Editorial Friday 1st March 2024.

Not all of the morning newspapers cover the massacre in Gaza last night, by the Israeli IDF who killed over 100 Palestinians and injured hundreds in Gaza who were queuing at aid trucks, igniting international condemnation and accusations of war crimes. However, coverage of this event varies across publications, with some opting for subdued reporting, reflecting the media bias in the country.

Christian Horner’s alleged ‘sexting’ scandal with a Red Bull Racing employee captures the tabloid’s attention, drawing public scrutiny to the personal conduct of a prominent figure.

On the domestic front, tributes flow for the late ‘Hairy Biker’ Dave Myers, underscoring the enduring impact of his contributions to culinary and entertainment culture.

Amidst this turmoil, the inquiry into police failings surrounding the Wayne Couzens scandal, emphasises the importance of accountability within law enforcement institutions. Meanwhile, political manoeuvring takes centre stage as The Express attempts to redirect the focus from George Galloway’s Rochdale by-election victory by highlighting Suella Braveman’s dire warnings on immigration, illustrating the ongoing battle for control of the narrative in the political arena.

What news stories will trend today?

Cristian Horner acquitted of sexual misconduct

A short while after an enquiry cleared the Horner of inappropriate conduct a leaked email was released showing his private messages.

Police failing the public

There’s “nothing to stop” another police officer being a killer. Following widespread condemnation of the errors made by the Metropolitan Police, which led to the appointment of Wayne Couzens to the Diplomatic Protection Squad

George Galloway wins in Rochdale. By a huge majority and will be a voice for the Palestinians in Parliament.

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‘More than 100 massacred in Gaza’ & ‘Met Police failures let killer cop join force’

‘More than 100 massacred in Gaza’ 

The Guardian is one of few papers that reports on the aftermath of the chaos in Gaza. The front page picture shows three men holding a body which is wrapped in a white sheet. The paper says there are “starkly different accounts” of how the deaths occurred. 

The Times says the tragedy will likely end hopes of a six-week ceasefire. The paper’s analysis piece says Israel’s dependence on the Biden administration for arms and diplomatic support – and the moment when America pushes the brakes seems near.

‘Met Police failures let killer cop join force’

Many of the papers report on the widespread condemnations of the errors made by the Met Police which allowed Wayne Couzens to become a police officer. He had been appointed to the Diplomatic Protection Squad – before kidnapping, raping and murdering Sarah Everard as she walked home. 

The inquiry into police failings is the lead for the Daily Mirror. Alongside a photo of Wayne Couzens in ceremonial police uniforms, the paper’s headline asks pointedly “How many more are still hiding in plain sight?”.

The Mail’s Sarah Vine says it would be hard-wired into Everard’s brain that a police officer is someone she could trust. The Sun also offers its condemnation saying officers responsible for vetting recruits as “simply useless, lazy and lethargic.”

‘Tributes to TV’s Dave Myers’

Several of the front pages report on the death of the Hairy Bikers star, Dave Myers, at the age of 66. He is pictured on the front page of the Daily Star with his co-star Si King. It prints the words he used to pay tribute to Dave Myers: “My best friend is on a journey that, for now, I can’t follow.” The Metro also leads on Si King’s words with the headline: “Goodby my old pal.” 

‘By-election shock as Galloway returns’

The return of George Galloway to front-line politics is a key story dominating the newspapers online. With results coming in after the papers had gone to print, most have little coverage of the by-elections. 

The Sun says Galloway – the former Labour MP, whose campaign has been heavily centred on Gaza, presents Sir Keir Starmer with another headache. The left-wing “firebrand’s” focus on Gaza has gallivanted through mosques across Rochdale, to seize the support of its Muslim population. The Times calls Galloway’s campaign divisive, while The Guardian uses the same word to describe Galloway himself. The paper says he was so confident of victory that shortly after the polls closed he briefed reporters that he’s won comfortably. 

The Telegraph reports on the spat between Galloway and Richard Tice – the leader of the Reform Party. He says his candidate and campaigners suffered abuse and death threats but Galloway has rejected the suggestion his supporters engaged in bad behaviour.

The Daily Express leads with its usual fear-mongering, as it reports on Suella Braverman’s latest immigration warning: “This can’t go on! 1.4m granted UK visas last year” is the paper’s headline on what Braverman calls a “national disaster” We’re also reminded by the paper that Braverman was sacked by the PM last November.