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What happened today in the UK?

Grab yourself a coffee and let us break down the news in the UK this morning – it’s time for your daily dip into the headlines. From Westminster to the weather to sports and entertainment, regardless of whether you’re commuting or couch-bound – here are the stories you need to know.

MPs debate assisted dying – UK businesses call for EU reset 

Friday’s headlines are dominated by the debate around legalising assisted dying in England and Wales (Scotland has its own separate bill). Politicians, health experts and scholars are offering their opinions ahead of Friday’s debate. 

The bill passed the first stage of the Commons last November – but since then there have been dozens of amendments added by both sides. A vote to pass or reject the bill is not likely to take place on Friday, but rather in June.

UK businesses are calling on the government to reset relations with the EU ahead of a summit hosted in London next week. More than 400 UK firms have urged the government to take “practical steps” to reduce red tape, ease staff mobility, and coordinate on climate, defence and energy.

On the international front, there’s widespread coverage of the humanitarian crisis facing Gaza as Israel continues to block aid (including food) and continues to heavily bomb the strip. Donald Trump is concluding his tour of the Middle East where he has signed huge investment deals. 

MPs to Debate Revised Assisted Dying Bill Amid Scrutiny and Division

MPs to Debate Revised Assisted Dying Bill Amid Scrutiny and Division

CliffNotes

  • MPs to debate revised assisted dying bill
  • The bill, first passed in November by 330 votes to 275
  • The new amended bill will be debated on Friday

MPs to Debate Revised Assisted Dying Bill Amid Scrutiny and Division

What Happened

MPs are set to debate the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill again on Friday, following major amendments and months of committee scrutiny. The bill, first passed in November by 330 votes to 275, would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to seek assisted dying.

Key changes include removing the need for High Court approval, instead using a panel of experts, and placing limits on discussing the issue with under-18s. The government has also corrected its estimate of potential assisted deaths in year one, reducing the figure from 787 to 647.

Critics, including medical colleges, cite safeguarding concerns, while Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who is backing the bill, says it is now “even stronger”.

What’s Next

MPs will not vote on final approval until June, with the current debate intended to address outstanding issues. A free vote will be allowed. While the bill remains divisive, supporters are optimistic momentum from November’s vote can be maintained.

Medical and legal scrutiny is expected to intensify as the date nears, with campaigners urging MPs to ensure safeguards are properly in place before any change in law.

Media Reaction 

The Conversation says reports (based on the first round of voting) that MPs with no religion were much more likely to support assisted dying. 

The Independent says whilst proposals to legalise assisted dying will be backed by the prime minister in its return to Parliament on Friday – it has faced criticism from professional medical bodies. 

BBC News says the number of assisted deaths could be more than 4,000 in the 10th year after the law comes into force in England and Wales if MPs vote for it, a review of the policy says.

Sky News says twoho. Assisted dying is already legal in other parts of the world but the issue is deeply divisive with strong opinions on both sides.

At Least 80 Killed By Israeli Strikes As Death Toll Tops 52,000

CliffNotes

  • At least 80 killed by Israeli strikes
  • Trump suggests turning Gaza into ‘freedom zone’
  • Aid blocked by Israel, death toll tops 52,000

At Least 80 Killed By Israeli Strikes As Death Toll Tops 52,000

What Happened

At least 80 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza as violence intensified and ceasefire talks stalled. Some local sources put the toll at over 120. The renewed assault follows Donald Trump’s regional tour, where he proposed turning Gaza into a “freedom zone” managed by the US — a revival of an earlier controversial plan that implied permanent displacement of Gaza’s population.

Hamas rejected the idea, calling Gaza an inseparable part of Palestine. Trump’s plan notably excluded Israel, seen as a diplomatic snub to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has pledged to escalate the military campaign to defeat Hamas and rescue 58 hostages.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 52,900, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Nakba Day was marked on Thursday amid ongoing displacement and violence.

What’s Next

The US-backed humanitarian aid plan, involving six distribution hubs guarded by Israeli troops, is set to begin by month’s end — but has faced heavy criticism from the UN and aid groups as unworkable and potentially unlawful. Gulf states have reportedly declined to fund it.

Food and fuel stocks in Gaza are near depletion, with nearly half a million at risk of starvation. Pressure is growing on Israel to ease the blockade, now entering its third month.

Violence also flared in the West Bank, where Israeli forces killed five Palestinians during a raid. A separate shooting killed a pregnant Israeli woman, an attack praised by Hamas though not claimed.

Media Reaction

BBC says US diplomat Marco Rubio the US is “troubled” by the humanitarian situation in Gaza. His comments came as at least 114 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes on Thursday, the broadcaster reports.

Middle East Eye says as Israel unveils its final genocide push, and mass death from starvation looms in Gaza, western media and politicians are tentatively starting to speak up.

CNN says the Israeli military intensified operations across Gaza Thursday, killing more than 100 people, and pledged to continue bombings as US President Donald Trump suggested establishing a “freedom zone” in the enclave.

  • UK Business

UK Business Group Calls for EU Reset Amid Rising Pressures

CliffNotes

  • UK business group calls for EU reset
  • It comes ahead of a UK-EU summit on 19 May
  • CBI’s proposals reflect views from 400+ UK firms

UK Business Group Calls for EU Reset Amid Rising Pressures

What Happened

The UK’s leading business lobbying group, the CBI, is calling for a major reset in relations with the EU, saying the current post-Brexit setup is “no longer fit for purpose”. Ahead of a UK-EU summit on 19 May, the group has urged both sides to rebuild trust and take “practical steps” to reduce red tape, ease staff mobility, and coordinate on climate, defence and energy.

The CBI’s proposals reflect views from 400+ UK firms, and align with EU counterpart BusinessEurope. Key asks include youth mobility schemes, restoration of mutual professional recognition, and cross-border work access.

While the UK has ruled out re-joining the EU or its single market, ministers have shown growing openness to mobility discussions. The government says talks with the EU aim to deliver outcomes “in the national interest”.

What’s Next

The summit in London on 19 May could mark a shift in UK-EU cooperation. Business leaders want momentum for new trade terms and possible defence agreements, though no final deal is expected imminently.

Pressure is mounting to avoid rising costs — especially in Northern Ireland, where new regulations and carbon taxes could cost up to £200m annually. Whether the UK will soften its stance on youth mobility and other EU-linked schemes may become clearer in the weeks following the summit.

Media Reaction 

The Times says France is pushing to freeze Britain out of 85 per cent of a €150 billion military rearmament fund, despite government concessions before a summit with the EU due to be hosted by Sir Keir Starmer on Monday.

The Guardian says EU member states have rejected UK positions on fishing and a youth mobility deal as “tensions mount” before a summit between Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen next week.

BBC asks “Is Britain really inching back towards the EU?” 

The Independent says with the Brexit reset deal due to be unveiled at a summit in London on Monday, the talks have hit late problems with issues on fishing rights, university fees and youth visas raised by EU member states.

UK seeks asylum deal after Albania rejects return hubs | Paper Talk UK

Friday’s newspaper front pages cover the fallout from Albania’s rejection of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s migrant deal. On his first official visit to Albania, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the UK is in talks with other countries to establish overseas “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers.

PAPERS »
Ukrainian charged over arson linked to PM | Paper Talk UK

Several newspaper front pages feature an image of the man arrested in connection with the arson attacks in North London linked to PM Keir Starmer.

A 21-year-old Ukrainian national from Sydenham, southeast London is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

PAPERS »
Hamilton and Russell blast FIA president’s swearing ban U-turn

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have voiced their frustration over the FIA’s recent decision to reverse its controversial ban on swearing by drivers.

PAPERS »

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