Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

What the papers say – April 6

The arrest of former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon’s husband dominates several front pages.

PA Reporter
Wednesday 05 April 2023 21:22 EDT
What the papers say
What the papers say (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Political scandals take centre stage on the front pages of Thursday’s newspapers.

While the arrest of former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell dominates several front pages, The Times focuses on the undercover investigation which has seen Tory MP Scott Benton have the Conservative whip suspended.

The investigation found the Blackpool South MP offered to lobby ministers on behalf of gambling investors in exchange for money.

The arrest of former SNP chief executive Mr Murrell – who has been released without charge – follows a long-running Police Scotland investigation into the party’s finances and prompted fresh questions on the front pages.

The Daily Mail ponders whether this was the reason Ms Sturgeon stepped down from the leadership role, while The Independent asks how much she knew about the investigation.

There are more questions in The Daily Telegraph, this time directed at Police Scotland over delays in the arrest.

The Metro plays it much more straightforward, saying simply: “You’re nicked”.

There is more politics on the front of the Daily Express with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defending plans to house migrants on a barge.

The Daily Mirror concentrates on calls to compel convicted killers from not being present at their sentence hearings following Thomas Cashman’s refusal to attend court to discover his fate for the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.

The Financial Times looks overseas, saying Ukraine is “ready” for talks with Russia over Crimea if a counter-offensive succeeds.

Closer to home, The Guardian focuses on the money made by the King and his late mother from their estates.

The i concentrates on smart motorways, saying no more will be built in England due to safety concerns.

And the Daily Star focuses on sea anemones and proof they can learn without a brain.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in