UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly planning to increase national insurance contributions for employers by £9bn in order to provide additional resources for the National Health Service (NHS). The news features heavily on several front pages this weekend, including the Observer. The report notes that policy editor Mark Savage wrote the chancellor is likely to announce the measure in the upcoming Budget on 30 October. The paper’s second headline concerns a proposed smacking ban, which children’s commissioner Rachel de Souza said was necessary to keep young people safe.
The Sunday Times also highlights Reeves’ plans for the Budget, as well as revealing leaked documents showing “chaos” in financing for the high-speed HS2 rail project. The report suggests an “inheritance tax raid” is also being considered which would close a loophole in current tax law. However, the headline is taken over by an interview with cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, who announces that his previously-reported cancer diagnosis is now terminal.
The Mail on Sunday, meanwhile, is headlining with a poll which suggests support for Labour has fallen as voters fear tax increases arising from the upcoming Budget. The report also features Liam Payne’s death with a picture of the singer in his polo kit. For the Sunday Mirror, Liam’s death is the top story. This week the paper reports on a “heartbreaking” tribute from the singer’s sister with the headline “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you”.
The Sun on Sunday uses exactly the same article to lead its coverage alongside a picture of the two siblings at Ruth’s wedding from 2016. The Sunday Express, on the other hand, features comments made by Conservative leadership contender Robert Jenrick regarding Labour’s cutting of winter fuel payments for pensioners. There is also a tribute to Liam Payne. Finally, the Sunday Telegraph features the royal couple on their recent visit to Sydney and information on a plan that may give millions of people the ability to track health indicators through NHS smartwatches
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