Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury marked the largest crowd in their career, amidst political controversy over their inclusion in the festival line-up.
Author: WTX News Editor
Cliff Notes Five children were taken to hospital following a tree fall at Chalkwell Park in Southend, Essex. Three children sustained minor injuries, with two initially transported to Southend University Hospital, followed by three more. Essex Police and emergency services remain on site as they manage the aftermath of the incident, urging the public to avoid the area. Five children in hospital after tree falls in park | UK News . Five children have been…
Cliff Notes The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, has resigned amid findings from a safeguarding review highlighting "blurred sexual boundaries" at Bangor Cathedral. The review reported a culture of inappropriate behaviour, including promiscuity, alcohol misuse, and hurtful gossip, though there is no allegation of wrongdoing against Mr John. His resignation follows the recent departure of Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, as the Church addresses serious safeguarding issues. Archbishop of Wales retires after safeguarding…
Cliff Notes – Fixing welfare a ‘moral imperative’ Sir Keir Starmer emphasised that reforming the UK’s welfare system is a “moral imperative”, following a government U-turn on proposed cuts to sickness and disability benefits. The Prime Minister faced a rebellion within his own party. He had to make concessions such as exempting current Personal Independence Payment claimants from stricter criteria. Starmer deflecting internal unrest; warning of potential political alliances among Conservatives, Reform UK, and Plaid…
Cliff Notes Authorities seized 2.4 tonnes of cocaine valued at approximately £96m at London Gateway port, marking the sixth-largest cocaine seizure in UK history. The drugs were discovered during an intelligence-led operation, with Border Force stating that container ships remain a primary method for smuggling Class A drugs into the UK. A separate operation at Dover Port led to the discovery of 170 kilos of ketamine, 4,000 MDMA pills, and 20 firearms, highlighting ongoing drug…
Cliff Notes Families of the 29 victims of the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash are pursuing a judicial review after the Ministry of Defence declined their request for a public inquiry. Andy Tobias, son of a deceased pilot, expressed outrage over the sealing of key documents for 100 years, fearing a lack of transparency regarding the crash. The Ministry of Defence has stated that multiple inquiries have addressed the incident, asserting that a new public inquiry…
Cliff Notes – Robbie Williams addresses Glastonbury rumours Robbie Williams has sparked speculation about a potential surprise performance at Glastonbury after sharing nostalgic social media posts referencing his 1995 appearance. Shortly after fuelling the rumours, he clarified that he will not be performing and recommended other artists at the festival instead. Secret sets have become a significant tradition at Glastonbury, with various artists, including Pulp, rumoured to perform this year amidst ongoing speculation. Robbie Williams…
Lauren Sanchez shares picture with Jeff Bezos as they tie the knot in star-studded ceremony in Venice.
Among the celebrities who were pictured on the wedding day were Ivanka Trump with her husband Jared Kushner, Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti, Kendall and Kylie Jenner and Khloe and Kim Kardashian.
Cliff Notes The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that federal judges have overreached by blocking presidential executive orders, strengthening President Trump’s authority. Trump labelled this decision as a “giant” win, asserting it restores power to the presidency and Congress, while critics see it as a step toward authoritarianism. The ruling allows the administration to pursue its policy agenda with reduced judicial constraints, particularly in immigration-related matters. Trump’s ‘giant win’ frees him up to push on…
Cliff Notes A body believed to be Reanne Coulson, missing since May, was discovered in Binley Woods, with police informing her family but awaiting formal identification. Mohammed Durnion, 42, has been charged with murder, while Adam Moore, 38, faces charges for assisting an offender; both are due in court on Saturday. The search for Ms Coulson included specialist teams and police dogs, following appeals from her family for information related to her last known whereabouts.…
Cliff Notes Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will address concerns over a potential coalition between Conservatives, Reform UK, and Plaid Cymru before next May’s Senedd elections, cautioning it could lead to "chaos and division." Labour currently faces challenges in public support, polling in third place behind Reform UK and Plaid Cymru, marking a significant shift from its historical dominance since devolution in 1999. Starmer is expected to emphasise collaboration between Labour governments in Westminster and…
Cliff Notes The government conceded significant reforms to welfare, protecting existing claimants of Personal Independence Payments and the health aspect of Universal Credit, following pressure from rebellious MPs. The concessions are estimated to cost £3 billion, undermining the Chancellor’s aim to save £5 billion, with the Prime Minister’s office claiming the changes will be fully funded without increasing borrowing. A substantial political fallout looms, as over 120 Labour MPs prepared to rebel against the flagship…
Cliff Notes Lewis Capaldi returned to Glastonbury with a surprise performance, two years after a challenging stage appearance, launching into familiar hits like "Before You Go" and "Grace". He expressed gratitude to fans and acknowledged his struggles with Tourette’s and mental health, stating he needs more time to focus on his well-being. Capaldi’s emotional set showcased a strong connection with the crowd, indicating his enduring place on the iconic Pyramid Stage despite ongoing personal challenges.…
Cliff Notes Sir Keir Starmer’s welfare bill changes include concessions like exempting existing PIP claimants, following rebellion from 127 Labour MPs concerned about poverty risks. The prime minister endorsed the U-turn as "common sense," enabling the government to push forward with its welfare reforms. Critics highlight the potential creation of a "two-tier system" and ongoing discontent among MPs, with some still pledging to vote against the revised bill. Welfare concessions ‘common sense’, says PM -…
Cliff Notes: Man kicks customs dog at Dulles International Airport An Egyptian man, Hamad Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, pleaded guilty to federal charges for kicking a customs beagle, Freddie, at Washington Dulles International Airport. Authorities discovered over 100lbs of undeclared agricultural products in Marie’s luggage, which are prohibited to prevent harmful pests and diseases. Marie has been ordered to pay for Freddie’s veterinary treatment and was deported back to Egypt following his court appearance. Man…
Cliff Notes: Nike says Trump tariffs could cost it $1bn Nike estimates an additional $1 billion in costs this year if current US tariffs remain unchanged, prompting a potential price increase for consumers in the autumn. The company plans to reduce its reliance on Chinese imports, aiming to lower footwear production from China to a “high single digit” percentage. Nike has recorded its worst quarterly results in over three years, with revenues at $11.1 billion,…
Cliff Notes Daniel Bannister, 50, has pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order by visiting Cheryl’s home, previously admitting he “can’t stay away.” He was jailed for 16 weeks in March for similar offences and had a history of previous convictions, including a manslaughter charge in 2012. Bannister is currently remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Reading Crown Court on 23 September. Convicted killer jailed for stalking Cheryl admits another restraining order…
The Friday newspaper front pages won’t be an easy read for the prime minister this morning, as they react to his U-turn on his highly controversial welfare cuts.
Many of the papers had gone to print before the watered-down bill was confirmed. They acknowledge that the prime minister offered the more than 120 Labour rebels ‘concessions’ but did not know the details.
Beyond welfare cuts, the rest of the papers are made up of a mix of different headlines from ongoing coverage of the US bombing of Iran to the UK and France agreeing on a migrant returns deal.
The head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) disputes UN casualty figures, alleging a “disinformation campaign” against their aid efforts.
Labour rebels win as Starmer backs down over benefit cuts – UK second heatwave this weekend – Pound hits four-year high | What Happened Today
Friday’s headlines are dominated by the embarrassing U-turn from the prime minister over benefit cuts. More than 120 Labour MPs were mounting a rebellion over Starmer’s heavy cuts to welfare, which the government’s assessment said could end up pushing 250,000 people into poverty, including children. The PM’s desire to slash the ballooning welfare bill is a bid to save around £5bn a year. But it had caused massive upset as the most vulnerable were facing losing key benefits, including disabled people.
The government confirmed the climbdown will mean those currently receiving PIP or the health elements of Universal Credit will continue to do so, and instead, the planned cuts will only hit future claimants.
The vote will proceed as planned on Tuesday in the Commons and is expected to pass.
Amber health alerts have been issued for parts of England as temperatures are set to rise above 30C, in the second UK heatwave in June this year – don’t forget your sunscreen!
Elsewhere, the news that the pound briefly hit its highest level against the dollar for almost four years after markets were unnerved by a report that Trump could bring forward the naming of a new head of the US central bank.
Rob Howard, Reform UK’s first council leader, has quit just five weeks after taking charge of Warwickshire County Council, citing personal health issues.
Inspector Moloy Campbell described severe injuries sustained while confronting Marcus Monzo during a rampage, highlighting the sharpness of the samurai sword used in the attack.
Israel has closed the Zikim crossing, the primary aid route into northern Gaza, halting the most direct deliveries to the region most in need.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has offered major concessions to over 120 Labour MPs who threatened to oppose key parts of the welfare reform bill.
Kai West, a 25-year-old British man, has been charged in the US for allegedly leading a global hacking scheme that led to losses exceeding £18 million.