The Papers: Brexit and Boris Johnson
The papers cover Brexit and questions over the PM’s links to a businesswoman as conference begins. …
Image copyright Empics Brexit and Boris Johnson dominate the Sunday newspapers, as the Conservative party begins its annual conference in Manchester.
The Observer carries a claim from Labour that Boris Johnson is “whipping up the idea of riots or even deaths”, so he can use emergency powers to avoid extending the UK’s membership of the EU beyond the end of next month.
The shadow Brexit secretary, Sir Keir Starmer, tells the paper that Downing Street’s strategy is clear. And, he warns that any attempt to invoke the 2004 Contingencies Act – which grants special powers in the event of a national emergency – would be defeated in the courts.
Downing Street sources told the newspaper that No 10 is not planning to use the Act. A spokesman adds: “The prime minister is determined to deliver Brexit on time and he will abide by the law.”
The Mail on Sunday reports that Downing Street has launched a probe into alleged links between foreign governments and MPs behind what Boris Johnson has called the ‘Surrender Act”, the bill which would force him to delay Brexit in the event of no-deal.
The paper quotes sources as saying that Number Ten took the unprecedented action, after officials received intelligence that some pro-Remain MPs had received help drafting the legislation – now called the Benn Bill – from members of the French government and the European Commission.
The paper says it’s also learned that plans for a second Act have been drawn up, which would allow the Speaker, John Bercow, to personally ask Brussels for a further delay on behalf of the Commons.
The Sunday Times has fresh details about the American businesswoman at the centre of claims about her links to Mr Johnson.
Downing Street has refused to comment on the report.
The latest claims come as the prime minister faces a possible investigation into his relationship with Ms Arcuri. Mr Johnson has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The Sunday Telegraph says the Conservatives are preparing to make the NHS a key battleground in the next general election, as Boris Johnson sets out plans for major health projects at the start of his party’s annual conference in Manchester.
In an interview with the paper, the prime minister says the government is embarking on what he calls “the biggest hospital building programme in a generation”, including projects involving 40 new hospitals.
The Sunday Express says nothing can stop Mr Johnson delivering Brexit, even though, it says, Remainers are stepping up dirty tricks. The paper proclaims that the prime minister has so much support, he’d win an election even if he was in jail.
The Mail on Sunday reports that the boss of the Confederation of British Industry has set big business on a “collision course” with Boris Johnson and his chief adviser, Dominic Cummings, with a blistering attack on the government’s Brexit plans.
Dame Caroline Fairburn tells the paper that a no-deal Brexit would leave firms “mired in a swamp” of uncertainty.
The paper says her comments are likely to infuriate the prime minister – and have already been “lambasted” by MPs and city grandees.
The Sunday Mirror carries an appeal from the father of a baby boy who needs a transplant.
Richard Eaves had a lifesaving heart transplant in January, only to see his son, Ethan, needing a donor too after being born in March with an enlarged heart.
NASA’s chief scientist, Dr Jim Green, tells The Sunday Telegraph that discovering living organisms on Mars may only be a couple of years away. But he says the world is not prepared for such “revolutionary” implications.
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