(Monday 7 July) – Today’s headlines reflect on the 7 July 2005 terrorist attacks in London. The bombings claimed the lives of 52 people and injured more than 800.
Lots is happening in UK politics at the start of the week, with the prime minister potentially facing a new backbench rebellion, threats of NHS strikes and reports on the new left-wing party to be led by Jeremy Corbyn.
The start of the week covers Wimbledon as Cameron Norrie is the only British player left in the tournament.
END OF WEEK REVIEW
British headlines have been dominated by international affairs this week, with the conflict in the Middle East and the G7 leading the way. The week began with the G7 being dominated by the Israel-Iran conflict, and now, by Friday, there are fears the UK could be dragged into Israel’s war in Iran after the United States signalled they could enter the war within weeks.
The G7, though overshadowed by the Middle East, was still a success for the prime minister, who got his UK-US trade ideal signed, whilst forging closer relations with Europe, especially in their response to the Iran-Israel conflict.
The week also saw the UK decriminalise abortion in England and Wales – marking a major shakeup to women’s rights in more than 60 years.
On Friday, MPs will vote on assisted dying – another major milestone for the United Kingdom (if passed). It will head to the Lords after.
The UK has been basking in glorious heat this week, with a confirmed heatwave across Britain. The summer heatwave is set to last until Sunday – so don’t forget your sunscreen!
MIDWEEK UPDATES
What’s been happening this week (so far) – politics, historic votes and heatwaves!
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🇬🇧 Starmer shines at G7 – PM Keir Starmer struck a chord at the summit in Canada, picking up dropped trade deal papers and sealing a pact on cars and aerospace with Trump.
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🤝 UK–US trade deal emerging – A landmark agreement to slash tariffs on UK vehicle and aerospace exports is set for rollout by July, with steel and pharma discussions still ongoing.
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📈 Inflation steady – The UK inflation has held at 3.4% in the year to May. It has come as a bit of a surprise to experts who expected to see a slight dip.
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🏛️ MPs back abortion decriminalisation – In a major shift, Parliament voted overwhelmingly (379–137) to strip criminal penalties for women ending pregnancies outside the legal framework.
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🚂 HS2 delays continue – Progress on the high-speed rail project has hit fresh snags, pushing back crucial segments by a further two years.
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🔥 UK heatwave alert – Temperatures soared this week, prompting health advisories as parts of England face hotter-than-average summer days. The UK is set for another week of heatwaves.
🇬🇧 Monday’s Big UK Brief: Inquiry U‑turns, High‑stakes Spying & Global Tensions
It’s Monday and the UK’s news agenda is buzzing. First up, Keir Starmer has announced a national inquiry into grooming gangs—pressuring councils and police to answer for past cover‑ups, as the NCA gears up to investigate hundreds of cases.
The prime minister is in Canada, joining other world leaders, at this yeat’s G7 summit. The ongoing strikes between Israel and Iran is set to dominate the agenda.