The key facts
- UK ministers threatened the entertainment industry with sanctions amid allegations against David Walliams.
- David Cameron warned the government against attempts to return to the EU, while a former Bank of England economist criticised fiscal policy.
- Special forces soldiers fear missions involving weapons due to the risk of war crimes accusations.
Scandal in the British entertainment industry
In the UK, the investigation continues into sexual harassment allegations against television presenter David Walliams, which he categorically denies, stating that he is not a 'sexual predator' and has not broken the law. Ministers warned the entertainment industry of the need to introduce improved protection measures for women and children, threatening otherwise with harsh sanctions. In the wake of this incident, comedy actresses, including Lucy Beaumont, condemned the use of non-disclosure agreements to protect celebrities, and the Metro newspaper reported receiving a second court injunction blocking publication of allegations against an unnamed star, against whom, according to journalist Justine Smith, claims have been made by multiple victims. In response to the investigation, Walliams' role in the upcoming film adaptation of his book 'Fing' was removed.
Political debates over Brexit and economic risks
Former prime minister David Cameron, in an interview with Bloomberg, warned current prime minister Andy Burnham against attempting to resume negotiations on joining the European Union, pointing to the risk of triggering a new decade-long dispute over the country's membership. At the same time, former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane, in an article for The Independent, described the current fiscal policy as 'negligent', comparing Burnham to a 'reckless doctor' who should be struck off, and warned of a possible economic 'heart attack' for the country. The Times also published a review of the employment reform prepared by former health secretary Alan Milburn, who argues that the current benefits system encourages inactivity, although, according to him, implementing his proposals could lead to financial losses for some citizens and provoke resistance among MPs.
Problems in the army and the healthcare system
According to reports in the Daily Telegraph, soldiers of the UK special forces express reluctance to take part in missions where they may be required to use lethal force, due to fears of future accusations of war crimes during the investigation into events in Afghanistan; sources emphasise that no direct refusals to carry out orders have been recorded. In healthcare, The Mirror newspaper reports cases of patients being treated in hospital corridors, citing the example of a woman with cancer who was forced to wait for treatment in a storeroom for 48 hours. In addition, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall shared their experience of recovering from cancer, noting that spending time in nature helped them get through difficult periods.
Many papers continue to lead on the fallout from the investigation by the Guardian and ITV News, in which David Walliams was accused by several women of sexual misconduct, inappropriate behaviour and abusing his position. Walliams has denied the allegations. According to the Guardian, ministers have warned the entertainment industry that it must bring in better protections for women and children, or face a
The Times reports on the response from female comedians, who it says have
Another mystery star bids to block claims
Sources have told the Sun that Walliams
Even Cameron tells PM: Don't rejoin the EU
Similarly, the Telegraph carries a series of quotes from Lord Cameron's interview, under the headline
The Independent leads on a warning from a former Burnham aide, who has said Britain is facing an economic
The Financial Times turns its attention across the pond, writing that Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin is
The Princess of Wales is pictured front and centre of the Daily Express, alongside a quote:
The headline on the front page of the Daily Star reads: “Roo: I'm a Zzz-elebrity get me a pillow”.
The Daily Star says Wayne Rooney plans to get through I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! by sleeping, after he was announced as a cast member in the next series of the television programme.
