Going beyond the ordinary news headlines and providing context between the by lines.
A quick overview of what has made the news briefing today.
This introduction provides a summary of what’s going on today. Before you get into today’s main stories; that have been summarised and contextualised for you. And at the bottom we have today’s newspaper summarised as well. Goodie!
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.
Starmer U-turns on welfare cuts after more than 120 MPs threatened to oppose it.
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. After intense talks, No 10 agreed to apply benefit eligibility changes only to new claimants, shield existing recipients from cuts, and consult disability campaigners on future criteria. They’ve also brought forward an extra £1 billion in employment support this year, and tentatively plan to explore ending the two-child benefit cap, a move costing around £3 billion annually. These reversals could reduce government savings by up to £8 billion over the next three years, placing renewed pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to identify cost offsets or consider tax rises.
The concessions mark a striking U-turn for Starmer’s government and are the most significant internal challenge his leadership has faced. They follow earlier reversals on winter fuel payments and a recent gaffe over welfare communications. The move exposes deep tensions between the fiscal goals of Downing Street and the values of Labour backbenchers deeply concerned about protecting vulnerable constituents such as disabled people and children.
A vote on the amended bill is expected next week. Labour insiders suggest most moderate rebels and committee chairs are now onboard, though some hardline critics remain unconvinced. Downing Street is preparing for a Cabinet push to finalise the compromise and avert a humiliating Commons defeat. As Starmer seeks to regain control, ministers may need to further adjust policy or secure extra departmental savings. The episode raises concerns about his ability to enact tough reforms, and whether additional concessions, like scrapping the two‑child cap, will be on the table.
READ: Political Editor opens up about the long-term damage of Starmer’s mess
Israel closes key Gaza aid route as the threat of famine remains. The EU is considering pausing a trade deal with Israel over human rights abuses, including using starvation as a method of war.
Israel has closed the Zikim crossing, the primary aid route into northern Gaza, halting the most direct deliveries to the region most in need. The measure comes amid intensified Israeli airstrikes that have killed dozens, including during recent strikes on Deir al-Balah aid sites. Over 800 Palestinians have died trying to find food, while northern areas are on the brink of famine. Israeli authorities said they acted to prevent Hamas from confiscating supplies, though local clans working with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation deny this, saying they alone managed aid distribution.
Northern Gaza, home to hundreds of thousands, relies almost entirely on humanitarian aid after years of blockade-driven “de-development.” Cutting off Zikim deepens fears of famine, with malnutrition rising sharply among children. Humanitarian groups, including the UN and many governments, warn that this move significantly worsens what is already a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Spain’s Prime Minister described the situation as tantamount to “genocide,” and journalists have struggled to report amid journalists’ high fatality rates in Gaza.
Israel continues to limit aid to central and southern Gaza via alternative routes, chiefly managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported financially by the US and Israel. Aid agencies and UN officials are now calling for the reopening of all crossings and secure corridors into the north. The UN Security Council is expected to convene on the crisis, while diplomatic pressure on Israel is mounting, though a ceasefire remains elusive as military operations continue. Ongoing closures risk accelerating a humanitarian disaster unless swift action is taken.
Teenager leads Warwickshire council after Reform UK’s first council leader quits. Eighteen-year-old George Finch will now oversee a £500m annual budget and over £1.5bn in assets.
Rob Howard, Reform UK’s first council leader, has quit just five weeks after taking charge of Warwickshire County Council, citing personal health issues. Howard had helped Reform UK seize control of the authority in a shock result at May’s local elections. His departure leaves the party without a permanent leader for one of England’s largest local authorities.
Eighteen-year-old George Finch, Howard’s deputy and a former Conservative, has taken over as interim leader. The teenager now oversees a £500m annual budget and over £1.5bn in assets. The council remains in minority control, with the Greens and Lib Dems also vying for influence.
Finch will remain acting leader until Reform UK either reappoints him or selects a new permanent leader. A full council meeting is expected in the coming weeks to decide on future leadership. With no majority and tensions rising among opposition parties, the council could face a vote of no confidence. Reform UK insists it remains focused on “delivering for residents”, despite calls for fresh scrutiny and possible coalition talks.
Warwickshire is the first council in the UK to be run by Reform, and the party’s ability to govern is being closely watched nationally. Howard’s resignation raises early questions about the party’s stability and readiness for power. Finch’s appointment, while legal, has prompted debate about youth and experience in local leadership, especially as council services face growing pressure.
Read: WTX News report on what the latest polling tells us about Reform
The Friday newspaper front pages won’t be an easy read for the prime minister this morning, as they react to his U-turn on his highly controversial welfare cuts.
Many of the papers had gone to print before the watered-down bill was confirmed. They acknowledge that the prime minister offered the more than 120 Labour rebels ‘concessions’ but did not know the details.
Beyond welfare cuts, the rest of the papers are made up of a mix of different headlines from ongoing coverage of the US bombing of Iran to the UK and France agreeing on a migrant returns deal.
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