The “shattered remains” of Khan Younis have been pictured on the front page of the Guardian, which writes that the “fragile ceasefire” in Gaza has already been tested. The paper reports four dead hostages have been returned to Israel, but says Hamas has previously claimed it may take longer to return the rest of the bodies as “not all burial sites have been identified”. Israel has said aid into Gaza will be cut by half and a key border crossing will remain closed, the paper adds.
The UK state pension is set to climb 4.8%, the i Paper reports, with pensioners now set to receive £12,547.60 annually. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that UK inflation will remain “higher than any other large rich country”, the paper notes. But it adds the IMF’s “modest” growth rate forecast will offer a “slight boost” to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her Budget next month.
The Express offers a different interpretation on the IMF’s forecasting, declaring it a “bleak verdict” on the UK economy and “fresh humiliation” for the chancellor.
The Daily Mail zeros in on official figures which it says show unemployment in the UK is at a four-year high, and wage growth has slowed. It also refers to the IMF predictions, and says the “darkening outlook” has prompted a Bank of England official to warn of a “growing risk of recession”.
The Telegraph leads with the Home Secretary’s upcoming speech at a summit with Balkan interior ministers, where she is expected to warn that a failure to control UK migration is “eroding trust” in politicians. According to the paper, Shabana Mahmood will tell leaders that “international co-operation” is the only way to secure borders.
“Hamas kills its enemies on ceasefire Gaza streets” reads the headline of the Times, detailing the alleged executions in Gaza of “suspected collaborators” following the withdrawal of Israeli troops. The front page also features a photograph of the Princess of Wales beaming as she bakes at Long Meadow Farm, captioned “On a roll”.
The Financial Times leads with comments from US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent, after he told the paper that China is “trying to hurt the world’s economy” following the introduction of export controls on rare earths and critical minerals. A member of Madagascar’s military is also pictured, amid reports that the army has seized power in the African nation and President Andry Rajoelina has fled.
“Illegal migrant madness” says the Sun, alleging that art classes and puzzle rooms in immigrant removal centres are funded by the taxpayer. The Home Office has said they are reviewing the provision of activities in immigration centres to “ensure they deliver value for taxpayers”.
The Mirror leads with comments from former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, who told the Covid inquiry that the 2021 phased return to school was “destined to fail” and “damaging for children and parents”.
“Gavin and numpty” reads the headline of the Star, reporting that Williamson also told the inquiry that the decision to shut schools during the pandemic was made in just 24 hours.
