The front page of The Independent this morning, 15-04-2025, reports on the UK’s British Steel crisis, Katy Perry going into space, and Rory Mcllroy winning The Masters. The front splash also reports on those who were charged over election date betting. Race to keep steel furnace alive fuels China trade row
Just a few days after the government used emergency powers to take British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant under its control, there are now calls for a review into Chinese investment in UK infrastructure amid claims the Chinese owners intentionally tried to sabotage British Steel to force the UK to depend on Chinese imports instead.
Katy Perry goes to space – and no one is happy about it! There is heavy coverage of the backlash facing the all-female Blue Origin space flight yesterday, which saw Katy Perry and other celebrities go to space. On the front pages, the coverage is heavily focused on Perry’s reaction to the trip, whilst online (and more recent) publications report on the trip with scepticism, suggesting the trip was a “publicity stunt” and a waste of time and money when instead, real female astronauts should have been sent. There has also been a lot of negative reactions from celebrities who, like the journalists, question why Katy Perry – and the other Hollywood stars – was given a seat on this flight.
As dawn breaks across the globe, today’s top international stories reveal the shifting tides of power, policy, and protest. From rising diplomatic tensions to domestic reform debates in the Sudan crisis, Hamas-Israel ceasefire and US-UK trade tensions, top the billing today, as we break down the key facts of each story and how leading global media are framing the headlines. It’s a cool start to the day in London 12°C after a week of sun,…
Yesterday, Unite members voted to overwhelmingly reject a deal to end the Birmingham bin strike, calling the offer inadequate. Some publications see it as a humiliation for the Labour government after pleading with members to take the offer amid fears of strikes spreading around the country as well as a potential health crisis.
The US tariff situation may have fallen off the front pages of many newspapers, but the business media remains on top of the latest news from Washington. Despite Trump issuing an exemption for big tech in his tariffs on China, he has since signalled that it’s only a temporary measure and investigations are under way into the semiconductor and pharmaceutical trade – which could lead to their tariff exemptions ending.
US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about a forthcoming trade deal between the US and UK, indicating productive negotiations with the UK government.
It’s a wet and windy morning here in the capital, but lots is happening in the news – grab yourself a coffee and let’s dive into the headlines.
The ongoing Birmingham bin strike is a popular story in the country this morning as unions overwhelmingly rejected a deal to end the strike. Several newspapers suggest the strike could spread outside the city – and there are reports on the growing concerns over a potential health crisis as residents report streets being overrun by large rats and trash.
There is backlash from China amid the British Steel crisis – after the government dramatically took over control of the Scunthorpe plant over the weekend – as Beijing warns the UK to avoid politicising the situation. There are concerns from the top that the Chinese owners are intentionally trying to sabotage the UK steel industry to force the country to become more reliant on cheap Chinese steel.
On the international front, there are reports on the all-female Blue Origin team that took a trip to space. Katy Perry and Gayle King were amongst the crew.
The business publications continue their heavy coverage of the US tariffs saga amid an investigation into the semiconductor and pharmaceutical trade – which could lead to their tariff exemptions ending. In recent news, JD Vance has said there is a good chance the UK will secure a trade deal with the US.
In sports news, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is in hospital with pneumonia, he is set to miss more matches. Several publications look ahead to tonight’s Champions League match involving the English club Aston Villa. The Birmingham club need to overturn a 2 goal deficit.
Cliff Notes Former corporal Aaron Stelmach-Purdie faces prison after defrauding the Ministry of Defence of £911,677 through false expense claims from 2014 to 2016. Stelmach-Purdie, along with five other military clerks, was convicted of money laundering and conspiracy to commit fraud, exploiting the MoD’s online expense management system. All six defendants are set to be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court, with the total loss of public funds highlighted as a significant breach of trust. Military…
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency order to ground New York Helicopter Tours following a deadly crash that resulted in the loss of five lives, including a family of Spanish tourists and the pilot.
Princess Kate expressed that she experiences a “spiritual and intense emotional reconnection” when surrounded by nature, which provides her with a sense of peace in a hectic world.
Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to prevent a recurrence of atrocities similar to those witnessed during the Second World War, particularly in light of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen 80 years ago.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has pleaded not guilty to additional charges of sex trafficking and prostitution, raising the total number of criminal charges against him to five.
Katy Perry and five other women made history as the first all-female space crew in over sixty years, launching aboard a Blue Origin rocket from West Texas.
Actress Samantha Davis passed away at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest shortly before her planned hospital discharge.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is hospitalized with pneumonia and will miss two upcoming matches, as confirmed by the club.
Cliff Notes David Howard, 53, was identified as the victim of a house explosion in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, which left the property partially destroyed. The explosion prompted a major incident declaration, with two nearby properties partially collapsing and significant damage to others, including 20 cars. As the cause of the suspected gas explosion is under investigation, police urge the public to refrain from speculation while supporting Mr Howard’s family. Father who died in Worksop house explosion…
Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber, attacked prison guards with hot cooking oil and homemade weapons, leading to an immediate suspension of kitchen access in separation centres.
The UK government used emergency powers over the weekend to take control of British Steel’s Scunthorpe site after it looked set to close. The Chinese owners planned to shut down the Scunthorpe site, risking thousands of jobs. The government is exploring various options, including potential nationalisation, to ensure the continued operation of the steelworks. There have also been suspicions that the Chinese owners were intentionally trying to sabotage the company in a bid to force the UK to rely on cheap Chinese steel.
An investigation has been launched into how an inmate at HMP Frankland was able to attack three prison officers with boiling oil and a knife despite being in a high-security prison. The officers were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after being attacked by Hashem Adedi, one of the men responsible for the Manchester Arena bombing. He is serving a minimum 55-year sentence for helping his brother carry out the 2017 attack. Unions are calling for changes to the system to ensure their officers are safe – and to avoid copycats.
The army have been called in to help Birmingham City Council with the bin strikes that are plaguing the city and leading to reports of rats the size of cats and fears of a potential health crisis.
Rishi Sunak’s ex-parliamentary aide, Craig Williams, and 14 others have been charged with election betting offences linked to insider information about the election date.
The front page of the Daily Mail this morning, 14-04-2025, reports on the Manchester Arena bomb plotter attacking three prison officers with boiling oil and a knife. The paper reports that MPs are calling for tougher control of prisoners. The front page features an image of Katy Perry ahead of her trip to space and a personal story about female friendships. Time to stop appeasing extremists in our jails More from WTX News
The front page of the Daily Mirror this morning, 14-04-2025, reports on the Manchester Arena plotter who attacked three prison officers with boiling oil and a homemade knife. The attack has left the three officers with life-threaning injuries, and unions are calling for change to ensure better safety for those working in prisons. Celebrity news makes the front splash, with Mikey Rouke being booted from the Big Brother house over his vile behaviour and Katy…
The front page of Metro this morning, 14-04-2025, leads with British Steel reporting the government used special powers to take over the plant yesterday. Elsewhere, there is a report on the Universal theme park, which is set to boost the UK economy and bring thousands of jobs, a guide to budgeting money for those with babies, and a report on Coachella. Britain in blast chance saloon More from WTX News
Cliff Notes Aimee Lou Wood, the star of The White Lotus, criticized a recent Saturday Night Live sketch that mocked her teeth as "mean and unfunny." Wood expressed her views on social media, noting that the humour missed the point by poking fun at her unique features instead of addressing broader issues. Following her comments, Wood indicated that she received substantial support online and that SNL has since apologised to her. Aimee Lou Wood hits…
The front page of the i newspaper this morning, 14-04-2025, reports on the government using emergency powers to take over Scunthorpe’s British Steel plant, the weekend’s Premier League action and some exclusive features on dressing like a millennial and a report on Prince Harry and how he spends his days. Chinese firms may be blocked from critical UK sites in further after steel sabotage warnings More from WTX News
