Newspaper headlines: 'Join crusade to save triple lock' and 'no way back?'
- Published
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, alongside Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, held his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday
The FT says the government, external is considering £50bn worth of tax increases and spending cuts "to fill a gaping hole in the public finances".
The paper reports that ministers hope the measures won't have to be implemented in full, but that they want to "add fiscal headroom" in case the economy performs worse than expected. Sources describe the economic outlook as "bleak" and "pretty grim", after they were given "weak" forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility.
According to The Daily Telegraph, an expansion of the windfall tax, external on energy companies is being considered as a way to "help balance the books". It says Rishi Sunak is looking at increasing the levy above the current 25% and including renewable energy generators.
A poll in the i suggests that voters trust Mr Sunak over Sir Keir Starmer, external when it comes to managing the economy. The prime minister has a one-point lead - despite figures suggesting that Labour would win a general election by a landslide.
"PM seeks deal to curb Channel crossings" is the headline in The Times, external - which says the prime minister is reviewing a draft immigration agreement with France in the hopes of making it "more ambitious". It reports that he wants to include targets for how many small boats are stopped and requirements for a minimum number of French border officers patrolling beaches at any one time. The paper also says that civil servants could be awarded bonuses if they meet certain targets in dealing with asylum claims.
The Sun reports that Prince William won't travel to Qatar , externalto watch England's footballers play in the World Cup next month. There has been controversy over the decision to hold the tournament in the country because of its record on human rights. But sources tell the paper that the Prince of Wales - who's the president of the Football Association - has a "busy diary".
The Daily Mirror continues piling pressure on Rishi Sunak over his decision to re-appoint Suella Braverman, external as home secretary, despite her admitting to breaching the ministerial code. In its leader column, it accuses the government of being "another incompetent Tory regime behaving without integrity". According to The Sun, Ms Braverman leaked "top secret plans" for a new "growth visa" when she accidentally forwarded a classified email to a stranger.
"Royals in de-Spare" says the front page of the Metro - referencing Prince Harry's upcoming autobiography, external. Sources tell the paper that the Royal Family is "very concerned" as its "saddest secrets will be pored over in public".
According to The Daily Express, the family will be "rocked", external by the 416-page book. The Daily Mail says it "will do little to allay fears at Buckingham Palace, external that the estranged prince is out - once again - to try to settle perceived scores".
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