Newspaper headlines: May's 'cosy' Brexit message By BBC News

Staff Published duration 8 April 2019

image copyright PA image caption Theresa May has been criticised by some Conservatives for reaching out to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

Theresa May appears on a number of front pages in a picture taken from her video message to voters saying both the Conservatives and Labour will have to give ground on Brexit.

The Daily Express calls it a "cosy video chat" to the nation about the need to find a compromise deal.

However, her message has infuriated Tory hardliners who believe she is set to rip up her Brexit red lines and build a softer divorce deal based on a customs union with the EU, the paper says.

The Guardian says that while the "homespun video" was praised for its conversational style, there are increasing expectations that the cross-party talks will come to nothing.

The Metro, meanwhile, describes the film as "awkward".

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says agreeing to a customs union would be a big step towards what he calls "economic serfdom" and would abandon the central logic of Brexit.

But the Daily Mail says that while a customs union would be a "bitter pill to swallow" changes could be made once the UK is out of the EU.

However, it implores Mrs May to stay true to one of her conditions - and continue to rule out a second referendum.

Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron of France is leading demands for Britain to accept tough political conditions as the price for any extension to the Brexit deadline, according to the Financial Times

The paper says he doesn't want Britain to use its continuing presence to disrupt the bloc's business including its multi-year budget.

'Wild West' web

There's a broad welcome for the government's proposals to improve internet safety.

The Sun says the crackdown on what it calls the "social media Wild West" is better late than never. But it warns that the plans must have teeth and says sites that can't be controlled should be shut down altogether.

The Daily Telegraph says the white paper offers tech firms the chance to recognise their duties and act responsibly. If they don't, they could find themselves facing far tougher laws.

For the Daily Mail, efforts to make tech giants directly responsible for the safety of their users are laudable.

However, it warns against the dangers of stifling free speech, saying the laws must be tightly framed to ensure it cannot be used by the state to control public debate.

'Oarsome'

image copyright AFP

Several papers carry he smiling face of a jubilant James Cracknell on front pages.

"Cracked it," is the Daily Mail's headline, as it recounts the double Olympic champion's feat at becoming, at the age of 46, the oldest Boat Race winner in history as part of the Cambridge crew.

"Old Man River in the medals again," is the Daily Telegraph's take.