‘Meta ditches fact-checking’ & ‘Snow before the floods’ 

‘Meta ditches fact-checking’ & ‘Snow before the floods’ 

Much of Wednesday’s newspapers continue their front page coverage of the ongoing spat between the UK and Elon Musk – and the latest from the Trump inner circle. 

There are reports on Meta’s decision to roll back its fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram, bringing the tech company in line with the incoming president. 

There is also further coverage of the grooming gangs and the debate over another inquiry as well as the recent cold snap that brought travel chaos to the country. 

‘Meta ditches fact-checking’

‘The move will strengthen ties with Donald Trump,’ says the FT.

The Financial Times suggests that the move aims to strengthen ties with Donald Trump as he positions himself for a White House return. The newspaper also observes that this shift aligns Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, more closely with fellow tech billionaire Elon Musk, who scaled back content moderation after acquiring X. 

‘It marks a major step back for public discourse,’ says The Guardian.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reports widespread criticism of the decision, describing it as a “major step back” for public discourse.

‘Trump calls for US control of Greenland’

‘Significant escalation in his renewed calls for the US to take control of Greenland,’ says the Telegraph.

The Daily Telegraph highlights Donald Trump’s renewed calls to take control over Greenland and the Panama Canal, describing the remarks as a “significant escalation” in his rhetoric against several American allies.

‘His ambitions contradict his policy of withdrawing US troops,’ says The Times.

The Times notes that Trump’s expansionist ambitions appear to contradict his “America First” policy, which advocates for withdrawing U.S. troops from global hotspots.

‘Makes good sense for US to control Greenland,’ argues The Times’s political editor.

However, the paper’s diplomatic editor, Roger Boyes, contends that the pursuit of Greenland “makes good sense.” He argues that securing the island’s vast resources and strategic territory would bolster the West and deliver a strong message to China, which also seeks access to Greenland’s valuable assets.

‘Grooming gangs inquiry debate’ 

‘Britain needs to confront horror of grooming gangs,’ says the Express.

The Daily Express backs calls for a fresh investigation, saying Britain has yet to confront the “horror” of these gangs fully. 

‘PM is wrong to deny second inquiry,’ argues the Mail.

Similarly, the Daily Mail criticises Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, arguing that he is “wrong” to defer to Prof. Alexis Jay, chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, who said on Tuesday that another national inquiry was unnecessary. 

The Sun offers its support for the government’s plans to mandate reporting by public officials.

Meanwhile, The Sun supports the government’s proposal to mandate the reporting of child sexual abuse by public officials but cautions that the legislation will remain “fundamentally flawed” unless it also applies to the BBC.

‘Snow before the floods’

‘Prepare for rain,’ says the Mirror.

The Daily Mirror features an image of recent snowfall in the UK, warning heavy rainfall will now follow. 

‘Temperatures could drop as low as -20C,’ says the Express.

The Daily Express says the UK is preparing for its coldest night in four years with temperatures falling as low as -20C. The paper says the cold has sparked health fears for the “vulnerable.”