The Monday papers cover a range of stories, with a focus on politics, education, and tech. The i reports that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is facing pressure from Tory MPs to deliver tax cuts in the next month’s budget, but without having to cut public spending. Hunt previously stated that he would prioritize tax cuts over maintaining state spending. However, Treasury sources have said that spending cuts may be necessary, depending on economic forecasts.
In education news, the Times reports that schools in England are to receive new guidance that allows them to ban the use of mobile phones in the classroom. Teachers will be empowered to search rucksacks and will also be protected against being sued by parents in case a child’s device is lost or damaged. The goal is to minimize classroom disruption and improve behavior.
The Daily Telegraph discusses allegations by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch that Henry Staunton, former chairman of Post Office, lied in a controversy regarding compensation pay-outs to postmasters. Staunton was fired in January after a TV drama reignited public interest in the scandal. He stated that a civil servant asked him to delay pay-outs to postmasters until after the next election. In a series of social media posts, Badenoch called Staunton’s claims “full of lies.” The postmasters affected by the scandal have reacted with anger and have called for the Conservatives to be voted out of power.
Finally, the Financial Times reveals that the EU is planning to impose a £500m fine on Apple for allegedly preventing iPhones from offering users cheaper alternatives to Apple’s own music streaming services. The EU launched an antitrust probe following a complaint by Spotify. This fine could be one of the biggest financial penalties ever levied by the EU on a big tech company
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