Sunday Papers – ‘Rwandans get UK asylum’ – the full perspective
The Sunday Papers cover a variety of topics, here is a look at some of the key stories on the front pages this Sunday 28 January 2024.
Various members of the royal family are pictured on the front of several papers with a variety of stories involving the firm, including Camilla’s visit to King Charles in hospital.
University Admissions Under Scrutiny
The Sunday Times uncovers a controversial practice where top British universities employ intermediaries to recruit foreign students with lower grades than required for domestic applicants. Universities are reportedly seeking to address funding gaps by enticing overseas students, as there is no cap on tuition fees for them. The Russell Group defends its approach, citing the use of foundation programs to bridge educational gaps.
Naval Capabilities Questioned
The Sunday Telegraph raises concerns about the capability of Britain’s warships, suggesting they cannot engage Houthi targets in Yemen. The Ministry of Defence counters, stating that the Royal Navy is focused on targeting drones used against cargo ships.
Reparations Demand for Slavery
The Telegraph reports that St Kitts and Nevis is set to demand slavery reparations from brewing firm Greene King. The demand stems from the historical ownership of 231 slaves by Benjamin Greene, the founder of the company. Greene King, acknowledging its ties to the slave trade in 2020, emphasises its commitment to anti-racism principles.
Controversial Refugee Status Decisions
An investigation by the Observer reveals that four Rwandans were granted refugee status in the UK while the government, led by Rishi Sunak, argued that Rwanda was a safe place for asylum seekers. The report highlights contradictions in the government’s stance, with one refugee granted status based on support for an opposition party advocating for justice for disappeared individuals.
Rishi Sunak Targets “Saga Generation”
According to the Sunday Express, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is focusing on the “Saga generation” – voters over fifty – in preparation for the upcoming general election. He expresses a desire to harness the energy, wisdom, and experience of older voters, with No. 10 reportedly developing policies tailored to this demographic.
THE SUNDAY PAPERS – REVIEWED AND SUMMARISED
The Observer – Rwandans get asylum in UK over their fear of persecution
An investigation by The Observer has revealed four Rwandans were granted refugee status in the UK amid claims they were at risk from the country’s regime, raising concerns about the nation’s safety for asylum seekers should they be sent there from Britain.
The front page leaves room to report on news the UK has joined a host of other countries freezing aid to Gaza. The move has been condemned and there are fears it will worsen the crisis.
Sunday Mirror – Tories are rigging rules on election
The Conservatives have been accused by an independent watchdog of “rigging the rules” to help their cause at the general election, the Sunday Mirror writes. It reports the government is moving to set out “priorities” for the Electoral Commission, which oversees election law in the UK.
Elsewhere, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex make the front as the paper reports they have been warned to be on their guard following a burglary spree in Montecito, California.
The Sun On Sunday – I broke Strictly Ellie’s heart
The Sun On Sunday reports on the ex of Strictly Come Dancing winner Ellie Leach, saying he “broke her heart” and is “not proud of it”.
Meanwhile, Traitors winner Harry Clarke has said he will take Mollie on holiday after winning the top prize on the hit BBC show.
The Sunday Times – Exposed: foreign students get secret route to top universities
The Sunday Times has exposed “backdoor” routes offered to wealthy overseas students by top UK universities, which require lower grades than those demanded for British students. The universities are paying a substantial amount of money to recruit these students as they pay a greater annual tuition fee than homegrown applicants, the paper adds.
It says parents of children aged between 6 and 11 will receive a letter this week urging them to check whether their child’s vaccinations are up to date.
The Sunday Telegraph – UK warships lack missiles to take out Houthi bases
The UK’s warships are unable to fire at Houthi land targets as they are underequipped, leaving the US to carry out the missile strikes instead, says the Sunday Telegraph.
The Telegraph also reports that the Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis is set to demand slavery reparations from the brewing firm Greene King. The islands were once the home of 231 slaves owned by Benjamin Greene, who started the company which acknowledged its links to the slave trade in 2020. Greene King says it fully embraces “anti-racism in philosophy and practice”.
Camilla is pictured on the front page as she visits King Charles in hospital.