Author: News Desk

Sir Keir Starmer has announced a U-turn on last year’s controversial cuts to winter fuel payments. More than nine million pensioners lost out on payments worth up to £300 after eligibility for the pension top-up was tightened last year. Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir said ministers would look again at the threshold to allow “more pensioners” to qualify again. He did not provide further details, adding that the changes would be made at a future Budget. But he added the govenrment would only “make decisions we can afford”.

Monaco Grand Prix: The Jewel of Street Racing The Monaco Grand Prix, entering its 75th edition this weekend, is lauded as the pinnacle of Formula 1’s street circuits, challenging drivers with its narrow confines and unforgiving barriers. With modern tracks often featuring expansive run-off areas, the unique challenges presented by the Monte Carlo circuit elevate the stakes, making the race a highlight of the racing calendar. The Secrets of the Street Fighters Racing on street circuits offers a thrill unmatched by traditional tracks. As seasoned drivers like Max Verstappen and Dario Franchitti illustrate, the challenges demand a blend of precision,…

Cliff Notes Andriy Portnov, a former aide to Ukraine’s president Viktor Yanukovich, was shot and killed in Madrid while reportedly taking his children to school. The attack involved multiple assailants who shot Portnov in the back and head before fleeing towards a nearby forest; police responded shortly after the incident was reported. Portnov had been living in exile since 2014 and faced a state treason investigation in Ukraine related to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, which was later closed. Former Ukrainian politician living abroad shot dead on school run | World News . A man who served as an aide to…

Europe’s firms fall far behind in the race to create big tech The Wall Street Journal reports that the big tech industry is growing – but Europe is falling behind. The continent lacks “homegrown alternatives to the likes of Google, Amazon or Meta” and notes that Apple’s market value is bigger than the entire German stock market. “The continent’s inability to create more big technology firms is seen as one of its biggest challenges and is a major reason why its economies are stagnating.” The paper says “Having largely missed out on the first digital revolution, Europe seems poised to…

Cliff Notes – Powerplay podcast West Indies look to bounce back in English summer Afy Fletcher reflects on her extensive career and the distinct hurdles faced by cricketers in the Caribbean, highlighting the need for resilience and adaptability. The West Indies team aims to learn from their World Cup Qualifying setbacks, focusing on strategic improvements during their upcoming tour of England. Fletcher emphasises the importance of unity and mental fortitude as the team prepares to tackle the challenges of the English summer. Powerplay podcast: West Indies look to bounce back in English summer Afy Fletcher, the West Indies legspinner, talks…

Robbie Williams has expressed interest in performing at Glastonbury, stating he would “slaughter” a set and that the festival redefines artist perception.

The FT reports the EU plans to levy a flat fee of €2 on billions of small packages entering the bloc, mainly from China, in a fresh blow to low-cost online retailers such as Temu and Shein.

Britain accuses Israel of ‘cruel and monstrous extremism’ in siege of Gaza The i newspaper reports that the UK has accused Israel of “cruel and monstrous extremism”. David Lammy is also heavily featured as he signals a “dark new phase in this conflict.”  The front page previews tonight’s all-English Europa League final where £100 million is on the line.

Pensioners hit by triple whammy savings Daily Express front page says “Reeves slammed as frozen thresholds drag 1m OAPs into paying 40% tax”. The paper says one million pensioners face “unprecedented tax demands” after Reeves’s decision to maintain the freeze on income tax bands. Princess Kate is featured on the front page as she attends a garden party.

Boris: Starmer’s Britain is turning into police state Daily Mail reports former Tory Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that “Britain is turning into a police state”. The former leader’s comments came in relation to the news that a judge refused to reduce the sentence of a mother locked up for a “hateful” tweet following the Southport murders.  A showbiz exclusive makes the front page.