Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Monday’s front pages lead with the growing discontent in China as protesters clash with police over the strict zero-Covid policies, it comes as Covid cases begin to rise across the country.
Beijing is facing “unprecedented disobedience” according to the Daily Telegraph, as anti-lockdown protests sweep the country.
The protests have “rocked” China, according to the Financial Times, which goes on to claim that President Xi Jinping’s social controls are being put to the test.
In an analysis piece in the Guardian, the paper argues the president and his Communist Party are facing a “seismic shock”. The paper suggests that the president will not tolerate dissent for much longer.
“The Great Brawl of China,” is the Metro’s take on the unrest, the paper claims China is rocked by the protests, calling the current Covid measures “draconian” and says it’s the biggest demonstration since the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.
Winter strikes & NHS nightmare
The planned NHS strikes this winter make the front page of several newspapers.
The Times reports the Army is on standby to help support the NHS under emergency plans if the winter strikes go ahead. The paper says the military personnel would drive ambulances and fill frontline roles in hospitals, under the plans being drawn up.
The government says it is working with the NHS on a range of options to manage the disruption during the strikes.
The Telegraph leads with its own investigation, saying that more than 2,000 NHS managers are taking home six-figure salaries. The paper says in the past year, there has been a 15% rise in the number of board members earning at least £200,000, with a total of 632 workers on that wage.
The Guardian analyses that Brexit has worsened the NHS’s shortage of doctors. The Nuffield Trust health think tank conducted research that suggests more than 4,000 GPs have chosen not to work in the UK since the referendum.
Rishi Sunak has announced an extra £113m for the NHS, in plans that the Daily Express calls “radical” and “life-saving.” The funding will go towards research into treatments and technologies for cancer, obesity, mental health and addiction.
The i also reports on the prime minister, who’s set to relaunch his premiership this week, as he is facing “mounting pressure” amid Tory rebellions. The paper claims the PM is losing control of the party – and will make a string of big decisions on energy, housing, policing and transport.
Matt Hancock exits the I’m A Celebrity jungle
A picture of Matt Hancock is featured on several front pages after the MP left the I’m A Celebrity jungle, coming in third place.
The Sun reports on his partner Gina Coladangelo – who has been holding talks about him changing career and eyeing up a future for him in entertainment.
The Daily Mirror reports Hancock is set to meet Tory chiefs later this week amid calls for him to quit.
