US demands on agricultural products