Newspaper headlines: 'Workers face strike ban' and 'prince of sales'

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By BBC News
Staff
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NHS bosses fear the impact of a second ambulance strike

"1,000 excess deaths each week as the NHS buckles" writes the Times, referring to "compelling" evidence the crisis in the NHS is contributing to rising mortality rates. Its analysis concludes there were 1,600 more deaths than usual during Christmas week - with long waits for ambulances, cold weather and surging flu infections.

"50,000" is the stark headline for the Independent online - that is the record number of patients forced to wait 12 hours in A&E each week, according to leaked data the paper has seen. It quotes sources across the country warning that hospitals are having to "squeeze" some patients into spaces outside normal wards with no direct oxygen lines, while others wait for hours in ambulances.

The Daily Express's headline reads: "Clock is ticking Rishi... do a deal for Britain." The paper quotes the head of the Royal College of Nursing calling on the prime minister to "get a grip" on the nurses' pay dispute.

There is front page coverage of the new legislation that would require some staff in England, Wales and Scotland to work during industrial action. The Daily Mail says Labour stands accused of putting lives at risk by vowing to block the bill. The Times in an editorial suggests the proposed law is right in principle "even if it comes too late for the present wave of strikes". But the Mirror describes it as a "monstrous attack on rights in a supposed democracy".

The Daily Telegraph leads on comments by the head of the US Federal Reserve Jerome Powell that central banks risk undermining their independence by wading into social issues and seeking to tackle climate change and they should "resist the temptation".

The Financial Times reports on belt tightening at the Wall Street lender Goldman Sachs. It says the bank's cost-cutting drive will include a review of spending on private jets, expenses, bonuses as well as staffing with many employees in London and New York set to learn their fates later.

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Prof Irene Tracey is only the second woman to hold the position of vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford

The Daily Telegraph highlights the establishment of a £100m Church of England fund to "address the past wrongs of slavery" after a report revealed much of the institution's wealth originates from the slave trade. It says parishioners and clergy have criticised the Archbishop of Canterbury for finding such a large amount "behind the back of the sofa" during a time of financial crisis for parishes. The Daily Express comments that while the legacy of slavery demands attention, the Church's hierarchy must ensure that congregations do not collapse on their watch.

The Times has an interview with the University of Oxford's new vice-chancellor, the first from a British comprehensive, Prof Irene Tracey who tells the paper there is no "conspiracy" against private schools, but the university will continue its drive to attract more state-educated pupils.

"Nuke plot smashed at Heathrow" is the front page splash for the Sun, which reports that a shipment of uranium was intercepted at the airport. It says the nuclear material can be used in a dirty bomb. A source says: "The race is on to trace everyone involved."