Newspaper headlines: 'UK to stand up to Putin' and Queen Consort's crown

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By BBC News
Staff
Reuters

The Times has an article by the Labour Leader, Sir Keir Starmer, giving an ultimatum to hard-left MPs - to either back him or quit the party. Labour is about to be taken out of "special measures" over antisemitism by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. It is a significant moment, says the paper, in Sir Keir's attempts to distance himself from Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

The Daily Mail leads on a warning that people in the UK should worry more about Chinese CCTV cameras 6ft over their heads than spy balloons high in the sky.

The UK's biometrics and surveillance camera commissioner says Beijing-linked technology is increasingly common and too many people are ignoring - or are unaware of - the risks. It is the same lead in the Guardian, with the headline "Beijing could use police cameras to spy on Britain".

The Financial Times highlights fears by Western intelligence officials that Russia is massing aircraft within striking distance of Ukraine - an indication, it says, that Moscow is preparing to use jets and helicopters to support its stuttering land offensive.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Nato and France are "concerned" about UK military cuts - and quotes a French MP saying Britain's forces have been depleted because it has given weapons to Ukraine from its active stock. British government sources, the paper adds, insist the French have not raised any such concerns with them. Its editorial says Ukraine needs more military assistance quickly - warning Russian troops are firing more shells in a day than European factories produce in a month.

The Daily Express strikes a defiant note - quoting a British military chief who says "We can stand up to Putin" - and that UK troops are ready and able to lead the response if Russia attacks any Nato ally.

The Daily Telegraph says a plan is being considered for next month's budget - to tell doctors to give out fewer sick notes. It reports the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions are examining how to reverse a post-pandemic rise in the number of employees missing from jobs with long-term sickness. Doctors may be encouraged to focus on recommending ways those with long-term illnesses could continue to work with support.

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The online-only Independent leads with what it calls the "real" cost of NHS strikes: 10,000 people waiting 18 months for surgery and 140,000 appointments cancelled. It says senior sources say the prolonged walkouts, coupled with unprecedented demand for emergency care, mean key targets are likely to be missed.

The 'i' reports that women are facing a postcode lottery for Hormone Replacement Therapy - with patients living in poorer areas less likely to be prescribed it due to shortages. It says GPs in wealthy regions are spending three times as much on menopause treatments as in the most deprived parts of England.

The Sun is among several papers to celebrate the return of the classic sitcom Blackadder after an absence of 20 years. There will be a special episode for next month's Comic Relief - not featuring the star of the show Rowan Atkinson - but starring his dozy sidekick Baldrick, played by Sir Tony Robinson.