It is a significant hardening of Britain's position towards Beijing. The UK's national security adviser has warned that the West and China could "miscalculate" their way into nuclear war.
Sir Stephen Lovegrove said Britain had "clear concerns" that Beijing was expanding its nuclear arsenal – and that China's "disdain" for arms control agreements was a "daunting prospect".
Sir Stephen warned that the world may no longer have the Cold War safeguards that prevented nuclear war with the USSR and raised the prospect of an "uncontrolled conflict". Read more of his comments.
Liz Truss, who is standing for the Tory leadership, also warned of the "malign influence" of China as she unveiled plans to build closer ties among the 56 Commonwealth nations.
Meanwhile, a leaked paper cast doubt on her rival Rishi Sunak's claims to be a China hawk. The Telegraph View says the West must focus on the threat to Taiwan.
Starmer 'in a pickle' over Labour's strike stance
Sir Keir Starmer's sacking of Angela Rayner's boyfriend for joining a rail workers' picket line could further inflame Labour's battle with the unions.The leader caused a row with the Left-wing of the party as he fired Sam Tarry from his role
of shadow transport minister after publicly backing rail strikes and giving a round of media interviews without permission.
Last month, Sir Keir banned payroll Labour MPs from joining picket lines, arguing it was not their job to engage in industrial disputes.
Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the RMT union, accused Sir Keir of abandoning working-class voters and getting in a "pickle" over the strikes.
And, as political correspondent Tony Diver reports, Mr Tarry said his departure would not be the last from Sir Keir's top team.
The strikes brought much of the rail network to a standstill, with services on half of lines reduced to one in five trains and additional delays on the London Underground.
There is another walkout planned for Saturday and the disruption is to continue, after members of the Aslef union announced industrial action next month.
With warnings of a general strike in retaliation if legislation is introduced to curb walkouts, keep up to speed with a full list of scheduled rail disruption.
The most beautiful country, according to science
Anyone who believes the old adage that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" should look away now.
The Telegraph has conducted an extensive research study to ascertain which country is, officially (and objectively) the most beautiful on Earth. It was a closely fought contest.
But after crunching the data, one country emerged which – according to our research – is by far the most beautiful.
See how we calculated the top 10. And Chris Leadbeater writes in praise of the winning nation.
Today's political cartoon
Sir Keir Starmer's dilemma over rail strikes inspired Blower's latest cartoon. Matt is away, but you can view his latest work here.
Also in the news: Today's other headlines
Keeping lights on | Britain will rely on more imported power to help keep the lights on this winter, the National Grid has said, sparking fears the country will be at the mercy of Russia as it strangles energy supplies to Europe. In its annual outlook on winter electricity supplies, the Grid says it expects to be able to draw on undersea cables. Rachel Millard explains how the UK is betting the house on European energy. It came after a new prediction of how much households could pay per month.
- Surging prices | Fed piles pressure on Bank with new rate rise
- Mega-marquee | Boris and Carrie's wedding party this weekend
- Health | Lactose intolerant people fine with milk for 9,000 years
- Pollution | Bird experts pooh-pooh order not to feed gulls
- Last in a long line of lace | Speaker revives tradition with frills
Around the world: 'Retreat or be annihilated'
Russian troops will be "annihilated" unless they retreat from the southern city of Kherson, Ukraine warned after it struck a key bridge with US-supplied rockets. Kyiv's strafing of the Antonovsky bridge with precise Himars rocket launchers marks the opening salvo in Ukraine's counter-offensive to retake the strategic city. In his analysis, senior foreign correspondent Roland Oliphant explains why the battle for Kherson will test Ukraine's infantry and artillery – but not end the war.
Comment and analysis
- Liz Truss | Liz Truss is playing an absolute blinder in Tory race
- Andrew Roberts | Boris's career gained a glorious epitaph
- Michael Deacon | Why do the Left want drag queens as teachers?
- Ben Marlow | Greedflation is hurting struggling shoppers
- Reader letters | Neither Tory hopeful has ability to unify the party
Sport briefing: England vs Germany in Euros final
After a summer of splendid football drama at Women's Euros 2022, the final is set to deliver the sporting script perhaps we should have all seen coming: Yes, it will of course be Germany who will stand between England's dream of a first major women’s trophy when the two sides meet at Wembley on Sunday. Tom Garry reports on Germany's 2-1 victory over France last night in Milton Keynes. Meanwhile, see a full schedule for the Commonwealth Games that start in Birmingham.
Editor's choice
- Down the drain | Britain takes water for granted – and is crisis-bound
- Careers | 'I'd rather have mental health support at work than a high salary'
- The Great review | X-rated Horrible Histories sticks its middle finger up
Business briefing: Facebook's first ever revenue drop
Mark Zuckerberg's social media empire has suffered the first drop in revenues in its history and warned of budget cuts after being hammered by an advertising slump. Meta, which was known as Facebook until last year, said that revenues fell to $28.8bn (£23.7bn) in the three months ending in June – down from $29bn the previous year. As Matthew Field reports, the fall brings an end to 18 years of growth for the company Mr Zuckberg originally conceived in his Harvard dorm room.
Tonight's dinner
Zucchine alla scapece | This recipe by Diana Henry is a flavour-packed way to use up a glut of courgettes.
Travel advice: Picking the perfect cruise cabin
It is the conundrum that faces every cruiser. You have selected your sailing and chosen your ship, so the next question is: Which cabin will bring you the sweetest dreams? How do you avoid being woken by a clanking anchor? Our cruise expert Sara Macefield has the answers.
And finally... for this morning's downtime
Gardening | It is not just bamboo and Japanese knotweed that are garden space invaders. Many other plants that are widely sold can become problematic. Ruth Chivers lists 20 common plants and flowers that should come with a health warning.
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