HS2 returns with cross-party plan & Tax-cutting chancellor – Paper Talk
Sunday’s newspapers cover a variety of stories, mostly focused on domestic news as politics gears up for the upcoming general election. The royals and celebrity gossip feature in the tabloids.
‘HS2 returns with cross-party plan’
The Sunday Express declares that the HS2 high-speed rail project is “back on track” with a cross-party plan to complete the northern stretch using private sector funds. Talks involving West Midlands mayor Andy Street and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham are mentioned.
‘Tax-cutting Chancellor’
Jeremy Hunt, as reported by The Mail on Sunday, has written a ‘gung-ho’ article promising to be a tax-cutting chancellor, inspired by Nigel Lawson’s approach in the 1980s. He aims to bring about a similar economic boom and could have a £10 billion budget for tax cuts in March, which the paper finds encouraging.
The prime minister wrote in the Sun on Sunday emphasising the passion for small business. He frames the choice for voters as “tax cuts with him or tax rises with Sir Keir Starmer.”
However, the Observer notes, concerns are raised about Sunak’s challenges, with one backbencher worrying that even if taxes are reduced, the public may not credit the Conservatives due to other ongoing issues.
‘Rwanda bill conflicts’
The Sunday Times reports that the prime minister’s recent victory on the Rwanda bill hasn’t resolved internal party conflicts, describing the week as “bruising” for the government. Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges warns that continuous challenges may lead to a negative public verdict on the party.
Post Office scandal
The Sunday Mirror exposes what it terms a new “outrage” from the Post Office, revealing a video of executives enjoying a lavish party in 2017 while the organisation was dealing with cases against wrongly jailed branch managers.
The Daily Star Sunday criticises Fujitsu, creator of the Horizon computer system, for profiting from government contracts despite causing harm.
According to the Observer, a law designed to combat tax evasion six years ago has not resulted in any prosecutions. Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request show that HMRC has not charged any company under the Criminal Finances Act, leading to criticism that the law is a “paper tiger.”
The Sunday Times reports that the NHS in England is launching a campaign to boost MMR jab uptake among children aged 6 to 11. A letter will be sent to parents urging them to check their child’s vaccination status, as nearly a third of under-16s are vulnerable to measles due to incomplete vaccination.
The Sunday Telegraph reveals government plans to tackle “political activism” within the civil service, refreshing guidance on impartiality.