Editorial 26.01.2025
Reeves facing blockers & Holly Willoughby speaks on stalker terror
A number of the papers lead on stories about Chancellor Rachel Reeves and her plans for the British economy.
Several of Sunday’s front pages focus on the chancellor and her plans for the British economy. There’s ongoing coverage of the Southport killer case and fears over potential cases that the Prevent scheme has missed.
The rest of the front pages are made up of showbiz stories, whilst the back pages lead Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Chelsea in last night’s Premier League match to climb into fourth place on the table.
Rachel Reeves Faces Party “Blockers” and Farmer Backlash Amid Policy Push
‘Reeves warns she will not tolerate resistance to her agenda,’ says the Sunday Telegraph.
Rachel Reeves, as reported by The Sunday Telegraph, is determined to push forward with her economic growth plans despite opposition from within her party. In an interview ahead of her upcoming speech on planning reforms, Reeves warned she will not tolerate resistance to her agenda. A Labour source emphasised that her “strongly-worded message” targets MPs and peers, whether Labour or Conservative. The Telegraph suggests this marks a growing tension between Reeves and figures such as Climate Secretary Ed Miliband, with debates over prioritising economic growth versus Net Zero targets.
‘Reeves says she’ll deliver for working people,’ says the Sunday Mirror.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Reeves reiterated her commitment to “deliver for working people.” Meanwhile, the UK’s farming community is up in arms over her proposed changes to inheritance tax.
‘Farmers protest over 20% tax on inherited properties worth more than £1 million,’ says the Express.
According to the Daily Express, working farms—currently exempt—would face a 20% tax on inherited properties or land worth more than £1 million. Nationwide protests saw tractors roll into town centres on Saturday, with farmers warning the tax plan could “decimate” the industry.
‘Public want PM to move closer to Europe over the US,’ a YouGov poll suggests according to The Observer.
The Observer highlights a YouGov poll indicating voters want Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to focus on closer trading ties with Europe rather than the US. Reeves told the paper that Brexit has harmed the UK economy and pledged to reduce trade barriers for small businesses to drive growth.
Home Office Review Exposes Prevent Failings
‘Report shows Prevent scheme failures that allowed Southport killer to roam free,’ says the Sunday Times.
The Sunday Times reveals troubling findings from a Home Office review into the Prevent anti-extremism program. Counter-terrorism officers reportedly failed to identify the radicalisation risk posed by Southport attacker Axel Rudakubana, deeming him uninterested in politics. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper writes that the review of Prevent’s thresholds is ongoing.
‘More than 1,600 terror-obsessed youths roaming free in Britain,’ says The Sun on Sunday.
The Sun on Sunday reports figures they have obtained show that just 228 of 1,830 youngsters referred to the government’s anti-terror programme Prevent were sent for full monitoring. The others remained free from any official supervision.
Media Scandals and Showbiz
‘Evans apologised for unacceptable comments to TV presenter,’ reports the Mail on Sunday,
The Mail on Sunday reports that tenor Wynne Evans, famed for his Go Compare ads, is under fire for making inappropriate remarks about Strictly Come Dancing presenter Janette Manrara during a live tour photoshoot. Evans has apologised, calling his comments “unacceptable.”
‘Holly Willoughby says nothing prepares you for stalker experience,’ reports the Sunday Times.
Meanwhile, TV presenter Holly Willoughby has opened up to the Sunday Times about her harrowing experience following a plot to kidnap and murder her. “Nothing can prepare you for something like that,” she said, adding, “I had to go on.”
‘Willoughby reveals devastating impact of ordeal,’ says the Sun on Sunday.
The Sun on Sunday also leads on the first interview given by TV presenter Holly Willoughby since a man was jailed last year over a plan to kidnap and murder her.
Israeli Hostages Return Home
Many of the papers carry images of more Israeli hostages who were freed from Gaza yesterday.
The Observer shows an image of Daniella Gilboa who was seen smiling and giving a thumbs up from a military helicopter. The paper says she was one of seven members of an all-female surveillance unit who were taken hostage. The Daily Telegraph features an image of Naama Levy, who is pictured laughing as she is reunited with her family.