Keir Starmer says the deal - which involves leasing the Diego Garcia base for 99 years, with the option of another 40 - is in the UK's national interest.

The ONS says the drop is "driven by falling numbers of people coming to work and study, particularly student dependants", following previous policy changes.

Asian shares gained on Friday as beaten-down Treasuries found buyers after U.S. President Donald Trump's tax bill narrowly passed the lower house, although debt worries still dominated.