Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Several of Wednesday’s papers feature photographs of the three people suspected of being Russian spies in the UK. The trio have been arrested and charged in a national security operation.
Elsewhere, the front pages cheer on the Lionesses who face tournament co-hosts Australia today in the semi-finals of the World Cup. The winner will play Spain in the final.
Russian spies
The Daily Mail’s headline calls the suspects “spies who came in from suburbia.” The Daily Express reports the couple at the heart of the alleged spy ring baked cakes and pies for their neighbours. A local cafe owner told the Daily Mirror that the couple were regulars to the cafe and often ordered a full English.
Plans to skip GP appointments
Steve Barclay says in an interview with the Telegraph that he is considering plans for some people with cancer symptoms to skip GP appointments and go straight for a scan.
The i newspaper reports London councils have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds repairing vandalised bollards and cameras which form part of low-traffic neighbourhood infrastructure.
The Guardian says that an arts venue in Edinburgh has cancelled an event featuring Father Ted writer following complaints. The venue said the gig was pulled because it did not support the comedian and his views do not align with its values.
England face Matildas in semis
The Guardian calls the upcoming match between England and Australia “a proud moment in the women’s game.”
For the i newspaper, it is “a rivalry like few others.” The Sun says: “Let’s waltz past the Matildas.”
Many of the papers focus on a stunt by the Australian Daily Telegraph, which chartered an aircraft to photograph the Lionesses’ final behind-closed-doors training session.
Images of Sarina Wiegman’s team training are printed beneath the headline: “Eleven Poms against a nation. Welcome to the jungle, Lionesses.”
The Herald Sun suggests the success of Australia’s women’s team in this World Cup means football has now become the country’s national sport.
It says no other national team in Australian sport can attract hundreds of thousands of fans like the Matildas or the Socceroos – the men’s team.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed calls for a holiday in his country if his side lifts the trophy. But the i says there are no plans here for a bank holiday should England win the tournament.