Newspaper headlines: ‘King proud of Harry’ and nurses' strike reaction
- Published
The Daily Telegraph warns, external that nurses will embark on what it calls "the most extreme strikes yet", including "targeting" A&E departments. The paper believes there are "bitter divisions" between the unions, after health workers in Unison accepted the offer - and it says it's likely they will be asked to cover the shifts of striking colleagues in an effort to "mitigate dangers".
The Guardian says, external that in a major blow to ministers, union leaders and health service bosses, nurses are set to launch a "new wave" of strikes across England later this month. The paper suggests that walkouts could go on until Christmas. Likewise, the Times reports, external that Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members are preparing a campaign of strikes through the winter. The paper also says that - with no end in sight to the junior doctors' dispute - the RCN vote raises the prospect of nurses and doctors walking out at the same time.
The Daily Mail warns, external of "fears of chaos, if doctors and nurses strike together". It says the NHS is braced for "a summer of mayhem" after nurses in the RCN rejected the latest 5% offer and one-off bonus payment. The "i", external says the planned May bank holiday walkout is a major blow for Rishi Sunak in the run-up to local elections. It quotes sources saying there is "little chance" of a new deal. Online, the Independent reports, external that the escalation in the nurses' pay dispute amounts to the first all-out strike in NHS history, with "no exemptions for emergency care". "Just how much more can NHS patients take?" it asks.
The Daily Mirror leads, external on what it calls the "Coronation crackdown". It reports that the biggest security operation in a generation will be mounted at the event next month. It says there are concerns of attacks by "terrorists, eco-warriors and anarchists".
The Daily Express highlights, external what it describes as the King's "conciliatory note", during a visit to Sandhurst yesterday, where he attended his first passing-out parade since becoming monarch. The King spoke of his "immense pride" in both his sons, recalling having watched Prince William and Prince Harry graduating from the military academy. "Despite it all! The King is proud of Harry," reads the paper's headline.
The FT Weekend carries, external the first public comments of CBI president Brian McBride since the sacking of the organisation's director general, Tony Danker. Mr McBride apologises after allegations of misconduct that have rocked the CBI. He rejects suggestions that the business group's "time has passed", but acknowledges change is required. Mr McBride tells the FT the CBI "has to be sharper" and "more focused" to reclaim the confidence of members and the government.
"Hurrah", says the Daily Star, external in its editorial - "the great Grand National is finally upon us". The Daily Mirror wishes, external readers having a flutter "good luck". According to the Sun, external, there's another reason to make the heart beat a little faster. Rachael Blackmore - the first female National winner - is up against her boyfriend, Brian Hayes. The paper reckons Rachael - who is the bookies' favourite - will "rein supreme" in what it calls "the odds couple" stakes.