Editorial 21 March 2024.
Thursday’s front pages feature various leads but politics seems to be the hot topic with the government suffering a series of defeats over its Rwanda asylum plan in the Lords last night, UK inflation and the economic outlook making several splashes. The shock resignation of Ireland’s PM is pictured on a couple of front pages.
‘Defeats deal fresh blow to Rwanda migrant bill’
Almost all the newspapers cover the Rwanda bill somewhere on the front pages. The traditional right-leaning papers see the defeat as a setback and several papers – across the political spectrum – note the defeat is a challenge to his authority.
Generally speaking, more neutral language is used by most of the centre-left media around the topic, with most left-leaning media focusing more on the inflation and economic outlook.
The Times says the series of Lords’ defeats on the Rwanda Bill may mean no flights take off until June at the earliest. The paper says the PM has called on MPs to unite behind him. Amongst those who voted against the government was Lord Clarke of Nottingham, the former Conservative chancellor.
The i newspaper reports Michael Saunders, a former member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee – which sets interest rates – tells the paper he thinks falling inflation will mean three rate cuts this year. The paper says it will come as a relief to mortgage holders.
The Daily Mail says some economists think there could be as many as five. The paper urges Bank of England economists to be “bold” and start cutting interest rates immediately when they meet on Thursday.
The Daily Express has a strong take on the defeat saying “undemocratic House of Lords stall Rwanda plans’.
Elsewhere, the Daily Express reports the prime minister will commit to the pension triple lock for the next Tory election manifesto – the policy enjoys heavy support from the Express. Campaigners tell the paper it will help support millions of older voters.
The Daily Mirror says “Hunt Raids OAP Cash” as it accuses the chancellor of being “oblivious” to the concern and uncertainty he caused with his comments and it welcomes Sunak’s commitment.
‘Princess Kate on the mend’
Away from politics, Princess Kate remains a tabloid favourite. She’s not the lead for most papers, but the traditional right-leaning media continue to feature the princess on the front pages.
The Daily Telegraph reports Princess Kate is easing back into normal life following her surgery. She has been working from home on her project to improve the lives of young children.
The Mail’s front page also carries claims that three employees at Kate Middleton’s hospital are being investigated over allegations they accessed the Princess of Wales’s medical records.
The Mirror says police must probe the reported breach at the hospital – The London Clinic – frequently used by royals. The hospital has responded to the allegations, saying it had “no place” for those intentionally breaching the trust of patients or colleagues.
Elsewhere, the Daily Telegraph reports Mel Stride, the Work and Pensions Secretary, has warned Britain’s approach to mental health is in danger of having “gone too far” with people self-diagnosing and being signed off work with mild conditions. Stride says it’s pushing the benefits bill up. He plans to make 150,000 people signed off with mild conditions to look for a job – but the scheme won’t come into force until after the next general election.