The Tory grandee backed plans to reduce the number of jury trials and create a new type of crown court where cases are heard by judges.

The debate followed a public petition against repealing the legislation which attracted more than 170,000 signatures.

The Reform UK leadership at Kent County Council has expressed "grave concerns" to the government about plans to reduce health and social care visas.

No one was injured in the fire, which is believed to have started with a faulty lithium-ion battery in a garden shed. A neighbour who witnessed the fire said: “It was terrifying to watch. It was a ...