Daily Express – Has Sir Keir sounded death knell of our pubs?
The Daily Express focuses on what it calls Sir Keir Starmer’s “nanny state” and the row over a potential ban on smoking in pub and restaurant gardens. It pictures Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and says he is concerned about Labour showing “authoritarian socialist state-control instincts” and says he “would not go to the pub ever again if these restrictions are imposed”.
Its headline asks: “Has Sir Keir sounded the death knell of our pubs?” The paper quotes Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick who questions why the prime minister is focusing on a smoking ban when the “country faces huge challenges”.
Nigel Farage hilariously protests against Keir Starmer’s ‘nanny state’ smoking ban
Sir Keir Starmer’s “nanny state” will call last orders on struggling pubs, clubs and entertainment venues, critics have warned.
The Prime Minister confirmed the Government is exploring plans to ban smoking in pub and restaurant gardens and terraces, outdoor sports stadiums, children’s parks and pavements near hospitals and universities.
Sir Keir argued the controversial move will ease the burden on the NHS.
But the hospitality sector warned the “bonkers” decision will heap even more pressure on businesses and will be another “nail in the coffin” for pubs and bars.And politicians warned it has revealed the Labour Government’s “instincts” towards state interference.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “The death knell of the traditional British pub may well have been sounded.
“The Labour Party is showing its authoritarian socialist state control instincts and mentality. The rumoured ban on smoking in pub gardens or on the pavement outside pubs will kill off the traditional pub forever. For my own part, I simply would not go to the pub ever again if these restrictions are imposed.
“The Puritans are on the march. We must all be controlled for our own good. I expect the anti-alcohol debate, with corresponding levels of national propaganda, to pick up pace over the coming years.
“This all goes to prove the point that the instincts of this Labour government are to control legal activity, whereas they realise they have no chance, and perhaps not even the will, to control illegal activity.”
Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
If you are someone who reads every perspective of a story, here is a news summary of all of today’s front pages from today’s newspapers; summarised in a 2-minute read
Editorial 30 August 2024.
Friday’s leads report on the latest from Downing Street with many papers assessing what the government’s plans to ban outdoor smoking in pubs will do to trading. Pub landlords have not welcomed the news and the traditional right-leaning publications dramatically claim it’s ‘the end of British pubs!’
The plans have put the Labour government on a collision course with the hospitality industry – which is already struggling. But the news has been welcomed by health experts.
Working hours, the NHS and health studies also make Friday’s front pages along with a dose of showbiz and royal gossip.
The back pages report on the latest Premier League gossip, the England National football team and Joe Root’s 33rd Test Century for England.