Editorial 27 June 2024.
Last night’s BBC election debate dominates the Thursday front pages. The papers dig their heels into their camps with the left-leaning papers leading on the betting scandal engulfing the Conservative Party, whilst the right-leaning newspapers scrutinise Starmer’s plan – or lack of it – to deal with the small boats crossings.
Away from politics, various domestic stories are splattered across the papers, from the latest in the Holly Willougby trial to the news Phil Foden has briefly returned to the UK for the birth of his third child.
Many back pages pick up on Gareth Southgate’s comments asking fans to get behind the team following backlash over a few poor performances.
‘PM and Starmer clash in last TV debate’
The Guardian says the BBC debate was “tetchy” as Sir Keir took aim at the Tories’ “culture at the top” following the latest news on the general election betting scandal – more and more Tories are being investigated and more names are expected to come out.
“Sunak rams home tax message” is the Times’ headline as it says the prime minister hammered home his tax warnings about Labour’s leader – while Sir Keir accused the Tory leader of being out of touch with the UK.
The Telegraph focuses on Rishi Sunak’s warning to voters “not to surrender Britain to Labour.” The paper points out the prime minister repeatedly used the word “surrender” during the debate as he criticised Labour’s policies.
The right-leaning newspapers have a different take on the last TV debate.
The Daily Express points out that Sir Keir Starmer failed “nine times” during the debate to give an answer on how his party would tackle the small boats crisis. The paper has long been supportive of Sunak’s policy on the issue and a sub-headline adds that “the PM urged voters ‘not to surrender’ UK’s borders”.
The Daily Mail offers up its verdict on the debate. “You are taking people for fools.” The paper says Sunak took aim at Labour’s “nonsensical” plans to tackle illegal migration. The paper says he then opened “a second front” by accusing the Labour leader of “not being straight with people” about his tax plans’
The i newspaper tells its readers why it will not be backing any political party in this election or going forward. The paper does report on the latest polling saying support for Nigel Farage’s Reform Party is dipping – offering a “glimmer of hope” for the Tories.
‘Phil Foden flies home’
England footballer Phil Foden has temporarily left camp in Germany to return to the UK for the birth of his third child. He is expected to return to camp before Sunday’s match.
The Sun says “Phil’s baby dash’ the paper says the star will be back for Sunday’s crucial Round of 16 match against Slovakia. The Daily Mail features an image of Phil, his partner and their two children: Ronnie and True. The Mirror says Phil has flown home for the birth of another baby boy.