Browsing: featured

Dame Harriet Harman suggests that government whips may be overestimating the number of Labour MPs rebelling against welfare cuts as a tactic for “expectation management”.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump’s ban on transgender military personnel, citing potential “irreparable harm” to service members.

Cliff Notes – US revoked around 300 visas in crackdown on students — Rubio US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration…

King Charles III has cancelled engagements for Thursday and Friday due to health concerns, acting on medical advice. The palace confirmed that his diary programme will also be rescheduled as a precautionary measure.

Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, conducted his first bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting a shift in diplomatic relations following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Diego Maradona experienced significant suffering for at least 12 hours before his death, with forensic experts asserting that any doctor should have recognised his deteriorating condition days prior.

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, acknowledges Donald Trump’s significant role in altering the global security landscape, particularly since the war in Ukraine began.

Serbian ambassador Goran Aleksic urges critics to await the outcomes of an investigation into allegations of an illegal sonic weapon used at a recent anti-government protest in Belgrade.

A 60-year-old woman, Karen Spragg, has been charged with stalking Madeleine McCann’s family, facing one count of causing serious alarm or distress.

Argentina has demonstrated its capability to win without Lionel Messi, securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup after defeating Brazil 4-1 and Uruguay 1-0.

Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for a “reassurance force” to support Ukraine lacks unanimous support among European allies, with only some nations willing to participate.

Four Real Madrid players, including Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, are under investigation by UEFA for alleged “indecent conduct” during a Champions League match against Atlético Madrid on March 12.

A partial solar eclipse will occur on Saturday, 29 March, visible in the UK from 9:56 am to 12:14 pm, peaking at around 11:03 am.

Cliff Notes – One of the raunchiest TV moments of 2024 could win a Bafta TV moments of 2024 could win a Bafta The Oscars…

Sky has announced that 2,000 jobs at its customer service centres are at risk, impacting 7% of its workforce, with the closure of three UK sites under consultation.

Cliff Notes A 50-year-old man was killed after a confrontation between two drivers led to one of them striking the other with a vehicle in…

UEFA Women’s Champions League Quarter-finals fixtures – English clubs Chelsea and Manchester City face-off at Stamford Bridge

Two teenagers aged 18 and 19 have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal crash in Edgware.

Happy Thursday! Today’s newspaper front pages are, unsurprisingly, dominated by yesterday’s Spring Statement. It’s a tough read for the chancellor this morning as the newspapers round on her plans with accusations that her time will soon be up as chancellor, that she’s returning Britain to austerity and that the poor will be hit the hardest – when it should be the wealthy taxed. 

Economic growth in doubt – Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement, several newspapers highlight the OBR’s warning that the Chancellor’s plans for economic growth could be wiped out by the global trade war as Donald Trump continues to issue further tariff threats.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has halved the 2025 economic growth forecast to 1%, down from 2%. Despite these austerity measures, the tax burden is projected to reach a record 37.7% of the GDP by 2027-28.

Recent welfare cuts are projected to push tens of thousands of children into poverty, disproportionately affecting low-income families and those with disabilities.

Spring Statement 2025 reaction – Thursday’s headlines are reacting to yesterday’s Spring Statement delivered by the chancellor. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced significant measures to address the UK’s economic challenges. Key points include a £14 billion plan involving cuts to welfare payments (£4.8 billion) and departmental spending (£3.6 billion) to fix public finances. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has halved the 2025 economic growth forecast to 1%, down from 2%. Despite these austerity measures, the tax burden is projected to reach a record 37.7% of the GDP by 2027-28. Additionally, a £3.25 billion Transformation Fund was introduced to drive efficiencies across government departments.

Following the chancellor’s update on the economy, Donald Trump announced new import taxes of 25% on cars and car parts coming into America in a move that threatened to widen the global trade war.

Riek Machar, South Sudan’s First Vice President, was arrested by armed forces at his residence, sparking condemnation from his party over the government’s unconstitutional actions.

Unprecedented anti-Hamas protests in northern Gaza saw hundreds of Palestinians demanding an end to the war, chanting slogans like “We don’t want war” and “Out Hamas.”

Forth Valley Royal Hospital experienced a 70-minute power outage due to backup generator failure during Storm Eowyn, raising concerns over patient safety and hospital preparedness.