Monday morning news briefing: End of Troubles veterans' 'witch-hunt'

Conservatives pledge to end 'unfair' trials of Troubles veterans

Military veterans are to be given new legal protections to prevent them being prosecuted over killings during the Troubles. In a pledge to be made in the Conservative manifesto, Boris Johnson will promise to alter the Human Rights Act in order to bring an end to "the unfair trials" of soldiers. As Chief Reporter Robert Mendick reports, it follows pressure on successive prime ministers to end the so-called witch-hunt of troops for alleged crimes in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as in Northern Ireland. Mr Johnson will unveil a raft of proposals to help veterans ahead of a visit to Wolverhampton today to mark Armistice Day. It comes as historian David Starkey lets fly at "poppy fascism", telling Chopper's Election Podcast Remembrance Sunday has become a "crazy religious ritual".

Meanwhile, senior Tories are heaping pressure on Nigel Farage to "step aside" in the election and let the Conservatives deliver Brexit. Deputy Political Editor Anna Mikhailova reveals that party power brokers have held talks with the Brexit Party over a possible deal that would see the vast majority of Mr Farage's candidates withdrawing from the race. Data journalist Ashley Kirk explains in charts how would-be Brexit Party voters could tip the balance in a tight election.

Rise of smart speakers: 'Alexa, do you have eyes as well as ears?'

Alexa, Amazon's digital assistant, has already sparked controversy amid concerns it is listening in to conversations and secretly harvesting data from its users. But the creator of the smart device has hinted that it may also soon be opening its eyes - and even walking around the house. Amazon's head scientist has told The Telegraph that Alexa could gain sensory capabilities to enhance the machine's understanding of the world. Robin Pagnamenta reveals what else is on the horizon for the device that is in more than 100million homes.

War of the Worlds with a woman's touch as BBC updates classic

The latest adaptation of HG Wells's sci-fi classic War of the Worlds might raise a few eyebrows. The writer of the BBC One drama has revealed that it has been "updated" to include a leading female character, who is having an affair with the book's narrator - originally unnamed, but now called George. Verity Bowmanhas details of the actress who will play the "strong female lead".

News briefing

• Medical cannabis | Drug not effective for chronic pain, rules NHS watchdog

• Lover butchered | Napoleon professor confesses to chopping up ex-student

• 'Farm invasions' | UK tea growers' greatest crisis since Boston Tea party

• Homeopaths investigation | Clinics continue to advertise autism 'cures'

• Flying high | British company aims to revive the age of the Zeppelin

Gallery: The big picture

A tear for the fallen | The Queen appeared to be overcome with emotion at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph yesterday. Read Joe Shute's report and view more striking images in our Remembrance Sunday gallery.

Comment

• Nick Timothy | Nigel Farage has turned into the Frodo Baggins of Brexit

• Liam Fox | The choice for voters is clear: it's Boris Johnson or bust

• John Curtice | How will the Nigel Farage factor affect this election?

• Tim Stanley | Christians should boycott the tacky consumer Christmas

• Jane Shilling | Our dialects are last surviving bridges to England's past

Editor's choice

1. His Dark Materials review | A story of wide-eyed wonder - with a touch of EastEnders  

2. Secrets of buying home at 22 | 'I saved for two years on £27k… with no family help'  

3. Three dietitians investigate | Is vegan junk food really any healthier for you?

Business and money briefing

Economy bounces back | The see-sawing UK economy will bounce back from its first contraction in seven years today in a boost for Boris Johnson's election hopes. As Tom Rees and Russell Lynch report, growth will swing back into positive territory when official estimates for the latest quarter are published.

• Prosus threat | Tech giant set to walk away from delivery company Just Eat

• Investment tip | Little-known firm has built portfolio of fast-growing stocks

• Stay on top of the markets | Live stocks and shares updates 24 hours a day

Sport briefing

Liverpool 3 Manchester City | Jurgen Klopp's men have taken a huge advantage in the Premier League title race as their win yesterday opened up a nine-point gap at the top of the table. Read Jason Burt's report from Anfield.

• Manchester United 3 Brighton 1 | Rashford gets United back on track

• Bad habits | England get sense of deja vu in defeat to Germany

• West Ham | Why Manuel Pellegrini's side are lurching into crisis

And finally...

Keep on running… | A former banker has become the first person to run the length of a marathon in every country in the world. Nick Butter, 30, set the world record yesterday. He quit his job to embark on the solo expedition in January last year after being inspired by a friend with terminal cancer.