What the papers say – December 9
The papers on Thursday focus on the fallout from claims of Tory rule-breaking and the latest Covid curbs.
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.Mounting scrutiny of Boris Johnson over Christmas parties allegedly held last December and new pandemic restrictions are splashed across the front pages.
The Sun mocks up the Prime Minister as the Grinch beneath the headline “Do As I Say.. Not As I Christmas Do”, while Metro reports Mr Johnson is under growing pressure to resign after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused him of taking the public “for fools” throughout the episode.
The Daily Star simply refers to the PM as “Captain Cock-up”.
Mr Johnson has brought forward new national pandemic restrictions as his party’s scandal “engulfs” No 10, reports The Guardian.
But the Daily Mail says the PM has been accused of fast-tracking the fresh curbs to distract from the scandal, which the Financial Times claims has caused anger to “fester”.
Mr Johnson has refused to answer questions about two other parties allegedly held in contravention of pandemic rules, reports the Daily Mirror.
The Daily Express quotes the 57-year-old as saying the new plan B Covid measures should help people enjoy a “close to normal” Christmas.
The rules include a return to working from home, Covid passes and more masks in cinemas and theatres, according to The Independent and The Times, with the latter also reporting one million people could be infected with the Omicron coronavirus variant in the next month.
The Daily Telegraph covers an “immediate backlash” to the “irrational” new curbs, with the paper noting their apparent inconsistency via the headline: “Don’t go to work, but do go to parties.”
And health experts have offered reassurances that boosters will hold off Omicron, reports i.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.