Browsing: UK Heatwave

Starmer guts welfare reform to avert defeat in Commons | Wednesday’s newspapers
Wednesday’s newspaper front pages lead with the prime minister’s further concessions on his controversial welfare reforms. The late changes came ahead of the House of Commons vote to avoid an embarrassing defeat. The bill passed by 335 votes to 260.

The UK heatwave and Wimbledon find space on the front pages as tennis stars sizzled in the record-breaking temperatures.

The sports papers look ahead to this summer’s Women’s Euros as the Lionesses prepare to defend their crown.

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 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.

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.

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!!

Friday’s UK headlines are dominated by the upcoming vote in the House of Commons on assisted dying. The End of Life Bill would allow terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to get medical assistance to end their own lives. MPs will have one final debate before the vote takes place this afternoon. If approved, it will go to the House of Lords for scrutiny, but if MPs do not support it, it will fail.

UK, French and German foreign ministers will hold talks with their Iranian counterparts in Geneva today as part of efforts to ease the Israel-Iran conflict. Ahead of the meeting, David Lammy says “a window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution”.

The UK’s ongoing heatwave is a hot topic today, with temperatures set to rise above 30C for a second day running. Heat alerts have been issued as the heat gripping the nation is set to last until Sunday.

Wednesday’s headlines continue to be dominated by the latest from the Middle East as Donald Trump appears to signal US troops could be entering the war. The potential arrival of the Americans comes as Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear energy sites.

The G7 summit has ended, with Donald Trump leaving early and skipping the arrival of Ukraine’s Zelenskyy – commentators suggest a calculated move from the US president, who continues to cosy up to Russia’s Putin. Much of the summit’s key talking points were sidelined due to the Israel-Iran war.

A little closer to home, MPs have overwhelmingly voted to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales, a milestone moment, that marks the biggest change to abortion laws for nearly 60 years.

The UK is set to enjoy a heatwave this week, with temperatures reportedly hitting 33C in England. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, telling the public to make sure they remain safe.

The HS2 railway project is set to be delayed beyond the target date of 2033, according to a report from the BBC. The transport secretary is expected to tell Parliament on Wednesday that there is no way to deliver the railway line on schedule and within budget.

New stats show that UK inflation has held at 3.4% in the year to May. It’s come as a bit of a surprise, as many analysts expected to see a bit of a dip, owing to the impact of the timing of Easter on transport costs.

Liverpool have clinched the Premier League title in spectacular fashion, delighting fans across the city and beyond. Meanwhile, the UK is bracing for an intense heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to soar well above seasonal averages. In politics, the upcoming local elections could see notable gains for Reform UK, as dissatisfaction with the main parties fuels growing support for smaller challengers.