A quick overview of what has made the news briefing today.
This introduction provides a summary of what’s going on today. Before you get into today’s main stories; that have been summarised and contextualised for you. And at the bottom we have today’s newspaper summarised as well. Goodie!
Tuesday’s headlines look ahead to the Commons vote on the government’s welfare bill, set to take place later today. It’s set to be a busy day for the prime minister, who could still face a rebellion of sorts with some Labour rebels suggesting they want more concessions on the plans before they cast their vote. The Tories have already announced they’ll be voting against the government’s bill.
Energy prices will fall from Tuesday for 21 million households in England, Scotland and Wales, but uncertainty remains over whether costs will stay down for winter.
The ongoing heatwave sweeping the UK and Europe continues to dominate the headlines as Brits rush out to enjoy some glorious sunshine! (Stay safe!!)
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has revised its controversial welfare reforms following a fierce backlash from over 120 Labour MPs. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced concessions that protect all existing claimants of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and the health‑related Universal Credit top‑up. The revised plan delays the new eligibility tests until November 2026, introduces a £7 weekly increase to UC health payments and commits £300 million to employment support. However, the changes still reduce the forecasted savings from £5 billion to £2.5 billion by 2030, and officials estimate that around 150,000 people will still be pushed into poverty as a result.
This partial U‑turn represents a significant challenge to Starmer’s leadership and highlights deep divisions within the party over balancing fiscal restraint with social justice. It follows earlier reversals on winter fuel payments and reflects growing concern about welfare reforms. The changes also put pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to bridge a £2.5 billion fiscal gap, potentially requiring tax rises or departmental cuts.
Rebel MPs and disability charities welcomed the concessions but maintain they fall short. Labour MPs Debbie Abrahams and Meg Hillier indicated they would continue opposing the bill unless further protections are introduced, particularly for future claimants. Disability groups warned that still around 150,000 people will be negatively affected. Meanwhile, Downing Street insists the revised bill is fair and sustainable, and Labour ministers defended the reforms as necessary for restoring long-term viability to the welfare system.
A crucial Commons vote is expected this week, and Labour is scrambling to secure backing from wavering MPs. Some backbenchers may still vote against or abstain, risking a defeat. Ministers are preparing to offer last-minute further compromise amendments, possibly adjusting PIP thresholds or delaying parts of the reform. If the bill fails, Starmer faces a serious political setback that could force a full rethink of welfare policy and further delay the legislation.
In the first half of 2025, the US dollar has suffered its worst decline since 1973, plunging roughly 10.8% against a basket of major currencies. Analysts link this slump to President Trump’s economic and trade policies, especially erratic tariff actions, ballooning national debt from his “One Big Beautiful Bill,” and public attempts to influence Federal Reserve independence. This decline has eroded the dollar’s appeal as a safe-haven asset, while boosting alternative assets like the euro, gold, and non-US bonds.
A weakened dollar ripples across global markets: it raises import costs for US consumers and travel expenses, but improves export competitiveness. Investors fearing prolonged uncertainty are shifting to other currencies and assets like gold and German bonds. Concerns are mounting that persistent policy volatility could undermine the dollar’s central role in global finance, though some analysts argue the decline primarily reflects Fed rate cut expectations.
Market reactions have been mixed. Stock indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have reached new highs, buoyed by low rates and debt-fueled spending. Some analysts suggest the dollar is oversold, with potential for recovery as bearish sentiment peaks. Others paint a bleaker picture: David Roche predicts the dollar could fall another 15-20% over five years without policy adjustments.
Wall Street will closely watch two major developments: the Senate’s vote on Trump’s fiscal bill, which may ramp up debt further, and the Federal Reserve’s next moves. If Trump succeeds in replacing Fed Chair Powell and pushing for rate cuts, the dollar could weaken further. Meanwhile, global investors are offloading US assets, and currencies like the euro, yen, and Swiss franc are likely to continue appreciating.
Palestine Action is challenging the UK government’s decision to proscribe it as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000. The group has launched a judicial review and is seeking a temporary injunction to prevent the ban from taking effect while legal proceedings continue. The Home Office has laid a draft order before Parliament, which, if approved, would make membership or support of Palestine Action a criminal offence, carrying penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
An urgent High Court hearing has already taken place, with further sessions scheduled to determine whether the challenge can proceed and whether the injunction will be granted.
This is the first time a UK protest group faces being banned under anti-terror legislation, raising major civil liberties questions. If successful, the proscription would set a precedent for how the government treats direct-action protest groups, particularly those focused on Palestinian solidarity or anti-military campaigns. Critics warn it could blur the line between terrorism and civil disobedience, expanding the state’s ability to suppress dissent.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the decision, describing it as a “legitimate response” to what she called a long pattern of “unacceptable criminal damage” by the group, referencing a recent incident at RAF Brize Norton.
In contrast, Amnesty International and Liberty submitted formal statements raising concerns about the misuse of counterterrorism powers to silence protest, warning that the move may violate freedom of expression and association under UK and international law.
The draft proscription order must be approved by Parliament to become law. In the meantime, the High Court will consider the group’s request for a temporary block on the order and determine whether a full judicial review will go ahead. The legal and political outcome could influence how future protest groups are treated and whether anti-terror powers are subject to stricter oversight.
Tuesday’s front pages are dominated by the proposed welfare bill that MPs will vote on this Tuesday. It’s set to be a tough day for the prime minister as Labour MPs are still considering rebelling over the bill, despite the PM making huge concessions and watering down his controversial plans to trim the ballooning benefits cost.
Several papers continue their coverage of the Glastonbury row after police announced they would open an inquiry into Bob Vylan and Kneecap performances, with punk duo Bob Vylan chanting “death to IDF” and Kneecap calling for a riot. There are further calls for the BBC boss to be punished for streaming the controversial Bob Vylan set despite the chants.
There are a handful of standalone stories, including reports that British doctors and nurses will be prioritised as part of a 10-year plan to curb the number of international hires. The death of Vivienne leads one of the newspapers after new details have emerged, and another paper leads with a report into the treatment of those in care homes during the pandemic.
Many of the newspapers feature images of yesterday’s Wimbledon action, including British tennis star Emma Raducanu’s win. The ongoing UK heatwave finds plenty of space on the front pages, as the country continues to sweat and more health warnings are issued.
Copyright WTX News 2025
