Pilot scheme for nationalised childcare costed at €53m – The Irish Times

Aldi and Lidl are currently exempt from competition laws restricting big supermarkets, giving them an advantage over rivals. The ban on using 'restrictive land' clauses to block competitors nearby applies to major chains like Tesco and Sainsbury's, who have faced over 220 breaches. The Competition and Markets Authority is reviewing the situation, considering including Aldi and Lidl in the ban or removing it altogether to ensure a level playing field. Full Article

Paul Ormond, who had consumed 10 pints of lager, assaulted a man at a pub in Retford, causing severe facial fractures requiring reconstructive surgery. Ormond pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, was labeled a 'drunken thug' by the judge, and banned from all pubs in England and Wales for two years. He must also wear an alcohol monitoring tag, perform 120 hours of unpaid work, and pay £7,500 in compensation to the victim. Full...

In a speech addressing the global economic turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs, the Prime Minister acknowledges that tariffs are not beneficial. Keir Starmer has been vocal on this issue, discussing it at Labour's local elections campaign launch and in various media outlets. Despite the ongoing discussions, it remains unclear if a coherent strategy is in place to address the impact of the tariffs. Full Article

Ministers and over 70 Members of Parliament gathered for a photo call in support of Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, who were banned from entering Israel. This incident marked the first time British MPs had faced such a restriction. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones were among those present, showing solidarity with the detained MPs. The event was organized by Rochdale MP Paul Waugh, highlighting the unacceptable nature of the travel...

Conservative party donor Richard Harpin has halted his donations, leading to speculation that the party's northern headquarters may close. Harpin, founder of HomeServe, has reportedly stopped funding the Conservatives, according to two party insiders. This development could have significant implications for the party's operations in the north. Full Article

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has introduced significant measures to support the car and pharmaceutical industries in response to Donald Trump's global tariffs, stating that the UK is facing a "changing and completely new world." He highlighted the potential impact of the tariffs on the economy, warning of an "age of insecurity" as stock markets continued to fall for a third consecutive day following the announcement of import taxes by the US president. Full Article