Newspaper headlines: Energy cap plans and 'Sanction Iran over Rushdie'

1px transparent line
By BBC News
Staff
PA Media

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called on the government to block energy price rises in October

A variety of stories lead Sunday's papers. The Observer leads with calls by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for the government to block what it describes as "crippling" energy price rises in October. The paper says he came under pressure to act after Gordon Brown demanded an emergency budget.

Writing in the Sunday Mirror, Sir Keir says his party would bring down bills by taxing oil and gas producers making huge profits.

The Sunday Times reports that Treasury officials are working on a multi-billion pound package to knock an extra £400 off energy bills - but not until January. The paper points out there's no guarantee that either candidate vying to be the next prime minster would take up the proposal.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, one of those leadership hopefuls, Liz Truss, promises "immediate help with the cost of living," but offers no new proposals.

In an interview for the Sunday Telegraph, chief secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke, who supports Ms Truss, urges her to hold firm and set out her plans in September. He criticises the approach of her rival, Rishi Sunak, while chancellor, of giving automatic discounts to all households including the higher earners.

In the Sun on Sunday, Mr Sunak pledges to secure future energy supplies in the UK by increasing investment in nuclear, solar, shale, and offshore wind production.

There's some speculation about the leadership contest, with a poll of 570 Conservative members carried out for the Observer suggesting Ms Truss has a 22-point lead. The same survey indicates that many still prefer Boris Johnson to either candidate.

According to The Sun, eight in 10 Conservative party members have now cast their vote, which the paper says is a "huge boost" to the foreign secretary's chances.

The Sunday Express offers the frontrunner its endorsement on its front page. It says Ms Truss has "the vital combination of intellect, guts, conviction and experience" and will bring in a new era of change for Britain.

Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox.

The Sunday Times reports that water leaks detected by some suppliers have more than doubled since the heatwave began. Companies blame the cracked ground, the pressure of moving supplies, and the fire services' use of hydrants.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, environment minister Steve Double says firms must "prioritise customers" by fixing more leaks or face action. The paper calculates that the biggest suppliers have paid nearly £3bn to shareholders this year.

The chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission, John Armitt, tells the Telegraph that ministers should overrule opposition from local residents to building new reservoirs.

And the Mail overturns the notion that a builder always like a strong cup of tea. A poll of 2,000 workers has revealed the preferences of different tradespeople and their cuppas. It appears that while heating engineers like their tea to brew for up to four minutes, builders would prefer the bag to be whipped out after ten to thirty seconds, and preferably be accompanied by a Hobnob.