Editorial 12.03.2025
Two stories dominate Wednesday’s front pages: the latest from Ukraine and crossbow killer Kyle Clifford sentenced to three life terms.
Many of the tabloids choose to focus on Clifford, who was handed three life sentences with whole orders for the murder of his ex-partner, her sister and her mother. He was also found guilty of raping his ex-partner. The sentence means he’ll never be released from prison. The women were the wives and daughters of BBC horse racing commentator John Hunt, whose victim impact statement is quoted in many headlines this morning.
Manchester United’s new £2bn stadium is discussed on the front and back pages, as is Liverpool’s exit from the Champions League.
On the international front, a Ukraine- Russia ceasefire is on the table, awaiting Russia’s agreement, after peace talks involving the US in Saudi Arabia.
Trump’s ongoing tariff war with Canada also makes the front pages after he announced a 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminium. Trump’s announcements, which he’s since backtracked on, saw metal prices rise and the stock markets fall.
Kyle Clifford sentenced
‘Proud of all my girls,’ quotes the Daily Express.
The Daily Express headline picks up on the victim statement from John Hunt, who said he was “proud of all my girls.” The paper’s full cover features a photo of his wife Carol and daughters Louise and Hannah.
‘Hell will roll out the red carpet for Clifford’s crimes,’ says the Metro.
The Metro also dedicates its front page to Mr Hunt’s impact statement. They report the BBC horse racing pundit told Clifford hell would be rolling out the “red carpet” for his crimes.
‘Clifford will never get out of jail,’ notes the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror says, “Jail then hell,” highlighting the ‘coward’ has been handed three life sentences, with three whole life orders, meaning he’ll never get out of prison.
‘I hope my daughter’s bravery helps other women trying to escape abusive relationships,’ reports The Guardian.
The Guardian reports Hunt’s tribute to his daughter Lousie – who had dated Clifford – saying he hopes her bravery is treated “as a shining beacon” for other women wanting to leave certain relationships.
Ukraine agrees ceasefire
‘Trump will challenge Putin to accept the deal,’ says the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph reports that US President Donald Trump will challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept the deal after securing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approval in Saudi Arabia.
‘All eyes on Russia to see how they will respond,’ says The Times.
The Times also leads on hopes of a ceasefire in Ukraine, saying all eyes are on Russia to see how they will respond. The paper quotes Donald Trump as saying, “it takes two to tango.”
‘Terms for ceasefire will include prisoner-of-war exchange,’ reports the i.
The i newspaper says the ceasefire will happen “if Putin agrees.” The paper reports attention has turned to Moscow after the US managed to get Ukraine to agree to the terms, which include a prisoner-of-war exchange and the return of children forcibly transferred to Russia.
‘Ball in Russia’s court to accept 30-day ceasefire,’ reports The Guardian.
The Guardian’s front page highlights that the ball is in Russia’s court and that they now decide if the 30-day ceasefire will go ahead.
Trump tariffs
‘Trump administration has rolled back on Canada tariff plans,’ reports the FT.
The FT leads with the back-and-forth of Trump’s tariffs and the impact on the stock market. The paper reports on the US president’s plan of targeting its northern neighbour with more tariffs – which would include a 50% tariff on aluminium and steel.
The Trump administration has since rolled back on plans.
‘Global stock markets in meltdown amid US recession fears,’ reports the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph says global stock markets are in a meltdown as Donald Trump’s tariff war “takes hold.” The paper says the global sell-off in stock markets has deepened amid concerns that Trump is happy to push the US into recession.