Author: News Desk

PSG stun Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund knock out Atletico Madrid on thrilling Champions League night Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to knock Barcelona out of the Champions League while Borussia Dortmund also progressed to the semi-finals on a thrilling night of European action. Barca led 3-2 after the first leg in Paris and extended their lead in the tie even further when Raphinha scored an early opener. But Ronald Araujo’s straight red card on 29 minutes gave PSG hope of a comeback and they equalised before half-time through ex-Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele. Vitinha gave the visitors the lead ten minutes…

Xavi blames ‘disastrous’ referee for Barcelona’s Champions League exit Barcelona boss Xavi says the referee was to blame for his side’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain. The Catalans were dumped out of the competition after an eventful evening in Barcelona, that saw PSG leave Spain with a 4-1 win and a 6-2 aggregate victory. Barcelona took the lead through Raphinha, putting the Spaniards 3-1 up on aggregate in the tie. But Ronald Arajuo was sent off for bringing down Bradley Barcola in the first half, and PSG made their man advantage count with four uninterrupted goals.

UK inflation falls as meat and crumpet prices drop Food prices have dropped on items such as meat, crumpets and chocolate biscuits helping to drive down inflation to its lowest level in two-and-a-half years.  Official figures show rate consumer prices fell to 3.2% in the year to March, down from 3.4% the month before. Inflation has been falling gradually since it peaked at 11.1% in late 2022. However, lower inflation does not mean prices overall are coming down, they are just rising less quickly. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the price rises seen across most types of…

Front page summary The Independent – Rishi forces through bill for total ban on smoking in the UK The Independent says Britain is on course to ban smoking for an entire generation after Rishi Sunak forced through a historic vote in the House of Commons. The prime minister relied on Labour votes to see off opponents on his own benches, led by the former PM Liz Truss, winning by 383 votes to 67.Elsewhere, Nigel Farage is pictured on the front page after police in Brussels break up a NatCon conference.  The Independent – PM urges restraint – and doubles down on…

Front page summary The Guardian – Tory divisions exposed as Sunak smoking ban moves a step closer The Guardian reports a ban on smoking for future generations has moved a step closer, despite dozens of Tory MPs voting against it. The paper says Tuesday’s parliamentary vote on the ban – in which MPs backed it by 383 to 67 – has “underlined the depth of division” within the Conservative Party. It notes that among those opposing the measure were dozens of Tory MPs, including Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, and says the vote delivered a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s authority.Elsewhere the…

Front page summary Metro – Strict head’s prayer time win Metro leads with news that a Muslim pupil has lost a High Court challenge against a north London school’s ban on prayer rituals.The paper says the girl claimed the ban was discriminatory but that the school – known as Britain’s strictest – argued that allowing prayer risked undermining inclusion. The Metro – Trump’s historic criminal trial: This is an outrageBy WTX NewsApril 16, 2024 The main stories Like this article? why don’t you share it? its easy … just click the icon below:) Have your say Newspaper Stand

Front page summary Daily Express – Victory for schools as prayer ritual ban is backed The Daily Express has the judgement described as “victory for all schools” and “a victory for common sense”. No one, the paper argues, should be able to demand their religion is treated exceptionally in a secular school. The paper also quotes Esther McVey, known unofficially as the government’s minister for common sense, saying: “Hallelujah…from time to time, we all struggle to understand decisions made in the courts. Thankfully, this one is a victory for common sense which will allow Michaela to continue doing what it does…

Front page summary Daily Mirror – Vote for smoking ban: the cig-free generation Britain faces a smoke-free future, the Daily Mirror says, after MPs voted in favour of a lifetime ban on cigarette sales to today’s youngsters. The paper says the move “could be the most significant health initiative in our era”.The front page also reports on UK Taylor Swift fans being scammed with fake tickets and a story on David and Victoria Beckham.  Daily Mirror – Anti-social thug menace: Street yobs victims live in fear By WTX NewsApril 16, 2024 The main stories Like this article? why don’t you share it?…

Front page summary The Sun – Kyle’s a dad for the sixth time The Sun says Manchester City’s Kyle Walker has become a dad for the sixth time. The paper says it comes after Walker and wife Annie Kilner took time apart in January after it was revealed he had fathered a second child by model Lauryn Goodman. A friend tells the paper that the couple are “committed to working on their relationship”.’Elsewhere, the smoking ban vote also finds space on the front page.  The Sun  – Holly in £1m ring of steel By WTX NewsApril 16, 2024 The main stories Like…

Wednesday’s newspaper front pages feature a variety of stories, with no strong lead dominating the papers. There are a few hot topics, mostly domestic stories, splashed across several papers. 

For a couple of the right-leaning tabloids, the news that a Muslim pupil has lost a High Court challenge brought against her school in North London, over a ban on prayer rituals, is celebrated on the front splashes. 

The planned smoking ban, which passed its first hurdle in the Commons yesterday, is also reported on. Some papers look at the health benefits of a smoking ban, others report on it being “un-conservative.” Several papers pick up on the 165 Tory MPs who abstained from voting – suggesting PM Rishi Sunak’s party is fracturing. 

Elsewhere, there’s room for more UK and international political stories including the ongoing Middle East crisis and US inflation.