Browsing: What Happened Today in the UK

Good morning! Grab a coffee and let’s dive into the headlines dominating the UK news today. It’s busy on the politics front with Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosting a pivotal summit with EU leaders in London, aiming to reset post-Brexit relations. Meanwhile, charities are increasing pressure on the government to abolish the two-child benefit cap, highlighting its impact on child poverty.

In international news, former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, sparking global concern and an outpouring of well wishes. An attempted terrorist attack on a Palm Springs fertility clinic is also featured heavily in the news as the suspect has been named as 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus.

And in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, resulting in significant casualties amid ongoing ceasefire talks. It comes as Israel agreed to allow a limited amount of food into Gaza to prevent a “starvation crisis” amidst a blockade lasting nearly three months.

On a lighter note, Crystal Palace fans are still celebrating their historic FA Cup victory over Manchester City and Chelsea WFC beat Manchester United to win the Women’s FA Cup – completing the domestic treble.

Friday’s headlines are dominated by the debate around legalising assisted dying in England and Wales (Scotland has its own separate bill). Politicians, health experts and scholars are offering their opinions ahead of Friday’s debate.

The bill passed the first stage of the Commons last November – but since then there have been dozens of amendments added by both sides. A vote to pass or reject the bill is not likely to take place on Friday, but rather in June.

UK businesses are calling on the government to reset relations with the EU ahead of a summit hosted in London next week. More than 400 UK firms have urged the government to take “practical steps” to reduce red tape, ease staff mobility, and coordinate on climate, defence and energy.

On the international front, there’s widespread coverage of the humanitarian crisis facing Gaza as Israel continues to block aid (including food) and continues to heavily bomb the strip. Donald Trump is concluding his tour of the Middle East where he has signed huge investment deals.

Thursday’s headlines see coverage of the government’s plans to ease the pressure on prisons across England and Wales, as a report says prisons will run out of space by November. The government has announced a series of measures which include early release for some offenders as part of the plans to tackle the overcrowding. The government also announced they will build three new prisons – but despite the dire state of the prison system, the plans still might not be enough to tackle the problem.

The UK economy grew unexpectedly in the first three months of 2025 – a major win for the government, especially the chancellor, who’s been under increasing pressure over the state of the economy and the government fiscal plans. The ONS said the growth was driven by the service sector and production. But the joy might be short-lived, the figures mark the period just before the US imposed tariffs.

Much of Wednesday’s headlines are dominated by the news that a man – convicted of the horrific murder of Diane Sindall in 1986, has finally been cleared and freed after new DNA evidence ruled him out.

Peter Sullivan has spent nearly 40 years behind bars in what is believed to be the longest miscarriage of justice involving a living prisoner in British legal history.

A new study has highlighted the benefits of weight-loss drugs beyond tackling obesity in the UK – other benefits include halving the risk of heart attacks and strokes and appearing to protect the heart almost immediately.

Assisted dying is also dominating the UK news this morning with GPs deeply divided on the issue. It comes after the Scottish assisted dying bill passed its first vote at Holyrood.

On the international front, Donald Trump has announced he will lift sanctions on Syria – as he embarks on a whirlwind tour of the Middle East, aimed at securing deals for the US and his private businesses.

Tuesday’s headlines are heavily dominated by the suspicious fires at two homes connected to the prime minister, as well as a car on the street of one of the house fires.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the suspected arson.

The UK’s jobs market is making the headlines as it’s starting to show signs of strain with the number of workers on payroll falling during the opening months of 2025.

High street chain Marks & Spencer has suffered a serious cyber attack, resulting in the theft of customers’ personal data, although payment details and passwords remain secure.

On the international front, Trump is touring the Middle East to secure multi-billion-dollar agreements, including arms sales and investments, with Gulf leaders.

Monday’s headlines are leading with the prime minister’s announcement on his plans to crack down on legal migration to the UK – with measures that include banning overseas care home workers. It’s unclear how these measures won’t damage the economy further, but Starmer’s eyeing up a second term in office, and to beat Reform at the next general election (2029) he’ll need to have made massive moves on immigration (legal and illegal). Recent local elections in England saw Reform sweep traditional Labour and Tory hotspots, meaning you can expect to see both parties move closer to the right for the foreseeable future.

Friday’s UK headlines continued to be dominated by the deal struck between the US and the UK yesterday – though nothing has been signed and it was incredibly light on details.

The prime minister is facing so internal turmoil over his proposed welfare cuts with Labour MPs preparing a rebellion. The government won’t be at risk of defeat due to their large majority, but a rebellion could highlight the levels of discontent within the party.

A new Pope has been chosen and it’s a US-born pontiff who will use the name Pope Leo XIV. Donald Trump’s hard-right supporters are having a meltdown of what they see as a ‘lefty looney’ being appointed.

In sports, both Manchester United and Spurs are through to the final of the Europa League meaning we’ll have an all-English final – both clubs desperately need to win in order to salvage a very poor season for both.

It’s trade deals galore for the prime minister after yesterday’s announcement that Britain had signed a trade deal with India, the prime minister is set to announce a UK-US trade deal later today. The news is a huge win for both Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves who have been under pressure since taking office over the handling of the economy!

Experts are suggesting that the devil is in the details – and it’s likely to be more of a temporary pause on some tariffs rather than a long-term trade agreement. But still, with the world queuing up for a trade deal, getting in their first will no doubt be a boost for the PM and his struggling government.

What happened today in the UK? UK and India agree trade deal – PM refuses to scrap cuts to winter…

Today’s news is dominated by yesterday’s commemoration of VE Day – as Europe marks 80 years of the end of WW2. There’s plenty of coverage of the royals – and their role in the celebrations and a look ahead at what other events are taking place across the country this week.