Author: News Desk

The Independent leads on the latest economic and political crisis facing PM Rishi Sunak – as Britain falls into a recession and the Tories suffer a double by-election blow.

“Baby boom” is the headline in the Metro, as it reports on a new breakthrough for male fertility, which it says could give millions of infertile men the chance to father children.

The Guardian reports the prime minister has been warned against making cuts to public services after official figures confirmed that the UK’s economy is in recession.

The Daily Express says a senior government official has urged British Gas to cut prices for customers after the company recorded record profits. The paper quotes a “senior government official” as saying the money could be used to cut customer bills “immediately”.

“Rishession” is the headline on the front page of the Daily Mirror as it reports on news that the UK’s economy is in recession. It says the prime minister’s promise to “kickstart” the economy has been left in “tatters”.

The Sun’s front page says Sir Paul McCartney has been reunited with his beloved bass guitar – which was stolen in 1972 – after issuing an appeal for it to be returned. The paper describes the guitar as being worth £10 million.

Friday’s front pages went to print before confirmation of Labour’s by-election wins in Kingswood and Wellingborough. But it doesn’t make it easy reading for the government as most papers carry the news that Britain is now in a recession.

Shopping rebounds on supermarkets and January sales Retail sales experienced a resurgence in January as consumers rushed to stockpile food items at supermarkets and capitalise on New Year discounts. Official data unveiled a notable 3.4% surge in sales, rebounding from a record decline in December. Supermarkets witnessed a robust uptick in food sales, while department stores benefited from January sale events. Nevertheless, inflation persisted at elevated levels, resulting in consumers paying more for fewer goods. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicated a 3.9% increase in the value of goods purchased in January compared to a 3.4% rise in the…

Labour has secured victories in two by-elections against the Conservatives, flipping significant majorities to claim Wellingborough and Kingswood.

Despite reiterating that he has no intention of seeking reelection, critics accuse Sall of either attempting to hold onto power or unfairly influencing his successor.