Editorial 15.01.25
Almost all the tabloids lead with the news Princess Kate is in remission, following her cancer treatment last year. The princess visited the London hospital that treated her, meeting with patients and staff, before sharing the health update.
Away from the royals, the broadsheets lead with the latest from No 10 as Tulip Siddiq stepped down from her role as a senior Treasury minister last night after she was linked to an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh.
Many of Wednesday’s front pages offer their opinion of the resignation and ask questions of Keir Starmer’s government.
The ongoing discussions for a ceasefire in Gaza, the LA wildfires and TikTok’s looming ban in the United States all find space on the UK front pages this morning.
Princess Kate in remission
‘Kate thanks staff as she announces she’s in remission,’ says the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror places a joyful Princess of Wales front and centre, quoting her announcing that she is now in remission. The paper highlights her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she received treatment, noting her heartfelt thanks to staff and warm interactions with patients.
‘Kate speaks of her relief and optimism for the year ahead,’ reports the Express.
The Daily Express focuses on Catherine’s “relief” at receiving the all-clear after her treatment. The paper says she has an optimistic outlook of a “fulfilling year ahead.”
‘Kate praises Royal Marsden Hospital for their exceptional care,’ highlights The Sun.
The Sun highlights Catherine’s praise for the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she described the care she received as “exceptional.”
‘Princess offered words of comfort to patients at the hospital,’ reports Metro.
Metro says the princess also had “words of comfort and caring hugs” for patients at the Royal Marsden. It carries pictures of Catherine hugging and chatting to patients on her visit, which was “to support patients and personally thank staff”, on her first solo engagement since her cancer treatment ended.
‘Sunlight and water became important to Kate during chemo,’ says The Times.
The Times says she revealed to patients that sunlight and water had become important to her, to help get through chemotherapy, and that sometimes she found herself lost for words. She told them “there is light at the end of the tunnel”.
UK politics: Tulip Siddiq resigns, Economy & Mauritius deal
‘Siddiq was forced out due to inquiry in Bangladesh,’ writes The Times.
The Times leads with the claim that Siddiq was “forced out of office” due to an anti-corruption inquiry linked to Bangladesh, which posed “reputational risks” for the government. While Siddiq stated she resigned to avoid becoming a “distraction,” the paper notes her departure is “politically damaging” for Sir Keir, who has vowed to restore integrity after past Tory scandals.
‘Siddiq is second senior woman to resign over ethics issues,’ notes The Guardian.
The Guardian highlights Siddiq’s status as the “second senior woman” to resign over ethics issues in Starmer’s administration. Though an investigation cleared her of rule-breaking, it concluded she should have been more aware of potential reputational risks tied to her family’s connections to Bangladesh.
‘Starmer keeps door open for her return,’ claims the FT.
The FT underscores Siddiq’s close relationship with Starmer, noting his statement that the “door remains open” for her return. However, the opposition pounced on the situation, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticising Starmer for not acting sooner, accusing him of “dithering” to shield a trusted ally.
‘Siddiq’s resignation a sign of Labour’s instability,’ reports the Mail.
The Daily Mail takes a more critical tone, calling Siddiq’s resignation a sign of Labour’s instability. Referring to its prior branding of Siddiq and Chancellor Rachel Reeves as “two lame ducks,” the paper asks if Reeves, whom Starmer has publicly backed, is also at risk of being undermined.
Turbulence in the Treasury, Criticism of plans to repeal Legacy Act
‘Reeves open to new cuts to public services and benefits,’ notes the i.
The i reports on what it describes as “turbulence” within the Treasury, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves facing pressure as she prepares for a March mini-budget. The paper notes that Downing Street is “open” to re-examining the country’s finances in a bid to meet the government’s pledge to balance the books. Potential “new cuts to public services and benefits” are under consideration as Reeves searches for strategies to stimulate growth.
‘Gerry Adams could claim compensation,’ says the Telegraph.
The Telegraph leads with criticism of the government’s plan to repeal sections of the Legacy Act, a move that could allow former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams and up to 400 others detained in the 1970s to seek compensation for unlawful detention. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn defended the decision, citing the government’s “absolute commitment to the Human Rights Act.” However, the paper notes that the proposal has drawn backlash from “senior peers and IRA victims,” who have deemed it “unacceptable.”
Mauritius deal finalised
‘Deal signed today after last-minute push as delays have been resolved,’ says Telegraph.
The Telegraph reports that the agreement is expected to be signed today after a last-minute push to finalise the terms. The delay, attributed to the Mauritian government’s hesitations, appears to have been resolved, with ministers in the Indian Ocean nation set to meet this morning to give their approval.
‘Deal rushed ahead of Trump’s return,’ says The Times.
Similarly, The Times highlights that Mauritius is on the verge of closing the deal. The paper underscores concerns that President-elect Trump could potentially veto the agreement upon his return to the White House, making it critical for the UK and Mauritius to act swiftly.