Apologies again – both for the absence of yesterday’s News Review and for today’s very truncated version, looking just at the headlines on the MSM front pages. It’s the best we can do during the continuing absence of Debbie who is in hospital. Let us know if you’d rather have a daily News Review or the “Daily Betrayal” – I cannot do both. The excellent duty editors who give their time to edit these pages ‘for free’ are all working and don’t have the time, on top of their editing, for the extensive work the News Review requires.
~~~ ooo ~~~
The front pages of today’s paper are dealing with two main issues:
1. Politics – Chesham and Amersham By-Election:
The Telegraph’s lead story focuses on the Lib Dem surprise victory over the Tories in the Chesham and Amersham by-election – reporting that Boris Johnson has been warned by some cabinet colleagues not to take the party’s traditional voters for granted.
The Guardian says the Tories fear other “blue wall” seats across southern England could be at risk after the by-election defeat. It says Downing Street is under pressure to ditch proposed planning laws which many MPs are blaming for the loss.
The Financial Time says the unexpected by-election loss took place in one of the Tory strongholds. The new laws, which would allow more development in parts of the countryside, are being described as “electorally toxic” by some activists and MPs, says the FT.
The Times says the planning laws were “weaponised” by the Lib Dems during the by-election campaign and cabinet colleagues are urging the prime minister to soften their impact. It says backbench MPs could now move to kill the legislation before it becomes law.
The Express focuses on Boris Johnson’s response to the defeat in Chesham and Amersham saying the PM sees it as a “warning shot” to reaffirm his election promises and “rebuild the country”.
2. England-Scotland Match:
England and Scotland’s meeting at Wembley in the European Championship is reported across the front pages – with photographs of both the players and supporters widely featured. The Daily Mirror says it was a “flopscotch” for England after a lacklustre team were held to a goalless draw in the “Battle of Britain”.
The Sun tries to put a political slant on the match saying the result showed SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon that England and Scotland can’t be separated. But it notes the point for England sets them on course for the knockout stage of the tournament.
The Daily Star attributes the result to psychic Uri Geller – saying he used his mystical powers to “turn England’s millionaire superstars into boring old duffers”.
The Daily Telegraph’s front page shows frustrated England fans watching the match at a pub. “Scotland brave-hearted, England half-hearted,” says its headline.
3. ‘In other front-page news’:
The i says Brexit red tape has halted charity poppy sales in the EU. Extra expense and paperwork has forced the Royal British Legion to close its online shop for the bloc.
The Daily Mail reports police questioned Prince Charles as a witness following the death of his former wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997. The details are contained in an interview with a former Scotland yard chief who investigated the case.
~~~ *** ~~~
(Shamelessly copied from the BBC’s online survey of today’s papers)
Get well soon, Debbie. Please continue your forensic analyses on the Daily Betrayal,Viv.
Give me “betrayal” every time, we need drama, we need accusation, we need blood on the floor.
They don’t really like it up ’em
And that were touch of derisory irony or humour you introduce Viv is the irritant which must eventually open the gate to VICTORY
I look forward to the next thrilling episode of “Betrayal” on Monday
Have been away but read all editions every day when I could. So sorry to hear of Debbie’s relapse and hope she gets better soon. Thanks Viv for stepping into the breach again, you are marvelous. Personally, the Brexit Betrayal column is very important to me if you have to make a choice, but of course it is entirely up to you what you feel able to do on a day to day basis.
Shamelessly copied – – – – etc.
That’s O.K. Viv. Saved me looking and trying to select/remember!
Interesting that it’s the Tory’s proposed planning laws causing more trouble than HS2 in the south. Surely there is enough Brown Field land in the now run down industrial north to build on and surely people will happily go to live there because it will be the area BJ is going to build back better!
That is not an entirely sarcastic comment. They say Rome wasn’t built in a day and obviously the same goes for population shifts and building new industries.
Meanwhile it is ridiculous to allow building on green sites in the south where the climate is better for food production.
Best of luck to the new back bench rebellion say I.
You have done Really well Vivian, to find a use for the Bloody Blob Corporation is surprising. With regards News or Betrayal I suggest just what you feel like on the day!
Please pass on our thoughts and sympathies to Debbie, we hope she improves quickly
Seconded Mike Durrans.
Fully accept the situ. For me, at this important point in the Covid twists and turns I would opt for the Daily Betrayal column.
Very grateful indeed for the teams invaluable output and the commentary of subscribers.
Get well soon, Debbie, you will be cheered to the rafters on your return.
JF
I second that. Hope Debbie gets well very soon.