‘Migrants in barracks’ and ‘NHS printed me a new face’
BBC
The Times reported that a total of 900 refugees could be housed in two barracks, one in Scotland and the other in southern England. This is part of the government’s “effort to end the use of hotels within a year,” according to an Interior Ministry source cited by the newspaper. The Times also covers the latest developments in the Chinese spy case after key figures discussed the collapse of the case at a parliamentary committee on Monday.
The Metro ran the headline “NHS printed me a new face” with a photo of 75-year-old Dave Richards’ new “lifelike resin face” produced on a 3D printer. Mr Richards suffered devastating facial injuries after being knocked off his bike by a drunk driver in 2021, but says his surgery “opened up a world of possibilities”.
The Daily Telegraph also heralds “game-changing” NHS news. The health service reportedly plans to offer same-day prostate cancer tests; AI is being used to interpret MRI scans in seconds, so those at high risk are sent to a radiologist for priority examination and then biopsied on site. King George III was criticized after being quizzed about the monarch’s brother, Prince Andrew, during a trip to Staffordshire on Monday. A photo of Charles also appears on the front page.
The budget leads the I’s coverage as it reports bigger tax hikes and spending cuts are on the way in November. The newspaper notes that Chancellor Rachel Reeves has hinted that she wants a “larger cash reserve” to provide “sufficient headroom” to protect the UK economy.
The Financial Times also puts the budget at the top, reporting there could be a £20bn shortfall in the public finances due to lowered productivity performance forecasts.
The Mail wrote that Labor will “hit homeowners” in the budget, following speculation that the government will introduce a mansion tax. Estate agents who spoke to the newspaper say Housing Minister Steve Reed’s refusal to reject the offer will accelerate the stampede of people leaving the country.
The Independent has the same story on its front page; Economists warn that the rumored tax “will not fill the £50bn black hole in Britain’s public finances”. The newspaper says some Labor MPs are calling for an overhaul of stamp duty.
The Daily Mirror reports that a firm linked to the husband of former Tory peer Michelle Mone has bought a luxury flat in Flordia. The Mirror describes it as a “£10m slap”. The paper says it was bought before PPE Medpro, a company linked to Baroness Mone, was told to repay £122 million for breaching its Covid-19 contract.
The Daily Express turns its attention to the grooming gang investigation controversy. In its headline, the newspaper quotes a survivor as saying the investigation was “rigged from the beginning.” Ellie-Ann Reynolds walked out on the review and accused the panel of “gaslighting and manipulating” victims. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips insisted the government was “committed to exposing failures” in tackling “these appalling crimes”.
The Sun calls Frogmore Cottage the “Costmore cottage” and reports that more work will be carried out on the property to prepare for Prince Andrew’s arrival. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have already spent £2.4 million while living there, the paper says. Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew might move from his current home, the Royal Lodge, or where he might go, but the BBC understands Frogmore has been suggested to him.
And according to the Daily Star, it’s a “Boxing Day football red card”. The newspaper reports that only one Premier League match will be played on December 26, usually one of the most anticipated dates in the football calendar.
BBC
