What the papers say – July 22
Anger over a report into Russian meddling in UK democracy and potential new powers for security agencies fill the front pages on Wednesday.
The Guardian says the report “damns No 10 and spy agencies over Russia”, while the Daily Mail covers MPs warning Britain must “face up to Moscow”.
Guardian front page, Wednesday 22 July 2020: Report damns No 10 and spy agencies over Russia pic.twitter.com/XpI1rni926
— Guardian news (@guardiannews) July 21, 2020
Wednesday's @DailyMailUK#MailFrontPagespic.twitter.com/wC8axcGVdV
— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) July 21, 2020
The Independent says the report found no evidence of Russian interference over Brexit “because, despite four years of warnings, the Government hasn’t even looked for any yet”.
INDEPENDENT: Report finds no evidence of Russian interference in Brexit #TomorrowsPapersTodaypic.twitter.com/595PI3uuR7
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 21, 2020
Metro features an image of Big Ben amid Moscow’s Saint Basil’s Cathedral below the greeting “Welcome to Londongrad”,
Wednesday's front page:WELCOME TOLONDONGЯAD#tomorrowspaperstoday#BBCPapers#skypaperspic.twitter.com/0OaPwq73qa
— Metro Newspaper UK (@MetroUKNews) July 21, 2020
The Financial Times reports ministers have been accused of turning a blind eye to Moscow’s “meddling in Brexit vote”, while The Times says security agencies will “get more powers” to combat the threat posed by Russia.
Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Wednesday 22 July https://t.co/DaODiKOJCapic.twitter.com/IC1DMWFoxy
— Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) July 21, 2020
The Times 22/07/20 Many Russians living in Britain have close links to Putin, making Moscow’s influence a “new normal”, a report by the intelligence and security committee said. Photo : Konstantin Zavrazhin/Getty Images#tomorrowspaperstoday#thetimes #buyapaper @thetimespic.twitter.com/gSUqcsyVFU
— The Times Pictures (@TimesPictures) July 21, 2020
While more powers may be granted, the i reports the Prime Minister has ruled out a separate inquiry into Russian influence on the EU referendum in 2016.
Revealed: the rise of Russia in UK politics – as Boris Johnson rules out inquiry into Brexit vote
Wednesday's front page #TomorrowsPapersTodaypic.twitter.com/UHMTszJeqm
— i newspaper (@theipaper) July 21, 2020
The Daily Express has the PM saying that there was “no way Russia rigged Brexit vote”.
Tomorrow's #frontpage – Boris: No way Russia rigged Brexit vote#tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/wyPrIsRs4A
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) July 21, 2020
Meanwhile, visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has alleged in a meeting with MPs that China “bought” the chief of the World Health Organisation, according to The Daily Telegaph.
Tomorrow’s Telegraph front page: “Pompeo claims China ‘bought’ WHO chief”#TomorrowsPapersTodaypic.twitter.com/Fgc2wuYbZu
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) July 21, 2020
The Daily Star criticises “short-memoried Bozo” Boris Johnson, who received intensive care treatment for Covid-19, after frontline workers including cleaners, carers and bus drivers missed out on a pay rise.
Tomorrow's #frontpage – Thanks for your help, folks, but… Up yours!#tomorrowspaperstodaypic.twitter.com/gM4ZOGvDoD
— Daily Star (@dailystar) July 21, 2020
And the Daily Mirror also takes up the torch for workers, saying it is an “insult to heroes” that some NHS staff have been told they face pay restraints.
Tomorrow's front page: Insult to heroes #tomorrowspaperstodayhttps://t.co/wmWX6GDozopic.twitter.com/4ge2qvqSfI
— Daily Mirror (@DailyMirror) July 21, 2020