Due to Israel’s military actions in the conflict in Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians have been killed recently as a result of bombardment and the launch of a new ground offensive, the British government has announced that it will suspend future free trade negotiations with the country.
Additionally, the United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that it would impose sanctions on Israeli-led illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The actions came a day after the UK, France, and Canada criticized Israel’s handling of the West Bank assaults and raids and the Gaza war.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer retorted his sharp criticism of Israel, calling the level of children’s suffering in Gaza “utterly intolerable” and reiterating his plea for a ceasefire.
The Labour government has received a lot of criticism abroad for not saying or doing enough to support Palestinians who are constantly under siege and facing starvation in Gaza. Every week, thousands of protesters gather at Stop the War.
In recent months, Israeli soldiers have been conducting daily raids on Palestinians, which has caused settler violence to increase.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy claimed that although the UK’s current trade agreement is still in place, new discussions cannot be had with an Israeli government that is “pursuing hateful policies” in Gaza and the West Bank.
Lammy argued that action needed to be taken because Israeli settlers in the West Bank continue to use force. The UK  was now imposing sanctions on “three individuals, two illegal settler outposts, and two organizations supporting violence against the Palestinian community,” he continued.
Lammy claimed that the Israeli government should step in and put an end to these violent actions. Their persistent inaction puts Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in jeopardy.
Who: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur What: UEFA Europa League final 2025 Where: San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain When: Wednesday at 9pm (19:00 GMT)
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Manchester United clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday in an all-English Europa League final, which has major implications on and off the field.
The winner of this final not only – and unexpectedly, based on their horrendous bottom-five domestic form – take home a European crown, but also punch their golden ticket for entry into next season’s lucrative UEFA Champions League, resulting in tens of millions of dollars in extra revenue.
Al Jazeera Sport chronicles the key talking points ahead of a classic winner-takes-most showdown between two of England’s highest-profile clubs looking to reverse their regrettable seasons with an unexpected European triumph.
Are Man Utd, Spurs the lowest-ranked teams to play in the Europa League final?
There has never been any final, in any UEFA competition, where both clubs have been so low in their domestic league tables.
Both clubs head to Bilbao for the final, assailed by stinging criticism amid their worst seasons of the English Premier League era.
United sit 16th on the ladder, and Tottenham are one point worse off in 17th, with just one league game remaining.
Only the struggles of relegated trio Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton saved United and Tottenham from a highly embarrassing battle to avoid crashing into the second-tier championship.
Ruben Amorim, manager of Manchester United, walks off the pitch after losing to West Ham 2-0 in a Premier League match at Old Trafford on May 11, 2025, in Manchester, England, UK [James Gill/Danehouse via Getty Images]
Do the winners directly qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League?
UEFA allows the winners of their second-tier Europa League competition direct entry into the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, without the need for additional qualifying matches.
Additionally, they will earn the right to play against the winners of the 2024-25 Champions League in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.
For the losers of the final in Bilbao, the hangover from this catastrophic domestic season threatens to be a long one, with the possibility of European football exile until at least the 2026-27 season.
How much is Champions League qualification worth?
The winners of the Europa League final could receive up to a 65-million-euro ($73m) boost.
This calculation is reached by combining the Europa League prize money and the TV and gate revenue derived from the winning team’s participation in the league phase of next season’s Champions League.
What happened the last time these teams played?
The teams last met at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on February 16, with James Maddison’s 13th-minute game-winner handing the home team a 1-0 victory against United.
Spurs have won all three of their meetings with United in all competitions this season, twice in the Premier League and once in the EFL Cup quarterfinals.
James Maddison was the match-winner the last time Tottenham played Manchester United on February 16 [Sebastian Frej/MB Media via Getty Images]
What is Manchester United’s form?
United’s last win in the Premier League was on March 16, a 3-0 victory at Leicester. Since then, Ruben Amorim’s side has registered six defeats and two draws in the domestic competition.
United’s only two victories in May came in the Europa League semifinals against Athletic Club.
What is Tottenham’s form?
Spurs have been equally dreadful in the final two months of the Premier League season, losing five and drawing once in their last six games.
Their last domestic league victory was a 3-1 home win against Southampton way back on April 6, leading to constant media speculation that manager Ange Postecoglou’s job is under threat for next season.
Where will the 2025 final be played?
San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain is the venue for the final.
With a seating capacity in excess of 50,000, the stadium is home to Athletic Club, who, by chance, are the team Manchester United defeated on May 8 in the Europa League semifinal to progress to the final.
UEFA has confirmed that the two teams will receive an allocation of 15,000 tickets each, with a further 11,000 tickets up for general sale and the remainder offered to hospitality and sponsors.
A drone view shows San Mames Stadium before the Europa League final [Guillermo Martinez/Reuters]
Team news: Manchester United
According to Manchester United’s official website, the Red Devils received a triple boost on the eve of the UEFA Europa League final with sidelined stars Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee spotted taking part in the team’s build-up training session on Tuesday.
Zirkzee had been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury in April, but could be available for selection after missing United’s last eight games.
Another Dutchman, centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, is also questionable ahead of the match, but he was seen running through some training drills in an individual workout on Tuesday.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has struggled up front for large parts of the season, is tipped to lead the line for Amorim’s side.
Sidelined Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, centre, could still play a part in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 against Tottenham [Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images]
Team News: Tottenham
Spurs will line up without key midfield players Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, as well as promising youngster Lucas Bergvall, who are all ruled out with injury.
Maddison, who was set to miss the rest of the season with a knee issue, did board the team bus for Bilbao, leading to rampant media speculation he might play in the final, despite being ruled out by Postecoglou.
Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min, who sustained a foot injury in April and missed seven consecutive matches, is on course to be fit for the final after making his first start against Aston Villa last Friday, according to the team.
Better news in the backline for Tottenham, with previously injured defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both available for selection.
Cheerleader or midfielder? Tottenham Hotspur fans are hoping injured star James Maddison is in Bilbao to play against Manchester United in the Europa League final [Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images]
Possible lineups
United possible starting XI: Onana (GK); Yoro, Maguire, Lindelof; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Fernandes, Amad; Hojlund
Tottenham possible starting XI: Vicario (GK); Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Bentancur; Johnson, Solanke, Son
What’s the prize money for the Europa League winners?
The winners of the 2025 Europa League final will receive a prize money of 13 million euros ($14.6m). The runners-up are allocated 7 million euros ($7.87m).
Both clubs could use the money to pay down their debt: Spurs recorded an annual operating loss of 26 million pounds ($34.7m) last year, while United’s deficit was 113 million pounds ($151m) over the same period.
The Europa League Trophy and a winners’ medal [Michael Rega/UEFA via Getty Images]
What the managers and players had to say
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United manager: “I feel it’s a mixed feeling. I’m really excited, but at the same time, I know my responsibility as Manchester United coach. I have always [had] that feeling of frustration for the season, so I want really badly to help the team win this final. We’ve got to give something to the club, to the fans, to the staff, to everybody.”
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur manager: “I mean, who cares if we’re struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it’s so easy to get to a final, then why doesn’t everyone who finishes in the top three do it?
“We understand our league form hasn’t been great. We understand the struggles we’ve had. A lot of them are because of the situation we’ve been in. But how does that diminish the achievement of getting to a final?
“I couldn’t care less who’s struggling and who’s not. I think both us and United have earned the right to be there.”
Son Heung-Min, Tottenham captain: “We always respect our opponents, but I think it’s important to do what we need to do. I think the Manchester United players would think the same. It’s definitely going to be a great game, but it will be a difficult one. But I think we want to win it even more.
“I have accomplished everything in the 10 years I’ve been at Tottenham, except for one thing [winning a European title]. I’ve worked hard to make up for that and have always dreamed of winning a trophy in a Tottenham shirt. So, I hope we can make that dream a reality.”
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou arrives at Bilbao airport, Spain, on May 18, 2025 [Juanma/UEFA via Getty Images]
The Loose Women star, 66, illuminated a little-known health issue that’s possibly linked to depression symptoms
In 36 years of fighting depression, Denise said she had never heard of this health issue before(Image: Getty Images)
Denise Welch has opened up about the return of her depression and the possible underlying cause of her ongoing symptoms. The 66-year-old said she recently discussed mental health with a neurologist in Los Angeles, who explained that a lesser-known health issue could be behind her struggle.
In 36 years of fighting depression, Denise said she had never heard of this health issue before and spoke on ITV’s Loose Women to spread awareness. “I met, through a friend, a neurologist in Los Angeles, and I’d never talked to a neurologist before,” she told her fellow panellists.
“And I was explaining to him the onset of my depression, and he said, ‘That is incredibly, incredibly rare.’ Whether it is endogenous, that’s chemical, or whether it’s reactive. And he said, because your son has excruciating cluster migraines, he said, ‘Have you ever had a migraine?’ I said, ‘No, I barely get a headache, I’m a stomach person.’
“And he said, ‘Have you ever heard of a non-headache migraine?'” Nodding to co-star Coleen Nolan, Denise continued: “You’re the only person who said you had, and I had never heard of such a thing.
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“I then became aware of it and started to study it because he said that when I get the tingling in my palm and the taste in my mouth, he said it’s almost like a migraine sufferer has an aura.”
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An aura refers to a set of warning signs that occur before a migraine. These symptoms can differ from person to person but commonly involve issues with vision, tingling sensations and nausea.
According to the NHS, these symptoms should not last longer than one hour. Denise continued: “So, before a migraine, it’s preceded by an aura, which can be a physical aura or a psychological aura.
“…Or some people get a sense of foreboding, or I know I’m getting ill if I start to panic about little bits of clutter. I’m an untidy person, so it normally doesn’t worry me, but I’ll get very anxious, and Lincoln will often know that I’m going down.
“Anyway, I’ve started looking into this and thought, in 36 years nobody has said to me, ‘Have a look at the symptoms of non-headache migraine and cortical spreading depression,’ which comes on in a wave, which is linked to migraine.
“So, again, I’m not saying, ‘Oh, that’s what I’ve got,’ but it’s just how lacking we are in constant research and information about depression as an illness.” Non-headache migraines, also known as silent migraines, usually encompass just the aura without any head pain.
Like other migraines, these can last between two hours and three days. It’s believed that just 5% of people with migraines suffer from non-headache, silent episodes.
However, the Cleveland Clinic adds: “Some silent migraine symptoms are similar to other more serious medical conditions. So, don’t hesitate to get immediate medical attention if you have sudden, significant symptoms like difficulty talking, numbness and weakness.”
The Loose Women star said she spoke with a neurologist about her symptoms(Image: Getty Images)
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Potential warning signs before a silent migraine
Depression
Urinating more frequently
Tiredness/exhaustion
Heightened sensitivity to light and sound
Irritability
Hyperactivity
Neck pain or stiffness
Specific food cravings
Nausea
Sleeping difficulties
Trouble concentrating, reading or speaking
Other potential symptoms during a silent migraine
Trouble speaking – slurring or mumbling words
Tinnitus – ringing or buzzing in the ears
Dizziness – feeling faint or that your head is spinning
Numbness and tingling in the arms, face, lips or tongue
Wales flanker Alisha Joyce-Butchers has announced that she is expecting a baby with wife and team-mate Jasmine Joyce-Butchers.
The 27-year-old was a notable absentee in the 2025 Women’s Six Nations and has now revealed: “We’ve been keeping a little secret”.
The baby is due in November, meaning Alisha Joyce-Butchers will miss the Rugby World Cup which kicks off in August.
“We appreciate there has been interest and speculation around my absence from the Wales Six Nations campaign but now you know why”, said Alisha Joyce-Butchers.
“We wanted to let all our family, friends and the Wales squad know before we went public and am sure everybody can relate to that.
” The morning sickness has been a new experience, especially while Jaz has been off playing rugby, but we are both delighted with our special news. “
Jasmine Joyce-Butchers said:” To say we are excited would be an understatement.
The couple are both professionally contracted players with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and play their club rugby with Bristol Bears.
They recently signed new two-year deals with the Premiership Women’s Rugby club.
Wing Jasmine is also a three-time Olympian with Great Britain Sevens.
The WRU said Alisha Joyce-Butchers will return to the squad in a controlled manner under its new performance maternity policy.
“On behalf of the Wales women’s squad, the players, coaches and staff, the WRU and everybody in the Welsh rugby family, we send our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to both Alisha and Jaz”, said WRU head of women’s rugby Belinda Moore.
England will introduce minimum fitness standards for their women’s players next year, says head coach Charlotte Edwards.
Former captain Edwards, who will take charge of her first match on Wednesday in a T20 against the West Indies, was appointed last month following this winter’s 16-0 Ashes defeat.
The team’s fitness and athleticism was criticised during the tour and Edwards has said players will be made “accountable” on the issue.
“The players are very aware there will be minimum fitness standards come this time next year which they will have to adhere to,” said Edwards.
“There has to be more accountability in the area.
After England’s early exit from the T20 World Cup in October, former spinner Alex Hartley said some players were “letting the team down” in terms of fitness.
Athleticism again came into focus during the Ashes, but coach Jon Lewis attributed that to a cultural difference between the UK and Australia. He and captain Heather Knight were sacked after the Ashes defeat.
Edwards, who captained England more than 200 times, oversaw fitness testing of the players in her first week in the role.
While there were expectations and standards under previous regimes, there was no specific benchmarks players had to hit to be selected.
“Clearly we had to touch on the fitness issue,” Edwards added.
“When I came in I said it was all about individual improvement.
“Before the World Cup [in India in September] it is about individuals improving as much as they can in that time.
“I am not going to set fitness standards [now] because there haven’t been any standards in place so I felt I was defeating the object.”
England’s men have had minimum standards in the past but their approach has become more relaxed under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
Elsewhere in the women’s game, South Africa dropped captain Dane van Niekerk for a home T20 World Cup in 2023 after she failed to meet the required time in the two kilometre run but have since relaxed their rules.
Edwards also said she is in “constant communication” with spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who was left out of the squad to play West Indies as she recovers from injury.
Ecclestone, who refused a TV interview with former team-mate Hartley during the Ashes, has featured in three matches for Lancashire in the past week, having not played for two months following the Women’s Premier League.
“I have had lots of communication with Soph,” Edwards said. “I went up to see her.
“When the squad was selected she hadn’t played a game of cricket.
“Between us both we felt the best preparation for the summer was to go back play for Lancashire and get some cricket under her belt.”
The first of three T20s on Wednesday, which are followed by three one-day internationals from 30 May, are also England’s first under captain Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Members of the World Health Organization (WHO) have adopted an agreement intended to improve preparedness for future pandemics, but the absence of the United States casts doubt on the treaty’s effectiveness.
After three years of negotiations, the legally binding pact was adopted by the World Health Assembly in Geneva on Tuesday. WHO member countries welcomed its passing with applause.
The accord aims to prevent a repeat of the disjointed response and international disarray that surrounded the COVID-19 pandemic by improving coordination, surveillance and access to medicines during any future pandemics.
“It’s an historic day,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said after the vote.
The agreement’s text was finalised last month after multiple rounds of tense negotiations.
“The world is safer today thanks to the leadership, collaboration and commitment of our member states to adopt the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement,” Tedros said in a statement.
“The agreement is a victory for public health, science and multilateral action. It will ensure we, collectively, can better protect the world from future pandemic threats. It is also a recognition by the international community that our citizens, societies and economies must not be left vulnerable to again suffer losses like those endured during COVID-19,” he added.
The agreement aims to better detect and combat pandemics by focusing on greater international coordination and surveillance and more equitable access to vaccines and treatments.
The negotiations grew tense amid disagreements between wealthy and developing countries with the latter feeling cut off from access to vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Esperance Luvindao, Namibia’s health minister and chairwoman of a committee that paved the way for the agreement’s adoption, said COVID-19 inflicted huge costs “on lives, livelihoods and economies”.
“We, as sovereign states, have resolved to join hands as one world together, so we can protect our children, elders, front-line health workers and all others from the next pandemic,” Luvindao added. “It is our duty and responsibility to humanity.”
Effective without US support?
The US, traditionally the WHO’s top donor, was not part of the final stages of the agreement process after the Trump administration announced the US pullout from the WHO and funding for the agency in January.
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr slammed the WHO as “moribund” during the annual assembly.
“I urge the world’s health ministers and the WHO to take our withdrawal from the organisation as a wake-up call,” he said in a video shown at the meeting in Geneva. “We’ve already been in contact with like-minded countries, and we encourage others to consider joining us.”
Kennedy accused the WHO of failing to learn from the lessons of the pandemic.
“It has doubled down with the pandemic agreement, which will lock in all of the dysfunction of the WHO pandemic response. … We’re not going to participate in that,” he said.
The treaty’s effectiveness will face doubts without the US, which poured billions into ensuring pharmaceutical companies develop COVID-19 vaccines quickly. Countries face no penalties if they ignore it, a common issue in international law.
Countries have until May 2026 to thrash out the details of the agreement’s pathogen access and benefit-sharing (PABS) mechanism.
The PABS mechanism deals with sharing access to pathogens with pandemic potential and then sharing the benefits derived from them, such as vaccines, tests and treatments.
