Newspaper headlines: Madeleine suspect linked to second missing girl

Christian B

A picture of the suspect, Christian B

By BBC News
Staff

The Madeleine McCann investigation makes many of the front pages again.

The Daily Mirror and the Daily Express are among those to print images of a German girl, whose disappearance five years ago has been linked to the same man suspected of involvement in the the British case.

The Sun says police are preparing to "dig up land" around two Portuguese properties where the suspect lived for a while.

The Daily Telegraph says detectives are keen to trace a string of the man's former girlfriends - including a British woman with whom he is believed to have lived in the Algarve before Madeleine went missing.

Other papers focus on how the government plans to steer the economy through the coronavirus pandemic.

"Boris Budget to Fire up UK" is the headline on the front of the Daily Mail - which says the PM minister is drawing up what is being called a "Great Recovery Bill" to get the economy moving again.

The paper says the Chancellor - who is already under pressure to lower VAT and stamp duty - is also considering giving employers a National Insurance holiday.

The Mail says a mini-budget has been pencilled in for July - but The Financial Times thinks there is unlikely to be any major announcements until the autumn.

It reports that any financial update during the summer months will "fall far short" of an emergency budget, with details of a big stimulus package of tax cuts and spending not announced until later in the year.

There could be other changes afoot before then though, according to The Times, which says the government is planning to suspend Sunday trading laws for up to 12 months.

Mr Johnson - reportedly supported by the Chancellor - thinks the move could help retailers get back on their feet, amid "mounting concerns" of impending mass unemployment.

The paper says other proposals under consideration could see pubs and cafes given "fast-track approval" to serve food and drink outdoors - while planning laws could be simplified to make it easier for properties to switch between residential and retail use.

Press Associaion

Many of the papers pick up on concerns that infection rates are rising in some parts of England.

The Guardian says a study suggesting the reproduction rate of the virus has risen above one in the north-west of England has put pressure on the government to bring in tougher lockdowns in some areas. 

Elsewhere, millions of people who have taken up a new hobby while in lockdown may experience an unanticipated benefit, according to scientists.

The Daily Mail says rewarding pastimes including baking and gardening have been shown to aid a good night's sleep.

But be warned. Becoming obsessed with your chosen leisure activity could have the reverse affect - with the study showing those who allowed their hobby to dominate their life, literally lost sleep as a result.

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