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 feature a variety of domestic and international news, with French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK leading the way. It marks the first time an EU leader has had a full state visit to the UK since Brexit. Macron and his wife Brigitte will be welcomed by the King and Camilla for a state banquet. The three-day state visit will see discussions regarding illegal crossings of the channel.
The public inquiry into the Southport murders is set to begin, with the families of the three murdered schoolgirls demanding “real change”.
Tuesday will also mark a major milestone in the long road to justice for the victims of the Post Office IT scandal following a far-reaching inquiry. Part of a final report is set to be published and will focus on compensation and the human impact of the scandal.
There’s good news for local Premier League fans, as MPs could be set to vote on a plan to make at least 10 Premier League matches available on free-to-air television each season.
It’s heating up across the UK again this Tuesday, with temperatures creeping up to the 30s by the end of the week, with a third UK heatwave of the summer on the way.
King Charles and Macron unite in first state visit by an EU leader since Brexit.
King Charles III delivered a powerful speech during a state banquet at Windsor Castle, hosting French President Emmanuel Macron for the first full state visit by an EU leader since Brexit. The King emphasised that the UK and France face “a multitude of complex threats… these challenges know no borders”. He highlighted shared concerns across defence, AI, migration, and climate change ahead of an Anglo-French summit attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Central to the visit was progress on small-boat migration, France preparing to allow police to intercept boats up to 300 m offshore under a proposed “one-in, one‑out” returns protocol.
This visit signals a renewed entente cordiale and deeper strategic alignment between the UK and France post‑Brexit. With Channel migrant crossings surging almost 50% year-on-year, newfound cooperation on migration patrols shows pragmatic problem-solving. Simultaneously, both nations are united in supporting Ukraine through plans for a European “reassurance force” amid an uncertain U.S. commitment. The combined diplomatic, defence, and climate messaging indicates a concerted response to modern global threats.
Political analysts and commentators widely welcomed the visit. Sky News and other outlets praised King Charles’s framing of borderless challenges and highlighted the symbolic reset in UK‑EU relations. The Times noted the visit’s dual role: both diplomatic pageantry and serious policy coordination on immigration and European security.
Details of the migration agreement, allowing France to intercept small boats, are expected to emerge later this week, contingent on maritime legal clearance. On defence, ministers plan a joint videoconference to launch the Ukraine “reassurance force”. The newfound diplomatic momentum aims to solidify cooperation further, with observers watching for tangible outcomes on migration control, climate initiatives, and defence strategy.
Sacked Russian minister found dead from a single gunshot wound.
Roman Starovoit, Russia’s former Minister of Transport, was found dead in his car from a single gunshot wound just hours after President Putin officially dismissed him from office. Authorities, including the Investigative Committee, suspect suicide and recovered a Makarov pistol at the scene. Starovoit, who previously served as governor of the Kursk region, was embroiled in a corruption probe over defence spending before losing his post. His dismissal occurred amid travel chaos caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure. A senior roads agency official also died of an apparent heart attack on the same day, although no link has been confirmed.
Starovoit’s death is both tragic and politically significant. It highlights increasing scrutiny of corruption within the Kremlin’s inner circle tied to the war effort. The timing of his sacking, against a backdrop of Ukraine’s military pressure and internal purges, underscores tensions in Russia’s leadership and the potential fallout of financial mismanagement. His suicide, if confirmed, reflects the personal and political risks faced by officials under Putin’s regime in a high-stakes environment of accountability and retribution.
Russian investigators are probing Starovoit’s death and its connection to the Kursk corruption case. Internationally, Ukraine’s drone campaign and its impact on internal Russian politics will continue to draw attention. Domestically, the Kremlin may accelerate anti-corruption crackdowns or adjust leadership appointments to restore public confidence. Meanwhile, Russia’s transport ministry will face scrutiny as officials investigate the disruption caused by drone attacks and hope to patch supply chain gaps amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
New Diabetes Drug Delays Type 1 in Adults
Hannah Robinson, a 36‑year‑old dentist and mother of two from Devon, has become the first UK adult to receive the immune‑modulating drug teplizumab. Administered at Royal Devon University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, this treatment is given in early-stage type 1 diabetes to delay the body’s insulin dependency by about three years, delaying pancreatic cell loss.
This marks a major breakthrough in managing type 1 diabetes in adults. Unlike traditional insulin therapy, teplizumab tackles the underlying autoimmune attack, potentially transforming treatment approaches. If successful, it could lead to screening programmes, early interventions, and widespread NHS adoption, offering “precious extra years insulin-free” for many.
Robinson described the treatment as offering freedom and control, not being defined by her condition. Dr Nick Thomas, a diabetes consultant, hailed it as “a really exciting shift” in disease management. Diabetes UK’s Dr Lucy Chambers stressed the need for license approval, screening, and NHS readiness to expand use.
Experts aim to secure a UK licence for teplizumab, develop national early‑risk screening, and build NHS capacity for wider use. The Royal Devon and the University of Exeter are working to identify at‑risk patients using genetic and autoantibody testing. If approved, teplizumab could become the first immunotherapy that alters the course of type 1 diabetes in adults.
Monday’s headlines won’t be an easy read for No 10 as the newspapers suggest the PM is facing a fresh revolt. One newspaper suggests the Labour Party is willing to explore a wealth tax, but it appears more like an attempt to alarm its readers than a truth with any legs.
The prime minister’s plans to revive the NHS may face some early teething problems, as NHS doctors could strike this summer if they don’t receive a pay rise.
Monday marks the 20th anniversary of the July 7 terror attacks across London, and several of the tabloids lead with tributes to the victims and speak to survivors.
Images from Wimbledon feature on the front pages, as do images from the tragedy in Texas.
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