‘No coherent plan for social mobility’ and Strictly fix claim ‘boshed’
In an interview with the government’s social mobility commissioner, Alun Francis, The Guardian says the government lacks a “comprehensive narrative” to bring together the various social mobility policy elements and calls on Sir Keir Starmer to set out a clearer strategy. Also included is a photo of people celebrating the winter solstice at Stonehenge.
The Times also includes a photo from the winter solstice above a report reporting that Health Secretary Wes Streeting has suggested the UK should join a customs union with Europe, although Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ruled out a change in policy.
The Daily Mirror is leading the story of a poll showing how former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas Skinner’s “legal threat” to leave Strictly has “taken a blow” after a new survey suggested he was the least popular dancer. There were reports that Skinner was suing the BBC over allegations of voting fraud against him. The BBC denied the claim, saying Strictly’s public vote was “independently audited and verified to ensure full accuracy”.
The Daily Mail is launching an investigation into how “criminal immigrants” are evading justice by being smuggled out of the UK in trucks. The document focuses on an Albanian man who ran a network helping people escape for £2,500, the newspaper reported.
i begins with a story about how almost 7,000 care home residents in England were told their contracts would be terminated with just 28 days’ notice last year.
The Financial Times comes to the fore with a report on how British firms have attracted the attention of international buyers willing to take advantage of cheap valuations this year. According to data from the London Stock Exchange Group, foreign bidders reached deals worth $142 billion for the acquisition of UK companies, up 74% from 2024.
The Sun reports that Princess Beatrice will not be joining her “scandalous father” Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for Christmas this year and will instead go skiing with friends. Andrew has faced years of scrutiny for his past friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing regarding Epstein.
The Daily Telegraph begins with a report about how the new head of the equality watchdog criticized people who identified immigration as a risk to the UK. The paper also has a story on how stalking will be banned in what Labor calls a “countryside war”.
The Daily Express speaks to a woman who wants child abuse “monsters” included on a national register. Paula Hudgell’s adopted son Tony was “horribly injured” by his birth family, the newspaper reported.
And the Daily Star says he is “teaming up” with Kenyan darts star David Munyua. The newspaper sponsored his jersey for his next match at the World Darts Championship.
