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:
A phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump has led to a partial pause after Putin rejected Trump’s ceasefire plans which would have ended the war altogether. Instead, Putin agreed to a 30-day pause on attacking energy and infrastructure.
Online, the media coverage is up to date, offering live coverage of the ongoing violence being exchanged between the two countries as the partial ceasefire failed to hold.
Work and Pensions Sectreaty Liz Kendall announced a series of benefit cuts yesterday as the government looks to overhaul the UK’s welfare system in hopes of saving £5bn a year. There have been widespread reactions to the cuts from across the political spectrum, unions and charities. There are fears that the most vulnerable could be pushed into poverty, dissent amongst Labour MPs who have accused the government of echoing “Tory austerity” and reports more cuts are coming in the spring budget.
What’s dominating the UK news today? From domestic politics to international war to England and Scotland’s upcoming football matches! Grab a coffee – here’s your UK news breakdown.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall outlined the £5bn package of welfare cuts, which has seen strong reactions from across the political spectrum, with charities and organisations also adding their opinions.
A handful of UK front pages lead on Israel breaking the ceasefire in Gaza and heavily bombing the strip, killing more than 400 people including women and children. Online, many of the publications report on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments that the strikes were ‘only the beginning.’
The German Bundestag approved a €500 billion fund to boost defense and infrastructure spending, marking a significant shift from the country’s traditional fiscal conservatism. The legislation proposes easing Germany’s strict debt rules, allowing increased borrowing to enhance military capabilities and stimulate economic growth.
Netanyahu said the offensive was “only the beginning,” as he broke an almost 2 month ceasefire by bombing Gaza – killing more than 400 people, including women and children.
The strikes have drawn international condemnation, with concerns over the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In the aftermath of a significant phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated, with both nations accusing each other of violating a newly established ceasefire.
Louisiana conducted its first execution by nitrogen gas on Tuesday, marking the state’s return to capital punishment after a 15-year hiatus.
There is a variety of stories dominating the UK headlines this week – Heathrow Airport closed for at least 24 hours to Nicola Sturgeon cleared in the SNP embezzlement case – there’s a lot happening today, so grab a coffee – here’s your news briefing with all that you may have missed from the week so far.
Israel heavily attacked the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, resulting in over 400 Palestinian deaths, including many women and children. These strikes mark the end of a two-month ceasefire that began in January.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the operation, saying it was justified Hamas refused to release hostages or extend the ceasefire.
The Israeli Defense Forces claim it has targeted Hamas leadership and infrastructure across multiple locations in Gaza, including Rafah, Khan Younis, and Gaza City.
Crispin Odey, a prominent hedge fund manager, being banned from financial roles in the City of London and receiving a substantial fine from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) due to “lack of integrity.
An east Belfast cafe owner who posted a social media message mocking obese people who use mobility scooters has been heavily criticised by a disability rights activist.
Charlene Hobbs, 36, who disappeared eight months ago from Riverside, Cardiff, is now the subject of a murder investigation.
Kemi Badenoch warns that the UK’s net-zero target by 2050 is a “fantasy” that could bankrupt the country.
Keir Starmer plans to unveil drastic benefit cuts despite growing opposition from Labour MPs and campaigners. Economists warn of significant impacts on claimants.
Germany’s Bundestag is poised to vote on a significant fiscal package that proposes amendments to longstanding debt policies, aiming to facilitate increased defence spending and establish a €500 billion infrastructure and climate fund.
The vote is seen as a response to Russia’s advances in Ukraine as the United States makes clear Europe can no longer rely on US protection from Russia.
Supporters of lifting the debt restrictions to boost defence spending say it’s essential for European security but there is also opposition. The decision could influence broader European defence initiatives, like the EU’s proposed €800 billion ReArm Europe fund.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said the UK’s 2050 net zero target, a legally binding commitment established by a previous Conservative government, is “impossible.” Badenoch argued that achieving net zero by 2050 would necessitate “a serious drop in our living standards or by bankrupting us,” but did not offer an alternative plan.
The UK government is set to announce significant welfare reforms today, aiming to reduce welfare spending by approximately £5 billion annually. These measures are part of an effort to address rising welfare costs, which are projected to surpass £100 billion by 2030.
Almost all the UK newspapers lead on the story, focusing on different angles from political turmoil within the party, to potentially pushing the poor into poverty.
The headlines dominating the UK news cover domestic and international politics, overnight terror in Gaza, protests over corruption and some lighter stories covering the upcoming Nations League matches and St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Israel has launched extensive airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas, marking the heaviest assault since a ceasefire was established in January. Reports indicate at least 200 people have died as a result of these bombardments.
Western Mail says Saturday marked the worst day for Welsh Rugby fans as England humiliated them on home soil.
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