 (1).png){kind=spacer}
7 months ago
26
While all of the papers went to print before the confirmation of Labour's by-election wins in Kingswood and Wellingborough, Friday's papers are still tough reading for the Conservatives. Most front pages carry the news that Britain is now in a recession. The FT's lead story notes that while it may be described as "technical" and "shallow", the name of "Rishi's recession" is likely to stick in the run-up to the next general election. The paper's lead story notes that the prime minister started the year with the promise to boost the economy.
The same story is on the front of the Daily Mail, but with a different slant. Its headline reads: "Now be bold and go for big tax cuts, Mr Hunt." It reports the chancellor was last night being urged not to drop his plans for tax cuts, despite the bad economic news.
"Rishession" reads the front page of the Daily Mirror, with it reporting the prime minister's promise to "kickstart" the economy has been left in "tatters". It also carries the news that former England boss and current Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is in hospital. His club have confirmed he is stable and was taken in during a training session.
The Telegraph reports Jeremy Hunt "has shelved plans for a 2p cut to income tax" in next month's Budget after the dip into a recession. The front of the paper also carries a large image of film star Zendaya, who wore a striking armour-style outfit to the premiere of Dune: Part Two.
"Rishi Sunak has been warned against launching a fresh austerity drive," the Guardian writes in response to Thursday's economic news, adding that Treasury sources have said Jeremy Hunt is considering "a fresh squeeze on public spending" to finance pre-election tax cuts. The paper also carries a large image of Carmen Smith, the 27-year-old who recently became the Lords' youngest peer.
The Times takes a different focus, reporting calls from businesses for Labour not to "rush to rewrite staff rights" if they win the next election. It reports the party's deputy leader Angela Rayner is "driving proposals for the biggest overhaul of workers' rights in a generation". It also has a story that table tennis could soon be prescribed on the NHS for people dealing with multiple sclerosis.
A consumer-friendly story about British Gas leads the front of the Daily Express. After the energy suppliers reported record profits this week, the paper quotes a "senior government official" as saying the money could be used to cut customer bills "immediately".
"Baby Boom!" reads the headline in the Metro, with the paper reporting that "blasting sluggish sperm with sound waves" could help them move and may be a breakthrough for male fertility.
And finally, the Daily Star has a story about a talking Jack Russell which calls its owner by her own name and tells her "I love you."
A range of headlines on the front of Friday's newspapers, with many mentioning the news that the UK fell into a recession during the second half of last year. The Daily Mail leads with calls for tax cuts by the Chancellor - urging him to deliver "a shot in the arm" for the economy.
GDP figures showing two consecutive quarters of economic contraction have "plunged" the UK into what the Daily Mirror has dubbed a "RISHession".
A Treasury insider has told the i newspaper the recession is the result of high interest rates that were needed to bring down inflation.
The Financial Times says the data creates a "challenging backdrop" for Jeremy Hunt ahead of next month's Budget.
Image source, Downing Street
Image caption,Jeremy Hunt said his Budget next month would prioritise economic growth
Mr Hunt has been left with about £13bn worth of fiscal headroom, £8bn less than previously thought, according to the Guardian. The general secretary of the Unite union tells the paper it would be "an outrage" that this could mean more austerity for public services.
Despite reports in the Daily Telegraph that the chancellor has shelved plans for a two pence 2p cut in income tax, the message from the paper's editorial is clear as it calls for "major tax cuts" to reduce disincentives for people to work.
Meanwhile, the Daily Express strikes a cautionary tone, warning tax cuts "can undermine the battle against inflation if they go too far".
