Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Wednesday’s front pages cover the sentencing of Ghislaine Maxwell, the death of cancer campaigner Deborah James and plans for a second Scottish referendum, with a date eyed up by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Maxwell sentenced and Dame Deborah dead
The Metro splashes on the sentencing of Maxwell – the former friend of Jeffery Epstein, saying she had faced calls for a 55-year jail term, whilst the Daily Mail says Maxwell is in denial.
The Daily Express concludes she was “unrepentant” and “shamelessly” claimed she was a victim.
The Daily Mirror looks ahead, suggesting Prince Andrew could be next. The paper reports that lawyers representing victims of Maxwell and Epstein have urged US prosecutors to now look into associates of the pair – including Prince Andrew.
Many of the front pages feature an image and tribute to Dame Deborah James – who died aged 40 from bowel cancer. The Express says she “inspired the nation,” a conclusion shared by the Sun which described her as “inspirational.”
January 6 hearing
The Financial Times give front-page coverage to the January 6 hearings in the US. The paper reports on the testimony of an ex-White House aide who said Trump wanted to join the armed mob storming the Capitol – even after he was told they had weapons. It quotes her explosive claim that Trump demanded to be driven to the Capitol and tried to grab the steering wheel of his limousine from a secret service agent.
Scottish independence referendum
Several papers lead on the prospect of a second Scottish independence referendum, including the i which reports the First Minister has said the question will be put to the Scottish people in the same way it was in 2014.
The Guardian says Nicola Sturgeon has set herself on a collision course with Downing Street by asking the Supreme Court to rule on the legality of holding a new referendum without the UK government’s permission.
The Telegraph claims she has blindsided the PM – and senior government sources admitted they had not expected such a development. But it also quotes government sources describing the plan as “bonkers” with one saying: “It’s the beginning of the end for her.”
The Times uses its editorial to describe the plans for a second referendum as “unwise and exhausting.”
“Scandal-hit-Met” is the lead story in the online-only Independent – following the announcement that the Met Police is being put in special measures by the policing watchdog.