Editorial 16.12.24
Monday’s front pages feature a variety of domestic and international stories. Several papers report on Prince Andrew and the alleged Chinese spy who befriended him. The papers report that MPs – and the public – want the alleged spy to be named.
The papers further call on the Duke to stay away from royal events this Christmas and to keep out of the public’s sight, as anger mounts over the latest scandal involving the royal.
Domestic politics also makes up the news stories. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch continues her criticism of Labour’s farming tax plans, health secretary Wes Streeting backs a campaign calling for a ban on ‘cowboy surgeries’ and the Tories fear elderly people will be ‘left in the cold’ this winter.
In sports news, space is left on the front pages to report on the new Match of the Day hosts. The back pages lead with Manchester United’s 2-1 win over City in yesterday’s Premier League match.
‘Andrew Chinese spy should be named’
‘Alleged spy helped elite British school expand to China,’ says the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph says the alleged spy, who has remained anonymous, helped an elite British private school expand to China.
‘Andrew should step back from public appearances this Christmas,’ says The Times.
The Times notes Prince Andrew is under pressure, quoting sources from Buckingham Palace who say he should do the right thing and step back from public appearances over Christmas.
‘Royals don’t need another scandal dragging on,’ sources tell The Sun.
The Sun reports sources say after a difficult year for the royals, the last thing they need is another scandal “dragging on”.
‘MPs demand alleged spy to be named,’ says the Mail.
The Daily Mail says alongside royals and prime ministers, the spy also mixed with “captains of industry.” The paper is amongst many that demand the alleged spy “must be named.”
‘Farage and Philp amongst MPs calling for order protecting his identity to be lifted,’ notes The Guardian.
The Guardian says the court order protecting his identity may be lifted. The paper says MPs are threatening to name the man as allegations raise “calls for caution.” Shadow home secretary Chris Philp and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage are amongst those calling for the alleged spy to be named.
‘Ministers told to be tougher of Beijing interference,’ highlights The Independent,
The Independent says ministers are facing calls to “take a tough stance” against any interference from Beijing.
‘EU says Brexit reset doomed’
‘EU prepared to drive hard bargain over new UK deals,’ says the i.
The i newspaper leads with leaked documents which show the EU is “prepared to drive a hard bargain” when it comes to new deals with the UK on trade and security. EU nations are said to be “happy with the status quo” and are “becoming exasperated by the UK making demands without offering concessions”.
‘Economists say cutting tax relief for family businesses and farms will lead to investment drop,’ says the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph continues coverage of the Chancellor’s Budget changes to inheritance tax. The paper says a report from economists, says that cutting tax relief for family businesses and farms will lead to a drop in investment, which will outweigh the extra income the government expects to gain.
‘Streeting backs campaign to end cosmetic cowboy surgeries,’ reports the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror says Health Secretary Wes Streeting is backing their campaign to end “cosmetic cowboys.” He tells the paper he will consider calls to crack down on unregulated high-street salons and clinics.
‘New MOTD hosts’
The Mail reports Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates will join Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman in hosting Match of The Day.
The Times says the three will rotate the role – taking over from Gary Lineker.
The Daily Express says the deal hasn’t been signed yet. The Telegraph says Cates grew up steeped in the game and has the skill and authority to front football’s flagship show.