Wednesday’s UK news continues to be dominated by the government’s welfare bill after ministers made last-minute concessions to avoid a possible defeat.

The bill passed by 335 votes to 260 – but 49 Labour MPs still voted against the government, while 18 others abstained.

The headlines react to the news that yesterday was the UK’s hottest day of the year so far as Britain battles a second heatwave of the summer. St James’s Park in London saw England’s hottest temperature reach 34.7C. Temperatures are set to cool down across the UK on Wednesday.

Three former senior staff members at the Countess of Chester Hospital have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

The Labour government has made major concessions on its flagship welfare reform bill in a bid to defuse an internal rebellion, particularly around Personal Independence Payment (PIP) changes.

Two individuals were arrested for allegedly causing criminal damage and blocking the entrance of Elbit Systems in Bristol, following a protest by Palestine Action.

Cliff Notes Sir Keir Starmer’s welfare bill, despite facing a significant rebellion from 49 Labour…

Rebel Labour MPs received a last-minute concession concerning the welfare bill, ensuring changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility will only follow the completion of the Timms review, due in autumn 2026.