Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Wednesday’s front pages report on a row between the government and the Covid-19 inquiry over calls to submit WhatsApp messages between former PM Boris Johnson and others during the pandemic.
Covid inquiry row
PM Rishi Sunak has had to deny accusations that he is trying to cover up ministers’ actions during the pandemic, according to the Daily Telegraph. The paper quotes an ally of the former PM Boris Johnson saying he is “just a distraction in this” and that the messages the government doesn’t want to be disclosed are Mr Sunak’s.
“Running & hiding” is the headline for the Mirror, which features a picture of Boris Johnson out for a jog on Tuesday. The paper says the relatives of people who died in the pandemic have added their voices to those calling for the documents to be handed over but that the Cabinet Office is now claiming it no longer holds the relevant messages.
The Guardian reports the prime minister is now facing calls from within his own party to hand over the messages. The paper quotes a spokesperson for Boris Johnson saying he has “no objection” to his Whatsapp messages – plus 24 notebooks – being submitted.
Whilst the Independent says the claims and counterclaims about who has handed over what means the whole episode is at risk of descending into a farce.
AI chief warning
The Times and the Daily Mail lead with a warning from AI industry chiefs that what they’re developing could threaten humanity. A statement signed by 350 AI experts and backed by some leading tech CEOs said the technology could be used to build weapons of mass destruction or “enfeeble” dependent humans. Whilst the Times reports that some experts think the focus on existential threats is distracting from more immediate dangers – such as the demise of democracy.
Rwanda strike action
The Express says some civil servants are considering strike action over government plans to deport people to Rwanda and Tory MPs have called for anyone who takes part to be sacked. The Sun has the same story, and in its editorial says it would be a “disgrace” if strikes were to defy the process of elected government.
The front page of the Sun reports on the ongoing This Morning saga. The paper says Holly Willoughby will return on Monday despite pressure to step down amid the controversy surrounding Phillip Schofield, who resigned from the show last week.
