Author: News Desk

The classic UK soaps are back in action tonight with Eastenders and Corrie on BBC and ITV. Stick with ITV after Corrie and enjoy the dramatisation of the Ruth Ellis story – the last woman to be executed in the UK. Eastenders, The Ruth Ellis Story and Twister – what to watch tonight What to watch tonight: Television: Streaming on Netflix UK:

Israel has broken an almost two-month ceasefire in Gaza with heavy bombing of the strip, which slaughtered more than 400 people including women and children. 

Only a handful of UK front pages, mostly left-leaning, lead with the news, although there’s more extensive coverage online. 

Many of the publications report on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s comments that Israel will continue bombing Gaza until the hostages are returned, saying Tuesday’s attack was ‘only the beginning’ adding to growing fears over the humanitarian crisis already in the region.

Putin partial ceasefire: What the puck? Putin partial ceasefire: Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day “partial ceasefire” in the Ukraine war, specifically banning attacks on energy plants. However, Russia can still attack frontline areas. This agreement was reached after talks with Donald Trump, which also included plans for ice hockey matches between the two nations. The Sun front page reports: 

Putin rejects Trump’s ceasefire Putin keeps ceasefire hopes on a knife edge: Vladimir Putin has agreed to a 30-day pause on attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, he has set conditions, including restrictions on Ukraine’s mobilisation and receipt of Western arms, which are frustrating Kyiv.  Liz Kendall is pictured on the front splash after announcing a series of cuts to benefits which has led to widespread backlash. The Times front page reports: 

Cliff Notes – Jordan’s Prince Feisal seeks to become the IOC’s leader Jordan’s Prince Feisal seeks to become the IOC’s leader – The first leader from Middle East It takes sport to place royals in such an unfamiliar situation – seeking election rather than just inheriting the throne as Jordan’s Prince Feisal seeks to become the IOC’s leader. Jordan’s Prince Feisal Al Hussein has spent the last six months campaigning, within tight constraints, to become president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). And the brother of King Abdullah II touts the benefits of being from a royal household in his…

Putin rejects Trump’s ceasefire Putin rejects Trump’s ceasefire: Vladimir Putin has agreed to halt some attacks in Ukraine, specifically on energy infrastructure, but will continue his front-line offensive. This follows a phone call between Putin and Donald Trump. It is also stated that Putin is doing more damage to Ukraine than the other way around. The Daily Telegraph reports: 

Severn barrage rejected-report Severn barrage rejected-report: A huge Severn Barrage with the potential to generate around 7% of the UK’s energy needs has been ruled out by an independent commission which instead is recommending over the long-term a series of commercially viable tidal lagoons.  Western Mail front page reports:

Fears welfare reform will be severe blow to Scots budget Fears welfare reform will be ‘severe’ blow to Scots budget: An SNP minister warns that UK welfare reforms may have a “severe impact” on the Scottish Government’s budget. The Scottish Government’s Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, accuses UK Labour ministers of showing a “lack of regard” for Scotland’s devolved social security system. The Scotsman front page reports:

£150m cuts will hit ‘sick and vulnerable’ Proposed UK government welfare reforms are causing concern in Stormont, with fears they could create a £150 million “ticking time bomb” for the Executive. DUP leader Gavin Robinson and First Minister Michelle O’Neill have criticised the government for targeting the “sick and vulnerable.” The Belfast Times front page stories: 

Cliff Notes Santander UK branches to closure – The UK Bank plans to close 95 out of its 444 UK branches, potentially affecting up to 750 jobs. Following the closures, only 290 full-service branches will remain, with some branches adopting reduced hours or operating without counters. The shift towards online banking is cited as the reason for the closures, with in-branch transactions having decreased significantly since 2019. Santander UK branches to closure – with 750 jobs at risk Up to 750 jobs are at risk at Santander bank under plans to close nearly a quarter of its high street branches.…