The Papers: Starmer’s scramble after ‘Albania snub’
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The fallout from Albania’s rejection of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s migrant deal dominated Friday’s papers. The Times reports that after Albania’s rejection, Britain is poised to enter talks with up to nine countries about plans to deport asylum seekers. Sharing the top slot is a photo of the Ukrainian suspect charged with arson over attacks at properties linked to the PM.
The Daily Mail says the PM has been “left squirming by Albania farce” and sums up the failed deal as a “humiliation” for Starmer as his plan to send asylum seekers to the Balkans “imploded on live TV”. Elsewhere, the paper also touts an exclusive into the how Brooklyn Beckham and his wife “bonded with Sussexes over dinner”.
“UK scrambles for new migrant deal in Balkans after Albania snub” reads the headline on the i Paper. It reports the PM is expected to begin talks today with countries thought to include Bosnia, Serbia and North Macedonia, which could act as return hubs for failed asylum seekers from the UK.
“Children to be taught to show some grit” leads the Daily Telegraph as the education secretary Bridget Phillipson and the health secretary Wes Streeting penned a story calling for children to be prepared for life’s “ups and downs” in schools. Alongside, a large photo of the “Ukrainian charged over Starmer firebombs” also dominated the front page.
Britain’s economy has expanded at its fastest pace in a year in the first quarter, the Financial Times reports. The paper calls it “a boost to Labour” before any impact from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. “Lost millions” in an arms deal that left Ukraine exposed also took top spot.
UK ministers plan to use new powers to block bosses Thames Water bosses from taking bonuses worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, the Guardian reports. Britain’s biggest water company admitted this week they were in line for “substantial” bonuses linked to an emergency £3bn loan. Elsewhere, “Zelenskyy sends team for talks in Istanbul” with Russia is also prominent.
The Metro leads with “Staggering cost of benefit fraud claim clangers” as more than £9bn of taxpayers’ money has been overpaid in benefits, mostly through fraud. Sharing the front page is Tom Cruise’s latest Mission Impossible film, hailed as “impossible to resist” even if the “script’s a bit silly”.
“Taxigate” looms large on the Sun’s front page as it scores an exclusive interview on the dispute between Foreign Secretary David Lammy and a cab driver.
The Daily Mirror asks “do you know what happened to Maddie” as it promotes its exclusive interview with the chief suspect in the Madeleine McCann case. The paper sums up his response with “a smirk, but no reply”.
The Daily Express says “Mum deserves ‘peace of mind’ in right to die fight” as Rebecca Wilcox urges MPs to back Dame Esther’s call for assisted dying choice. Sharing the top spot, an update on the King’s health say Charles is on “better side” of cancer battle.
“Her Maj Yappy and Glorious” reports the Daily Star as it reveals Queen Elizabeth has been talking to Fergie from beyond the grave through her corgis. The Duchess of York says “I’m sure it’s her” when the dogs “go woof woof”.
