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.

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.

Brazilian officials, including Climate Minister Marina Silva, criticise a NATO agreement to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP, arguing funds should instead support climate initiatives and address hunger.