Browsing: What Happened Today in the UK

Friday is heating up across the UK, with a new heatwave in full swing, temperatures are set to creep into the 30s this weekend. Health alerts have been issued for many parts of the country, with the sweltering conditions expected to linger into the start of next week.

The week ends with a big political win for the prime minister after getting his migrant deal with France over the line. The one in, one out deal, though criticised by the opposition parties, will reduce illegal crossings to the UK. The deal is set to come into effect within weeks, and is a nice distraction for Starmer after weeks of chaos over policy.


In some tough news for the chancellor, the UK economy shrank unexpectedly in May, according to the latest official figures, contracting for the second month in a row. It’s a blow for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with the government having made boosting economic growth its key priority.

Wimbledon and the Lionesses dominate the sports pages, with all Brits out of the Championship and the Lionesses set to face Wales in a must-win match on Sunday!

Thursday’s headlines report on Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to the UK, as a migrant returns deal is set to be struck between France and the UK. Under the plans, for every migrant sent back, France would send an asylum seeker to the UK – possibly one with a family connection to Britain.

The English media assesses England’s Lionesses’ performance last night as they thrashed the Dutch to get their Euro campaign up and running, after a 2-1 loss to France in their opening game.

A five-day doctors’ strike has been confirmed, causing concern for a difficult summer ahead for the NHS. Tens of thousands of appointments are set to be cancelled as doctors demand a 29% pay rise to reverse real-terms pay cuts since 2008–09.

Tuesday’s headlines feature a variety of domestic and international news, with French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK leading the way. It marks the first time an EU leader has had a full state visit to the UK since Brexit. Macron and his wife Brigitte will be welcomed by the King and Camilla for a state banquet. The three-day state visit will see discussions regarding illegal crossings of the channel.

The public inquiry into the Southport murders is set to begin, with the families of the three murdered schoolgirls demanding “real change”.

Tuesday will also mark a major milestone in the long road to justice for the victims of the Post Office IT scandal following a far-reaching inquiry. Part of a final report is set to be published and will focus on compensation and the human impact of the scandal.

There’s good news for local Premier League fans, as MPs could be set to vote on a plan to make at least 10 Premier League matches available on free-to-air television each season.

It’s heating up across the UK again this Tuesday, with temperatures creeping up to the 30s by the end of the week, with a third UK heatwave of the summer on the way.

The UK headlines this Monday morning all lead with the 20th anniversary of the July 7 2005, terror attacks across London. The attacks killed 52 people and injured more than 700. The headlines ask whether Britain is really any safer now than 20 years ago, and some look at what life in the UK is like for British Muslims. Many publications speak to the survivors and the relatives of the victims.

The headlines roll out as the tributes roll in, with the prime minister and King Charles leading the tributes.

Elsewhere, a new COVID-19 variant is spreading across the UK, and there are fears of a new NHS doctors’ strike amid calls for a pay rise.

In international news, the UK media continues its coverage of the flash flooding in Texas, which has killed at least 81 people, including children. There’s ongoing coverage of the Trump-Musk spat as the world’s wealthiest man launches his own political party in the USA to take on the Democrats and Republicans.

Israel continues to attack Gaza, with at least 38 killed on Sunday. It comes amid ceasefire talks and as Israel’s Netanyahu prepares to head to the USA for a meeting with Donald Trump.

Thursday’s headlines are dominated by analysis over Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s tearful appearance at yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Questions. As the PM faced questions at the dispatch box, he was asked if the Chancellor would remain in post and appeared to avoid answering. The Chancellor was seen crying behind him. Starmer has since said he backs the chancellor completely and she will not be replaced.

The chancellor’s tears caused some panic in the market, leading to a multi-billion-pound sell-off. There is further analysis of Starmer’s grip on his party, as some Labour MPs want a cabinet reshuffle.

The prime minister will set out a 10-year plan for a “neighbourhood health service” in England this morning, in a move he’ll surely be hoping will deflect attention from his chancellor.

Four people have been charged by counter-terrorism police over a break-in at RAF Brize Norton last month, during which military planes were damaged. It comes as MPs voted to ban Palestine Action under anti-terror laws.

In sports news, Emma Raducanu is having a great time at Wimbledon, and the Lionesses and the Welsh women’s team are preparing for their opening Euro 2025 matches.

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.

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!!)

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!!