Editorial 05.12.24
Political turmoil dominates the UK front pages, with speculation that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is aiming to “reset” his government following a challenging start in No. 10.
In France, Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government collapsed on Wednesday after a no-confidence vote, leading to his ousting just months into office. President Macron now faces growing calls to resign.
Tabloids continue to spotlight allegations against MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace, with right-leaning outlets pressing the BBC for cultural reform after failing to address the issue sooner.
Criminal activities also make headlines, including the arrest of dozens linked to a global “crypto cartel” laundering funds through unregulated digital currencies.
In New York, police have launched a manhunt after American CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead in what is believed to be a targeted attack.
‘PM plans reset’
‘PM to introduce 13,000 more police officers in England and Wales,’ says the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror reports the PM will set out measures to introduce 13,000 more neighbourhood police officers in England and Wales, in a move designed to “restore the link between police officers and their communities.”
‘PM refreshes pre-election pledge,’ says The Independent.
The Independent says the PM refreshes pre-election pledge of safer streets as key part of ‘plan for change’ – as business group casts doubt on Labour’s mission to grow the economy.
‘PM’s announcement is an effort to show Labour is delivering change,’ says The Guardian.
The Guardian says the prime minister’s announcement is an effort to show Labour is “delivering change” in government. The paper says the PM will make pledges to set targets to improve other areas including living standards, NHS backlogs, energy security and housebuilding.
‘PM restarts his leadership,’ says The Times.
The Times notes the pledges are the prime minister’s attempt to ‘restart his leadership’ but wonders how realistic they are.
‘Immigration not in Starmer’s reset plans,’ notes The Telegraph.
The Telegraph highlights that immigration is not one of Keir Starmer’s ‘milestones for a big reset.’ The paper says Starmer is not expected to set a firm target but backbenchers are warning that failure to do so would be a ‘big hole’ in his message.
‘French government collapses’
‘Barnier ousted over austerity budget,’ reports the FT.
The FT says the ousting of the French PM Michel Barnier over his attempt to force through an austerity budget saw the left and right coming together to reject the prime minister’s plans. The paper says the parliamentarians voted overwhelmingly for a motion of no confidence in Barnier.
‘Macron facing calls to resign following collapse of government,’ notes The Times.
The Times says President Emmanuel Macron is facing calls to resign following the collapse of government. The paper says the country is now in “turmoil” and the crisis will “reverberate across Europe” noting Barnier has become the shortest-lived PM in the history of the fifth French Republic since 1958.
‘Fresh political chaos for France,’ reports the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph says France’s government fell on Wednesday night after MPs voted to oust Michel Barnier’s administration, plunging the country into fresh political turmoil.
‘Gregg Wallace allegations continue’
‘BBC received complaints about Wallace 10 years ago,’ says The Sun.
The Sun says the BBC received complaints about Gregg Wallace’s “lewd behaviour” 10 years ago. The paper says executives at the broadcaster had a meeting to discuss the claims and still allowed him to stay on the show. The paper has a recording of the MasterChef host telling his dance partner, Aliona Vilani, that he never wore underwear.
‘He’s a predator,’ reports the Mirror which leads on new allegations.
The Daily Mirror reports “He’s a predator, he harassed me, it was revolting”. The paper reports on the new allegations being made against Wallace.