Editorial 17.01.25
Friday’s newspapers lead with various domestic and international stories. There is front-page coverage of the sentencing of Hassan Sentamu, the 18-year-old convicted of murdering Elianne Andam in a knife attack in London. Labour’s grooming gangs inquiry, the ceasefire negotiations in the Israel-Gaza war and tributes are paid to the film director David Lynch, who has died at the age of 78.
The back pages lead with Manchester United’s late 3-1 win over Southampton in last night’s Premier League match.
Justice for Elianne Andam
‘Family visible distress during the verdict,’ Metro says.
Metro leads with the heartbreak expressed by the family of 15-year-old Elianne Andam after her killer, Hassan Sentamu, 18, was convicted of her murder. The paper describes Sentamu’s visible distress during the verdict, noting he clutched a stress ball, wiped away tears, and refused to sit down in the dock.
‘Elianne’s parents crippled with pain,’ says the Mirror.
According to the Daily Mirror, Elianne’s parents said they are “crippled with pain” but vowed to honour her memory by campaigning against knife crime and ensuring her legacy lives on.
Labour’s Grooming Gangs Investigation
‘Labour’s small-scale investigations labelled ‘toothless”, says the Mail.
The Daily Mail reports on growing anger over Labour’s decision to initiate small-scale investigations into grooming gangs rather than a full national inquiry, with critics labelling the move “toothless.” The paper notes the government’s change of stance, having previously ruled out new investigations.
‘Intense political pressure forced Labour’s hand,’ says The Guardian.
The Guardian highlights the intense political pressure that prompted the shift. The paper writes “officials say review is not national inquiry ministers have been pressed for after series of X posts by Elon Musk.”
‘Not good enough,’ says a victim in the Express.
Victims like Fiona Goddard told the Daily Express that local reviews are “just not good enough.” She emphasised that past inquiries had barely “touched the surface” of the issue.
Israel and Ceasefire Uncertainty
‘Israel won’t vote on deal until all terms agreed,’ notes The Guardian.
The Guardian warns that Israel will not vote on a ceasefire deal with Hamas until all terms are agreed upon. This delay, the paper says, has raised fears that disputes or hardliners could scuttle the agreement before it takes effect on Sunday.
‘The terrible cost of conflict,’ the front page of The Independent looks at the statistics from the war.
The Independent dedicates its entire front page to assessing the cost of the war – both looking at death tolls as well as the humanitarian crisis.
Ukraine and UK Peacekeeping Concern
‘UK army too small to be significant in peacekeeping operations in Ukraine,’ says the i.
The i reports that senior military figures have warned the UK’s army is now “too small” to play a significant role in peacekeeping operations in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed talks with multiple countries about enforcing a potential future ceasefire. The paper notes the UK’s diminished capacity to participate effectively in such missions.
Easing the Housing Crisis
‘First-time home buyers might find it easier to enter housing market due to reforms,’ says The Times.
The Times reports that first-time home buyers may find it easier to enter the housing market due to proposed reforms in the mortgage market. Regulators are considering loosening loan rules to make homeownership more accessible.
Calls for Killer’s Return to Jail
‘Calls for Jimmy killer to be returned to prison,’ says The Sun.
The Sun calls for the return of convicted murderer Jake Fahri to prison after he allegedly breached parole conditions. Fahri, sentenced to life for the 2008 murder of teenager Jimmy Mizen, was released in 2023. The paper’s investigation claims Fahri recorded rap lyrics referencing the crime.