What the papers say - July 20

Politics and crime dominate the agenda on Friday's front pages.

The latest on Brexit features on the front of The Times, which reports that Theresa May is to give a series of public warnings over leaving the European Union without a deal.

The Sun says Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was branded "mad" for threatening to block British planes flying over his country in the event of Mrs May cutting Irish fishermen's access to the UK's waters after Brexit.

And the Daily Mirror reports that Boris Johnson still lives for free in his official flat despite quitting as foreign secretary 11 days ago.

Politics also makes the front of the Daily Mail, which reports that MPs voted to grant themselves anonymity if accused of sexual harassment or expenses fraud.

The paper runs with the headline "What a cosy cover-up".

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph leads on a warning from Justice Secretary David Gauke that prison should "change the lives" of criminals instead of being used solely as a tool for "punishment" and "retribution".

The Guardian reports that British police and intelligence agencies are using children as spies in covert operations against terrorists, gangs and drug dealers.

The latest crime figures make the front of the Daily Express, running with the headline "Lawless Britain".

The data revealed a 12% surge in the murder rate, the paper says.

The Metro says police blamed falling officer numbers for the rise.

Elsewhere, the i reports that British security services have identified the Novichok poisoning suspects.

And the Financial Times says the Bank of England has probed the strength of KPMG's business after a string of high-profile corporate scandals damaged the reputation of the accounting firm.

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