Wednesday is set to be another scorcher with the sun already blaring across the capital the soaring heat is expected all week across the UK. Most of us have our fingers crossed that the heat will last all weekend too – but until then let’s get down to business!
So grab a coffee and let’s take a quick look at the headlines dominating the UK news this morning.
What’s dominating the UK news this morning?
There’s quite a variety on offer this morning, from international to domestic politics, royal and celebrity news as well as the latest from the courts.
UK joins US in striking Houthi targets: On the international front, the UK has joined the US in striking Houthi targets in Yemen for the first time since Donald Trump was re-elected.
US-Canada politics takes centre stage: There are ongoing reactions to Mark Carney being elected as Canada’s prime minister as well as publications and experts giving their verdict on Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office.
Tony Blair calls for rethink of net zero: Closer to home, former Prime Minister Tony Blair is back in the headlines after he warned that there needs to be a radical rethink of net zero policies, arguing that limiting energy consumption and fossil fuel production is “doomed to fail.” Many feel his comments echo Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
UK temperatures soar: The UK is set for near-heatwave temperatures this week (and it is all we’re talking about!) but with that have come warnings about potential wildfires as temperatures are expected to keep rising and forecasters predict we could see the hottest start to May on record.
Leeds man launches violent attack: A man who was being investigated by counter-terror police over a crossbow and firearm attack, that severely injured two women, has died in hospital. Owen Lawrence, 38, was found with a self-inflicted injury after he unleashed his attack. Evidence so far appears he was linked to far-right ideas and conspiracy theories.
Kneecap backlash: Irish rap group Kneecap continues to face backlash over comments they made about killing MPs and their apparent support for Hamas and Hezbollah – designated terrorist groups in Ireland. The band apologises to family members of two murdered MPs and has said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah – but the group are being dropped from festivals this summer.
Champions League latest: In sports, PSG beat Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. The Gunners will head to PSG for the second leg next week.
UK joins US in striking Houthi targets
- Sky News reports the MoD confirmed the strikes took place on Tuesday as part of the government’s response to Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
- GB News highlights the UK has voiced its support for US action “after the Iran-backed terror group, who have also launched strikes against Israel, threatened freedom of navigation in the Red Sea” in November 2023 by “striking international ships and killing innocent merchant mariners.”
- The Daily Express says the UK joining the US is “breaking from the US’s tight-lipped approach”, which has seen over 800 strikes since March 15 with scant details shared.
US-Canada politics takes centre stage
- The FT says Mark Carney is preparing for talks with Donald Trump after winning the election on the “back of Canadians’ resentment of American tariffs and Trump’s threats to their sovereignty.”
- BBC News says the US president has congratulated Carney and the “two leaders have agreed to meet in the near future.”
- The Independent says whilst Donald Trump congratulated Mark Carney on his election win it “does not affect President Trump’s plan to make Canada America’s cherished 51st state”.
- Politico reports that the Canadian conservative leader lost his seat in the Monday election to “cap off a stunning electoral meltdown”. The publication says the campaign was upended by a backlash to Donald Trump – and his threats – which sparked a “stunning liberal resurgence.”
Tony Blair calls for rethink of net zero
- The Independent reports Labour has responded to former PM Tony Blair’s criticism of Starmer’s government over their net zero policies noting the UK is already investing in carbon capture and AI for climate action.
- The Daily Telegraph calls Blair’s comments a “significant intervention” as the former prime minister says politicians must face “inconvenient facts” that “present policy solutions are inadequate”. The paper says his “language echoes that of Kemi Badenoch.”
- The Daily Mail highlights the belief that the push for Net Zero has become “irrational” and “hysterical” and the warning that those who critique how much green energy costs must not be dismissed as ‘climate deniers.’
- The Spectator has really highlighted the fact that the former Labour prime minister has called a Labour government policy ‘irrational.’ It reports a lot of current political leaders would like to say the same but are scared of being labelled ‘deniers’, according to the former PM.
UK temperatures soar
- BBC News reports Yorkshire is preparing for what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far, with records highlighting the region has endured its driest combined February, March and April for almost 90 years.
- The Daily Mirror says to get your sunscreen ready as forecasters say London could sizzle at 27C on Wednesday, whilst Thursday could break records with temperatures going beyond 30C in some areas.
- LBC says Wednesday and Thursday look set to be the warmest days of the week, with 27C expected “quite widely”, most likely in London, Berkshire, Hampshire, and possibly Kent and East Anglia.
Leeds man launches violent attack dies
- The Daily Express says the ‘crossbow rampage attacker’ Owen ‘OZ’ Lawrence died after ‘blasting himself in the head at point-blank range with an air rifle.’ The paper says the 38-year-old far-right extremist turned the gun on himself after attempting to launch a “massacre” in Leeds.
- BBC News says the suspect wrote a “hate-filled online manifesto” hours before he launched the attack in Leeds.
- The New York Times says British police are reviewing two Facebook accounts associated with him as the paper says the attack suspect voiced “racist and misogynist views.”
Kneecap backlash
- The Belfast Telegraph speaks to the widower of murdered Labour politician Jo Cox who said he didn’t believe the group’s apology is genuine revealing he initially believed their remarks were taken out of context – until he watched the footage.
- The Guardian says Brendan Cox said the rap trio offered “half an apology” after criticism of comments in which they appear to call for politicians to be killed.
- The Irish News reports the band have had their Germany dates cancelled amid the continuing backlash over the footage.
Arsenal 0-1 PSG – Champions League latest
- The Daily Telegraph reports that PSG’s 20 minutes of “perfection” leaves Arsenal with a mountain to climb when they play the away match next week.
- The Standard reports Arsenal face an uphill battle to reach the Champions League final after losing 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their semi-final.
- Mail Sport says Arsenal fans are having a “meltdown as their Champions League dream is left in tatters by PSG.”