Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Monday’s papers lead with various stories, including the upcoming GCSE results, the stabbing death of Tyson Fury’s cousin and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Times says “All work and no PlayStations help girls beat boys” as the paper looks at this week’s GCSE results in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The paper focuses on comments from an education expert who says the gender gap widened during the pandemic because girls were less likely to play video games and abandon their school work.
But the paper’s lead story suggests that Tory voters have “sellers remorse” over ousting Boris Johnson and would prefer the PM over Rishi Sunak or Liz Truss.
The Telegraph predicts there will be a “record” fall in top grades, with 75,000 fewer pupils than last year likely to get the equivalent of As or A*s.
The paper says this is because exams watchdogs being asked to award less top grades after an all-time high last year, during the pandemic. Additionally, some schools have arranged additional pastoral support, including mental health aides and career advisers.
Healthcare and cost of living crisis
The Telegraph leads with the pressure on the NHS 111 helpline, with patients being left on hold for much longer than the expected response time of 20 seconds. It’s now on average a six-and-a-half-minute wait on hold.
The worsening staffing crisis in care homes is the lead for the Guardian. The paper says severe staff shortages in previously good homes are pushing operators to break rules and put residents at risk.
The i leads with the results of a poll which suggest more than 1.7 million households are considering or have already cancelled direct debuts to energy suppliers this autumn. It comes as bills are expected to top £3,500 – with energy firms urged not to chase those who cannot pay.
The Daily Express reports the proposal from the National Grid to give rebates to consumers who avoid using energy during peak times. The paper says people with smart metres will be encouraged to turn off power-hungry appliances (washing machines, tumble dries, computer consoles).
The Financial Times reports on the Ukraine war. The paper leads with comments from a senior Russian diplomat that Moscow expects a long conflict in Ukraine.
Stabbing death of Tyson Fury’s cousin
Both the Sun and the Mirror lead on the stabbing death of Tyson Fury’s cousin. Rico Burton, 31, was stabbed to death outside a bar in Manchester. The boxer has called for tougher sentencing for knife crime. “This needs to stop. ASAP,” he says according to the Mirror.