A large fire at Bicester Motion, a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, resulted in the tragic deaths of two firefighters and a civilian.
Author: WTX News Editor
Man survived his attempted execution as gun jammed A wounded taxi driver survived an attempt to “execute” him after one of the would-be killer’s faulty weapon failed to fire, a court has heard. Lord Mountbatten abused children at his Mullaghmore estate, a new book reports. Fresh claims have been made that the British royal, who was killed by the IRA, was involved in an MI5-linked paedophile ring involving children. Northern Ireland’s first ever anti-poverty strategy…
UK scrambles for new migrant deal in Balkans after Albania snub The i paper’s take is that the UK is scrambling for a new migrant deal in the Balkans after what it calls a snub from Albania. The paper says Sir Keir is to begin talks with countries thought to include Bosnia, Serbia and North Macedonia. Eurovision and Bruce Springsteen get a review on the front splash. There’s coverage of the world’s first gene-editing therap saying…
Talks with up to nine nations for asylum deal The Times says after Albania rejected the migrant hub deal the UK is now speaking to nine countries about plans to deport asylum seekers. The paper says attention turns to “Serbia, Bosnia and North Macedonia.” Elsewhere, Roman Lavrynovych, 21, is accused of starting fires outside £2 million house and a flat in north London, as well as torching a vehicle.
Starmer left squirming by Albania farce The Daily Mail says the Prime Minister was left “squirming” by what it calls the “Albanian farce” after the country’s prime minister ruled out taking part. The paper calls it a “humiliation” for Keir Starmer as his plan to send asylum seekers to the Balkans “imploded on live TV”. There is a showbiz exclusive about Brooklyn Beckham and his friendship with Harry and Meghan.
Fury over PM plan to offload migrants to foreign ‘return hubs’ Sir Keir Starmer plans to send failed asylum seekers abroad in his latest bid to crack down on illegal immigration and tackle the threat from Nigel Farage and Reform. Britain’s economy is “beginning to turn a corner”, the chancellor said as new figures show it grew by more than expected, becoming the fastest-growing in the G7 group of leading industrial nations. Donald Trump has said…
Friday’s newspaper front pages cover the fallout from Albania’s rejection of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s migrant deal. On his first official visit to Albania, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the UK is in talks with other countries to establish overseas “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers.
Several newspaper front pages feature an image of the man arrested in connection with the arson attacks in North London linked to PM Keir Starmer.
A 21-year-old Ukrainian national from Sydenham, southeast London is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Ben Roberts-Smith’s appeal against a ruling that he unlawfully killed four individuals in Afghanistan was unanimously rejected by a Federal Court panel in Sydney.
Friday’s headlines are dominated by the debate around legalising assisted dying in England and Wales (Scotland has its own separate bill). Politicians, health experts and scholars are offering their opinions ahead of Friday’s debate.
The bill passed the first stage of the Commons last November – but since then there have been dozens of amendments added by both sides. A vote to pass or reject the bill is not likely to take place on Friday, but rather in June.
UK businesses are calling on the government to reset relations with the EU ahead of a summit hosted in London next week. More than 400 UK firms have urged the government to take “practical steps” to reduce red tape, ease staff mobility, and coordinate on climate, defence and energy.
On the international front, there’s widespread coverage of the humanitarian crisis facing Gaza as Israel continues to block aid (including food) and continues to heavily bomb the strip. Donald Trump is concluding his tour of the Middle East where he has signed huge investment deals.
At least 80 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza as violence intensified and ceasefire talks stalled. Some local sources put the toll at over 120. The renewed assault follows Donald Trump’s regional tour, where he proposed turning Gaza into a “freedom zone” managed by the US — a revival of an earlier controversial plan that implied permanent displacement of Gaza’s population.
MPs are set to debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill again on Friday, following major amendments and months of committee scrutiny. The bill, first passed in November by 330 votes to 275, would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to seek assisted dying.
Chef Steven Smith suggests implementing deposits instead of minimum spends in restaurants to combat no-shows, which have greater financial repercussions.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has launched a criminal investigation into allegations of rape and sexual assault against music legend Smokey Robinson, with the Special Victims Bureau currently assessing the early stages of the probe.
Labour peer Harriet Harman criticises Sir Keir Starmer for dismissing Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts during PMQs by saying “you’re rubbish” instead of clarifying his immigration policy.
Thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been abducted by Russian forces, with nearly 16,000 identified in a network of prisons, where they face inhumane treatment and torture.
Chris Brown has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent following an alleged incident in London on 19 February 2023.
Prime Minister’s statement about Britain becoming an “island of strangers” has drawn criticism, evoking comparisons to Enoch Powell’s controversial rhetoric from 1968.
Chris Brown was arrested in Manchester on suspicion of grievous bodily harm related to an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in February 2023.
Sir Keir Starmer’s proposal for “return hubs” aims to facilitate the deportation of migrants who have exhausted all options to stay in the UK, though Albania has expressed reluctance to participate.
A senior Hamas official disclosed ongoing direct peace talks with the United States, expressing optimism that former President Donald Trump could facilitate a resolution for Gaza.
Victims’ watchdog Baroness Newlove expresses serious concerns regarding the government’s changes to prisoner recall release policy, questioning the early release of certain sexual and violent offenders.
Cliff Notes Cassie Ventura testified about multiple incidents of alleged violence by Sean "Diddy" Combs during their on-and-off relationship from 2007 to 2018. She reported a shocking early incident in 2007 where Combs hit her in the head, causing her to fall and suffer confusion over his anger. Ventura described a later incident where Combs confronted her at a hotel, leading to a physical altercation resulting in bruising. Diddy trial live updates: Cassie to be…
Warning exodus of migrant nurses could be devastating for Wales Wales Online says new UK immigration measures could accelerate “an exodus of internationally educated nurses”, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has warned. The body said it could have “potentially devastating consequences” for health and social care services in Wales. There’s coverage of Welsh rugby at a time of many changes.
Trump praises tough guy ex-terrorist as he lifts sanctions on Syria The Independent says Donald Trump shook hands with Syria’s Islamist ruler on Wednesday – the first encounter between the two nations’ leaders in 25 years and a potential turning point for Damascus as it struggles to emerge from decades of international isolation. The US president warmly greeted former al-Qaeda fighter Ahmed al-Sharaa in a historic meeting unthinkable only a few months ago.