Author: News Desk

Good morning! ☕ Let’s grab a coffee and dive into the headlines for Thursday, 5 June 2025. After weeks of glorious sunshine, a touch of morning rain has struck the capital – so don’t forget your brolly if you’re heading out.

It’s all politics this morning. There’s coverage of the government’s U-turn on the winter fuel payments after the prime minister announced more pensioners will be eligible for the payment by this winter.

The government has also announced that they will be expanding free school meals as part of a broader effort to tackle child poverty in the UK.

Donald Trump and the US are, of course, in the headlines as the president of the US has announced a travel ban on 12 countries and the US was the only country to veto a full ceasefire in Gaza.

Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new executive order banning entry into the US from 12 countries, citing national security and immigration concerns in the wake of a recent attack in Colorado.

The UK government has announced that 500,000 more children in England will become eligible for free school meals from September 2026, as part of a major expansion aimed at tackling child poverty. From that date, any family receiving Universal Credit—regardless of income—will qualify. Currently, parents must earn less than £7,400 a year after tax to be eligible.

Andy Burnham acknowledges the possibility of Nigel Farage becoming Prime Minister, urging Labour to enhance connections with voters.

The government has confirmed that more people will qualify for the winter fuel payment this year, in a U-turn on one of Labour’s first controversial policies. Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated the increased eligibility will be in place “this winter,” though specific details on the new threshold and who qualifies remain vague.

Egypt has moved to reassure the Greek Orthodox Church after a court ruling cast uncertainty over the future of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of Christianity’s oldest and holiest sites.

South Korea’s new president Lee Jae-myung was sworn in on Wednesday, vowing to be a unifying leader after months of political chaos and the controversial martial law declaration under his predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol.

Former Congolese president Joseph Kabila has ignited political turmoil with a controversial visit to the rebel-controlled eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

New Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasised the need for Vinícius Júnior to regain his Real Madrid form, calling him a “fundamental player” for the national team.

Several UK retailers, including Asda and Argos, have stock of the Nintendo Switch 2 available for immediate purchase on launch day, catering to those who missed pre-orders.