Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Monday’s front pages lead on the arrest of a researcher who was working in Parliament, amid claims he was spying for China. Two men – one in his 20s and one in his 30s were arrested under the Official Secrets Act in March.
Spying for China
The latest news has prompted some Tory MPs to renew calls for China to be categorised as a threat.
The Daily Telegraph reports that British intelligence services are “poised to unmask” a number of Chinese spies operating in Westminster in the coming months. Sources say suspected foreign spies working in the Commons face being detained under new espionage laws passed this summer.
PM Rishi Sunak raised concerns about spies and interference from Beijing with China’s premier while at the G20 in India.
The Daily Mail and the Financial Times both lead with Sunak sharing his concerns with Premier Li Qiang. The Mail’s headline reads “a hostile act in the heart of Parliament.”
Dangerous dogs
Away from politics, the Guardian leads on the growing epidemic of preventable cancers in the year. Researchers have put the figure for this year at 184,000. The leading causes are identified as smoking, drinking, poor diet and sunburn.
The i newspaper leads on its own prediction that UK interest rate rises are set to end. The group of economists forecast a less aggressive approach to tackle inflation, with most believing there will be only one more rise this year.
The Sun and the Daily Mirror both lead with dangerous dogs. The Mirror says “Terror on our streets” and has pictures of a man being chased and attacked by a dog, which had just mauled an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham. The paper claims Suella Braverman has woken up to their campaign, as it reports the home secretary is seeking advice about banning American XL Bully dogs.
The Sun has a similar take, with its front page message “Ban XL Devil Dogs”.
EU flags at the Proms
For some of Monday’s newspapers, a popular story is EU flags being waved at the Last Night of the Proms. The Telegraph says the events broadcaster – the BBC, is facing calls for an inquiry. The paper says the flags were handed out at the Proms for several years by a pro-Remain group.
A BBC spokesperson told the paper that “audiences choose their own flags.”
And finally, the Daily Star predicts millions of people will bunk off work today to enjoy the final day of the September heatwave.
