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Labour rebels win as Starmer backs down over benefit cuts – UK second heatwave this weekend – Pound hits four-year high | What Happened Today
Friday’s headlines are dominated by the embarrassing U-turn from the prime minister over benefit cuts. More than 120 Labour MPs were mounting a rebellion over Starmer’s heavy cuts to welfare, which the government’s assessment said could end up pushing 250,000 people into poverty, including children. The PM’s desire to slash the ballooning welfare bill is a bid to save around £5bn a year. But it had caused massive upset as the most vulnerable were facing losing key benefits, including disabled people.

The government confirmed the climbdown will mean those currently receiving PIP or the health elements of Universal Credit will continue to do so, and instead, the planned cuts will only hit future claimants.

The vote will proceed as planned on Tuesday in the Commons and is expected to pass.

Amber health alerts have been issued for parts of England as temperatures are set to rise above 30C, in the second UK heatwave in June this year – don’t forget your sunscreen!

Elsewhere, the news that the pound briefly hit its highest level against the dollar for almost four years after markets were unnerved by a report that Trump could bring forward the naming of a new head of the US central bank.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has offered major concessions to over 120 Labour MPs who threatened to oppose key parts of the welfare reform bill.

Kai West, a 25-year-old British man, has been charged in the US for allegedly leading a global hacking scheme that led to losses exceeding £18 million.

England pulled off another memorable fourth-innings run chase at Headingley to take a 1-0 lead in the series against India.

Summary: – Dragons’ Den star was told she’d ‘amount to nothing’ then scored £60,000 investment Hannah Saunders, a former RAF…

Two Metropolitan Police officers found guilty of gross misconduct during the strip search of a 15-year-old girl, known as Child Q, without an appropriate adult present.

Reform UK would gain 271 seats if a general election was held today according to new polling.

Thursday’s newspaper front pages continue their coverage of the Labour MP rebellion as the prime minister appears to be backing down, at least partially, over the highly controversial Bill.

There are several stories focused on Donald Trump dominating the UK front pages with coverage of the Nato summit. The US president is jubilant over the news that Nato members have agreed to spend 5% of GDP on defence and security. He’s also basking in newfound glory: being labelled ‘daddy’ by the NATO chief Mark Rutte. The US government and media are lapping it up. 

The UK government has decided not to enter formal negotiations with Xlinks for a £25bn renewable energy project aimed at importing solar and wind power from Morocco, potentially meeting 10% of the UK’s electricity demand.

Thursday’s headlines continue their coverage of the prime minister’s defiance over the upcoming benefits cuts bill. The PM says he’ll push ahead with the vote, expected next Tuesday, despite the mounting rebellion, which could seriously damage his premiership. There have been reports that the prime minister has told Labour MPs that if they vote down the bill, they won’t be considered for promotion. Other reports suggest No. 10 is drafting a watered-down bill to appease the critics.

The UK has seen a surge in Chinese imports as businesses seek to avoid the 55% tariff slapped on them by the United States. Economists say it could help the UK ease inflation, but domestic industries warn of being undercut by cheap goods.

A 37-year-old man, who brutally murdered a boy on his walk to school last year, has been found guilty of murder and three counts of attempted murder. Marcus Monzo went on a rampage in North London last year, killing 14-year-old schoolboy Daniel Anjorin with a samurai sword and injuring three others. The judge says he would face a life term when he returns to court for sentencing on Friday.

In happier news, the UK is set for its second heatwave of the month, with temperatures hitting 30C this weekend, just in time for Glastonbury! If you’re heading out and about this weekend, don’t forget your sunblock and shades!!