Going beyond the ordinary news headlines
Grab yourself a coffee and let us break down the news in the UK this morning – it’s time for your daily dip into the headlines. From Westminster to the weather (yes, it’s raining again!) to sports and entertainment, regardless of whether you’re commuting or couch-bound – here are the stories you need to know.
Tuesday’s headlines are heavily dominated by the suspicious fires at two homes connected to the prime minister, as well as a car on the street of one of the house fires.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the suspected arson.
The UK’s jobs market is making the headlines as it’s starting to show signs of strain with the number of workers on payroll falling during the opening months of 2025.
High street chain Marks & Spencer has suffered a serious cyber attack, resulting in the theft of customers’ personal data, although payment details and passwords remain secure.
On the international front, Trump is touring the Middle East to secure multi-billion-dollar agreements, including arms sales and investments, with Gulf leaders.
Counter-terrorism police have launched an investigation after two residential properties associated with PM Keir Starmer were damaged in suspected arson attacks.
In the early hours of Monday morning, emergency services were called to a fire at Sir Keir’s private residence in Kentish Town, north London. According to the Met Police, the blaze caused damage to the entrance of the property, although no injuries were reported.
Just after 03:00 BST on Sunday, emergency crews were also called to a separate fire at the front door of a converted flat in Islington, another property linked to Sir Keir. One individual was safely escorted from the building via an internal staircase by fire crews wearing breathing apparatus.
Police have also confirmed they are investigating a third fire, involving a vehicle on the same street as the Kentish Town property.
All three incidents are being treated as suspicious, and investigations are ongoing.
The Kentish Town home, which Sir Keir reportedly still owns and now rents out, was previously his private residence before he moved to Downing Street following the 2024 general election. It had been the site of a pro-Palestinian protest last year, during which three individuals were convicted of public order offences.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation “as a precaution”, due to the property’s connection with a high-profile public figure.
Sir Keir has expressed his gratitude to the emergency services, according to an official spokesperson, but has not commented further on the identity of the occupants present during the incidents.
On Monday afternoon, police investigators remained at the Kentish Town address, with cordons still in place. Local residents were seen being escorted through the tape as they returned from work.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the incidents are linked, but have urged the public to come forward with any relevant information. The motive behind the fires remains unclear.
The Standard says police have arrested a 21-year-old male over the attacks at the prime minister’s £2 million north London home and another property linked to the PM.
The Independent says counter-terror police have launched an urgent probe after two properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer were damaged in suspected arson attacks.
Wales Online says it’s understood that the prime minister still owns the Kentish Town property which he lived at before the general election, but it has been rented out since then.
Scotland Yard’s SO15 counter-terrorism command has now launched an investigation, with sources telling MailOnline it was routine given the high-profile nature of the owner.
Donald Trump has arrived in Saudi Arabia, marking the start of his first major overseas visit during his second term as US president. The tour will also include stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with business deals expected to dominate the agenda.
His decision to once again prioritise the Gulf over traditional Western allies highlights the growing geopolitical significance of the oil-rich states, as well as Trump’s ongoing business interests in the region.
In the lead-up to the trip, the administration helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, secured the release of an American hostage in Gaza, and resumed nuclear talks with Iran. The visit follows Trump’s unexpected announcement last week of a truce with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Despite recent diplomatic overtures, the focus of Trump’s visit is expected to centre on economic partnerships. According to analysts, the president is aiming to secure substantial commercial agreements across the Gulf.
Daniel B. Shapiro of the Atlantic Council noted that White House insiders had indicated Trump would be focused on “‘deals’”. Gulf capitals — Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi — are reportedly preparing grand ceremonial welcomes for the 78-year-old leader.
Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, stated the president hopes to promote a Middle East in which “extremism is replaced by commerce and cultural exchange”. The Gulf states, in turn, have become pivotal diplomatic players in their second term. Qatar continues to act as a key mediator in talks between Hamas and Israel, while Saudi Arabia has played a facilitative role in discussions related to the war in Ukraine.
Talk of Trump returning to Saudi Arabia had been circulating for some time. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently pledged $600 billion in US investments — an amount Trump claimed he would encourage the Kingdom to raise to $1 trillion, citing America’s past support.
On the defence front, Saudi officials are reportedly pushing for a deal involving F-35 fighter jets and advanced air defence systems, worth billions. One official suggested deliveries would be contingent on completion during Trump’s term.
Reactions in Saudi Arabia have been mixed. “This visit could have significant regional impact,” said Khalifa Oneizi, a 47-year-old Riyadh resident. Others, however, remain sceptical of the outcomes.
Notably absent from the formal agenda is the topic of normalising ties with Israel, with Saudi leaders insisting that recognition must follow the creation of a Palestinian state.
The visit has not been without controversy. Trump faced criticism over reports that he would accept a luxury Boeing jet from the Qatari royal family for use as Air Force One. He responded by calling the aircraft a temporary “gift” and later described the deal as “very public and transparent”. Before departing Washington, he remarked: “I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer.”
Bloomberg says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is also in Riyadh where he told an investment conference he’s upbeat on trade talks with countries in Asia but believes progress with Europe will be slower.
Reuters says Trump is being accompanied by a who’s who of powerful American business leaders in tow, including Tesla CEO and Trump adviser Elon Musk, he will first visit Riyadh, site of a Saudi-US Investment Forum, and go to Qatar on Wednesday and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday but is not visiting Israel.
Hindustan Times says Trump is expected to announce multi-billion-dollar agreements, including arms sales and investments, with Gulf leaders.
The UK’s jobs market has continued to show signs of strain, with the number of workers on company payrolls falling during the opening months of 2025. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), both employment figures and job vacancies have declined, suggesting ongoing softness in the economy.
Data from the ONS reveals that:
Despite a cooling labour market, wage growth has remained strong in relative terms. Regular pay (excluding bonuses) rose by 5.6% year-on-year over the first quarter of 2025 — still outpacing inflation, though the pace of increase has eased compared to previous months.
It should be noted, however, that the ONS has cautioned about placing too much weight on the unemployment figures due to low response rates to its survey data.
Economists and businesses are keeping a close eye on developments, particularly in light of recent tax and wage policy changes. From April, increases in both the National Living Wage and employer National Insurance contributions came into effect, prompting some firms to warn these measures could impact their ability to hire.
According to Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics:
“The further softening in employment in April suggests businesses continued to respond to the rise in business taxes and the minimum wage by reducing headcount.”
Although wage growth has begun to slow, it remains relatively strong, posing a dilemma for the Bank of England as it considers future interest rate cuts. Rapid wage increases can fuel inflation if businesses raise prices to offset rising labour costs.
Last week, the Bank lowered interest rates and hinted at the possibility of further reductions, but Governor Andrew Bailey emphasised that any such moves would be made “gradually and carefully”.
The Bank will continue to monitor wage pressures and employment trends closely, balancing the need to support growth without reigniting inflation.
The Independent says official figures show regular earnings growth jumped to 5.2% in the three months to October, up from 4.9% in the previous three months.
The FT says UK wage growth eased in the three months to March as employers held off hiring ahead of steep increases in payroll taxes and the minimum wage.
Business Standard reports Britain’s jobs market showed further signs of a slowdown as employment fell and growth in wages cooled, according to official data published on Tuesday that is likely to reassure the Bank of England that inflation pressures are waning.
Dominating the front pages is the news that two homes connected to the prime minister in North London were set on fire yesterday – as was a car on the street of one of the houses on fire.
For a second day, there’s a lot of coverage of yesterday’s announcement from the prime minister regarding a planned crackdown on legal migration to the United Kingdom.
Marks & Spencer has suffered a serious cyber attack, resulting in the theft of customers’ personal data, although payment details and passwords remain secure.
Copyright WTX News 2025
