Editorial 31.01.2025
‘Washington crash’ & ‘Epidemic of violence towards women and girls’
Many of Friday’s front pages focus on the tragic collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter in Washington, DC, which claimed 67 lives.
Elsewhere, the front pages cover a variety of domestic stories from domestic violence to the NHS to Nigel Farage’s call for more people to get behind Brexit.
A handful of papers feature images of British pop singer Marianne Faithfull – who has died at the age of 78.
The back pages cover Manchester United’s win in last night’s Europa League – the win means United advanced straight to the Round of 16.
‘Washington crash’
‘Trump blames diversity hires for crash but also acknowledges there is no evidence,’ reports The Times.
The Times highlights US President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks, in which he blamed diversity initiatives from previous administrations. While acknowledging there was no evidence to support his claim that unqualified individuals had been hired for air traffic control roles, Trump stated, “it just could have been.” This comes just days after he scrapped diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in the military.
‘Shameful,’ is the Mirror’s take on Trump blaming diversity hires for the crash, calling it a “new low.”
“Shameful,” reads The Daily Mirror’s headline, as it condemns Trump’s attempt to link the Washington air disaster to diversity hires. Calling it a “new low,” the paper describes the crash as the deadliest air tragedy in the US since 2001. It quotes a former US transport secretary as saying, “Trump should be leading, not lying.”
‘A nation of shoplifters,’ the Metro leads on a record high of offences being recorded.
Meanwhile, Metro leads with the headline “A nation of shoplifters,” reporting that nearly half a million theft offenses were recorded by police in a year—the highest on record. The paper highlights a growing trend of repeat offenders brazenly stealing goods without fear of arrest. The British Retail Consortium told the BBC that thieves have become more audacious due to the low likelihood of prosecution.
‘ECB unanimously cut benchmark interest rate, warnings economic weakness,’ reports the FT.
The Financial Times focuses on a warning from the European Central Bank (ECB) about economic “headwinds” in the stagnating Eurozone. The paper reports that the ECB unanimously decided to cut its benchmark interest rate to 2.75%, with its president cautioning that economic weakness is expected to persist in the near term.
‘More money to help elderly patients at home,’ reports the i.
An i paper exclusive reveals that Health Secretary Wes Streeting has instructed health bosses to allocate more funds toward treating elderly patients at home, aiming to prevent unnecessary hospital or care home admissions. The paper states that the NHS and local councils have been directed to use £9 billion to reduce emergency admissions for over-65s, limit care home placements, and speed up hospital discharges.
‘10% of farmland will be repurposed for environmental projects,’ claims the Telegraph.
The Daily Telegraph reports that more than 10% of farmland will be repurposed for environmental projects as part of the UK’s net-zero strategy, describing it as a “fresh blow to rural life.” The initiative, set to be announced by the environment secretary, includes tree planting, solar farms, and wildlife habitat improvements. The National Farmers’ Union president insists the policy must not “further restrict farmers’ ability to produce the nation’s food.” The paper, along with several others, features a tribute to singer Marianne Faithfull, who has died at 78.
‘Violence against women and girls in the UK is worsening,’ says The Guardian.
The Guardian highlights a report from the National Audit Office (NAO) revealing that violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the UK is worsening despite government promises. The watchdog’s findings come four years after the government pledged action following the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa. The NAO found efforts to address VAWG remain “disjointed” and reported that one in 12 women in England and Wales is affected.
‘Farage vows to deliver Brexit properly,’ reports the Express.
“We need people who believe in Brexit,” declares The Daily Express, quoting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The paper reports that Farage has vowed to “deliver Brexit properly” if elected prime minister, insisting the UK needs a government fully committed to life outside the European Union.
‘Badenoch pressures PM to approve North Sea oil projects,’ reports the Mail.
“Now prove your ‘growth agenda’ isn’t all hot air,” challenges The Daily Mail, as opposition leader Kemi Badenoch pressures the prime minister to approve two North Sea oil projects blocked by Scottish courts. The projects were previously ruled unlawful after Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband withdrew Labour’s legal backing. The paper states that Sir Keir Starmer is now under pressure to overturn the decision and greenlight the projects.
Russia issues arrest warrant of The Sun newspaper’s editor, reports The Sun.
Finally, The Sun plays on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s name with its headline “How Vladdy dare you,” following news that the paper’s defence editor, Jerome Starkey, has been issued a Russian arrest warrant. The Sun claims the warrant was issued due to his “fearless coverage” of the Russia-Ukraine war and reports that No. 10 has dismissed the move as “desperate.”