Welcome to your early morning news briefing from The Telegraph - a round-up of the top stories we are covering on Friday. To receive twice-daily briefings by email, sign up to our Front Page newsletter for free.

       1. Schools defy Boris Johnson as they insist face masks must stay in class

       Headteachers are defying the Government over face masks in the classroom as dozens insist they will remain in place.

       More than 100 schools have already written to parents to say that children must continue wearing masks in lessons, despite the Prime Minister’s announcement that the measure is no longer necessary. Read the full story.

       2. Sue Gray finds all-important email that ‘confirms objections to Downing Street lockdown party’

       Sue Gray, the civil servant leading the investigation into Downing Street parties, has found an email that allegedly confirms concerns were raised over a lockdown garden drinks event before it took place.

       The message is said to have been sent by a senior Number 10 official after an invitation for “socially distanced drinks” on May 15 2020 was circulated to Downing Street staff. Read the full story.

       3. Boris Johnson can survive by cutting taxes and ditching ‘fluffy’ policies, says ally

       Boris Johnson can survive the "partygate" scandal but must cut taxes and replace "fluffy" environmental policies to relaunch his premiership, one of his closest political allies has said.

       Lord Marland of Odstock, a Conservative peer who has been a friend and informal adviser to Mr Johnson for over a decade, said he must refocus his agenda and "come out fighting". Read the full story.

       4. Stranded dog follows her nose to safety after rescuers dangle sausage from a drone

       A beloved pet has been reunited with her family after a huge search involving police, coastguards and an unusual rescue technique... Read the full story.

       5. Gay couple refused house viewing by Christian owners as it would be ‘contrary to the Bible’

       An estate agent has removed a property from its books after its Christian owners said they did not want a gay couple to make an offer.

       Luke Main, 33, a builder, and his wife, Dr Joanna Brunker, 34, a Cambridge University medical physicist, reportedly refused to let a gay couple view their ￡650,000 home in Surrey. Read the full story.

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