Author: News Desk

This Weeks News Briefing Editorial looks at the real cost of political priorities. How can a modern economy cut welfare like 3rd world economy.

UK welfare cuts are increasingly out of touch with the needs of the public, especially against the backdrop of rising foreign aid to Ukraine and increased NATO spending. This has left many Brits asking: why is our health and well-being not being prioritised?

The answer may be simpler—and more strategic—than it seems. When people are struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table, they have less time to question the actions of those in power.

By keeping the public in a state of financial insecurity, politicians maintain control while diverting spending towards areas that benefit their financial backers. But where is all our tax money actually going, and why are we always told to tighten our belts while government spending skyrockets?

The front page of The Irish News this morning 20/03/2025:

The front page of The National Scot today 20/03/2025:

F1 boss and TV pundit Jordan dies aged 76 in Cape Town earlier this morning. Eddie Jordan, the loved and flamboyant former Formula 1 team owner and television pundit, has died aged 76. The Irishman, who had aggressive prostate cancer, died in the early hours of Thursday morning. A statement from his family said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur. “He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20 March 2025.” Jordan, who was…

An independent review into the official UK data recording of people’s biological sex and their gender identity has spun several stories as the media reacts to the data. 

The review was led by Alice Sullivan, a professor of sociology and research specialist at University College London, who said the guidance should be updated to make sure both sets of data were recorded in a clear and distinct way.

Cliff Notes – Minister denies misleading voters over benefits cuts Minister Stephen Timms asserts Labour did not mislead voters regarding a £5bn package of benefit cuts, despite the party’s manifesto not explicitly mentioning any cuts. However, he was caught out live on air. Significant reforms include changing the qualification criteria for personal independence payments (PIP) and replacing the work capability assessment (WCA) with a new test, which has met criticism from unions and charities. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer defends the cuts as necessary, highlighting the growing costs of incapacity and disability benefits under past Conservative governance. Minister denies misleading…

Cliff Notes – Man killed by a police car in Birmingham A man in his 40s has died following a collision with a police vehicle in Acocks Green, Birmingham, near Yardley Road and Florence Road. At the time of the incident, officers were responding to an emergency call regarding a man reportedly carrying knives in the vicinity. The West Midlands Police are assisting the deceased’s family and are in contact with the Independent Office for Police Conduct; no injuries were reported for the two officers involved. Man killed after collision with police car in Birmingham A man has died after…

Nicholas Prosper, 19, has been sentenced to 49 years behind bars. The teen was sentenced for the triple murder of his own family members. He had attempted to carry out a school massacre plot in a bid to become an infamous school shooter. Prosper idolised American gunman Adam Lanza was planning to kill 34 people – one more than Lanza’s deadliest shooting. 

Police were able to stop Prosper from reaching the school after a neighbour called the police that morning due to the noisy attack. Cops arrived at the family flat at 05:50 am where they found his little sister, brother and his mother slain. Police arrested him after he escaped to a wooded area, stopping him from carrying out his school massacre plot. 

Cliff Notes – Bank of England mulls interest rate decision Wage growth remains robust, with wages excluding bonuses rising by 5.9% in the three months to January 2024, maintaining the same rate as the previous month. Despite a slight dip in average weekly earnings including bonuses to 5.8%, this growth continues to exceed the 3% inflation rate for that 12 month term, impacting the Bank of England’s interest rate considerations. The unemployment rate holds steady at 4.4%, while economic inactivity has decreased, reflecting positive trends amid ongoing welfare reforms aimed at increasing workforce participation. Bank of England mulls interest rate…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil her Spring Statement next week just a week after massive backlash to the government’s plans to overhaul the welfare system. 

The papers have been given a preview of the Spring Statement and they report there will be no more tax rises but austerity cuts on the way – the heavy cuts to public spending and benefits are to close the budget deficit.