I said it gives the impression the government and the state is not functioning - the police makes up part of the state.

When pressed on the fact he didn’t sound sure, McFadden says: “I don’t see why anyone should make that move and resign over this.”

Meanwhile when shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith was asked if he was blaming the civil service, he said: “Yeah I’m blaming a system that needs fundamental reform.” - Completely different tone from Robert Jenrick who attacked Labour for this.

When asked why this issue wasn’t spotted before now Labour’s Matthew Pennycook tells Sky News: “I’m not going to speak for the individual civil servants that were in whatever particular meeting”.

Govt insiders insist Mahmood not aware of proposed changes until yday, and council’s guidance already asks judges to give *everyone* a PSR, so this change to guidance not needed. Govt ministers openly calling this “two-tier” sentencing looks like laying ground for an almighty fight with judiciary.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick tells Sky News the sentencing council must change its guidance or the law must be changed and the council’s independence should be looked at. He accuses Shabana Mahmood of either being “asleep at the wheel” or being in favour of the changes.

Govt disagrees and Justice Secretary has written to the council to ask them to change guidelines. (Sentencing council is independent so does not have to listen to govt)

• Rejected claim that govt is doing this having been bounced into decision by Trump
• Healey called rare earth deal between Trump and Zelenskyy a matter for Ukraine and US but that anything that binds US into future of Ukraine is “a good step”, warning: “Talks have started but negotiations haven’t”.

Meanwhile the Conservative Party (CDU) claims victory in German elections, while the AfD surges to become to the second largest party.

The Home Office has announced sanctions on elites with known links to the Kremlin, expanding the criteria for excluding oligarchs from entering the UK.