Editorial 10.03.2025
Monday’s front pages continue the weekend trend of no clear lead story, and instead, a variety of topics dominate the headlines.
Kyiv and Washington set for talks this week in Saudi Arabia, report a handful of broadsheets whilst several tabloids focus on Covid 5 years on – and how the UK marked the event.
Benefit cuts, prison reforms, growing crime in the UK and the sunny weather Britain has enjoyed – all make up the domestic coverage on the front pages. The back pages lead on last night’s Man Utd vs Arsenal, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The sports editors suggest that Arsenal’s failure to win has handed Liverpool the Premier League title.
Kyiv and Washington set for talks
‘Kyiv and Washignton set for talks as Ukraine hoping to convince US to resume intelligence sharing,’ says the FT.
The Financial Times reports on the upcoming “high-stakes talks” between Kyiv and Washington, set to take place in Saudi Arabia this week. According to the paper, Ukraine plans to propose a “partial ceasefire” with Russia, hoping this will persuade the US to resume intelligence sharing and military support.
‘Trump sasy Ukraine may not survive,’ reports The Telegraph.
The Telegraph also focuses on the Ukraine peace talks, quoting US President Donald Trump, who reportedly warned that Ukraine “may not survive.” The paper suggests that Washington will only consider lifting its restrictions on weapons and intelligence sharing if Kyiv agrees to cede Russian-occupied territory.
‘Ukrainians blaming Trump for rising death toll in recent days,’ says The Independent.
The Independent reports Ukrainians are blaming the United States’s ‘betrayal’ for the current bloodshed on the battlefield. The paper says ordinary citizens are pointing the finger at Donald Trump and his decision to cut aid and stop sharing military intelligence for the mounting casualties their country has been suffering in recent days.
‘Trump furious after Zelenskyy meets the King,’ mocks the Daily Star.
Meanwhile, the Daily Star takes a lighter approach, claiming that Trump is furious after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent meeting with King Charles. The paper suggests that Trump now feels less “special” about his own upcoming royal meeting. In a playful touch, the Star portrays him as a baby throwing his toys out of the pram.
Prison expansion over riot fears
‘Planning shake-ups could see residents near pylons recievng money off energy bills,’ says The Times.
The Times reports on a proposed “planning shake-up” that could see residents living near newly built pylons receiving £250 a year off their energy bills. The initiative is part of the government’s wider efforts to accelerate housing development, the paper adds.
‘New reforms may see groups not consulted in planning decisions,’ says the i.
The i newspaper also covers the government’s planning reforms, but focuses on a proposal to curb “Nimby” (Not In My Back Yard) opposition groups, who are often blamed for delaying construction projects. Under the new reforms, certain groups may no longer be consulted in planning decisions, potentially streamlining the approval process.
‘Hundreds of new prison cells over riot fears,’ says The Guardian.
Meanwhile, The Guardian reveals in an exclusive report that hundreds of new prison cells are set to be added in response to fears of a repeat of last summer’s riots. The paper says these “makeshift and newly refurbished” cells will be ready for use by the end of 2025.
Covid 5 years on
‘UK remembers Covid victims with tribute events held nationwide,’ says the Mirror.
The Mirror reflects on the UK’s COVID Day of Reflection, reporting that thousands gathered across the country on Sunday to mourn those who lost their lives during the pandemic. The paper highlights the emotional tributes paid at events nationwide.
‘King Charles sends message to Commonwealth honouring WW2 soldiers,’ reports the Express.
Meanwhile, the Daily Express covers King Charles’s Commonwealth Day message, in which he honoured the soldiers who fought in World War II. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of Hitler’s defeat, the King praised their “untold sacrifice and selflessness” in the fight against the Nazis.
‘MOTD potty plan to reduce football coverage,’ says The Sun.
The Sun takes aim at what it calls a “potty plan” to reduce football coverage on the BBC’s Match of the Day in favour of more analysis. The paper reports that BBC chairman Samir Shah believes most fans have already seen the highlights before the show airs on Saturday nights.
‘Woke RAF is running out of pilots,’ claims the Mail.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claims the RAF is “running out” of pilots after an alleged “secret bid to discriminate against white male applicants” failed. However, the RAF tells the paper that it has “sufficient pilots and aircrew” to meet operational demands and maintain frontline services.