Author: News Desk

Most of Friday’s front pages lead with the shocking news announced yesterday that the prime minister will scrap NHS England and bring it back under government control over the next two years. Many papers report on the amount of job losses the changes could see and how much cash that could free up.

On the international front, there’s room on almost all the front pages to reports that Russian President Vladamir Putin has agreed in principle to a ceasefire in Ukraine but has set out strong terms. He has also rejected having a direct phone call with Donald Trump, who has imposed more sanctions on Russia in a bid to get Putin to accept the US-proposed ceasefire deal.

Cliff Notes – Economy finds reverse gear in January The Economy finds reverse gear in January it contracted by 0.1% in January 2025, contrary to expectations of a modest growth of 0.1%, primarily due to a decline in manufacturing output. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing significant challenges, including impending tax hikes and a £40bn bill from increased employer national insurance contributions, which threaten job security and economic stability. The Office for Budget Responsibility is expected to downgrade growth forecasts, as global economic uncertainties, including a trade war initiated by Donald Trump, loom large over the UK’s economic outlook. Economy finds reverse…

Top Democrat backs Republican bill to avoid government shutdown but warns that the bill gives Trump and Elon Musk more power to cut government services.

Cliff Notes – The Ähtäri council should arrest trustees Seven council delegates in Ähtäri have called for an emergency meeting to discuss the urgent need to arrest trustees involved in controversial loans. An internal audit has revealed secret decisions related to the borrowing of funds for the zoo’s Isopandas, prompting a pre-trial investigation by the police. The extraordinary council meeting is scheduled for next Monday at 5 pm, convened to fulfil municipal law requirements, despite the inability to address the alleged crimes at this session. In Ähtäri the council should arrest trustees for corruption, but it does not know who…

PM Keir Starmer announces NHS England to be abolished and brought under government control over next two years with around 50% of jobs slashed.

Putin agrees in principle to ceasefire in Ukraine but has set tough conditions for peace. The US imposed new sanctions on Russian oil, gas and banking sectors. Cliff notes Putin agrees in principle to ceasefire 

Tuchel will announce his first England squad today. The new England manager who has been a bit of a recluse will make his first appearance at 9 am GMT.

UN experts accuse Israel of sexual violence in Gaza and the West Bank as well as ‘genocidal acts’ in a recent report. Israeli PM rejects the report, calling it “antisemitic.” Cliff notes UN experts accuse Israel of sexual violence in Gaza 

All 172 passengers and six crew members safely evacuated after American Airlines jet caught fire. The FAA is investigating the cause of the fire.

Donald Trump threatens 200% tariff on alcohol from EU if they don’t immediately remove the whiskey tariff in the latest escalation in the trade war.