Several papers lead on a review of the early prison release programme after the family of a policeman killed in 2019 expressed outrage that two of the three men jailed for his death could be released after serving only half of their sentence. sums up the row with the headline: "Burnham steps in to order review in row over early prison release".
The Times reports prison bosses have been ordered to put a hold on plans for the early release of inmates in September, a move by new prime minister Andy Burnham that the paper says has led to "chaos in jails" across England and Wales. Burnham spoke to reporters in Bath, it says, telling them he was making no guarantees but wanted to assure himself that "everything has been looked at before this policy proceeds".
"It is deplorable that freeing prisoners early is acceptable" reads the Telegraph headline, which quotes the widow of PC Andrew Harper, who was killed in 2019 after investigating the theft of a quad bike in Berkshire. Two then-teenagers attempted to flee the scene in a car driven by a third person, the paper reports, dragging the police officer for more than a mile along country roads after his ankles became caught in a tow rope.
The Express features a full-page photograph of Andrew and Lissie Harper, paired with the headline: "My Andrew and every victim deserves better".
The same image of the couple is front and centre of the Independent, which also carries statements from the late policeman's family. It includes remarks from Harper's mother, who said it was an "insult" that two of her son's killers could be considered eligible for the early prison release scheme.
The Daily Mail suggests that following Lissie's "dramatic intervention", the future of the entire early prison release scheme is now in doubt.
Why has the row intensified?
The row has intensified because the government insists the scheme will still go ahead in September, while prison officials say planning has been put on hold pending greater clarity. One prison boss tells the Times they have been instructed to "put planning on hold" until ministers' intentions "become clear". Another source says the pause has caused "bedlam", with the paper reporting "chaos" in jails across England and Wales.
A government official is quoted in as saying there are "no easy choices", adding that "we will hit prison capacity by Christmas" if Burnham does not continue with the scheme. But the shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy writes in the Daily Telegraph that "the clock is ticking", and that "victims need certainty".
Elsewhere, an insider interviewed by the Daily Mail says officials have been "summoned" to an online meeting with the Prison and Probation Service today. says Burnham has become "immersed in a deepening political row", external, just days after taking office, as he paused plans for some prisoners to be released early.
Who is opposing the early release plan?
The family of PC Andrew Harper is at the centre of the backlash, with his widow and mother both criticising the idea that the men convicted over his death could be eligible. Harper was killed in 2019 after investigating the theft of a quad bike in Berkshire, and the paper accounts describe how two then-teenagers tried to flee in a car driven by a third person after the incident.
The Express, Independent and Daily Mail all focus heavily on the family's reaction, while the Telegraph quotes Lissie Harper saying the policy is unacceptable. The papers present the dispute as a wider test of the government’s approach to prison capacity and victims' rights.
What is the millionaire tax proposal?
More than 100 millionaires have urged the prime minister to make them pay more tax, according to the Daily Mirror. The group Patriotic Millionaires includes former England striker Gary Lineker, and it has issued a statement saying a 2% tax on the assets of people worth more than £10m could raise £24bn for the UK.
The Daily Mirror says the call is aimed at the prime minister, while the Daily Star labels it "Gary's back of the net tax".
The Daily Star calls it "Gary's back of the net tax".
What is being said about public transport?
Burnham's vision for a "nationally integrated public transport system" is considered by the Metro, following the announcement of a reduction in the national cap on most bus fares in England. The paper links the move to wider ambitions for a more joined-up transport network.
The Metro says the lower cap on most bus fares in England feeds into Burnham's wider transport plans, including the idea of a "nationally integrated public transport system".
What is the Top Gear lawsuit about?
The Sun features an interview with Paul Rees, a Top Gear driver who played "The Stig" and is suing the BBC following a crash involving Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff in 2022. Rees is suing BBC Studios for damages in excess of £100,000, after he says he suffered back injuries and post traumatic stress disorder.
BBC Studios previously said in a legal response said Rees did not complain of any injuries at the time or after the crash. The company denied it was negligent "as alleged or at all". Rees tells the Sun he broke his back and thought he was going to die.
What are the water charges about?
The i Paper reports that Southern Water's former chief exec Matthew Wright and three others have been charged with conspiring to defraud regulators for allegedly faking key sewage data. It says the case is a "landmark for environmental accountability".
"Water execs face criminal charges, accused of major conspiracy to fake sewage tests" reads the i Paper headline, which says the charges relate to allegations that key sewage data was falsified.
What is happening in energy markets?
The latest developments in the Strait of Hormuz is the key story for the Financial Times, which reports European gas prices have surged nearly 50% in the last month. It says the market is particularly sensitive to fluctuations as a result of heat waves and concern for winter supplies.
The Financial Times says the market's sensitivity is being driven by heat waves and anxiety about winter supplies, alongside the latest developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
What does the i Paper say about energy bills?
The i Paper says the government is looking at giving low-income households large plug-in batteries to help them cut energy bills. According to the report, the batteries - which are about the size of a cabin suitcase - can store cheap power when demand is low and release it later.
What does the study on weight-loss drugs suggest?
A study in the Daily Express suggests that some users of appetite-suppressing drugs aren't just losing weight - but their hair too. The paper says the research links jabs such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro to alopecia.
According to the Daily Mirror, it could be caused by "sudden drops in calorie intake and nutrient deficiencies", external. But the Daily Star insists there is no suggestion people should stop using weight loss jabs - saying the study is just "food for thought".
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