Sir Keir Starmer defends the government's decision to cut winter fuel payments for many pensioners, despite criticism from both his party and the opposition. The change affects around nine million pensioners, restricting payments to only the poorest, and has partly been blamed for Labour's poor election performance.
Key Facts
The UK government cut winter fuel payments for many pensioners, limiting it to those who qualify for pension credit and other income-related benefits.
This change aims to save the government £1.4 billion.
Approximately nine million pensioners no longer qualify for the payment, which is between £200 and £300.
A group of about 45 Labour MPs from northern England and the Midlands, along with senior figures like the Welsh First Minister, oppose the cuts.
The decision has been partly blamed for Labour's losses in recent local elections, including losing council seats and a by-election.
The government insists the policy will not change, defending it as necessary for stabilizing finances.
Winter fuel payments help pensioners with energy costs during colder months.
There are calls from both within and outside Labour for a policy reversal, with concerns about its impact on vulnerable pensioners.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggested changing the offside rule so attackers are onside if any part of their body is in line with the last defender. This proposal aims to help attackers by giving them an advantage that some people think was lost with the introduction of video technology for referees. Trials of this new rule are happening, with a decision possibly in 2026.
Key Facts
Arsene Wenger proposed changing the offside rule to benefit attackers.
Currently, players are offside if any part of their body, except hands and arms, is beyond the last defender.
Wenger's idea is similar to a rule change made after the 1990 World Cup to increase goals.
Trials for this rule change are being conducted by FIFA, the world football governing body.
The International Football Association Board (Ifab) will make the final decision on changing the rule.
The decision on the offside rule change could be made in 2026.
Major European leagues use semi-automated technology to help with offside decisions.
The goal of the rule change trials is to promote more attacking football and create more opportunities for scoring goals.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mikel Arteta mentioned that Arsenal had more points in previous seasons than Liverpool when they won the title this year. Liverpool won the Premier League with 82 points, but they might still end up with more than Arsenal's previous tallies of 89 and 84 points. Arsenal is currently in second place and is trying to reach the Champions League final by overcoming a previous loss to Paris St-Germain.
Key Facts
Mikel Arteta is Arsenal's manager.
Liverpool won the Premier League title with 82 points so far.
Arsenal had 89 points last season and 84 points the season before.
Arsenal is 15 points behind Liverpool in the current season standings.
Arsenal will play against Paris St-Germain to try to reach the Champions League final.
Arsenal last won a major trophy, the FA Cup, in 2020.
Inter Milan will face the winner of the Arsenal vs. PSG match in the Champions League final.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The government has announced a shortlist of five designs for a new memorial to honor Queen Elizabeth II, which will be built in St James's Park, London. The public will be asked to give their opinions on these designs, and the winning design will be selected later this year.
Key Facts
Five designs have been shortlisted for a Queen Elizabeth II memorial in London.
The memorial will be located in St James's Park, close to existing statues of royal family members.
Three designs feature Queen Elizabeth on horseback, reflecting her love for horses.
Some designs include recordings of the Queen's voice and sculptures of lilies.
An oak tree is part of one design, symbolizing Queen Elizabeth's strength.
The public will have a say in choosing between traditional and experimental designs.
The project budget is estimated between £23 million and £46 million, depending on the design chosen.
The memorial aims to include community projects and facilities, similar to past legacy schemes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bella Ramsey, known for roles in "The Last of Us" and other TV shows, supports keeping separate award categories for male and female actors to ensure women receive recognition. However, Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary, highlights the challenge this poses for non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals, as they do not fit neatly into these categories.
Key Facts
Bella Ramsey is known for their roles in "The Last of Us," "Game of Thrones," and more.
Ramsey identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.
They support keeping separate male and female award categories to recognize women.
Ramsey questions how non-binary performers fit into traditional award categories.
Some award shows have moved to gender-neutral categories, like the MTV and Brit Awards.
The Oscars are considering merging the best actor and actress categories into one.
Ramsey feels conflicted about being labeled as an actress but does not find it insulting.
The entertainment industry is debating on how to categorize awards inclusively for non-binary individuals.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jack McGowan and his wife Kathryn had a wedding in Northern Ireland with 95 bridesmaids. This is much more than the usual number in the UK, which is about three to five. They included many of Kathryn's dance school students as bridesmaids, making for a memorable event.
Key Facts
Jack and Kathryn got married at Larchfield Estate in Northern Ireland.
They had 95 bridesmaids, mostly from Kathryn's dance school.
The typical number of bridesmaids in a UK wedding is between three and five.
There were about 250 guests at the wedding, and 38% of them were bridesmaids.
The bridesmaids were aged between six and 40 years old.
Jack had eight groomsmen at the wedding.
Kathryn organized the bridesmaids' color scheme, and they picked their own dresses.
The day proceeded smoothly, with the bridesmaids efficiently arranging themselves.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Alicia Vikander returns to the stage after 17 years for a new UK theatre production of Ibsen's "The Lady from the Sea" at London's Bridge Theatre. This will be her first time performing on stage as an adult.
Key Facts
Alicia Vikander is a Swedish actress known for films like "Tomb Raider" and "The Danish Girl."
Vikander has not performed in the theatre since she was a teenager, 17 years ago.
She will star in a production of "The Lady from the Sea" by playwright Henrik Ibsen.
The play will run for eight weeks at London's Bridge Theatre starting 10 September.
Simon Stone adapted and will direct the play, which also features actor Andrew Lincoln.
In the play, Vikander will play Ellida, a character torn between her husband and a former lover.
Vikander's mother, Maria Fahl, was a stage actress, and Vikander grew up around theatre.
This production is Vikander's debut in the UK theatre scene.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
US President Donald Trump suggested that allowing Russia to participate in the 2026 World Cup could motivate the country to end the war in Ukraine. The Russian football team is currently banned from international play due to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Trump mentioned this idea during a World Cup taskforce meeting.
Key Facts
The Russian national football team is banned from international competitions by Fifa and Uefa due to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
President Trump proposed that reinstating Russia for the 2026 World Cup might encourage them to stop the war.
Trump made these comments at the first meeting of his administration's 2026 World Cup taskforce.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Russia is currently banned but expressed hope for peace.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
US Vice President JD Vance emphasized that international fans must return home after the World Cup.
The World Cup will include 78 matches hosted in the US, with an anticipated two million overseas visitors.
The Fifa Club World Cup will also take place in the US, serving as a practice run for the World Cup's logistics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Criminals in England and Wales who do not show up for their sentencing could get an extra two years in prison under a new bill. This change aims to ensure that offenders face the results of their actions and cannot opt-out of their court responsibilities.
Key Facts
A new bill proposes adding two more years of prison for criminals who skip sentencing in England and Wales.
This bill gives judges extra power to ensure offenders face the consequences of their crimes.
The bill applies to cases in Crown Court, even if the offender is removed for bad behavior.
Convicts already serving life sentences might lose certain privileges if they do not attend sentencing.
Sabina Nessa’s murderer did not attend his sentencing, prompting her sister to campaign for the law change.
The bill needs approval from MPs and the House of Lords before it can become law.
Zara Aleena was murdered in June 2022, and her killer did not attend his sentencing, which led to family members supporting the bill.
Current measures exist to make people attend court, but the new bill aims to strengthen this.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will drive for the Alpine Formula 1 team for the next five races, replacing Jack Doohan. The team will assess Colapinto's performance during these races before deciding on their driver lineup for future events.
Key Facts
Franco Colapinto is replacing Jack Doohan at Alpine for the next five races in Formula 1.
Colapinto raced for Williams in nine races last year before joining Alpine.
He will drive alongside Pierre Gasly, starting with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on May 16-18.
The team will evaluate performances again before the British Grand Prix on July 4-6.
Jack Doohan has not scored any points for Alpine so far this season.
Alpine considers the next few races as a way to test and evaluate their drivers.
Doohan will continue as the team’s first-choice reserve driver during Colapinto's races.
The team's principal, Oliver Oakes, resigned, and Flavio Briatore will take over his responsibilities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Government officials have been asked to present new evidence in an ongoing inquiry about slow compensation payments related to the infected blood scandal in the UK. This scandal involved over 30,000 people who contracted HIV and hepatitis C from contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s.
Key Facts
Over 30,000 people in the UK received contaminated blood and became infected with HIV and hepatitis C during the 1970s and 1980s.
The scandal has been described as the biggest treatment disaster in the history of the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
People with haemophilia, a condition where blood does not clot properly, were mainly affected by contaminated blood products.
About 1,250 people with bleeding disorders in the UK developed HIV and hepatitis C, including 380 children.
Around 2,900 people are thought to have died due to infections from contaminated blood products.
The inquiry reported that the risks were known as early as 1948, but full information was not disclosed to patients.
The UK government has allocated £11.8 billion for compensation to victims and formed the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to manage payments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan over the region of Kashmir has led to multiple wars and ongoing tensions. Both nations, which are nuclear-armed, claim the territory but only control parts of it. Disagreements over the region's future and events such as militant attacks have continued to fuel unrest.
Key Facts
India and Pakistan have fought wars over Kashmir in 1947, 1965, and a limited conflict in 1999.
Kashmir is a diverse region known for its natural beauty and strategic importance.
In 1947, the local ruler of Kashmir decided to join India after an invasion, leading to initial conflict with Pakistan.
The United Nations suggested a vote to decide Kashmir's allegiance, but it never occurred due to disagreements.
Both India and Pakistan claim the entire region, but each controls only parts of Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir are predominantly Muslim, making it unique in India.
An armed resistance against Indian rule began in 1989, resulting in many deaths.
India accuses Pakistan of supporting militants in Kashmir, a claim Pakistan denies.
In 2019, India revoked Kashmir's semi-autonomous status, leading to increased tensions.
India and Pakistan agreed on a ceasefire in 2003, but violence has flared up repeatedly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In an interview with Nick Robinson, Joe Biden discussed the pressure from Donald Trump on Ukraine to give up land to Russia, describing it as a form of modern appeasement.
Key Facts
Joe Biden gave an interview to Nick Robinson on the Today programme.
Biden talked about pressure from Donald Trump on Ukraine regarding territory.
Biden described Trump's actions as "modern-day appeasement."
The interview lasted 7 minutes.
The programme was first shown on May 7, 2025.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The British and Irish Lions, a rugby team touring Australia this summer, will announce their squad soon. Head coach Andy Farrell will choose around 37 players from an initial list of 75. Maro Itoje is considered a leading candidate to be the team captain.
Key Facts
The British and Irish Lions rugby team will announce their squad on Thursday.
Head coach Andy Farrell started with a list of 75 potential players.
The final squad will include about 37 players.
Maro Itoje, a rugby player, is a top candidate for the captain role.
Itoje was not a regular captain until this season.
Caelan Doris, another captain candidate, is injured and might not be selected.
Finn Russell holds the team's number 10 position but may face competition due to recent performance concerns.
The Lions tour is a significant event in rugby, involving players from different nations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Finley, a 14-year-old from Essex, cannot eat food because of a rare condition where his body reacts dangerously to lipids, fats, and oils found in foods. He receives essential nutrients through special infusions into his heart and stomach. Doctors are considering reporting his unique case to a medical journal due to its rarity.
Key Facts
Finley cannot eat because his body cannot handle lipids, fats, or oils.
He receives weekly lipid infusions directly into his heart, a process lasting six hours.
The infusions have been happening since he was four and have increased to twice a week recently.
Doctors have not seen this condition before and consider it very rare.
Finley has had more than 20 operations as doctors tried to understand his condition.
He is also autistic and handles food differently than others.
Finley gets carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins directly into his stomach through another tube.
His family hopes he can do treatments at home in the future to avoid hospital trips.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK and India have agreed on a trade deal after three years of talks. The deal allows easier trade between the two countries, but some parts of the agreement, such as tax arrangements for Indian workers in the UK, have sparked criticism. The agreement is still not finalized and requires further review.
Key Facts
The UK and India have reached an agreement to increase trade between the two countries.
The deal came after three years of discussions.
Political reactions in the UK are mixed, with some politicians criticizing the tax terms for Indian workers.
Indian workers in the UK will not pay national insurance for the first three years.
The deal still needs detailed examination and a formal signing.
A summit with the European Union is planned in the UK to discuss further trade deals.
Sir Keir Starmer is now the UK Prime Minister dealing with the country's trade agreements post-Brexit.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Arsenal is preparing to play against Paris St-Germain (PSG) in the second leg of a Champions League semi-final, needing to come back from a 1-0 defeat. Arsenal's coach Mikel Arteta plans to adjust team tactics, including changing player positions to strengthen their game.
Key Facts
Arsenal lost the first leg of the Champions League semi-final to PSG 1-0.
Arsenal has not scored in their past seven semi-final matches across all competitions.
Arsenal's coach, Mikel Arteta, plans to use emotional motivation and tactical changes to improve performance.
Thomas Partey's return to the team could be important for Arsenal's midfield.
Ousmane Dembele's fitness is a concern for PSG, as he only started training on Monday.
Arteta switched Arsenal's formation during the last match, which helped the team perform better.
Luis Enrique successfully outmaneuvered Arsenal tactically in the first leg.
Mikel Arteta aims to better manage PSG's key player, Vitinha, to prevent him from controlling the game.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Some residents of a new housing estate in the West Midlands have faced issues with blocked access due to a landslip, non-functional street lights, and sewer problems. The developer, Dunedin Homes, is working on temporary solutions, but no definite timelines are provided for fixing these issues.
Key Facts
A landslip before Christmas has blocked the road to some homes in the Haden Cross area.
The developer, Dunedin Homes, mentioned that fixing the landslip is not a quick process, but a temporary solution is in the works.
Street lights in the estate have not functioned since the area was developed.
The local water company, Severn Trent Water, has not taken responsibility for the sewers yet.
Residents have noticed land movement since January 2024, starting with a tree fall.
Sandwell Council wants the road opened by the end of September and has issued a notice to the developer.
Dunedin Homes also developed another estate, St Dominic's Place, which has similar issues related to lighting and sewers.
Residents at St Dominic's Place have installed solar-powered lights to improve safety.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
On May 7, the process to elect a new pope, known as the conclave, starts in the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals will vote until a new leader is chosen, with black or white smoke signals indicating the voting results. This method caused confusion in 1958 when the smoke briefly appeared to change color.
Key Facts
The conclave is the secret process used to elect a new pope.
This event begins on May 7 inside the Sistine Chapel.
Cardinals vote until they elect a new pope.
Black smoke means no decision has been made.
White smoke means a new pope has been chosen.
In 1958, smoke signals caused confusion when white smoke changed to black.
The BBC has reviewed archive footage from 1958 to investigate the confusion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK government will make it illegal to climb on the Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square. Offenders could face up to three months in jail and a £1,000 fine. This new rule is part of a bill in Parliament to protect important monuments.
Key Facts
Climbing on the Winston Churchill statue will soon be a crime, with penalties of up to three months in jail and a £1,000 fine.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wants to include Churchill's statue among protected monuments like the Cenotaph and the Royal Artillery Memorial.
The new rule is part of the Crime and Policing Bill moving through Parliament.
Winston Churchill's statue was unveiled in 1973 and stands in Parliament Square, a spot he personally chose.
The statue has been a target for protestors and has been vandalized during various demonstrations over the years.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer supports the new protection, emphasizing the importance of respecting Churchill as a national hero.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
