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Outbreaks of rain soon spreading into Northern Ireland and Scotland, then spreading erratically eastwards into Wales and western England during the afternoon. Largely dry but
Monday’s news briefing
MPs are amongst those calling for the alleged Chinese spy – with close links to Prince Andrew – to be publicly named for security reasons. MPs are threatening to name the man as allegations raise “calls for caution.” Shadow home secretary Chris Philp and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage are amongst those calling for the alleged spy to be named.
It’s plunged the royals – and Andrew – into deeper crisis and amid another year of royal scandal, the firm are hoping Andrew steps out of the public eye this Christmas.
District councils could be abolished and more elected mayors introduced across England under new plans for a major redesign of local government. Ministers are set to publish a paper on Monday outlining plans for mergers in areas where there are currently two tiers of local authority – smaller district and larger county councils – in a bid to streamline services.
The government has approved the sale of the Royal Mail’s parent company to a Czech billionaire. The £3.6bn takeover by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group has been given the go-ahead after agreeing “legally binding” undertakings.
December 17, 2024
11:22 am
Outbreaks of rain soon spreading into Northern Ireland and Scotland, then spreading erratically eastwards into Wales and western England during the afternoon. Largely dry but often cloudy elsewhere. Feeling mild, but winds strengthening throughout the day, especially in the west. Tonight: A windy night, with outbreaks of rain spreading across all parts. Heaviest and most persistent rain across western hills, with some clearer albeit showery conditions arriving into the northwest later.
Monday’s front pages feature a variety of domestic and international stories. Several papers report on Prince Andrew and the alleged Chinese spy who befriended him. The papers report that MPs – and the public – want the alleged spy to be named.
The papers further call on the Duke to stay away from royal events this Christmas and to keep out of the public’s sight, as anger mounts over the latest scandal involving the royal.
Domestic politics also makes up the news stories. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch continues her criticism of Labour’s farming tax plans, health secretary Wes Streeting backs a campaign calling for a ban on ‘cowboy surgeries’ and the Tories fear elderly people will be ‘left in the cold’ this winter.
In sports news, space is left on the front pages to report on the new Match of the Day hosts. The back pages lead with Manchester United’s 2-1 win over City in yesterday’s Premier League match.
Prince Andrew's China spy should be named
‘Royals don’t need another scandal dragging on,’ sources tell The Sun.
The Sun reports sources say after a difficult year for the royals, the last thing they need is another scandal “dragging on”.
‘Andrew should step back from public appearances this Christmas,’ says The Times.
The Times notes Prince Andrew is under pressure, quoting sources from Buckingham Palace who say he should do the right thing and step back from public appearances over Christmas.
‘Alleged spy helped elite British school expand to China,’ says the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph says the alleged spy, who has remained anonymous, helped an elite British private school expand to China.
‘MPs demand alleged spy to be named,’ says the Mail.
The Daily Mail says alongside royals and prime ministers, the spy also mixed with “captains of industry.” The paper is amongst many that demand the alleged spy “must be named.”
UK politics - NHS, Brexit reset & the chancellor's budget
‘EU prepared to drive hard bargain over new UK deals,’ says the i.
The i newspaper leads with leaked documents which show the EU is “prepared to drive a hard bargain” when it comes to new deals with the UK on trade and security. EU nations are said to be “happy with the status quo” and are “becoming exasperated by the UK making demands without offering concessions”.
‘Economists say cutting tax relief for family businesses and farms will lead to investment drop,’ says the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph continues coverage of the Chancellor’s Budget changes to inheritance tax. The paper says a report from economists, says that cutting tax relief for family businesses and farms will lead to a drop in investment, which will outweigh the extra income the government expects to gain. .
‘Streeting backs campaign to end cosmetic cowboy surgeries,’ reports the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror says Health Secretary Wes Streeting is backing their campaign to end “cosmetic cowboys.” He tells the paper he will consider calls to crack down on unregulated high-street salons and clinics. .
Sports - MotD hosts revealed, United beat City in derby
'Cates to join Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman' says The Mail
The Mail reports Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates will join Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman in hosting Match of The Day.
'Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will rotate role' notes the Times
The Times says the three will rotate the role – taking over from Gary Lineker.
'Cates grew up stepped in the game' says Telegraph Sport
The Telegraph says Cates grew up steeped in the game and has the skill and authority to front football’s flagship show.
“Today in amazingly unfortunate British coincidences, Sky News is reporting that all the paperwork relating to Prince Andrew’s business deals during his time on the public payroll has ‘disappeared'”
Excellent choices. All three are superb presenters. 👏
Capitalism purists
Royal Mail sold to a Czech billionaire
Water companies almost totally owned by foreign companies and govts
The list of what WE used to own goes on
Not how Thatcher/Major sold privatisation to us at all
Tories lied eh?
A pattern
88 companies have delisted or transferred their primary listing from London this year with only 18 taking their place. This marks the biggest net outflow of companies from the main market since 2009, with new listings also on course to hit 15 year low
88 companies have delisted or transferred their primary listing from London this year with only 18 taking their place. This marks the biggest net outflow of companies from the main market since 2009, with new listings also on course to hit 15 year low
Sports business
Dictators such as Kim Jong Un or Bashar al-Assad could be encouraged to buy English football clubs if “preposterous” proposals from Tory peers are passed, campaigners have warned.
December 17, 2024
11:22 am
December 17, 2024
11:20 am
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