Today’s news summary – Paper Talk – Storm Isha batters the UK & Fergie’s cancer shock
Most of Monday’s front pages report on Sarah Ferguson’s announcement that she has been diagnosed with skin cancer. A few more domestic stories feature on the front pages, including Storm Isha battering the UK last night.
There are a few international stories as well, including the shocking news Ron DeSantis has dropped out of the US presidential race, and has thrown his support behind former president Donald Trump.
Sarah Ferguson’s skin cancer shock
The Sun says Fergie now faces an anxious wait to find out if the skin cancer has spread. The paper says it is a “third royal health blow this week”, following the news of Princess Kate’s abdominal surgery and King Charles’ benign prostate condition. The Daily Express carries the statement from Sarah Ferguson’s spokesman that she was in “good spirits” after the diagnosis. The Mirror calls it a ‘shock,’ the Telegraph calls it an ‘aggressive’ form of cancer, whilst the Mail and Times also feature an image of the duchess on their front pages.
Storm Isha batters the UK
Storm Isha hits the UK, with Metro featuring a photo of large waves off the south coast and noting the entire country is under weather alerts for the “vish-ous” conditions.
The Express says Storm Isha ‘battered’ the UK, whilst the Sun says the tornado swept in. The Mirror claims the worst is still to come and the Telegraph reports the storm will bring a day of rail chaos and tornadoes.
The i newspaper says all four UK nations are under weather warnings.
Modern slavery in social care
Away from the main topics, the rest of the papers cover various domestic stories.
The Guardian highlights a “shocking” rise in modern slavery in social care, with at least 800 potential victims recorded after immigration rules were relaxed. It reports that it has seen “unpublished” figures that show at least 800 people working in care homes or peoples’ residences were recorded as potential victims last year – 10 times the number before the government’s visa scheme was introduced.
Rishi Sunak’s childcare pledge
Rishi Sunak’s pledge for 15 hours of free childcare for two-year-olds is in jeopardy due to funding delays, staff shortages, and IT issues, warns The Times. The paper says that thousands of parents have been warned that they will not be able to access the offer and reminds readers that it was the “centrepiece” of last year’s Budget, billed by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt as “the biggest transformation of childcare in my lifetime”.
The Daily Telegraph reports increased scrutiny on the BBC by Ofcom, aiming to ensure impartiality on its website and social media channels.
The Financial Times reports record profits for the world’s top hedge funds, making $67bn last year, the highest in over a decade.
The i newspaper features an exclusive on Labour’s warning to water company bosses, holding them personally responsible for illegal sewage discharges under a Labour government.