Author: News Desk

Pensioners face tax hit for winter fuel U-turn The Times says winter fuel payments will be restored this winter, but wealthier pensioners will not get them, ministers have said. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, promised that “more people will get winter fuel payments”, and said details would be set out soon. She said there would still be a “means test” but pledged to introduce it in time for this winter, despite concern that ageing government computer systems would struggle to adapt thresholds in time.

Chaos fears over return of winter fuel payments The Guardian says bereaved families of tens of thousands of dead pensioners could be pursued by tax officials to recoup winter fuel payments under a new system being explored by the Treasury. In a further attempt to win public support and quell Labour backbench concerns, ministers are announcing on Thursday that all pupils in England whose families claim universal credit will be eligible for free school meals under an expansion of the scheme.

Farage backs call for full U-turn to help OAPs The front page of the Daily Express leads with the winter fuel payments u-turn announced by the government. Nigel Farage has demanded that the Government must reverse its winter fuel cut for pensioners in full. The Reform UK leader challenged Rachel Reeves to make a complete U-turn when she delivers her highly anticipated spending review next week. Camilla is pictured on the front page as is the trial of the man who stabbed and killed a young boy on his way to school.

The trailer hints at the arrival of Dorothy Gale, with visuals that directly reference the 1939 film, suggesting a deliberate connection between the two narratives.

Erin Patterson is charged with the murders of her mother-in-law, father-in-law, and sister-in-law, allegedly using poisonous mushrooms in a beef wellington.

Cliff Notes – Jamie Overton recalled to England Test squad for India series Jamie Overton has been recalled to England’s squad for the first Test against India, replacing Gus Atkinson, who is sidelined with a hamstring strain. The return of Jacob Bethell adds to England’s selection dilemma, as both Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope performed well in the previous series against Zimbabwe. Jamie Overton recalled to England Test squad for India series Matt RollerCloseMatt Roller is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets at @mroller98Jun 5, 2025, 09:29 AMJamie Overton has been handed a surprise recall to England’s squad for…

The Labour government’s U-turn on their deeply unpopular cuts to the winter fuel payments leads much of the newspapers. The government has said more pensioners will now be in line to receive the payment again but stopped short of explaining the new eligibility criteria. The chancellor did confirm those who will be eligible will receive their payment by this winter.

Israeli forces, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have recovered the bodies of Gad Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai, taken by Hamas during the 7 October attacks.

Romeo Beckham and Kim Turnbull have reportedly ended their seven-month relationship, with sources indicating the split was amicable and unrelated to the ongoing Beckham family feud involving Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz.

Thursday’s newspaper headlines report on the winter fuel U-turn announced by the chancellor yesterday – widely welcomed by the newspapers.