Today’s Paper Talk headlines: Gove warns of extremism, Labour prepares for office and Marcus Smith’s last-minute drop kick gives England Six Nations win
There isn’t much unity across the Sunday front pages with most splashes leading on separate domestic topics. There’s some light coverage of the UK political scene, with several papers looking at what a Labour government will look like, providing they win the upcoming general election.
‘Gove warns of extremism’
Micheal Gove is interviewed in the Sunday Telegraph as he calls for pro-Palestinian protesters not to march alongside extremists who he says are trying to “subvert democracy.” Gove warns that some pro-Palestinian events “have been organised by extremist organisations”.
According to the paper, Gove’s comments come ahead of plans for a new official definition of extremism which the government will use to cut ties or funding to any groups deemed to have crossed the line.
The Observer also leads on Gove’s plan to ban some individuals and organisations under this new framework. The paper says it has seen some leaked documents that express fears within the government that the scheme is at risk of legal challenge. It adds that some departments will pilot the plans and that local councils are expected to follow the government’s lead.
‘Labour prepares for office’
The Observer says the Labour government is stepping up its preparations to govern, with Sir Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet set to meet top civil servants in Whitehall departments before Easter. The paper has been told that Starmer recently held a first round of so-called “access talks” with the cabinet secretary Simon Case, the head of the civil service, at a “neutral venue” in London, to kick off an exchange of information between the official opposition and Whitehall in advance of a potential handover of power.
The Sunday Express leads on an article written by Home Secretary James Cleverly in which he hits out at the Labour Party on migration. He writes that Labour would rather “carp from the sidelines” than take action on small boats. It comes as the Rwanda policy – a flagship policy for the current government – reaches its final stages in Parliament this week.
Most of the papers feature an image of Marcus Smith – who drop-kicked the goal that gave England the win over Ireland in the Six Nations. Most papers note that Ireland, aiming for another grand slam, was the favourites.
Tonight’s Academy Awards and celebrity gossip make the front pages of the tabloids.
Elsewhere, Boris Johnson leads the Sunday Times, with the paper reporting the former prime minister flew to Venezuela last month for what it calls “secret talks” with the country’s autocratic leader about the war in Ukraine. The paper says there has been concern in the West that Nicolás Maduro might supply weapons or other military support to Russia. It adds that Johnson also discussed normalising relations with the UK – which does not recognise the legitimacy of Venezuela’s government.
The Mail on Sunday leads on Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer. In a recently released memoir, he revealed he was sexually abused as an 11-year-old at a boarding school. He describes the woman who abused him as a “voracious paedophile” and says she groomed and abused boys in their dormitories.
The Sunday Mirror reports on the mother of teenage murder victim Brianna Ghey, Ester Ghey, and her campaign to make children kinder. Ester, 37, wants mindfulness lessons to be taught in school. She tells the paper that even though she doesn’t know if Brianna’s murder could have been stopped, she is convinced if children are taught from a young age to “have empathy and self-compassion” they will be happier and feel better about themselves.
The Sunday People leads on the death of Peter Connolly – most famously known as Baby P. The man who was jailed in 2009 for causing the toddler’s death could be free on parole within months.
The case of Baby P shocked the country and also highlighted many failings within social care. His stepfather, Steven Barker was jailed for a minimum of 12 years for his part in the death. The paper adds that his previous applications for parole have been turned down.
THE SUNDAY PAPERS – REVIEWED AND SUMMARISED
The Observer – Revealed: legal fears over new Gove definition of extremism
Housing Secretary Michael Gove is to announce a plan to ban individuals and groups that “undermine the UK’s system of liberal democracy” from official meetings, writes The Observer. However, there are fears the move could face a legal challenge.
Elsewhere, Labour is stepping up its preparations to govern according to the paper. A general election is expected later this year, and polling puts Labour ahead by miles.
There’s a picture of Marcus Smith – whose last-minute drop kick gave England the win over Ireland.
Sunday Mirror – Brianna legacy starts in schools
The Sunday Mirror leads on Brianna Ghey’s mother, Esther, launching a campaign in schools to instill kindness in children. Brianna, 16, was murdered last year in a park by two teenagers.
Elsewhere, the paper looks ahead to tonight’s Academy Awards in the US.
Sunday Express – Labour are cowards over small boat crisis
Labour have been branded as “cowards” by Home Secretary James Cleverly who says the party is resisting the Rwanda plan only because they fear it will work, reports the Sunday Express.
Mr Cleverly also accuses Labour of having no alternative migrant plan.
Prince Edwards makes the paper, as he gives a rare interview to mark his 60th birthday.
England’s win over Ireland and the Oscars make the paper.
The Sun on Sunday – Hugh’s New Lady
Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville has been spotted by The Sun On Sunday dating actress and divorcee Claire Rankin. Bonneville recently split up from Lulu Williams after 25 years of marriage.
Private letters written by Princess Diana are set to go on sale for $1m in the US also makes the front page.
The Sunday Times – Johnson flew for secret talks with autocrat
According to The Sunday Times, Boris Johnson took a secret trip to meet with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The talks, which are described as “highly unusual”, centred on the war in Ukraine as well as normalising the relationship with the UK, the story says. It adds that Johnson did not respond to queries about who instigated the talks, or why.
“England slam Irish hopes” is the caption above a photo of a jubilant Smith on the front page.
Like many other papers, the Sunday Times is previewing tonight’s Oscars. The paper reports on the return of raunch in Hollywood.
The Sunday Telegraph – Don’t march alongside extremists, Gove tells protesters
The Sunday Telegraph writes Michael Gove is urging pro-Palestine protesters to steer clear of extremist groups and condemned anti-Israel chants – ahead of publishing a new official definition of extremism.
The paper has seen documents circulated to the Home Office and Downing Street which show that officials working for Mr Gove “have drawn up plans for ‘trailblazer’ departments to pilot the scheme”, it reports.
The paper, like many of Sunday’s front pages, also features a prominent image of England’s Marcus Smith whose drop goal secured a win in the Six Nations game against Ireland on Saturday.
