Six O'Clock News

Sir Keir Starmer is pondering his political future tonight amid growing expectations he will resign as Prime Minister -- with an announcement possible as early as tomorrow. The US vice-president, J D Vance, has hailed the start of talks with Iran in Switzerland as "historic". The Met Office has expanded its extreme heat warning -- saying temperatures could reach the high 30s in parts of England and Wales in the coming days.

Iran's military says it has again closed the Strait of Hormuz -- in response to Israel's continued strikes on southern Lebanon. Israel launched a wave of attacks this morning -- just hours after agreeing a ceasefire with Hezbollah -- saying it was responding to the firing last night of dozens of projectiles by the Iran-backed group. President Trump had said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to shipping as part of the framework peace deal agreed between the US and Iran, and signed three days ago.
Police say nine people remain in a critical condition in hospital after yesterday's fatal train crash near Bedford. A train driver was killed and scores of passengers were injured when one East Midlands Railway passenger service ran into the back of another.
Counter terrorism police are investigating a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks that left five men injured in Edinburgh last night. Officers say they have arrested a 36-year-old white Scottish man.

The Transport Secretary urges Sir Keir Starmer to hand over power, after Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield by-election. Also: A fragile ceasefire begins between Israel and Hezbollah. And Italy hits back after President Trump claims it's Prime Minister begged him for a photo.

A teacher from Blackpool who sexually abused and murdered a baby he'd adopted is told he will never be released from jail. Also: A man has been arrested for attempted murder after a seriously injured boy was found in a crocodile enclosure in a zoo in Cambridgeshire. And a pendant featuring a carved portrait of Queen Elizabeth the first is to be sold at auction in the UK.

Campaigning is nearing its climax in the constituency of Makerfield in what is being viewed as one of the most consequential parliamentary by-elections ever held. Also: President Trump has warned that he is ready to resume military action if Iran doesn't abide by its obligations. And the BBC announces details of its latest round of cuts.