Chancellor hints at tax cuts amid record high tax burden, William visits Kate after surgery – Paper Talk
Friday’s front pages feature a variety of stories with no single story dominating the newspapers. Several of the papers pick up on comments made by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in Davos, Switzerland, who said lower taxes were the “direction of travel”. His comments come as he prepares to deliver the Budget in March.
Chancellor hints at tax cuts
The Times reports that the tax burden on course to be at its highest level in the post-war era, prompting discussions in the Treasury about potential cuts to personal taxes like income and inheritance.
According to the Daily Express, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt acknowledged public frustration with the record-high tax burden. The paper sees his commitment to prioritising the economy as positive but emphasises the need for tangible results.
The Financial Times notes that the chancellor hasn’t ruled out the possibility of two budgets before the next election. There’s speculation that an autumn budget could showcase successive tax cuts, following last year’s reductions.
For The Guardian, the March budget is crucial for the Conservatives to narrow Labour’s lead in opinion polls. The paper suggests Chancellor Hunt’s options will become clearer with upcoming economic reports, indicating a potential giveaway unless there’s unexpected bad news.
Israel rejects US request for Palestinian state
The Guardian leads on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu telling the US that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state once the conflict in Gaza comes to an end. The White House responded by saying it will continue working towards a two-state solution.
The Telegraph leads on a warning from a leading Nato official that the West must prepare for the possibility of war with Russia in the next 20 years. Rob Bauer says that private citizens, as well as the armed forces, must be prepared for the prospect of conflict.
Princess of Wales in hospital
Several of the front pages feature images of Prince William visiting his wife, the Princess of Wales in hospital following abdominal surgery.
The Sun has the headline “Heir for you Kate” as Prince William visits Kate in hospital after her abdominal surgery. The Mirror says Kate is ‘doing well’ and the Express leaves space on its front page to feature an image of William looking pensive as he drives to the hospital.
The Times reports that Prince Andrew and Harry have ‘lost’ their stand in roles for the King. It says the King has made provisions to remove both of them as Counsellors of state – a role that means they can step in on behalf of the King. Andrew stepped down from royal roles after he was accused of sex crimes, and Harry has relocated to California.
