Newspaper headlines: 'Iran general killed' and 'record boat arrivals'

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There's a picture of JK Rowling on the front of the Daily Mail, external, with the headline "Arrest me!". Ms Rowling, who lives in Edinburgh, believes the anti-hate crime law that has come into force in Scotland is a threat to free speech. She has said she looks forward to being arrested, if what she has written about some trans people - who are protected under the new legislation - qualifies as an offence. Both the Mail and the Telegraph, external highlight support from Rishi Sunak for the author's "defiance". The prime minister is quoted saying: "People should not be criminalised for stating simple facts on biology. We believe in free speech in this country, and Conservatives will always protect it".

The Guardian, external has conducted analysis which suggests that the government has made "zero progress" on half of the Conservatives' levelling up goals. The study indicates that of the 12 initial targets set for less prosperous regions of Britain, nothing has been achieved in education, skills, wellbeing, local pride, housing and health. An academic is quoted accusing ministers of "failing to turn the tide on regional inequalities". But the levelling up department denies failure, saying the plan is "long-term" and it is making "significant progress" in its mission.

"Doctor won't see you now" is the Mirror's, external lead. It focuses on what it calls a "GP appointment scandal", in which it says the number of patients in England waiting more than a month to see a GP has soared by up to 79 per cent. The Department of Health tells the paper it is committed to improving access to family doctors, and is delivering 50m more GP appointments per year.

Image source, Reuters
Image caption,

JK Rowling has challenged Scotland's new hate crime law in a series of social media posts.

Health also concerns the Daily Express, external. It says doctors are calling for "drastic action" to help 10m people across the UK who are addicted to junk food. According to the paper, the problem is costing the NHS £58bn per year.

The Sun, external is furious that - following on from the St George's Cross England football kit row - the Union Jack flag has undergone a similar colour change on Team GB's outfits for the Paris Olympics. The paper reveals that what it calls the "iconic" red, white and blue design has been replaced in a "dizzying rebrand incorporating pink and purple - as well as meaningless squiggles".

"Global glut turns solar panels into common garden fencing options" is a headline in the Financial Times, external. It says China has flooded the market with low-cost panels and people in Europe are using them as fences because they are cheaper. The paper suggests they still work even if they're not aligned exactly to the sun.

Finally, the Times, external asks: "Looking for Britain's top beauty spot? It's... Croydon". But the paper is not extolling the south London borough's scenic qualities. New research has found that the area has the highest concentration of beauty jobs anywhere in the UK. The celebrity hairdresser James Brown, who grew up in Croydon, is quoted saying: "I always find it inspirational. It is near enough to London to keep up with the latest trends but has its own scene."

Image source, Empics

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