Editorial 28 August 2024.
Almost all of Wednesday’s front pages cover Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s speech in the rose garden at Downing Street, where he warned the public that the October budget would be “painful” as they need to plug a £22bn “black hole” in public finances.
Other papers lead on Starmer’s trip to Europe where the British prime minister aims to ‘reset’ relations and turn a corner on Brexit. “We must turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships left behind by the previous government,” he said.
News of the Oasis reunion tour is featured on the front page of most newspapers, as the band announced they will tour the UK and Ireland in 2025.
‘Starmer sets stage for tax rises’
Many of the right-leaning publications frame the speech by Starmer as a ‘warning’ and ‘tax alert’ to the middle class.
The Daily Telegraph’s headline reads: “Starmer’s tax alert for middle England.” The paper says the speech saw wealth managers receive panicked calls from their clients and middle-class savers are rushing to sell shares and assets over fears that some form of tax hike is coming.
The Daily Mail claims “Finally Starmer comes clear: He’ll soak middle class” – in a blunt and pointed headline. The paper says the prime minister’s speech was “doom-laden” and says he has been accused of breaking election promises to not raise taxes on working people.
The Daily Express focuses on the planned scrapping of winter fuel payments for roughly 10 million pensioners – a key topic for Express readers. The paper carries an interview with Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, who says getting rid of the payment could create a public health emergency and ultimately put the NHS under even more pressure – something Sir Keir has vowed to address.
The left-leaning Mirror also examines concerns over the potential consequences of scrapping the winter fuel payment for many elderly people. “There will be horror stories about people who can’t afford to heat their homes over winter,” predicts Dennis Reed, head of the pensioner campaign group Silver Voices.
The FT claims the wealthy are braced for an “October blow”. The paper says the PM is “betting” that the public will blame the former Tory government for any tax rises and such increases will not stop his push for higher growth.
The paper also reports that the general secretary of union Unite, Sharon Graham, has hit back at the PM’s “bleak vision of Britain” and says it is “time to see the change that Labour promised” – calling for taxes on the very wealthy and on excess profits.
‘Groundwork for softer Brexit’
Several front pages lead to the prime minister’s visit to Germany and France today as he promises to “turn a corner on Brexit.”
The Guardian says Starmer’s attempt to renegotiate European relationships is “part of a broader strategy of making contentious decisions early in his prime ministership to reap the rewards for them closer to the next election”.
The i newspaper says Starmer is laying the groundwork for what it calls a “softer Brexit” in Berlin. The paper says the PM believes strengthening relations with Europe will be crucial in boosting UK economic growth.
The Independent says the PM has put the country on ‘alert’ for a ‘painful Budget’ paving the way for tax rises and spending cuts. The paper says the PM’s trip to Europe is a genuine attempt to strive for an ‘ambitious partnership with Europe.’
The Times reports Starmer is seeking a new deal with Germany so British businesses have “priority access” to Europe’s biggest economy, in what Starmer calls a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” A source tells the paper that discussions will focus on “tackling the problems” that make it difficult for British businesses, including getting certifications and information about tenders.
‘Oasis announce reunion tour’
Many of the papers feature an image of Liam and Noel Gallagher – as the brothers announce their band Oasis is set to reunite 15 years after they broke up. The band will head on a UK and Ireland tour in 2025.
The Sun leads with the newly released promotional image of the brothers saying they cannot wait for their “epic” 14-date tour next summer. A source tells the paper that shows will “sell out in less than three minutes.” The paper says extra shows will definitely be announced. The paper says original bandmember Bonehead will also rejoin.
The Independent says the brothers have mended their 20-year rift for a reunion tour.
The Metro claims the reunion has caused “fans to go crazy.” The paper carries a quote from one of the band’s social media posts. “Starts align … the wait is over.” The reunion comes more than 20 years after the band split.