Friday’s UK headlines cover a variety of domestic and international stories. There is, of course, continued coverage of the fallout from the Trump tariff debacle amid claims of market manipulation and calls for an investigation into potential insider trading.
Royal news continues to be highlighted on the front pages – in print and online – with Prince Harry making a surprise visit to Ukraine and Prince William talking football after Villa’s 3-1 loss. Charles and Camilla are pictured on several tabloids after marking their 20th wedding anniversary with a state visit to Italy, where the pair exercised their soft power in a bid to rebuild relations with the rest of Europe.
The UK is set for another sunny day with temperatures reaching over 23C in some parts – and in Scotland, there are warnings of potential wildfires.
Further market turmoil from Trump tariffs
Gold has risen to a record high as investors are flocking to safe-haven assets amid concerns over the U.S.-China trade war. Further market turmoil this morning as Asian stocks slid on Friday, with the Nikkei tumbling by more than 4%, and US stocks slumped on Thursday close, wiping out a chunk of Wednesday’s historic rally. The main European markets opened positively on Friday morning. The US markets open at 14:30 BST.
The White House confirmed on Thursday that China faced a tariff rate of 145% – which includes the pre-existing 20% levy over fentanyl coming into the US. Beijing had earlier on Thursday announced an 84% tariff on US goods entering the country and has made it clear they won’t back down from this US-made trade war.
- The Daily Telegraph reports that the imposed tariff rate on China of 145pc as markets fall again. The paper says losses on Wall Street accelerated after the news, with the S&P 500 down today by 4.9pc. The Nasdaq fell 5.7pc, and the Dow Jones dropped 5pc. The dollar fell sharply and is now currently down 1.8pc against a basket of other leading currencies. It is down 0.8pc against the pound.
- The Guardian describes it as “further market turmoil” after the US confirmed a tariff rate of 145% on some products. The paper reports on criticism from Democrats of Trump’s “scattershot announcements” and says a former treasury secretary has branded the president’s policy a “self-inflicted wound.”
- The Times says government ministers are not optimistic about Britain securing an exemption from the US tariffs. The paper says the best-case scenario would be a continuation of the baseline 10% levy on UK goods being imported into the US.
- The i newspaper also reports that hope is fading for a UK-US deal, with the UK moving “closer to softer Brexit” instead. The UK is preparing to “strike a defence pact” with the EU, it reports.
- The FT says the EU is considering taxing big tech if tariff negotiations with the US president fail.
- Metro has a lighter angle – the paper says China has “unleashed a series of memes mocking Donald Trump’s trade war.” One of the memes is splashed on the front page – a fake image of Trump, JD Vance and Elon Musk working at a shoe factory.
- The Scotsman says the prime minister has vowed to turbocharge the UK economy in the face of US tariffs. The PM says “We have to take care of ourselves,” as he warns the public the levies are here to stay.
Prince Harry Ukraine visit
Prince Harry made a surprise visit to an orthopaedic clinic in Lviv – a centre that treats and rehabilitates wounded military personnel and civilians. Harry attended with a group from the Invictus Ganes Foundation after two days back in London for a high court appearance.
- Sky News says Prince Harry is the second member of the Royal Family to visit Ukraine since it was invaded by Russia in February 2022, after his aunt, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, visited Kyiv last year.
- The Guardian reports that Harry’s unannounced visit came after the prince spent two days at the high court appealing the government’s decision to strip him of his security protection.
- The Independent says Harry visited the Superhumans Centre, an orthopaedic clinic in Lviv that treats and rehabilitates wounded military personnel and civilians.
- Daily Record notes that Harry was joined by a group from the Invictus Games Foundation, which included four veterans who have gone through similar rehab experiences.
UK weather today – Scorching temperatures to hit Britain
- The Daily Mirror says Friday will see scorching temperatures across the UK, with four English cities set to be hotter than 22C.
- The Daily Express says a Caribbean conveyor belt of hot air is set to hit the UK in the coming hours, bringing soaring temperatures and the perfect weather for a rum cocktail in the sunshine.
- The Sun says Brits are set to flock to beaches today as temperatures soar to 23C – but rain may be on the way this weekend to ruin the good weather.