A variety of stories lead the Friday papers.
The Duke of York’s relationship with an alleged Chinese spy tops it. The Timesthe The Telegraph And The Daily Mail. They report that concerns were raised over communications found on one of the businessman’s devices after he was intercepted by UK Border Security in 2021, and is now barred from entering the country on national security grounds. is given The Times says Prince Andrew’s ties to China go back to his days as a trade envoy, a role he was given by then-prime minister Tony Blair when he retired from the navy in 2001.
The first page of The Guardian A coffin draped in the Syrian flag is pictured as it is carried through the streets of the country’s capital, Damascus, during a public funeral. The paper reflects that, while the streets of the city have been filled with celebration since the escape of former President Bashar al-Assad last Sunday, the country is beginning to grapple with the reality that of the 130,000 people who have disappeared. Many may be “missing”. Forever” “Joy gives way to sorrow as dusk buries its dead”, reads the headline.
gave Financial Times Europe guides in more detail the discussions among NATO members about raising the alliance’s target for defense spending. It says an increase of 2% to 3% of GDP is being discussed. The newspaper quoted a German official as saying the move would send a “good signal” to US President-elect Donald Trump, who believes European members of NATO should pay more for their defense.
The same is the story of the lead. iThat said, former head of the navy Admiral Lord West and former defense secretary Ben Wallace are among those who have urged the UK government to move towards the 3 per cent target by the end of the decade. The newspaper says Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer favors a lower target of 2.5 percent.
the sun Police reportedly had to intervene after a Christmas party for royal staff got out of control. Glasses were broken, punches were thrown and a woman was arrested after visiting a bar after an evening drinks reception at Buckingham Palace, the newspaper said. The palace insists the party was an unofficial event, but says the facts will be “fully investigated” and “appropriate action” taken.
EPASeveral papers offer potentially good news for people living with sleep deprivation. The Times Scientists have developed an app-controlled tongue implant that can “zip” snorers, the report says. He says the Genio implant has been implanted in two patients so far and works by stimulating a specific nerve in the tongue.
And Mail According to the report, figures from department store John Lewis show that sales of their boxed cards are down 23% compared to last year. The paper speculates that the cost of first-class stamps may be one of the reasons. He says the store has also reported that people are ditching larger Christmas trees, with sales of six-footers down 13 percent this year. By contrast, people buying smaller, cheaper trees have increased by 55 percent – meaning, the paper says, more families are enjoying a merry “smaller” Christmas.
