Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
The Sunday papers cover a range of stories on their front pages, including the political fallout from this week’s by-elections.
The Sunday Times reports London Mayor Sadiq Khan is reviewing his policy on expanding taxes for polluting vehicles after Sir Keir Starmer intervened. The paper says Sir Keir blames the Ulez scheme for the party’s failure to win the Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat from the Tories.
The Sunday Telegraph welcomes a warning by Housing Secretary Michael Gove of a possible voter backlash unless some net zero measures are relaxed. The paper recommends holding a referendum on the goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
The Observer’s editorial warns against weaponising green policies for political gain. The paper says the climate emergency cries out for a non-partisan approach.
The Sun continues its coverage of bank accounts being closed due to political beliefs. The paper reports a claim from Reform Party leader Richard Tice that Metro Bank closed his party’s account in 2021 because Reform supported Brexit.
The Sunday Express claims PM Rishi Sunak will “push through new laws” to protect bank customers’ freedom of speech. But the banking industry warns, via the Observer, that revealing the reasons for an account closure could tip off potential criminals who are being investigated.
The Sunday Mirror reports on 11 new hospitals due to open in 2030. The paper says they are being built in the constituencies of Tory MPs. Labour MPs suggest these Tory-supporting communities are being prioritised over Labour areas, where sites need redeveloping. The government was approached for comment.
