Newspaper headlines: Johnson 'did know about Pincher' and go-slow protest

By BBC News
Staff

Many of the front pages focus on how much the prime minister knew about the conduct of MP Chris Pincher, prior to appointing him as deputy chief whip.

The Daily Mirror goes with the headline "I did know about Pincher" after No 10 confirmed Boris Johnson was aware of reports of sexual misconduct when he brought the MP back into government, despite its initial denials.

The i says ministers are increasingly unwilling to defend Mr Johnson, and officials have had to allow Cabinet members to deviate from the government's official line to persuade them to undertake media appearances.

The Guardian says two trade unions have written to the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle urging him to take action to make Parliament a safer workplace for their members.

The Daily Express leaves the story off its front page - but a report inside the paper highlights what it calls "despicable" attempts by Tory backbenchers to use the scandal to attack Mr Johnson.

Getty Images

There is also plenty of coverage of Monday's protests by HGV drivers over fuel prices, which caused widespread disruption on the UK's motorways.

The Metro uses the headline "Britain on a go-slow" alongside a picture of gridlocked drivers passing the time by playing football on the empty accompanying carriageway.

The Sun says motorists have been "driven mad" by the disruption, while the Daily Mail claims the Home Secretary Priti Patel has told police forces to arrest protesters in an effort to deter disruptive demonstrations.

The Times runs quotes from a Home Office source, saying the minister has made it clear to police forces that she expected them to utilise stronger powers they have been given recently to halt protests - or explain why officers are not.

Meanwhile the Financial Times warns of further widespread travel disruption later this summer as unions representing train drivers, ticket office workers and railway station staff all hold ballots on possible strike action.

Getty Images

The Daily Telegraph leads on reaction to Sir Keir Starmer's announcement that he would not attempt to take the UK back into the EU or single market if Labour wins the next general election, saying the move has sparked "clashes" within the party.

Writing in the Times, former Conservative Party leader Lord Hague backs Sir Keir's stance, and makes a plea for all parties to focus on developing ideas on how to reap some benefits from Brexit rather than continuing to bicker over the UK's place in Europe.

The Telegraph also features news of a cricket club in Sussex abandoning tradition in an effort to persuade more girls to play the sport.

It says Lewes Priory Cricket Club has decided to ditch traditional whites for the first time in its almost 200 year history, to reduce the anxiety of female players taking to the field whilst on their periods. Teams will don a black kit instead in future, after the club received advice from gender inclusion consultants.