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Newspaper headlines: Fears over deadly virus and ‘sour’ UK-US relations
The main photo on the front of the Metro is dedicated to Monty Python star Terry Jones, who has died at the age of 77. The paper’s top story is on the spread of the Chinese coronavirus, as the UK stepped up its precautionary measures. The virus is “on its way to Britain and may even have arrived already,” the paper says, adding that that medical teams are meeting planes arriving in Heathrow – including one from Wuhan, where the outbreak began.
The Sun reports that the coronavirus could now have infected 10,000 people in China alone. The figure comes from a professor based at a London university, who also claimed the death rate could be two in 100. Experts say the virus may have initially spread from snakes, the paper adds.
Like the Sun, the Mail also attempts to draw comparisons between the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex on its front page. But its main story is on the Chinese virus, saying questions have been raised over the UK’s response. The paper has spoken to air passengers who arrived in London from Wuhan who say they had not been subject to any screening. Other countries “have introduced more rigorous checks”, the paper says.
The i newspaper also focuses on the virus, reporting that medics are fearful of a “global pandemic”. It comes as the Chinese city of Wuhan – where the outbreak started – has closed its public transport, as 17 people are confirmed to have died.
The Daily Mirror leads with tributes to Jones. It focuses on the Welsh actor’s Monty Python co-star Michael Palin who said his friend, who had a rare form of dementia, still showed his typical humour until his final days. Palin said he had taken Jones a book, adding: “He laughed at the bits he wrote.”
The Times suggests Boris Johnson is preparing to clash with the United States on three issues – tax, trade and foreign affairs. According to the paper, Mr Johnson is planning a levy on large technology companies such as Facebook and Google. Clashes could also happen over the UK’s stance on Huawei and also the Iran nuclear deal, the paper adds.
The Financial Times also reports on relations between the UK and US, suggesting they have turned “sour” following tensions at the World Economic Forum in Davos. It reports US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has reiterated his threat that the US could put tariffs on the UK’s car industry if Britain pushes ahead with the digital services tax.
The Guardian follows up on the story that they also splashed with the previous day – the allegation that Amazon boss Jeff Bezos’s phone was hacked by Saudi Arabia’s crown prince. UN experts have said they are “gravely concerned” and are now demanding an immediate investigation, the paper reports. Saudi Arabia’s US embassy has denied the “absurd” story.
The Daily Telegraph also leads on the allegations that Mohammed bin Salman hacked Bezos’s phone. The paper has spoken to UN investigators who say the Saudi crown prince personally attempted to “intimidate” Bezos with a WhatsApp message suggesting he had incriminating information about Bezos’s extramarital affair following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia adamantly denied the claims – calling them “absolutely silly”. The government did not respond to the UN investigators’ intimidation allegation.
The Daily Star reports that one of the most famous bingo calls – “two fat ladies” for the number 88 – is being changed to appeal to “snowflakes”. The paper says online gaming site Foxy Bingo is considering changing traditional calls later year. “Christmas cake 38” would become “avocado on a plate”, “time for tea 83” would be “gluten free” and as for 88? “Wills and Kate.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hinted at a cut in tax for working people, according to the front page of the Daily Express. Mr Johnson was taking part in an online question and answer session organised by No 10 when he “acknowledged that taxes needed to be reduced to help lower-income households,” the paper says.
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