Editorial 18.11.24
Much of Monday’s front pages cover international news with Joe Biden’s green light for strikes in Russia using American weapons a lead story for many of the newspapers. The move by the US president could open the door for the UK and other European nations to follow suit.
A dash of domestic politics makes the splashes as the prime minister is set to build better relations with China at this week’s G20 summit. There are several reports that the prime minister will be looking to move the UK closer to the EU after being urged by business bosses following the economic damage from Brexit.
Donald Trump attending a UFC match with Elon Musk is pictured on several of the broadsheets, whilst the tabloids lead with showbiz stories and images from England’s 5-0 win over Ireland.
The back pages continue their coverage of the Nations League match as the Lee Carsely era as England manager has ended on a high. England are now promoted back to the top league of the Nations League. New boss Thomas Tuchel will take over as England boss in the new year.
‘Biden green lights strikes in Russia’
‘Huge shift for Joe Biden ahead of his departure,’ says the FT.
The FT leads with the news the US president has given the green light to Ukraine to use American missiles in its war with Russia. The paper says Ukraine is allowed to launch limited strikes into Russia using the long-range missiles. It’s a huge shift in policy for Joe Biden ahead of his departure from the White House in January, the paper adds.
‘Biden changed mind after North Korean troops backed Russia,’ highlights the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph reports Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike targets with American missiles raises the expectation he is also set to drop his opposition to the use of British-made Storm Shadow missiles within Russia. US officials told the New York Times that North Korean troops supporting Russia in Ukraine led to Biden changing his mind, the Telegraph adds.
‘Labour putting economic concerns above human rights,’ says The Times.
The Times says the prime minister is planning to meet with China’s president on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The broadsheet says it will be scrutinised by those in Westminster who have concerns over China and fear the Labour government is putting economic concerns above human rights.
‘Tories accuse PM of kowtowing to Beijing,’ writes the Mail.
The Daily Mail says “anger as Starmer cosies up to China.” The paper says Tories are accusing the prime minister of kowtowing to Beijing.
‘Starmer will reset ties with China at G20 summit,’ says The Guardian.
The Guardian has a mocked-up image of world leaders’ heads in the water, as activists call for climate action before the G20 summit. The paper says the PM will aim to reset ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping when the two meet.
‘British Chamber of Commerce wants alignment with Brussels,’ writes the i newspaper.
The i reports the British Chamber of Commerce has told them they want “as much alignment as possible” with the EU. The paper says the prime minister faces growing pressure to choose between prioritising the EU and the US under Trump.
‘Flush hour gush!’
‘Didgy plumbing affecting tens of thousands of homes in London,’ syas the Metro.
“Flush hour gush!” reads the Metro’s headline as it pictures river pollution campaigner Ben Morris gloved up and holding blackened wet wipes from a misconnected pipe. The paper writes hundreds of toilets are flushing straight into rivers because of dodgy plumbing. It adds tens of thousands of homes in London may be affected.
‘Thames Water has £23bn of assets in need of repair,’ says a Guardian investigation.
A Guardian investigation finds Thames Water has £23bn of assets in urgent need of repair and the supply of water to its 16 million customers is “on a knife-edge”. A spokesperson for Thames Water told the paper “the wellbeing and safety of our colleagues and customers is our highest priority”.
‘Farmer protests outside parliament’
‘Farmers have nothing to lose as govenerment calls for calm,’ reprots the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph says farmers have warned the government that they “have nothing to lose” ahead of a planned protest outside Parliament on Tuesday. The farmers are pushing back against proposals for a 20% levy on inherited agricultural land valued at over £1m.
The government has called for calm, insisting most farmers will not be affected.
‘Labour war on farmers threatens food security,’ claims the Express.
The Daily Express says “Labour war on farmers is a threat to food security”. The paper quotes shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, who says the tax changes will be a blow to the entire country.