Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Most of Monday’s front pages lead with the news a body has been found in the river near the Lancashire village where Nicola Bulley vanished more than three weeks ago.
Elsewhere: The Northern Ireland protocol, the Bafta awards and the mayor of London’s free school meal plans make the front splashes.
Many of the papers carry tributes to ITV’s World of Sport presenter Dickie Davies – who died at the age of 94.
Nicola Bulley case
The Daily Mail says officers and divers had twice scoured the area where the body was found in the first 48 hours after Nicola was reported missing, while the Sun’s headline asks: “How did it take so long for cops to make find?”
Both the Mail and the Sun had heavily criticised the police for their investigation into missing Nicola – casting doubt on the police hypothesis that she had fallen into the river and instead pushing theories that Nicola’s disappearance involved a third party.
For the Times, the paper’s crime editor says the river hypotheses was vindicated” – but claims cops still face serious questions over whether there were failings in the search.
The Daily Star highlights how close the discovery was made to where she was last seen in the village. The Daily Mirror headlines the story as her “Family’s Worst Fear,” saying the hearts of millions will go out to them.
The Guardian looks at the police’s handling of public relations – saying they will be facing the consequences of the poor handling for some time.
Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol
Another front page leads this morning is on the prime minister and the Northern Ireland protocol pause.
The Daily Telegraph says the PM has been forced to pause the protocol deal because of what it calls a “backlash” from senior Tories and Unionists. The paper says a plan to unveil the details today has been delayed.
But the Times claims the PM would be willing to go ahead with it, even without DUP support. The i agrees that he is “set to face down” attempts by former PM Boris Johnson and Tory rebels to scupper a Brexit deal.
Baftas 2023 and Dickie Davies tribute
German film All Quiet on the Western Front won big last night at the Baftas, with the Times claiming the film has shaken up the awards season. The paper claims the film was seen as not being a real contender, despite how well it was received. The paper describes the film winning over Martin McDonagh’s “impeccable” dark comedy The Banshees of Inisherin as head scratching.
The Sun calls Austin Bulter’s win (over Colin Farrell) “a shock”.
