Politics

"Hard to identify, maybe minor royals," one said. “They look like they could well be local dignitaries," the other chipped in.

"Those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten.”

A peerage is believed to be on the cards for the former culture secretary - if she can keep the skeletons in the closet.

"I predicted that opinion on rejoining would move slowly and remorselessly, by demographic replacement rather than Brexiters seeing the light, but I can feel it happening much faster than that now."

Those who live and work in the low-tax areas envisaged by the Prime Minister could see their own contributions cut, it is understood.

Liz Truss is hoping to fund her tax cuts and energy relief with more debt, but according to one trader, investors might not buy it.

"This is the tremendous achievement the EU has created for Poland. A terrible indictment of what Brexit has done for Britain."

The special access for MPs – who can also bring in up to four guests – has provoked criticism.

The Russian president claimed he is in "no rush" to take the Donbas region, adding that only volunteer soldiers were deployed to fight in Ukraine.