News Daily

Good morning. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he agrees with proposals to halt military action in Ukraine - but has laid out tough conditions which must first be met. In the UK, we'll answer readers' questions following Keir Starmer's decision to axe the NHS England body. And it's Friday, so don't forget to try your hand at our Quiz of the Week.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow yesterday, Putin said he agreed with the idea of a ceasefire in Ukraine , but says "questions" remain about the nature of a truce. Putin said any ceasefire should lead to “long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of the crisis”.  His idea of the root cause is Ukraine's desire to exist as a sovereign state. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Putin's response to the plan "manipulative", while the US has increased sanctions on Russia. US special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow yesterday to begin talks with Russia

Keir Starmer has announced NHS England will be abolished and brought under "democratic control". The organisation, which oversees the country's health service, will be brought into the Department of Health, to free up money for frontline services. The government said it expected around 50% of the jobs at NHS England and the Department of Health to go. We've compiled a Q&A on what the health reforms could mean. 

Every McDonald's in Britain has been warned its owners could face legal action if they fail to take steps to protect staff from sexual abuse. The equality watchdog has written to all 1,400 branches telling them they must comply with their legal duties, or risk enforcement action, after  a recent BBC investigation uncovered claims of a toxic culture of sexual assault and harassment.