Today’s news summary- Paper Talk
Wednesday’s front pages cover several big talking points, one of the main being the former health secretary Matt Hancock signing up to be on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!
Another top story is the report on police vetting procedures. The report found forces accepted new recruits despite vetting turning up “damning information” about some of them.
Matt Hancock joins I’m A Celebrity
The former health secretary Matt Hancock has joined the hit ITV show I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!
The papers have generally had a negative reaction to the news.
“The Man with No Shame” say the headline of the Daily Mirror, whilst the Daily Express says Covid-bereaved families are furious by the news and the Daily Mail says Hancock faces uproar from voters and his party.
The Metro calls him “king of the Bungle” and reports he is being paid £350k for his stint in the jungle. The paper says the former health secretary is being accused of cashing in on Covid.
But Mr Hancock speaks to the Sun – defending his decision. He tells the paper that “it’s a great opportunity to talk directly to people who aren’t always interested in politics.”
“You’ve gotta feel sorry for the bugs,” says the Daily Star, which labels Matt Hancock an “Ex-clown”.
Police bombshell report – criminals and sexual predators join police
The Daily Mail leads with the “bombshell report” on police vetting procedures, saying there are “thousands” of corrupt officers on the streets of England and Wales. The paper says some of them have convictions for serious crimes and were still able to join the force – including a neo-Nazi being recruited by Scotland Yard.
The Times has the same lead story saying one person was recruited despite having previously been a pimp. The paper’s editorial says the “shocking” report on the recruitment of officers must lead to reform.
Cost of living, NHS backlogs & winter fears
The Daily Telegraph says NHS bosses are seeking up to £7bn in extra funding to tackle backlogs. The paper says more than 7 million people are on waiting lists in England for NHS treatment and rests. The paper says the new PM Rishi Sunsk is set to prioritise health spending.
The Guardian looks ahead at the government’s plan for winter and how to cope with energy blackouts lasting up to seven days, amid fears over supplies this winter. The paper has seen documents that warn in a “reasonable worst-case scenario” – all sectors, including transport, food and water supply as well as communications and energy, could be disrupted for a week.
The i newspaper warns of a new “hike” of £881 for average tracker mortgages, because of an expected rise in interest rates tomorrow. The paper says the Bank of England will put up rates to 3% to dampen inflation.
The PM and chancellor are considering extending windfall taxes on oil groups, says the Financial Times. The paper says that “bumper earnings” by major oil companies are raising pressure on them to help ease the cost of living crisis.
