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- Reform UK proposes tax-free overtime pay with £5 billion cost to government
- Billionaire donor Christopher Harborne acquires luxury Kamalaya resort in Thailand
- Russia deploys “Oreshnik” missile in Kyiv as part of retaliatory strikes
- US plans new military strikes against Iran amid ongoing diplomatic talks
- Health warning issued as temperatures forecast to exceed 30°C in most regions
- Jet2 flight makes emergency landing in Portugal after pilot’s suspected heart attack
- Russia launches missile strikes on Kyiv, killing four and injuring dozens
- Governor Newsom declares emergency in Orange County over chemical leak
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Reform UK proposes tax-free overtime pay with £5 billion cost to government
4:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Reform wants to make overtime pay tax-free with £5,000,000,000 break | News UK
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, proposed a £5 billion tax break for workers doing overtime in a plan aimed at increasing productivity and appealing to Labour’s former strongholds. The proposal was announced following the local elections across England, where Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats made significant gains at the expense of the Labour Party.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s proposed ‘hard work bonus’ aims to introduce a tax-free allowance for overtime for workers earning less than £75,000, at an annual cost of £5 billion. The party intends to offset this expenditure through a £40 billion package of cuts and savings, a strategy already met with scepticism from both Labour and the Conservatives.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage announced a £5 billion tax break aimed at rewarding workers who put in extra hours, targeting Labour’s former strongholds. In response, Treasury Chief Secretary Lucy Rigby questioned the feasibility of the proposal, stating, “If Reform wants people to take their unfunded, back-of-a-fag packet plans seriously, they should come clean about where their £40 billion of cuts would fall.”
What remains unclear — Reform UK has not specified which public services would be affected by its proposed £40 billion cuts to fund the tax break.
Reform UK proposes tax-free overtime pay with £5 billion cost to government
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK have promised a £5 billion tax break for workers doing extra hours.
The ‘hard work bonus’ would create a tax-free allowance for overtime above a 40-hour week for workers earning less than £75,000.
Reform leader Farage said the plan would ‘restore the appeal of a strong work culture’, with overtime becoming tax-free for 90% of employees.
The party said it could meet the expected £5 billion annual cost of the policy through a £40 billion package of cuts and savings.
But both Labour and the Tories questioned where Reform would find the money.
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Still, Farage said: ‘I’ve grown increasingly aware of the deep frustration felt by hardworking people who put in the extra hours yet see no real reward at the end of the month.
‘They look around and see that work simply doesn’t pay, that benefits often match or beat what they earn, and that ordinary families are being dragged into higher tax bands with nothing to show for it.
‘Today we’re announcing our bold new policy that will finally make work pay, drive up productivity, and restore the appeal of a strong work culture once again.’
Reform has aimed the plan at winning more voters in Labour’s former industrial heartlands as it seeks to prevent Labour’s Andy Burnham from winning the Makerfield by-election.
It said a warehouse worker at the South Lancashire Industrial Estate in the seat working six hours of overtime a week would be £700 a year better off as a result of the tax break.
A Band 3 prison officer at HMP Hindley in the constituency, working eight hours of overtime a week, could be £1,300 better off.
Treasury Chief Secretary Lucy Rigby said: ‘Nigel Farage pretends to stand up for working people, but in reality he wants to cut back our NHS and strip away the hard-won boost to workplace rights Labour has delivered.
‘If Reform wants people to take their unfunded, back-of-a-fag packet plans seriously, they should come clean about where their £40 billion of cuts would fall and which public services would pay the price.’
Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride said: ‘Hard work should be rewarded, which means getting taxes down in a fair and responsible way.
‘Reform’s proposal sets out no new savings to fund the £5 billion price tag. Reform do not do the serious thinking, which is why they keep promising things they cannot deliver.’
Billionaire donor Christopher Harborne acquires luxury Kamalaya resort in Thailand
3:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Nigel Farage’s crypto billionaire donor owns luxury Thai resort | News World
Billionaire Chakrit Sakunkrit, also known as Christopher Harborne, has transformed the Kamalaya resort in Koh Samui, Thailand into a luxury health spa since its acquisition in 2021. His financial support to Reform UK includes a £5 million gift to Nigel Farage in 2024, with both figures confirming it was intended as a personal gift.
Chakrit Sakunkrit, also known as Christopher Harborne, acquired the Kamalaya resort in Koh Samui in 2021 and has since converted it into a luxury health spa. The founders, John and Karina Stewart, exited the business in 2024, citing incompatibility with Mr Harborne’s philosophy.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is reportedly facing an inquiry regarding the £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne, which he has described variously as an ‘unconditional’ reward and support for his personal security. Meanwhile, the founders of the Kamalaya resort have distanced themselves from the venture as of 2024, citing incompatibility with Mr Harborne’s direction, indicating a shift in management philosophy at the establishment.
What remains unclear — The exact nature of the philosophical incompatibility that led to the Stewarts’ exit from the Kamalaya resort has not been detailed.
Billionaire donor Christopher Harborne acquires luxury Kamalaya resort in Thailand
Reform donor Christopher Harborne (Chakrit Sakunkrit) purchased the Kamalaya resort in Koh Samui, Thailand in 2021 (Picture: Handout)
In 2021, the Kamalaya resort in Koh Samui was acquired by billionaire Chakrit Sakunkrit.
The secluded Thai retreat has since been transformed into a luxury health spa, complete with monk’s cave, sleek villas and plunge pools.
It has welcomed the rich and famous, from Kylie Minogue to Sarah Ferguson.
But its owner, Mr Sakunkrit – also known as Christopher Harborne – has also poured his wealth into influencing politics thousands of miles away.
Mr Harborne has financed Reform UK and its predecessor, the Brexit Party, to the tune of more than £22million since 2019.
This included a record-breaking £9million payout last August.
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The Soma restaurant at the Kamalaya resort, which offers a menu of healthy low sugar options (Picture: Handout)
The 63-year-old made his fortune as an early investor in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. He also has a stake in Tether.
The Sunday Times Rich List ranks him as Britain’s sixth-wealthiest man, with an estimated net worth of £18.2billion.
His bankrolling of Nigel Farage’s party came to a head after it emerged that he had given the politician a £5million gift in 2024.
Mr Farage has given different explanations for the huge sum of money, on one occasion saying it was needed to pay for his personal security, before then suggesting it was an ‘unconditional’ reward for campaigning for Brexit, a cause supported by Mr Harborne.
The Reform UK leader has himself visited Mr Harborne’s Thai paradise and was pictured at the crypto billionaire’s 60th birthday celebrations in 2022.
The resort’s website says Mr Harborne purchased the retreat as a ‘philanthropic investment’.
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Mr Farage received £5million from Christopher Harborne which he says was a ‘gift’ (Picture: Reuters)
Its founders, John and Karina Stewart, exited the business completely in 2024, citing incompatibility with Mr Harborne’s philosophy, the Mirror reported.
The spa now promotes traditional healing methods, while discouraging modern distractions such as mobile phone use.
Guests seeking ‘parasympathetic rest and reset’ or ’emotional upliftment’ can pay £172.39 for a personal fire ceremony lasting 75 minutes.
There are also one-hour private spiritual guidance sessions costing £131.56.
One-on-one mantra chanting is also offered at £63.51 for a 30-minute session.
Mr Harborne has given more than £22million to Reform UK since 2019 (Picture: George Cracknell Wright/LNP)
Accommodation on site also comes at a staggeringly high price, at £941 per night for a penthouse suite with a private plunge pool.
Guests are treated to a Chinese and Indian inspired offering at the resort’s restaurant, tea lounge, and cafe.
The menu can be personally tailored and focuses on healthy ingredients, such as the use of stevia as a sweetener instead of sugar.
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Russia deploys “Oreshnik” missile in Kyiv as part of retaliatory strikes
2:00 pm
Russia deploys “Oreshnik” missile in Kyiv as part of retaliatory strikes
Missile Deployment
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia has deployed its “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile in the Kyiv region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia has deployed its “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile in the Kyiv region.
Military Scale
The launch of 90 missiles and cruise missiles, alongside 600 drones in a single offensive, reflects a significant and aggressive escalation of military operations by Russia.
The launch of 90 missiles and cruise missiles, alongside 600 drones in a single offensive, reflects a significant and aggressive escalation of military operations by Russia.
International Condemnation
“Russia’s use of the ‘Oreshnik’ missile is a reckless escalation that demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life,” stated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reaffirming Germany’s support for Ukraine.
“Russia’s use of the ‘Oreshnik’ missile is a reckless escalation that demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life,” stated German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reaffirming Germany’s support for Ukraine.
‘Reckless escalation’: Europe condemns Russia’s use of ‘Oreshnik’ missile
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On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia had again deployed its “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile, this time in the Kyiv region.
The Russian Defence Ministry later confirmed the launch, saying it came as part of a retaliatory attack following Ukrainian strikes against “civilian targets,” which Kyiv has denied.
Moscow’s use of the “Oreshnik” missile has sparked strong reactions abroad.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack as a “reckless escalation” in a post on X and reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the latest Russian strikes, saying civilian targets in Ukraine had once again come under attack. He described the reported use of the nuclear-capable “Oreshnik” missile as a sign of both the deadlock in Russia’s war effort and a dangerous escalation of the conflict. Macron added that France would continue supporting Ukraine and efforts towards a just and lasting peace.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the massive Russian assault demonstrated “the Kremlin’s brutality and disregard for both human life and peace negotiations.”
Terror against civilians, she said, was “not strength” but “desperation.” She added that the European Union would continue supporting Ukraine, particularly by strengthening its air defence systems.
EU Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the attacks as “abhorrent acts of terror” against the Ukrainian civilian population. She said Russia had reached a military dead end and was therefore deliberately targeting city centres.
Kallas called the reported use of the “Oreshnik” missile particularly alarming, describing it as “reckless nuclear brinkmanship.” EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss further pressure on Russia next week.
The “Oreshnik” missile’s first known use came in 2024 during an attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Since then, the weapon system has become one of the Kremlin’s most closely watched military projects.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the ballistic missile as a “state-of-the-art”.
Moscow says it is an intermediate-range ballistic missile. It is reportedly capable of hitting targets between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometres away. Russian military officials have claimed this would put large parts of Europe within range.
Belarus is also believed to possess the missile system.
The deployment of the “Oreshnik” missile came as part of a large-scale Russian offensive overnight into Sunday. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Moscow launched 90 missiles and cruise missiles as well as around 600 drones. Although many of the targets were intercepted, dozens of hits were still reported.
Among the sites damaged was the centrally located studio of German public broadcaster ARD, which was heavily damaged and partially destroyed. According to the broadcaster, a massive blast wave likely caused the destruction, shattering windows and devastating parts of the studio.
No one was injured in the attack. At the time of the strike, no employees were inside the building.
US plans new military strikes against Iran amid ongoing diplomatic talks
12:00 pm
Get you up to speed: U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
The Trump administration is preparing for potential military strikes against Iran, with plans reportedly impacting members of the U.S. military and intelligence community. No final decision on these strikes had been made as of Friday afternoon.
U.S. military and intelligence personnel have cancelled Memorial Day weekend plans in anticipation of potential military action. The Trump administration is reportedly awaiting a response from Iran to a new proposal delivered via Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary.
The Trump administration is preparing for potential military strikes against Iran, with Defence and intelligence officials updating recall rosters for U.S. troops in the Middle East amid fears of retaliation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. expects a response from Iran via Pakistan concerning a proposed agreement, stating that Trump prefers diplomacy over military action while preparations for “Plan B” are in place should negotiations fail.
What remains unclear — It is not yet known what specific outcomes are expected from Iran’s imminent response to the latest U.S. proposal.
US plans new military strikes against Iran amid ongoing diplomatic talks
Washington — The Trump administration was preparing Friday for a fresh round of military strikes against Iran, according to sources with direct knowledge of the planning, even as diplomacy continued.
No final decision on strikes had been reached as of Friday afternoon.
“Circumstances pertaining to Government” are keeping President Trump from attending his son Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding this weekend, he said in a social media post. The president had planned to spend Memorial Day weekend at his golf property in New Jersey but will now return to the White House.
Some members of the U.S. military and intelligence community canceled their plans for the Memorial Day weekend in anticipation of possible strikes, several sources said.
Defense and intelligence officials began updating recall rosters for U.S. installations overseas as tranches of troops stationed in the Middle East rotate out of theater, part of an effort to reduce the American military footprint in the region amid concern about possible Iranian retaliation.
The U.S. and Iran have largely refrained from striking each other since a temporary ceasefire began in early April, buying time for indirect talks on a longer-term deal.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told WTX US News that Mr. Trump has “made his redlines abundantly clear: Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon, and they cannot keep their enriched uranium.”
“The President always maintains all options at all times, and it is the job of the Pentagon to be ready to execute any decision the Commander-in-Chief could make,” Kelly said. “The President has been clear about the consequences if Iran fails to make a deal.”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Wednesday that any further strikes against the country from the United States or Israel could widen the conflict beyond the Middle East, promising “crushing blows … in places you cannot even imagine.”
Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war that has rattled energy markets and resulted in soaring fuel prices. The proposal was transmitted to Iran on Wednesday, according to a source who told WTX US News that it was also accompanied by a warning that rejecting this so-called final offer would mean military strikes would resume.
“Iran is dying to make a deal,” Mr. Trump said Friday. “We’ll see what happens.”
The president said Wednesday he was prepared to give Tehran “a couple of days” to respond to the latest U.S. offer. He added that his team was “pretty impressed” by Iran’s negotiators, but cautioned that the administration would need assurances substantial enough to prevent the conflict from reigniting.
A response is imminently expected to be transmitted via Pakistan, which has been acting as an intermediary.
Before boarding a flight to India, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that the U.S. expected to receive a response via the Pakistani field marshal, who has acted as the primary conduit of communication with Iran on behalf of the Trump administration. Rubio claimed that Trump preferred diplomacy to strikes and said progress had been made, though he indicated there was more work to be done.
Rubio also referenced conversations from meetings in Sweden with NATO members about how to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through military force, an effort he referred to as “Plan B” if Iran did not agree to do so itself.
In Washington, House Republicans on Thursday abandoned an effort to hold a vote limiting President Trump’s authority to conduct military operations against Iran after concluding they lacked the votes needed to stop the resolution from advancing.
Health warning issued as temperatures forecast to exceed 30°C in most regions
11:00 am
Get you up to speed: Health warning issued as Met Office forecasts hottest day of the year | News UK
The UK is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 30.5°C in Frittenden, Kent, marking the hottest day of the year so far. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts for several regions, warning of increased health risks particularly for vulnerable populations.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts for several regions, including London and the South East, effective until 5pm on Wednesday. These alerts indicate a significant increase in health risks, particularly for individuals aged 65 and over, with concerns about rising demands on health and social care services.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for several regions, warning of a potential increase in health risks, particularly for those aged 65 and over. The agency noted that these alerts, which replace earlier yellow alerts, will remain in effect until 5pm on Wednesday, highlighting anticipated increased demand on health services during the ongoing heatwave.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how the health services will manage the expected rise in demand due to the heat alerts.
Health warning issued as temperatures forecast to exceed 30°C in most regions
The UK is in the midst of a bank holiday heatwave, and forecasters have said the ‘exceptional heat’ is showing no signs of letting up.
The UK saw the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday, when the village of Frittenden, in Kent, hit 30.5°C.
It was the first time this year that the UK had passed 30°C – the last time that happened in May was in 2012.
But temperatures are expected to rise even further today, with highs of 31C predicted in the South East, and even further on Monday, when the mercury could hit 33°C to 34°C.
Records could be broken for the hottest May day in the UK and England, currently 32.8°C; the hottest May day in Wales, currently 30.6°C; as well as the UK and England’s hottest bank holiday.
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Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said there will be ‘plentiful amounts of sunshine for the vast majority’ of people on Sunday, but it looks set to be a damp day in parts of the North West and Scotland.
‘That extra sunshine will once again allow those temperatures to climb even further, and so now we’re expecting to see around 33°C in the far south-east of London, but quite broadly a potential for 30°C into parts of northern England, areas of Wales and right throughout the Midlands as well.
‘If we hit that 33°C, maybe even locally close towards 34°C, that would bring us our hottest bank holiday day on record, as well as our hottest day in May on record, so it really is quite exceptional heat that is building for the time of year.’
How to stay cool in the heatwave
If you can enjoy the weekend by a shaded lake, congratulations.
However, this might not be possible if you’re stuck in a major city or have to hit the road or travel by train.
Reaching for a sip of water in any weather is not a bad idea, but doctors have recommended enjoying one surprising everyday drink in a heatwave.
On the Tube, your best hope is an Underground line with air conditioning, but bringing water along is a top tip for hot weather travel in London.
WTX has this handy guide for heatwave survival 101 shopping essentials, from best handheld fans to cooling pillows.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber heat health alerts on Friday morning for the East Midlands, West Midlands, the East of England, London and the South East.
The alerts will remain in place until 5pm on Wednesday and replace less severe yellow alerts which were previously issued.
The alerts mean there is likely to be ‘a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions’ and increased demand on all health and social care services, according to the UKHSA website.
Yellow alerts have been issued for the North East and North West, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South West.
The less severe alert means significant impacts on health and social care services are possible.
Jet2 flight makes emergency landing in Portugal after pilot’s suspected heart attack
10:00 am
Get you up to speed: Jet2 flight makes emergency landing after pilot has ‘heart attack’ | News World
A Jet2 flight carrying British holidaymakers from Tenerife to Birmingham made an emergency landing in Porto, Portugal, after the pilot suffered a suspected heart attack mid-flight. Medics attended to the pilot upon landing, while passengers waited for 13 hours at the airport before being flown home on a different aircraft.
The pilot’s medical condition has prompted an ongoing investigation by Jet2 into flight operations and emergency protocols. Passengers endured a 13-hour wait at Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport before being provided with new arrangements for their return journey to the UK.
Jet2 Airways confirmed that a pilot suffered a suspected heart attack mid-flight, resulting in an emergency landing in Porto, and stated, “At no point was safety compromised.” Passengers experienced a 13-hour delay at Porto Airport before being flown back to the UK with a new cockpit crew, prompting criticism regarding the lack of accommodation support during the wait.
What remains unclear — It is not confirmed whether the pilot has subsequently recovered from the suspected heart attack.
Jet2 flight makes emergency landing in Portugal after pilot’s suspected heart attack
The Jet 2 flight was 30,000 ft in the air (Picture: Shutterstock / Markus Mainka)
A plane carrying British holidaymakers from Tenerife to Birmingham had to make an emergency landing after the pilot suffered a suspected heart attack mid-flight.
The Jet2 Flight was 30,000 ft in the air when the medical emergency took place and the plane was forced to land early in Portugal at 2.11am on Friday.
Witnesses said flight attendants ran down the aisle in tears, asking if there was a doctor on board.
A passenger told The Sun on Sunday: ‘My partner and I were asleep when we were awoken by chaos.
‘Lights began flashing and hostesses who were visibly upset, seeking a doctor.
‘Our two-year-old began crying like many other children onboard because the aircraft was dropping so quickly for an emergency landing.’
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Emergency services rushed onto the plane after it landed in Porto, where 220 passengers watched on as medics attended to the pilot.
Passengers were forced to wait in Porto Airport for a journey home (Picture: Shutterstock / martin SC photo)
The passengers waited in Francisco Sa Carneiro airport for 13 hours before being flown home on a different flight with a new cockpit crew.
Jet2 had flown a pilot out from Manchester to take customers back to the UK.
A passenger said: ‘We were stranded in Portugal for over 13 hours without accommodation. They wouldn’t let us off the plane itself for over an hour.
‘Then we were just left to wander around. There was nowhere to stay. They said accommodation was too expensive.’
A passenger continued: ‘The airline told us the pilot had suffered a heart attack in the cockpit. We have full sympathy for him of course.’
Jet2 told The Sun: ‘Flight LS1266 from Tenerife to Birmingham diverted to Porto on Thursday (21st May), due to one of the pilots feeling unwell.
‘At no point was safety compromised, and customers subsequently continued their journey.
‘We would like to apologise to customers for this unforeseen delay.’
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