Monday briefing: Why British generals and ministers are worried about the future of the military

In today's newsletter: The head of the British army has hinted at a future citizen's army - so is Britain fighting fit?

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Good morning.

As Russia's war in Ukraine grinds on and the prospect of a Trump presidency becomes more likely, military leaders in the UK and across Europe have been warning that peacetime may be coming to an end.

Councils | Angela Rayner has accused the Conservatives of cynically applying a sticking plaster" to council finances to get through the next election, as local authority leaders warn that more will go bust next year. The shadow communities secretary said Labour was under no illusions" about the financial mess it would inherit in local councils if it gained power.

Policing | Officers in a police force that bungled the investigation into a suspected racist killing, allegedly went on holiday, dined and partied with suspects arrested over the attack, the Guardian has learned. The new claims come on the 25th anniversary of the death of Jay Abatan, 42, who was attacked outside a Brighton nightclub in January 1999.

Labour | The former Conservative donor who chairs Iceland supermarket, Richard Walker, has publicly backed Keir Starmer to be the next prime minister, saying the Labour leader understands how the cost of living crisis has put an unbearable strain" on families.

Middle East | Three US servicemen have been killed and more than 34 injured after a drone attack on a US service base on the border of Jordan and Syria. Joe Biden blamed Iranian backed militia mainly based in Iraq for the despicable" attack and vowed revenge.

Vaping | Ministers are to ban disposable vapes as part of a UK-wide drive to curb youth vaping. The government is also seeking to make vaping less appealing to children by restricting sweet and fruity flavours, introducing plain packaging and making displays less visible in shops, under newly announced powers.