After a week of glorious sunshine across the UK, this mornings skies are grey and overcast but there’s no need to have a glum start to your week. Grab yourself a coffee, there’s a lot happening across the UK today from politics to the Premier League.
Spring to end as cold Arctic air is on the way
The UK is set for the arrival of cold Arctic air, bringing an end to the delightful spring-like weather conditions we’ve been treated to all week. Following the brief warm spell, forecasts predict a significant drop in temperatures from Monday.
Following what has been recorded as the hottest day of the year, temperatures are set to fall by 10°C. A 600-mile blizzard has been forecast across the UK, with some places expecting snowfall.
People living near new pylons could get £250 a year off energy bills
People living near power cables could receive £250 a year off their energy bills as the UK government hopes to speed up construction of infrastructure vital to the transition away from fossil fuels.
Households within half a kilometre of new or upgraded power infrastructure could receive up to £2,500 over 10 years under Labour government plans that aim to prevent a backlash against increased building of pylons and substations.
It came as the government also promised to reduce the number of government bodies whose advice is needed for planning applications for housing or for energy.
Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman shot dead in Talbot Green
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 40-year-old woman was shot dead in South Wales. The woman was found with serious injuries just after 6pm on Sunday and died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services. She was discovered in the Green Park area of Talbot Green, a town about 15 miles west of Cardiff. A 42-year-old local man is in police custody.
Man charged after climbing Big Ben’s Elizabeth Tower
A man has been charged after climbing up the tower of Big Ben, the Metropolitan Police has said. The man was carrying a Palestinian flag and remained barefoot on a ledge for more than 16 hours before being lifted to the ground in a cherry picker just after midnight.
Daniel Day, 29, of Palmerston Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, faces charges of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today.
Consultations for building set to be scrapped under proposed changes
Parts of the planning system could be stripped away by the government in its attempts to speed up house building.
Consulting bodies like Sports England, the Theatres Trust and the Garden History Society will no longer be required for those looking to build under the new plans being considered by ministers.
It is hoped a reduction in statutory consultees will reduce the waiting times for projects.
Lawyer investigating Reform UK row contradicts MP Rupert Lowe’s statement
A senior lawyer tasked with investigating allegations against Rupert Lowe has publicly refuted the MP’s claims that she expressed dismay over the process and stated there was no credible evidence against him.
A senior lawyer appointed by Reform UK to investigate allegations against suspended MP Rupert Lowe and his team has denied making comments he has attributed to her.
The Great Yarmouth MP was referred to the police by his party, which accused him of making threats of violence against its chairman.
UK newspapers – What’s happening on the front pages?
A mix of international and domestic news dominates the UK newspapers. For the tabloids, marking the 5th anniversary of the Covid pandemic in the UK is a focus as is the latest from Dancing on Ice and the showbiz world.
Benefit cuts, prison reforms and growing crime rates across the UK also find space on the front pages. The back pages are domianted by last night’s Premier League action and England’s Six Nations victory over Italy.
UK trending story: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
The Premier League title race dominates much of the UK news this morning, as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester United last night.
Much of the punditry criticises Arsenal, as the draw could be seen as them dropping crucial points in the race to win the Premier League. United are struggling down in 14th place, and Arsenal could – and should – have beaten them.