Editorial 28 June 2024.
Friday’s newspapers are dominated by the general election and with less than a week until polling days, they are keen to force home their messages.
The traditional right-leaning newspapers are slamming Nigel Farage’s Reform Party – the true threat to the Conservatives at this election after members were recorded making racist, homophobic and Islamophobic comments. Other right-leaning papers are tapping into fears that Labour will end up with a supermajority if disillusioned Conservative voters decide to cast their vote for Reform.
The left-leaning newspapers, continue to push Labour’s plans if they are elected this July. These include plans to fix the NHS and close loopholes for private schools.
Other domestic topics, from celebrity news to football, are splashed on the front pages. The back pages lead on the England football team ahead of their Sunday clash against Slovakia.
‘Rishi Sunak attacks Nigel Farage’
The Daily Telegraph reports on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s attack on Nigel Farage, labelling the Reform UK leader a “Putin appeaser” in an exclusive interview. In the paper’s editorial Farage says he would “never ever” defend Putin.
The paper also reports that the upcoming French election, citing warnings from the Bank of England, that the results could pose a danger to the British economy.
The Times focuses on Channel 4’s exposé on Reform UK, noting fresh allegations of sexist and racist behaviour among its candidates. The paper reports a Reform UK campaigner was filmed saying migrants crossing the English Channel should be used as target practice. The party’s leader Nigel Farage has said the comments are “appalling” and said those making them will “no longer be part of the campaign”.
The Daily Mail cites a poll indicating over four million voters remain undecided about next week’s election.
The Express says leaves room on its front page to cover the prime minister’s comments that Labour will ‘pick the pockets’ of pensioners. But its main story is about how much the BBC spent on audience members for Wednesday’s big election debate in Nottingham. The broadcaster says payments are standard for such events to cover people’s travel costs and time.
‘This is why we need to vote Labour’
The Mirror’s front page features an image of a flooded hospital corridor in Stockport, criticising the Tories for NHS neglect. The paper says this is why the public need to vote Labour at the July election.
The Guardian reports Labour’s pledge to ban NHS managers who silence whistleblowers, with Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting promising to eliminate cover-ups in the health service.
The i newspaper reveals Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ plan to impose a 20% VAT on private schools in her first budget.
The Independent leads with an exclusive interview with Sir Keir Starmer who opens up about his family – in what the paper calls an ‘emotional’ interview, Starmer talks about his wife, children and the homophobic abuse his niece faces.
‘Top-rate income taxpayers surpass one million’
In other news, the Financial Times reports the number of top-rate income taxpayers will surpass one million for the first time this year.
Metro’s front page covers the double murder investigation of TV paramedic Daniel Duffield and his girlfriend Lauren Evans, whose bodies were found in Staffordshire.
The Sun leads on Anthony Gordon after the England footballer was involved in a bike accident whilst on international duty.