Several papers lead on the decision to extend pub opening hours on Monday morning until 0500 for England’s World Cup clash against Mexico. “Mexican rave” declares the Daily Mirror, external on its front page. The Daily Mail calls, external it “England’s big all nighter”. The Sun notes, external fans will be able to “commute straight from the bar to the office”.
The Daily Telegraph says, external “Kate holds court at Wimbledon” in the latest on the tennis tournament, splashing a smiling picture of the Princess of Wales. The paper also says the US has warned Poland about a potential Russian incursion designed to test the resolve of Nato. The paper cites sources close to the Polish president, and says critical infrastructure could be targeted, while soldiers could cross the border from neighbouring Kaliningrad or Belarus.
The Times reports, external that British military bases are to be “beefed up with counter drone weapons”, due to concerns about Russian spying. It says researchers now believe drones seen near bases in the UK two years ago were launched from ships operating as part of Moscow’s shadow fleet.
The Guardian says, external Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to cut billions of pounds of infrastructure spending to pay for more defence equipment will end up costing 10,000 jobs. It says the findings cast doubt on claims by ministers that allocating more money towards military spending will boost the workforce. The government says its Defence Investment Plan will create nearly 60,000.
“Kick out rape gang monster now!” is the headline on the front of the Daily Express, external. It says pressure is intensifying on the Home Secretary to close an immigration law loophole stopping the child rapist Shabir Ahmed, who was released from prison yesterday, being deported to Pakistan. The Home Office said it was “doing everything possible” to deport offenders.
The i Paper says, external the Labour politician turned TV presenter Ed Balls has been tipped for a “surprise return” to Westminster, if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister. Balls hasn’t commented publicly on the claims and the paper says “allies close to him insist he has not yet received any approach from Burnham or his team”.