Day: 19 December 2024

The prime minister is being urged to tighten the rules around donations to political parties as the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, attempts to interfere in British politics by making a $100 million donation to Reform UK.

Further reports suggest the Conservative Party are attempting to woo Elon Musk away from Reform and to the Tories by highlighting their ‘anti-woke’ credentials.

Musk has been vocal about foreign interference in American politics but seems to have no issue with interfering in other countries’ politics.

There is anger across the political spectrum this morning as the government has announced it won’t be compensating the Waspi women. Whilst it’s accepted that it would hit the taxpayer if the government did decide to compensate the women, it been widely highlighted that when in opposition Labour made it clear it would be prepared to write a cheque if they came to power.

There’s further coverage of Prince Andrew’s latest scandal as he’s been told to stay away from royal events this Christmas. It comes as another Chinese spy allegation emerges.

Early cloud clearing the southeast through the morning leaving sunny spells for many parts. Frequent wintry showers continuing in the north and west with some strong gusts around the coasts. Feeling cold in the brisk northwesterly wind. Tonight: Showers and winds easing during the evening with clear spells developing. Cloud and wind increasing in the northwest with rain later. Short lived frost forming under the clear skies.

Thursday’s front pages are made up of a variety of domestic and international news, with several political stories finding themselves taking prime positions on the front pages.

Away from politics, a handful of tabloids continue to cover Prince Andrew being frozen out of the royal family and restaurant critic Grace Dent replacing Gregg Wallace on the hit show Celebrity MasterChef.

The back pages cover Ruben Amorim’s response to the recent Marcus Rashford interview in which he suggested he was ready for a new challenge, indicating his desire to leave Manchester United.

At least 100 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the ongoing Ukraine war, according to a South Korean MP. Lee Sung-kwon revealed this information after receiving a briefing from the country’s National Intelligence Service. The casualties, which also include around 1,000 injured, are believed to have occurred since North Korean troops entered the conflict on Russia’s side earlier this month.