The Guardian begins with an interview with the government’s social mobility commissioner, Alun Francis, in which he says the government lacks an “overarching narrative” to tie together various aspects of social mobility policy and urges Sir Keir Starmer to set out a clearer strategy. It also features a photograph of people celebrating the winter solstice at Stonehenge.
The Times also includes a photograph of the winter solstice, above a story reporting that Health Secretary Wes Streeting suggested the UK should join a customs union with Europe, despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer ruling out a policy change.
The Daily Mirror begins with a story about how a poll shows former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Thomas Skinner’s “legal threat” over his exit from Strictly has “taken a hit” after a new poll suggested he was the least popular dancer. It follows reports that Skinner is suing the BBC over allegations the vote was rigged against him. The BBC rejected the allegation, saying Strictly’s public vote was “independently monitored and verified to ensure complete accuracy”.
The Daily Mail launches an investigation into how “criminal immigrants” are allegedly avoiding justice by being smuggled out of the UK on lorries. It focuses on an Albanian man who, according to the newspaper, has been running a network helping people flee for £2,500.
The i begins with a story about how almost 7,000 care home residents in England were told their contracts would be terminated with just 28 days’ notice last year.
The Financial Times begins with a story about how UK companies have attracted interest this year from international buyers keen to capitalize on cheap valuations. Foreign bidders agreed to $142 billion in takeovers of UK companies, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group, an increase of 74% from 2024.
The Sun reports that Princess Beatrice will not join her “scandal-affected father” Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for Christmas this year and will instead go skiing with friends. Andrew has faced years of scrutiny over his past friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing regarding Epstein.
The Daily Telegraph begins with a story about how the new head of the equality watchdog has criticized people who describe migration as a risk to the UK. It also tells a story about how trail hunting will be banned in what the paper calls Labour’s “war on the countryside”.
The Daily Express speaks to a woman who is calling for the “monsters” of child abuse to be included on a national register. Paula Hudgell’s adopted son, Tony, was “horribly injured” by his biological parents, the newspaper reports.
And the Daily Star says he has “teamed up” with Kenyan darts star David Munyua. The newspaper has sponsored his shirt for his next match at the World Darts Championship.
