What’s dominating the UK news today? From domestic politics to international war to a planned massacre in Luton to the UK’s hottest day of the year (potentially) – there’s a lot happening today, so grab a coffee – here’s your daily news breakdown.
Cliffnotes
- Spring Statement: There’s plenty of coverage of next week’s Spring Statement, to be announced by the chancellor, with more cuts expected.
- Killer Nicholas Prosper: The triple murderer was stopped from carrying out a massacre at his former school.
- Gender debate: There are several reports on biological sex and gender today.
- Trump’s up to no good: There are various stories about the US President this morning, from an economic slowdown to plans to take over Ukriane’s energy resources.
Spring Statement to Bring Biggest Cuts Since Austerity
Thursday’s headlines cover the upcoming Spring Statement that will be announced next week by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The general response is to expect major spending cuts – just days after the government announced a massive shakeup to the welfare system, including big cuts that aim to save the government £5bn a year.
- The Guardian says the chancellor will announce the “biggest spending cuts since austerity” after ruling out tax rises as a way to close the budget deficit.
- The i newspaper says Rachel Reeves will restrict spending on benefits and Whitehall departments rather than raising taxes to balance the public finances.
- The National Scot says Anas Sarwar has stayed silent on Labour’s cuts as Labour MSPs push to block DWP cuts.
- City AM says PM has been accused of “plotting stealth taxes” after he failed to repeat Rachel Reeves’ pledge to unfreeze income tax thresholds.
- The Daily Mail complains about the government’s announcement earlier in the week to fix the welfare system. The paper says those wanting to get off benefits will face a lack of jobs.
Massacre Mission Stopped
Nicholas Prosper murdered his mother, brother and sister before being “arrested by chance” on his way to carry out a massacre at his former school. He had planned the massacre because he wanted to be the most infamous school shooter in history. Yesterday, the 19-year-old was sentenced to a minimum of 49 years for the triple murders of his own family.
- The Metro says he idolised Sandy Hook gunman Adam Lanza and had planned to target his old school, aiming to kill 34 people – one more than the US’s deadliest shooting at Virginia Tech.
- The Daily Express says the “evil” killer was “forced to hear his fate” after the judge ordered him to stop “cowering in his cell.” The paper praises the judge’s decision.
- The Daily Telegraph says gun laws in Britain will change in the wake of the case, compelling sellers of firearms to inform police before they hand over weapons to buyers.
Gender Debate
There are several stories in the UK media this morning regarding biological sex and gender. The stories stem from an independent review into sex and gender data collection.
- The Daily Mail says an independent review finds that biological sex has been “erased from official data”. Crime and health records are instead listing a person’s gender.
- The Daily Telegraph says criminals are “free to pick their own gender” because the governing is “refusing to force police to record biological sex.”
UK’s Hottest Day of the Year
The sun is out across Britain and we’re living for it!
- The Guardian says Spring equinox could bring warmest UK day of 2025.
- Sky News says according to Met Office forecasts, Britons are set to enjoy temperatures of 21C (69.8F) – which is expected to be hotter than both Ibiza and Corfu.
- The Times says don’t get used to spring warmth and sunshine — come the weekend, rain pushes in and temperatures fall.
Trump calls Zelensky, Ukraine latest and stocks
The US President continues to dominate news across the world.
- The Times reports on the phone call between Trump and Zelensky yesterday. Trump suggested that America takes over nuclear power plants controlled by Kyiv saying it would give the country the best protection. The paper says Trump has moved on from the minerals deal.
- The Guardian suggests the first conversation between the pair since their public spat has helped turn a page in relations. Ukraine officials say they are now on “sounder footing” with the Trump administration.
- The FT reports on Trump’s tariffs saying the US Federal Reserve has slashed its growth forecast as the tariffs have “cast a shadow” over the economy.