Browsing: UK benefits cuts

Wednesday’s UK news continues to be dominated by the government’s welfare bill after ministers made last-minute concessions to avoid a possible defeat.

The bill passed by 335 votes to 260 – but 49 Labour MPs still voted against the government, while 18 others abstained.

The headlines react to the news that yesterday was the UK’s hottest day of the year so far as Britain battles a second heatwave of the summer. St James’s Park in London saw England’s hottest temperature reach 34.7C. Temperatures are set to cool down across the UK on Wednesday.

The Labour government has made major concessions on its flagship welfare reform bill in a bid to defuse an internal rebellion, particularly around Personal Independence Payment (PIP) changes.

Cliff Notes Sir Keir Starmer’s welfare bill, despite facing a significant rebellion from 49 Labour MPs, passed its first hurdle…

Rebel Labour MPs received a last-minute concession concerning the welfare bill, ensuring changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility will only follow the completion of the Timms review, due in autumn 2026.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell criticises the government’s welfare reforms as “Dickensian,” urging colleagues to oppose a bill she believes fails to protect the poor.

Tuesday’s front pages are dominated by the proposed welfare bill that MPs will vote on this Tuesday. It’s set to be a tough day for the prime minister as Labour MPs are still considering rebelling over the bill, despite the PM making huge concessions and watering down his controversial plans to trim the ballooning benefits cost.

Several papers continue their coverage of the Glastonbury row after police announced they would open an inquiry into Bob Vylan and Kneecap performances, with punk duo Bob Vylan chanting “death to IDF” and Kneecap calling for a riot. There are further calls for the BBC boss to be punished for streaming the controversial Bob Vylan set despite the chants.

There are a handful of standalone stories, including reports that British doctors and nurses will be prioritised as part of a 10-year plan to curb the number of international hires. The death of Vivienne leads one of the newspapers after new details have emerged, and another paper leads with a report into the treatment of those in care homes during the pandemic.

Many of the newspapers feature images of yesterday’s Wimbledon action, including British tennis star Emma Raducanu’s win. The ongoing UK heatwave finds plenty of space on the front pages, as the country continues to sweat and more health warnings are issued.

Tuesday’s headlines look ahead to the Commons vote on the government’s welfare bill, set to take place later today. It’s set to be a busy day for the prime minister, who could still face a rebellion of sorts with some Labour rebels suggesting they want more concessions on the plans before they cast their vote. The Tories have already announced they’ll be voting against the government’s bill.

Energy prices will fall from Tuesday for 21 million households in England, Scotland and Wales, but uncertainty remains over whether costs will stay down for winter.

The ongoing heatwave sweeping the UK and Europe continues to dominate the headlines as Brits rush out to enjoy some glorious sunshine! (Stay safe!!)

Despite its U-turn on its controversial welfare reforms last week, the prime minister will still face a test to his leadership when MPs vote today on his welfare reform bill.

(Thursday, 3 July 2025) – The death of Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota dominates UK and global headlines. The Premier League, the FA and Liverpool are amongst those offering condolences after he died aged 28 in a car accident in Spain.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s tearful appearance at PMQs on Wednesday sparked concerns, with many seeing her tears as a sign she was about to lose her job. It caused market panic. No. 10 has since said it was a personal matter. PMQs came after Labour got their welfare bill passed, after making huge concessions. It’s been the story that’s dominated much of the news this week.

The Glastonbury row and the UK heatwave dominated much of the news at the beginning of the week.

The UK’s second heatwave of the year is set to peak this Monday with temperatures hitting over 34C. The heatwave is affecting much of the country, with major events such as Glastonbury and Wimbledon issuing warnings that could see people being forced to leave early.

The headlines continue to cover the controversy at Glastonbury after punk duo Bob Vylan’s chants of “death, death to the IDF” during the duo’s performance. The performance, along with Irish band Kneecap, will not be available to stream online.

Wimbledon kicks off today, with the headlines reporting on the record number of British tennis players in the world-famous tournament.

There is some continued coverage of the prime minister’s U-turn on the benefits row. The PM backed down from his harsh welfare reforms, making some huge concessions to appease the Labour backbenchers who were mounting a rebellion.