Today’s news summary – Paper Talk 

Thursday’s front pages lead with a variety of stories. Many of the papers feature a tribute to Paul O’Grady – the TV presenter suddenly died yesterday. Several newspapers lead with a picture of King Charles in Germany. 

The Policy Exchange report, the government’s “powering up Britain” strategy and other UK political stories also make the front pages. 

Paul O’Grady tributes 

Paul O’Grady, the TV presenter and comedian, passed away on Tuesday, prompting an outpouring of tributes. 

The Metro quotes a tribute from Sir Elton John, who hailed O’Grady as “a brilliant entertainer”, while the Sun’s headline reads “Ta-ra Lily, Ta-ra Paul”, accompanied by a photo of O’Grady with his dog and drag act Lily Savage. The paper describes O’Grady as a “national treasure” and notes the outpouring of grief from fans, celebrities, and even royalty. The Mirror also features O’Grady’s death, stating that “a light has gone out in the world of showbiz” and noting that O’Grady had been “laughing, smiling and full of life” according to his long-time radio producer, Malcolm Prince. 

King Charles’s state visit

The King’s state visit to Germany has received extensive coverage, with newspapers featuring headlines such as “Good to be Herr” in the Daily Mirror and “Herr Majesty” in The Sun. 

The Daily Telegraph reports that German newspapers have published instructions for members of the crowd on how to behave if approached by the royals. The Times provides details of the menu served at the state banquet, including marinated carp and watercress, and beef consomme. The toasts were made with German sparkling wine, which the Daily Mail describes as a blow to the French, who have been left out of the festivities due to mass protests.

UK politics 

The Guardian expresses concern about the government’s plan to use carbon capture in undersea caverns to facilitate the expansion of oil and gas in the North Sea. The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, writes in The Times that the UK will focus on a “pro-growth regulatory regime” rather than offering green subsidies and tax breaks to compete with the US and EU.

The i reports that MPs are calling for an investigation into a possible conflict of interest involving Rishi Sunak’s wife, who holds shares in a childcare company that may benefit from the Budget. The Daily Star, The Daily Mirror, and The Liberal Democrats accuse the Conservatives of “sleaze”.

The Times leads with a report claiming that English secondary schools are allowing students to change gender without informing their parents. The Policy Exchange thinktank accuses schools of “effectively facilitating medical interventions on site”. The Department for Education says guidance for schools is in development.