What the papers say - March 28

A variety of stories make the headlines on Wednesday - from plans for a deposit scheme to boost recycling, to an apology by the fire service over their response to the Manchester terror attack.

The Times leads on the proposals to charge shoppers extra for drinks cans and bottles, and says retailers could be compelled to install vending machines which return the deposit when empty containers are inserted.

The paper describes the plans - set to be announced by Environment Secretary Michael Gove - as "more radical than expected".

The Daily Telegraph reports that the extra charge could be as much as 22p, and says the scheme would aim to "stem the tide" of rubbish seeping into the oceans.

The i also leads on the same story, reporting that the plans could be introduced this year.

Meanwhile, a report looking at how emergency services responded to the Manchester Arena bombing also makes the fronts of several papers.

The Guardian says ministers were urged to rethink "inflexible" rules for dealing with terror attacks after Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service issued an apology for turning up two hours late.

The paper says firefighters were barred from responding more quickly after bosses followed rules instead of showing "pragmatism", and adds that the report concluded the fire service played "no meaningful role".

"Forgive Us", reads the headline of the Daily Express, as it carries a powerful letter from one firefighter to the terror attack victims.

The paper adds that the fire service apologised "unreservedly" as it admitted that its response "fell far short".

Individual members of the emergency services were praised in the report for "acts of bravery and selflessness", reports The Independent.

Elsewhere, The Sun leads on the court case of three men who were jailed over a plot to brainwash Muslim boys as young as 11.

Meanwhile the Metro features the court case of two convicted murderers who tortured and killed a young mother after they were freed from jail.

And the Daily Mirror reports that Sir Philip Green could still keep his knighthood after officials ruled he will not face a ban on being a director over the collapse of BHS.

Jeremy Corbyn faces fresh criticism over allegations of anti-Semitism in the Labour party, reports the Daily Mail.

The paper says a Labour source revealed there was a backlog of 74 claims of anti-Jewish sentiment in the party.

The Financial Times reports that the Government has intervened at the eleventh hour over the hostile takeover of GKN, demanding that the bidder give Whitehall a veto over the future of the engineer's defence unit.

And there is some good news on the front of the Daily Star, as the paper claims 60 days of sunshine are on the way.