What the papers say – October 17
The latest moves to halt Britain’s increasing numbers of coronavirus cases and hopes of a million daily virus tests by Christmas feature prominently on the nation’s papers.
The Guardian says Prime Minister Boris Johnson has threatened Northern leaders in a “Covid standoff”, while the i reports the UK is moving “closer to new lockdown”.
Guardian front page, Saturday 17 October 2020: PM threatens northern leaders in Covid standoff pic.twitter.com/rLgbO9eMjc
— The Guardian (@guardian) October 16, 2020
This weekend’s @theipaper front page #news#books#tv#recipes#sport plus columns this week from Jools @BBCLater Holland and @susie_dent #tomorrowspaperstoday#bbcpapers#skypaperspic.twitter.com/yjzMlOUqLf
— Tim Alden (@timaldi) October 16, 2020
Scientists in The Times predict Britain will be carrying out a million coronavirus tests each day by Christmas, as the Daily Star says “dodgy Russians” are circulating lies on social media claiming a UK Covid-19 vaccine will turn recipients into apes.
Scientists predict 1m tests a day#TomorrowsPapersToday@hendopolispic.twitter.com/xWGFfgsQla
— The Times Pictures (@TimesPictures) October 16, 2020
Tomorrow's front page: https://t.co/bQKK95zYM1#TomorrowsPapersTodaypic.twitter.com/7oUQmxpIcy
— Daily Star (@dailystar) October 16, 2020
And the UK’s largest teacher’s union has made a call in TheDaily Telegraph for a two-week half term as part of a national circuit-breaker.
The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:
'Teachers call for two-week half term'#TomorrowsPapersTodaypic.twitter.com/oFALVRRvch
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) October 16, 2020
Meanwhile, the Financial Times leads on Brexit, saying Mr Johnson has broken off trade talks, while the Daily Mirror reports the PM has “no deal and no clue”.
Just published: Front page of the FT Weekend, UK edition, for 17-18 October 2020: pic.twitter.com/m4sevp229U
— Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) October 16, 2020
MIRROR: No deal and no clue #TomorrowsPapersTodaypic.twitter.com/s4QDlZaHDn
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) October 16, 2020
The Daily Express , by contrast, quotes Mr Johnson saying the country will “prosper mightily” once it leaves the EU.
Tomorrow's front page: https://t.co/dF0zNi4xQD#TomorrowsPapersTodaypic.twitter.com/BsaAfgoIBX
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) October 16, 2020
Elsewhere, The Sun claims ex-ambassador to the US Lord Darroch was investigated in Washington over fears he “leaked White House secrets to his journalist lover”.
Tomorrow's front page: 'Our man in Washington probed over Trumpy-pumpy' https://t.co/ejKvxLQa8Fpic.twitter.com/3dt2yeZUi8
— The Sun (@TheSun) October 16, 2020
And the Daily Mail writes drivers will next year face a £200 fine for touching their phone while behind the wheel.
Saturday's @DailyMailUK#MailFrontPagespic.twitter.com/NWwvMXTk6y
— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) October 16, 2020