Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Many of Tuesday’s front pages continue their coverage of the Chris Pincher allegation, specifically, how much the prime minister knew about the conduct of MP Pincher, prior to appointing him as deputy chief whip.
Chris Pincher MP – the fallout
The Daily Mirror uses its front page to highlight the prime minister’s changing story over Chris Pincher. The headline reads: “I did know about Pincher” after No 10 confirmed the PM was aware of reports of sexual misconduct when he brought the MP back into government, despite its initial denials.
The i reports on the fallout within the government, saying ministers are increasingly unwilling to defend the prime minister and officials have had to allow Cabinet members to deviate from the government’s official line to persuade them to undertake media appearances. “Cabinet angry at defending Johnson again” headlines the i newspaper.
The Guardian reports that unions have warned that Parliament must act to stop “seemingly endless” allegations of sexual misconduct by MPs. The paper reports that two trade unions have written to the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle urging him to take action and make Parliament a safer workplace for their members.
The right-leaning Daily Express leaves the story off its front page – but a report inside the paper highlights what it calls “despicable” attempts by Tory backbenchers to use the scandal to attack the PM. The paper uses its front page to report on “the biggest tax cut for a decade” to ease the financial burden for 30 million people, according to the PM.
Protests, widespread disruption
There is also plenty of coverage of Monday’s protests by HGV drivers over fuel prices, which caused widespread disruption on the UK’s motorways.
“Britain on a go-slow” – that’s the headline on the front page of the Metro. The paper carries a picture of gridlock drivers passing the time by playing football on the empty accompanying carriageway.
The Sun says motorists have been “driven mad” by the disruption, while the Daily Mail claims Priti Patel has told cops to arrest protesters in an effort to deter disruptive demonstrations.
The Times runs quotes from a Home Office source, saying the minister has made it clear to police forces that she expected them to use the stronger powers they have been given recently to halt protests – or explain why officers are not.
The Financial Times warns of more widespread travel disruption later this summer as unions hold ballots on possible strike action.
Labour announcement on Brexit
Sir Keir Starmer has said he will not attempt to take the UK back into the EU or single market if Labour wins the next general election. The Daily Telegraph reports on the reaction to Starmer’s announcement, saying it has sparked “clashes” within the party.
Whilst the Times reports former Tory party leader Lord Hague has backed Starmer’s stance and makes a plea for all parties to focus on developing ideas on how to reap the benefits from Brexit.