Western Mail front page this morning, 31/03/2025:
Author: WTX News Editor
The Scotsman front page this morning, 31/03/2025:
France’s Marine Le Pen found guilty of misappropriating European funds to finance her far-right party.
Donald Trump’s recent interviews in which he expressed he might seek a third term as president, despite US law limiting presidents to two terms in office, is dominating news everywhere – not just the United States.
His plans have been met with widespread criticism and fears that democracy is crumbling in the United States.
Stock markets in Asia and Europe have declined sharply as the 2 April implementation of US tariffs on imports approaches, with Japan’s Nikkei index dropping nearly 4% and the UK’s FTSE 100 reaching a two-week low.
Much of Monday’s headlines – in print and online – is dominated by the latest happenings in the Trump administration. As it has been since he took office, there are multiple stories about the US president, his team and what they are doing every day.
One of the Trump-focused stories today looks at the president issuing a threat of more tariffs if Moscow does not agree to a peace deal in a month.
There’s coverage of the fallout from the resignation of Prince Harry from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded. The charity’s chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, gave interviews over the weekend and accused Harry of bullying and harassment and says he unleashed the “Sussex machine” on her.
Monday’s headlines reflect a variety of domestic and international stories, with Prince Harry’s charity scandal and the latest from Donald Trump’s administration dominating many news sites and newspapers.
There is, of course, widespread coverage of the devastation across Myanmar as the United Nations appeals for more aid and the death toll tops 1,700.
The sports papers cover the weekend’s FA Cup action, teenager Jakrub Mensik winning the Miami Open and West Ham WFC drawing with WSL leaders Chelsea.
Cliff Notes Ravenswood, West Virginia, illustrates the stark contrast in the US aluminium industry, with a thriving Constellium factory next to the now-closed Kaiser Aluminium plant, highlighting the decline in primary production. President Trump’s proposed tariffs aim to support American manufacturing by addressing unfair competition from foreign aluminium sources, albeit with potential short-term disruptions to industries reliant on international supply chains. Local residents express mixed feelings about the tariffs, recognising the need for protectionism but…
Cliff Notes Sir Keir Starmer will address a summit in London focused on illegal migration, urging nations to collaborate against people-smuggling networks akin to international cooperation on terrorism. The UK government plans to invest £33 million to disrupt people-smuggling operations and enhance legal actions against perpetrators, highlighting the severe implications of this global issue. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised the critical need for unified international efforts to confront criminal gangs that facilitate illegal immigration, citing…
JD Vance’s appointment as finance chair of the Republican National Committee positions him as a strong contender for the 2028 presidential nomination, according to former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel.
Cliff Notes – Blackwall Tunnel charges – what you need to know Starting next week, drivers will be required to pay tolls for using London’s Blackwall Tunnel, coinciding with the opening of the new Silvertown Tunnel which aims to alleviate congestion. The cost for a return journey will be £8 for cars during peak times and £13 for large vans, with payment options available online or via phone, including an Auto Pay feature. The Silvertown…
Cliff Notes Police are offering a £10,000 reward for information regarding the disappearance of Alexander Sloley, who went missing nearly 17 years ago at the age of 16 in Islington, north London. Despite extensive investigations, including public appeals and the use of milk cartons for awareness, there have been no confirmed sightings or use of his personal belongings since he vanished. The case remains active, with police urging anyone with potential information to come forward…
Political Weaponization of Transgender Issues: Donald Trump has utilised debates surrounding transgender rights, particularly in the areas of sports and bathroom access, as a critical element to rally conservative voters.
Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump held discussions about ongoing negotiations for a UK-US economic prosperity deal, with plans to expedite talks this week.
Cliff Notes – New Jersey mayor seen stumbling during drink-driving arrest New Jersey mayor seen stumbling during drink-driving arrest in a shocking video shared by the police. Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca was filmed losing her balance during her arrest for suspected drink-driving while her young son was in the car. Police body cam footage showed LaPlaca unsteady on her feet, with evidence of erratic driving and a damaged car mirror discovered at the scene. Local…
Cliff Notes – Two-tier justice The UK government intends to amend laws enabling it to override Sentencing Council guidelines amid accusations of “two-tier justice” related to new sentencing guidance. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has expressed discontent with the Council’s refusal to reverse its updated guidelines, which introduce pre-sentence reports for certain demographic groups. The Ministry of Justice is set to legislate soon, potentially as early as Monday, to swiftly alter the current sentencing guidelines, maintaining…
Cliff Notes A 54-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a fire at a former station house in Rushton that resulted in the deaths of three people, including a four-year-old girl. The investigation is ongoing, with specialist fire investigators deployed to determine the cause of the blaze, which severely damaged a Grade II-listed building. Local police are providing support to the victims’ next of kin and maintaining a presence in the area…
Cliff Notes The UK government is exploring partnerships with other countries, including Italy, to establish arrangements similar to Italy’s deal with Albania for processing asylum seekers. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has criticised the previous Rwanda deal, citing its inefficiency and high costs, while expressing a commitment to practical solutions. An upcoming border security summit will address illegal immigration as a global issue, with the UK working on new agreements with France to enhance measures against…
Cliff Notes The morning-after pill may become free from pharmacies to address “unfair postcode lottery” in access, according to Health Minister Stephen Kinnock. This initiative aims to increase accessibility to emergency contraception and reduce appointments needed at GPs. Morning-after pill set to be made free from pharmacies in bid to end ‘unfair postcode lottery’ The morning-after pill could become free from pharmacies in order to end an “unfair postcode lottery”, according to a health minister.…
Cliff Notes Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins as clocks move forward one hour, resulting in lost sleep but longer evenings. The health impacts of DST include an increase in heart attacks and strokes following the time change, due to disrupted sleep patterns. The debate over abolishing DST continues, with experts advocating for the reinstatement of standard time year-round due to its negative effects on sleep health. Clocks go forward – but should daylight savings be…
Cliff Notes The N-Tidal Diagnose device enables rapid diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) within five minutes, significantly reducing wait times compared to traditional spirometry tests. Approximately two-thirds of the 3 million people affected by COPD in the UK are undiagnosed; early identification is crucial for effective treatment and reducing emergency hospital admissions. The handheld device utilises AI to analyse data from patients’ breath in real-time and has received approval for use across the…
Cliff Notes Syria has unveiled a new transitional government, led by interim president Ahmad al Sharaa, following the fall of the Assad regime four months prior. The government formation is significant in promising an inclusive administration, facing mounting pressure from Western and Arab nations, especially after recent violence in Syria. The announced 23-member cabinet includes notable figures such as Hind Kabawat, a Christian activist, and retains positions for previous ministers, set to govern until elections…
Sentebale chair Dr Sophie Chandauka has accused Prince Harry of “harassment and bullying at scale” following his resignation from the charity, stating he initiated a damaging campaign against her without prior notification.
Cliff Notes An estimated 150,000 Newcastle United fans celebrated the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years with an open-top bus parade and a ticketed event at Town Moor. Manager Eddie Howe was honoured with a massive banner, while goalscorer Dan Burn expressed his emotional connection to the team, calling the experience unforgettable. The festivities included appearances by local celebrities Ant and Dec, culminating in a memorable drone show, described as a “spectacular surprise” for…