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What the papers say – August 3

Political and legal issues on both sides of the Atlantic dominate the front pages of Thursday’s newspapers.

PA Reporter
Wednesday 02 August 2023 20:35 EDT
What the papers say (PA)
What the papers say (PA) (PA Archive)

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s comments about NHS strikes, the actions of his ministers and the latest legal issues for Donald Trump feature heavily on the front pages of Thursday’s newspapers.

There is little agreement on the main story of the day but political turmoil on both sides of the Atlantic occupy many of the headlines.

Mr Sunak’s comments about a “final” pay offer to striking doctors on a radio phone-in lead the Daily Express, which calls it a “blunt ultimatum”.

But the Daily Mirror has a very different take on his remarks, calling his claim that the strikes are to blame for waiting lists “offensive”.

The Metro also concentrates on what it calls a “difficult radio phone-in”, surmising there will be no election soon as it says he dodged questions about the date.

Work and pensions secretary Mel Stride is the focus of The Times with an interview in which he says over-50s looking for work “should widen ideas” about jobs and consider roles traditionally filled by younger people.

The Daily Telegraph reports Welsh secretary David TC Davies is facing an investigation by Gwent Police over language used in a leaflet about a proposed traveller site in his Monmouth constituency.

Another political figure facing legal issues makes the front page of The Guardian, which says the US is facing a clash between “the justice system and a volatile presidential election” following the latest charges against former president Donald Trump.

The Financial Times also leads on Mr Trump, saying his legal team is fighting the push for a speedy trial ahead of next November’s election.

A picture of Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska dominates the front page of The Independent as she gives an interview warning the world “must never lose interest in the war” and that a Russian victory would be the “worst-case scenario for humanity”.

The Daily Mail says green power firm Drax is “taking us for fools” over payouts to customers.

And the Daily Star says a “boffin” has vowed to share evidence of aliens with readers in the next month.

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