Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Tuesday’s papers cover the expected Easter travel chaos, the ongoing Ukrainian war, the cost of living crisis and Sir David Amess’s killer being found guilty at the Old Bailey.
Easter travel chaos
The expected delays at the UK’s travel hubs this Easter make the front pages of several papers. The Mail says emergency plans are being drawn up to prevent “airport chaos” ruining people’s holidays. The paper claims backroom staff are being offered bonuses to work on check-in-desks – but travellers are still facing long queues. The Times reports industry figures have told the paper it is taking up to six months to vet new security staff and cabin crew, who joined when operations expanded after the pandemic. For the Financial Times, the focus is on the delays at Dover. The paper says the economy will be hit and that the chaos is causing “reputational damage” to the UK.
David Amess murder – Ali found guilty
The Telegraph and The Independent lead with the conviction of Ali Harbi Ali – the IS fanatic who murdered Tory MP David Amess. The Telegraph says there are calls for the Prevent counter-terrorism scheme to be overhauled after Ali had been referred to the programme seven years before the attack, but had only one meeting. The Independent’s front splash features an image of Sir David Amess, noting the murder of Amess was one ‘off the list’ for the ‘IS fanatic’.
Ukraine war – the fight for Mariupol
Thousands of Ukrainians are being taken out of the conflict zones and set to remote corners of Russia, according to the i. The paper says Home Office insiders have admitted the UK’s refugee scheme will leave many disappointed – and it won’t be accelerated enough to appease its critics. Metro leads with what it calls “the last stand”, as the Ukrainian soldiers defending Mariupol say they have run out of food and water and are low on ammunition.
Writing in The Telegraph, TV cook Prue Leith says she volunteered to take in Ukrainian refugees but hasn’t heard anything from the government. She expresses her beliefs that some people who offered to help will just give up and they should have been encouraged, “or at least kept in the loop.”
Cost of living crisis
The cost of living crisis is featured on the front page of several papers. The Express leads with calls for a rescue package for pensioners facing a £1,000 increase in their bills. The Mirror says the rises have led to a “cost of living agony” and highlights one couple who fear they won’t be able to put their heating on.
The Guardian leads with an interview with Sir Keir Starmer who questions whether super-rich politicians can relate to the public. He accuses Rishi Sunak of “rank hypocrisy” for imposing more taxes on people given the revelations last week over his wife’s non-dom status in the UK. The Mail says the chancellor can, and must, help families in crisis.
The Telegraph reports GPs are being told to work longer hours because of concerns over pressure on A&E departments. It reports that new NHS guidance says any appointments lost because of practice closures over the Easter bank holiday should be made up within a fortnight.
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The Sun reports on a gang raid of former footballer Ashley Cole’s home.
The sports pages of The Times report on rumblings in F1 after drivers were told there are rules about what underpants they can wear.
