Author: News Desk

Aston Villa 3 Brugge 0 – Villa’s Brugge cruise The back page of the Mirror leads on Aston Villa beating Brugge 3-0 in last night’s Champions League last-16 second leg match. They won 6-1 on agg and will face PSG – who knocked out Liverpool on penalties – next.

City watchdogs scrap diversity and inclusion drive after firms’ backlash The FT says Britain’s top two financial regulators have axed plans to impose stricter rules for diversity and inclusion, in the latest sign that government pressure on watchdogs to support economic growth is forcing a rethink of many policies. The Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority said on Wednesday that they would not proceed with plans requiring companies to disclose more about their diversity and inclusion policies, after these were widely criticised by politicians and businesses.

Watchdog drop woke regulation CITY AM says the UK’s two main financial watchdogs have ditched plans to impose diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) targets on City institutions amid a government push to put Britain’s regulators on a growth footing. The Cheltenham Festival makes the front splash.

The Independent says the prime minister says the UK will keep its options open after Europe and Canada retaliate over the US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports with levies of their own.

Donald Trump has accused Ireland of taking advantage of the United States and says the trade relationship between the two should be focused on fairness.

Cliff Notes Rolf Nordmo has admitted to shooting Janne Puhaka, expressing shock and remorse for the impact on her relatives, as highlighted by his defence lawyer, Ville Luoto. Nordmo denies that the shooting was premeditated, claiming it was an inexplicable reaction to circumstances surrounding the end of a relationship. Prosecutor Annukka Juntunen affirmed the seriousness of all criminal cases, maintaining that publicity would not influence the prosecution’s approach. Nordmo regrets – “Unable to explain carefully” Rolf Nordmo struggles to comprehend his actions, according to his lawyer, Ville Luoto, who indicated the trial is profoundly challenging for the accused. “He is…

The Herald bids farewell to former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon.

Cliff Notes Jane, a veteran of the British Army, reported being raped by a colleague but found her case dismissed by military authorities, who failed to take appropriate action and accused her of inappropriate behaviour instead. A toxic culture of sexual abuse and harassment within the armed forces has come to light following the suicide of soldier Jaysley Beck, prompting calls for immediate reform to transfer serious sexual offences from military to civilian courts. Johnny Mercer, a former defence minister, acknowledged a leadership failure within the military regarding handling sexual abuse cases and urged the government to implement necessary changes…

The Times says Donald Trump has issued a warning to Russia, telling them to accept the US-proposed ceasefire or he’ll ruin them.

The Guardian warns that Starmer could be facing “his biggest rebellion so far” as dozens of MPs push back against the proposed welfare changes.