Browsing: UK News

There is a variety of stories dominating the UK headlines this Friday from the chaos at Heathrow Airport to Nicola Sturgeon cleared in the SNP embezzlement case – there’s a lot happening today, so grab a coffee – here’s your daily news breakdown. 

The UK’s busiest airport, Heathrow, will be closed all day on Friday after a fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it with power. The airport has warned there will be “significant disruption” over the coming days and has told passengers not to travel “under any circumstances” until it reopens. 

The former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been cleared in the police investigation into the funding and finances of the party she led – the SNP. Her husband, who is separated from Sturgeon, has appeared in court charged with embezzlement. Murrell, who had been SNP chief executive since 1999, resigned in March 2023 amid a row over party numbers.

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been cleared of any wrongdoing in Police Scotland’s investigation into the SNP’s funding, expressing relief at the outcome.

Ousted Reform MP Rupert Lowe criticises Nigel Farage after leaked WhatsApp messages reveal Farage’s disdain for Lowe’s recent critical interview, calling him “disgusting” and “contemptible.”

Tom Ford, an Olympic gold medallist, is barred from competing for Cambridge in the Boat Race due to eligibility criteria, making him the fourth rower to face this issue.

Our picks of tonight’s must-watch TV tonight in the UK from the Nations League to the hot new Netflix comedy The Residence.

Labour Minister Luke Pollard dismissed claims that the government is “centre right,” asserting that recent cuts aim to enhance work opportunities and bolster defence funding.

The front page of the Western Mail this morning 20/03/2025:

This Weeks News Briefing Editorial looks at the real cost of political priorities. How can a modern economy cut welfare like 3rd world economy.

UK welfare cuts are increasingly out of touch with the needs of the public, especially against the backdrop of rising foreign aid to Ukraine and increased NATO spending. This has left many Brits asking: why is our health and well-being not being prioritised?

The answer may be simpler—and more strategic—than it seems. When people are struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table, they have less time to question the actions of those in power.

By keeping the public in a state of financial insecurity, politicians maintain control while diverting spending towards areas that benefit their financial backers. But where is all our tax money actually going, and why are we always told to tighten our belts while government spending skyrockets?

The front page of The Irish News this morning 20/03/2025:

The front page of The National Scot today 20/03/2025:

An independent review into the official UK data recording of people’s biological sex and their gender identity has spun several stories as the media reacts to the data. 

The review was led by Alice Sullivan, a professor of sociology and research specialist at University College London, who said the guidance should be updated to make sure both sets of data were recorded in a clear and distinct way.

Nicholas Prosper, 19, has been sentenced to 49 years behind bars. The teen was sentenced for the triple murder of his own family members. He had attempted to carry out a school massacre plot in a bid to become an infamous school shooter. Prosper idolised American gunman Adam Lanza was planning to kill 34 people – one more than Lanza’s deadliest shooting. 

Police were able to stop Prosper from reaching the school after a neighbour called the police that morning due to the noisy attack. Cops arrived at the family flat at 05:50 am where they found his little sister, brother and his mother slain. Police arrested him after he escaped to a wooded area, stopping him from carrying out his school massacre plot. 

Cliff Notes – Bank of England mulls interest rate decision Wage growth remains robust, with wages excluding bonuses rising by 5.9% in the three months…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil her Spring Statement next week just a week after massive backlash to the government’s plans to overhaul the welfare system. 

The papers have been given a preview of the Spring Statement and they report there will be no more tax rises but austerity cuts on the way – the heavy cuts to public spending and benefits are to close the budget deficit.

What’s dominating the UK news today? From domestic politics to international war to a planned massacre in Luton to international football – there’s a lot happening today, so grab a coffee – here’s your daily news breakdown. 

Much of the UK media looks ahead at next week’s Spring Statement which is expected to reveal more cuts – it comes off the back of the government’s plans to slash benefits.

Triple murderer Nicholas Prosper has been sentenced to at least 49 years for killing his family. He had planned a school massacre in a bid to become famous.

An independent review on how gender and sex data is collected has led to several stories this morning as the data is assessed by the media.

The sunshine is here in the UK! Today could be the hottest day of the year so far – but don’t get use to it, rain is set for the weekend.

Donald Trump and his phone call with Zelensky is heavily covered in the UK media this morning.

The Tour de France will make its return to the UK in 2027, featuring both the men’s and women’s races across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Jamie Cooper, 33, escaped from a prison van on the M55 motorway while being taken to court after overpowering escort officers during a medical emergency.

Teenage boys in the UK, particularly those aged 14 to 17, are being targeted by Nigerian crime gangs using online “sextortion” scams that involve threatening to share sexual images unless payment is made.

Cliff Notes John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, the last surviving pilot of the Battle of Britain dies aged 105. He passed away peacefully at the age of…

Israel has broken an almost two-month ceasefire in Gaza with heavy bombing of the strip, which slaughtered more than 400 people including women and children. 

Only a handful of UK front pages, mostly left-leaning, lead with the news, although there’s more extensive coverage online. 

Many of the publications report on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s comments that Israel will continue bombing Gaza until the hostages are returned, saying Tuesday’s attack was ‘only the beginning’ adding to growing fears over the humanitarian crisis already in the region.

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…

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…

£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…

Cliff Notes Santander UK branches to closure – The UK Bank plans to close 95 out of its 444 UK branches, potentially affecting up to…