Editorial 26 July 2024.
Friday’s front pages feature various domestic stories, with several papers looking ahead to a big economic speech by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Monday, where she is expected to reveal a shortfall of as much as £20bn in the government’s finances.
There’s some sports and showbiz news splashed on the front – with the Olympics being a popular topic this morning. The back pages continue the Olympics coverage as well as a large dose of Premier League gossip ahead of the new season.
‘20bn shortfall in government finances’
The Guardian says the Chancellor’s speech could pave the way for potential tax rises in the autumn budget which is planned for October.
The Telegraph says Reeves is expected to blame NHS pressures, prisons and schools for the funding gap when she sets out her audit in Parliament on Monday. The paper also reports that an “autumn tax raid” is likely with plans to raise taxes by up to £25bn. It says there are fears that a “raid on pensions or inheritance tax” could be coming.
The i newspaper says Treasury officials are suggesting the government cuts tax relief for pensioners. The paper has spoken to an official who says the proposal could affect seven million people. Reeves has so far distanced herself from the suggestion, the paper says.
The Financial Times says the wealthy are likely to be in the line of fire. It says higher levies on capital gains and inheritances are among the options open to Ms Reeves.
In other political news, the Daily Mail scrutinises Labour’s key election campaign pledge that energy bills will fall by £300 a year by 2030. Ed Miliband refused to set a date for when people could expect to see bills fall, which led the Tories to accuse Labour of having told a lie, the paper says.
The Daily Mirror says Sir Keir Starmer has renewed his vow to cut energy bills within five years. The shadow home secretary, James Cleverly, has given his first interview since launching his Tory leadership bid.
Cleverly tells the Times he’s looking to make sure the Conservatives “once again are a mass appeal party”. The paper says he is positioning himself in the centre ground. He’s quoted as saying that “being small and ideologically pure” is not what the Tories exist to do.
The Times’ lead story is on Health Secretary Wes Streeting who has criticised England’s health watchdog. He says the Care Quality Commission is “not fit for purpose” and he is “stunned by the failings.”
‘Olympic Games 2024 start in Paris’
Away from politics, other domestic stories lead the headlines including the ongoing fallout from the police brutality at Manchester Airport.
The Independent features a large image of a police officer stamping on the head of a teenager – the paper says the officer has now been suspended.
The Mirror reports the latest on the stabbing of an Army officer in Gillingham in Kent. The paper says the serviceman’s wife, Eileen, has been hailed a hero for confronting the alleged attacker. A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder.
The Metro’s front page is dedicated to the upcoming Olympic Games – with Team GB’s Helen Glover and Tom Daley splashed on the front. The paper says millions of British fans are en route to Paris, spending a total of £4bn on their trips.