Newspaper headlines: Covid rages across China and Queen's speech legacy
- Published
A member of the Scottish Family Party speaks with a Gender Recognition Reform Bill supporter outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
Scotland's decision to make it easier to change gender continues to feature on Saturday's front pages.
The Daily Telegraph leads with a report that the Labour leader will - if elected - take similar action to Nicola Sturgeon and "update" gender laws in England and Wales, external.
The paper says when asked about comments Sir Keir made to PinkNews last year, the Labour Party confirmed he stands by plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act.
The front page of the i also leads with the Scottish Parliament's decision on gender reforms, but it warns Holyrood is on course for a constitutional clash with Whitehall, external. The paper also - like many others - carries a tribute to the late England World Cup winner George Cohen who on Thursday died at the age of 83.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail accuses NHS bosses of wasting "buckets" of money on what it calls "woke" jobs, external - including positions relating to equality, diversity and inclusion. The paper cites examples including £40,000-per-year for a "mindfulness lead" to help staff meditate.
Turning to the front of the Financial Times and the paper throws up astonishing figures which it claims shows just how intensely, external the latest coronavirus outbreak is raging across China. It says an estimated 250,000,000 people have caught Covid-19 in the last 20 days - significantly higher than the numbers coming out of Beijing.
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In a historic moment, the King stands at Windsor Castle during the recording of his first Christmas Day message to the nation
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is drafting up plans to encourage "missing" older workers out of early retirement with so-called "midlife MOTs", external in order to boost Britain's economy, the Times says. Government sources tell the paper the plan is part of a broader agenda to tackle some of the fundamental problems facing the country, including further action to reduce the NHS waiting list.
Sunday will mark the first time in 70 years that the UK will hear a Christmas Day message from a king - and several papers highlight King Charles III's upcoming speech. The Daily Mirror says the King will pay tribute to his late mother in a broadcast, external which has been recorded close to where Queen Elizabeth II is buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor.
The Daily Express echoes the preview of the King's speech on its front page, saying he will pledge to build on the glorious legacy of his "darling mama", external.
Finally, staying with the theme of the Royal Family, the Sun claims the King has asked his brother Prince Andrew to stay away from Buckingham Palace, external and he will no longer be allowed an office in the building. The paper also predicts the King's 10-minute Christmas Day speech will include a "surprise".