What the papers say – May 8

Commemorations of VE Day and the latest on the coronavirus situation in the UK lead the papers on Bank Holiday Friday.

The Times starts with Prime Minister Boris Johnson “keeping Britain in lockdown” for another seven weeks, as estimates say there are 20,000 new cases of Covid-19 every day.

The Daily Telegraph carries new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s quotes arguing the VE Day generation are owed safety in care homes.

The Guardian leads on suggestions that Downing Street is trying to “regain control” of the next phase in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.

While the Financial Times leads with warnings from the Bank of England about the impact of the pandemic on the economy.

New bike lanes will be opened across the UK as the country is urged to take up cycling to avoid public transport as lockdown is eased, according to the i.

The Independent carries Mr Johnson’s pledge that any loosening of lockdown restrictions would be done with “maximum caution”.

The Sun reports on a push for online donation site JustGiving to donate the £308,000 it has received from fees from people pledging money to Colonel Tom Moore’s fundraising efforts.

While the Daily Mirror leads with the headline “A Day of Hope”, carrying a picture of the VE Day celebrations from 1945.

The Daily Express also leads on VE Day, quoting one of Vera Lynn’s lyrics in the headline of “Keep smiling through”.

And the Daily Star urges readers to “raise a glass” to “our heroes”.

The Duke of York is being sued over “claims they missed payments on their luxury chalet”, according to the Daily Mail.