Chancellor Rachel Reeves has admitted she faces a “huge” challenge of reviving the economy after it reported zero growth between July and September. Businesses are warning of a tough start to 2025. The shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, is calling for Reeves to review her “disastrous Budget,” including an increase in national insurance contributions. The i newspaper reports that an economist says Reeves “needs a Christmas miracle” to boost the economy. Should current trends continue, Reeves may have to increase taxes, but she believes the Budget and the government’s long-term growth plan will deliver sustainable results.
Meanwhile, the Daily Express focuses on the King’s annual Christmas Day speech, urging for togetherness and hope amid his ongoing cancer battle. The monarch’s message has been inspired by the way the UK pulled together after the Southport riots, and he will reflect on his family’s difficult year following cancer diagnoses for him and the Princess of Wales. The paper also details tennis player Katie Boulter’s engagement to world number nine Alex de Minaur.
According to The Times, more than 10,000 active sailors, soldiers, and air crew cannot go to battle because of their medical unfitness, with approximately 15,000 only available for deployment if specific criteria are met, such as the weather. Some say that drivers aged 17-25 are committing insurance fraud by falsely claiming not to be the main policy driver. Experts claim that figures show 21% of male drivers and 15% of female drivers participate in this deception.
The Daily Mirror calls for an extra bank holiday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two to honour its veterans, as a poll by the paper indicates that 73% of the public supports this idea. The fronts of the Daily Star and Sun focus on a possible “techno meltdown” this festive season as people stream TV, and the crocodile from the movie Crocodile Dundee confirmed passing away at 90, respectively
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