Editorial 19.01.2025
‘Ceasefire in Gaza’ & ‘Team Trump to sabotage Starmer’ – Sunday Papers
Sunday’s front pages cover a variety of domestic and international stories, including the upcoming ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict and reports on Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Several papers report on domestic politics, with the latest poll showing that Reform UK is closing in on Labour and Conservatives. The NHS, the UK economy and education also lead the papers.
Last night’s Premier League matches make up the back pages as Arteta’s Arsenal throw away a 2-0 lead – and possibly the title race.
‘Aid agencies bracing for chaos ahead of the ceasefire,’ says the Observer.
A ceasefire between Gaza and Israel is set to take effect, but aid agencies are bracing for “chaotic scenes.” According to the Observer, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are expected to return home, with many searching for missing relatives or recovering remains. Local authorities estimate around 12,000 people could still be trapped under rubble. The Observer’s front page highlights the devastation with an image of four children in front of destroyed buildings in Gaza.
‘Israelis protesting demanding hostages are returned after delay in ceasefire,’ says the Sunday Telegraph.
The Sunday Telegraph features Israelis demonstrating in Tel Aviv, demanding the return of hostages held in Gaza.
‘We won’t get back the same people we lost,’ Israelis look ahead at the return of hostages says the Sunday Times.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Times showcases images of 33 Israelis due to be released as part of the ceasefire deal. Ages of those being freed range from two to 86, with the headline poignantly noting, “We won’t get back the same people we lost.”
‘Trump team backing Reform’s Farage for prime minister,’ says the Mail on Sunday.
The Mail on Sunday reports claims that members of Donald Trump’s team are backing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in his bid for prime minister. The support is said to be in response to Labour’s involvement in Kamala Harris’s campaign during the U.S. presidential election.
‘Sadiq Khan warns the west must face up to far-right resurgent,’ he says in the Observer.
In a piece written for the Observer, London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, warns that as Trump takes power again, the West must “face up to a century-defining battle” against a resurgent far-right, that is “on the march across the developed world”.
‘Chaos unleashed – critiques react to the chancellor’s budget.
The Sunday Express critiques Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget, calling it “chaos unleashed.” The analysis suggests her plans could cost the country the equivalent of 300,000 nurses’ salaries, with borrowing projected to increase by £12bn. Reeves has defended her approach, promising to drive economic growth “further and faster.”
‘NHS exhausted’ – the Sunday Mirror leads on the pressures facing the health service.
A special report by the Sunday Mirror highlights pressures on the NHS, showing overcrowded emergency departments and ambulance handover delays. One doctor described the current level of care as “exhausting,” though the report notes that some hospitals are performing better than the national average.
‘Attorney general faces conflict of interest allegations,’ reports the Sunday Telegraph.
The Sunday Telegraph raises concerns over Attorney General Lord Hermer’s involvement with Sri Lankan asylum seekers from the Chagos Islands. Before his appointment, Lord Hermer reportedly helped bring a case against the UK government, and a “one-off” deal was later made to allow their entry. Critics are demanding transparency over his potential role in the agreement.
‘Alarming trends in exam accommodations,’ says the Sunday Times.
The Sunday Times reveals a sharp increase in students receiving extra time for exams, with nearly 420,000 pupils benefiting this year. Some educators express concerns that the system is being exploited, while others attribute the rise to increased recognition of special educational needs.
‘Stalking allegations on Gladiators’ set,’ says the Sun on Sunday.
The Sun on Sunday reports a “cop probe” into allegations of stalking against Alex Gray, known as Apollo from the TV show Gladiators. Enhanced security measures were reportedly implemented after harassment incidents on set in Sheffield.