Editorial 04.02.2025
Tuesday’s front pages cover various topics from domestic to international, politics to showbiz.
Several papers look at the reaction to the Trump tariffs after the US president agreed to delay tariffs against Canada and Mexico for one month.
The business newspapers assess the state of the markets following the tariffs pause, as well as discussions about what sort of tariffs could be introduced to the EU.
The UK’s relationship with the bloc is assessed on several front pages, with clear politically motivated headlines. Several right-leaning papers suggest the prime minister is dragging Britain back into the EU and dissecting Brexit.
The tabloids feature images of Princess Kate, who marked World Cancer Day with a newly released picture taken by her son Prince Louis.
Crime in the UK, The Grammys and football also feature. The back pages report on last night’s Premier League match.
Tariffs paused, Brexit reset & Labour’s plans
‘Tariffs averted after Trump issues pause, but markets still reeling,’ says the FT.
As anticipated, the Financial Times highlights the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s decision to halt sweeping tariffs on Mexico just hours before they were set to take effect. The move left markets in turmoil, with investors and businesses scrambling to make sense of the flurry of policy announcements coming from the White House. The paper describes the situation as a “whipsaw” effect, underscoring the uncertainty gripping global markets.
‘Britain will not side with the EU in trade war with the US,’ reports The Times.
The Times reports that Sir Keir Starmer has made it clear that Britain will not side with the EU in a potential trade war with the US. Starmer emphasised that avoiding conflict with the UK’s most important allies is in the nation’s “vital interests.” However, the looming threat of tariffs has cast a shadow over his efforts to reset relations with Brussels.
‘Trump missing his brain,’ says the Daily Star.
The Daily Star takes a more humorous approach to US foreign policy, featuring a mock “Missing Brain” poster alongside a photo of Trump. The paper quips that the “errant cerebrum” was last seen “sparking a global trade war, spooking financial markets, and accusing a baffled Britain of being ‘out of line.'” It’s a sharp, if cheeky, critique of the president’s recent actions.
‘Bowed to Trump’s strongman diplomacy,’ reports the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph reports that nations have seemingly bowed to Trump’s “strongman diplomacy” in the face of US tariff threats.
‘PM crawling back to the EU despite Trump’s threat of trade war,’ says the Mail.
The Daily Mail accuses Sir Keir of “crawling back to the EU,” noting that despite Trump’s threats of a trade war, the Prime Minister was seen seeking closer ties with Brussels at a palace banquet. The paper suggests a growing tension between maintaining strong US relations and rekindling European partnerships post-Brexit.
‘UK cabinet tensions over Brexit migration deal for under-30s,’ says the i.
The i leads with the UK’s political relationship with Europe, revealing cabinet divisions over a post-Brexit migration deal. The EU is reportedly pushing for a migration agreement for under-30s as a key condition for resetting Brexit relations. However, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has argued that such a deal could undermine the government’s goal of reducing net migration.
‘Labour’s facing internal struggles over oilfield backing,’ reports The Guardian.
The Guardian reports that Sir Keir is facing internal dissent within his own party over potential support for a new oilfield. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Chancellor Rachel Reeves are said to be on opposing sides of the debate, highlighting growing tensions within Labour’s ranks.
‘Labour’s plan to tackle islamophobia,’ reports the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph leads with Labour’s Angela Rayner announcing the creation of a council on Islamophobia, with former Tory attorney general Dominic Grieve poised to lead it. The council will advise on an official definition of anti-Muslim discrimination and provide guidance to ministers on addressing the issue.
Teenage stabbing death, spy sentenced & Princess Kate photo
’15-year-old stabbed to death at school,’ reports the Express.
The Daily Express leads with the heartbreaking story of a 15-year-old boy, Harvey Willgoose, who was stabbed to death at school following a messaging dispute. The paper’s main image, however, shifts focus to singer Beyoncé, who made headlines by winning her first-ever Album of the Year prize at the Grammys.
‘Daniel Khalife jailed for 14 years for spying,’ says the Metro.
The Metro’s headline, “Dangerous fool who put lives at risk,” refers to former soldier Daniel Khalife, who has been jailed for 14 years for spying for Iran and escaping prison. Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb condemned Khalife for exposing special forces personnel to “serious risk” out of a “selfish desire to show off.”
Princess of Wales Marks World Cancer Day
The Sun and the Daily Mirror both feature a touching photo of the Princess of Wales, taken by her son Louis, released to mark World Cancer Day. The Sun’s headline, “Say trees mummy,” captures Kate standing atop a fallen tree trunk, while the Mirror’s “Kate: Get back to nurture” highlights her advice on coping with cancer.