Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Monday’s front pages report on PM Rishi Sunak’s expected announcement of his Northern Ireland Brexit deal later today after securing the support of Eurosceptic MPs.
Elsewhere, the newspapers report on a 20% rise in energy costs in April which will push 1.7 million more homes in crisis and Manchester United is pictured celebrating its Carabao Cup win after beating Newcastle FC 2-0 at Wembley. It’s Man U’s first silverware since 2017 and has marked a new start in the club’s history. The Red Devils’ performance has slowly improved since the introduction of new boss Erik ten Hag.
Can Rishi Sunak sell his Brexit deal?
The Daily Mail has dubbed the European Commission president’s upcoming talks in the UK as the occasion to answer the “burning question” of whether Sunak can sell his Brexit deal. The paper warns that a fresh agreement regarding Northern Ireland trade may ignite yet another Tory civil war.
Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reports on a brewing revolt, with unionists and Tory eurosceptics refusing to support the deal unless EU law is removed from Northern Ireland. To persuade MPs, the Prime Minister has been conducting a charm offensive, according to The Times, which provides a guide to the Tory factions that need to be won over, accompanied by a danger rating for each group’s potential to derail the deal.
Britain is close to ending its “Brexit nightmare over Northern Ireland”, says Metro. The paper reports that the PM will meet the European Commission president for final talks at lunchtime.
The Guardian describes this as the most “perilous” week of Rishi Sunak’s political career, while the Daily Express quotes the Prime Minister’s assertion that the deal is “best for Britain” and will demonstrate that “Brexit works.” Finally, the Financial Times reports that the agreement could enable pets to travel freely between Great Britain and Northern Ireland without the need for microchips and passports.
