Newspaper review: Gift card 'rip-offs' and credit card 'cons' By UK staff

BBC News Published duration 10 December 2016

image copyright PA

Christmas shoppers being short-changed and Rupert Murdoch's growing business empire feature across Saturday's newspapers.

The newspaper's reporters found shops have a huge range of different policies and that use-by dates and other small print are often hidden, leaving a big windfall for retailers.

It says the government is seeking a minimum expiry period of two years, along with clearer terms and conditions.

On its front page, the Times is putting pressure on councils and retailers to end excessive credit card fees.

The paper claims that - despite a law change in 2013 aimed at preventing profiteering from card charges - fees of up to 3.5% are widespread.

It cites consumer groups who say the cost of handling a transaction is about 0.6%.

'Cash for places'

Its reporters met representatives of schools and education consultants, purportedly on behalf of a Russian businessman interested in sending his son to study in England.

The Telegraph says the registrar of one school - Stowe in Buckinghamshire - was secretly filmed saying a six-figure payment would be helpful if there was a "marginal decision" about whether a pupil should be admitted.

The school says the registrar has since resigned after making "inaccurate statements".

Sky test for May

image copyright AP image caption The Financial Times says it is unclear what scrutiny Mr Murdoch's deal will face from the government

For the Financial Times, Rupert Murdoch's bid to take over Sky takes centre-stage , with the newspaper calling it the first big test of UK media regulation since Theresa May became Prime Minister.

The FT looks back to Mr Murdoch's failed bid five years ago - when Mr Murdoch's Fox company was part of the News Corp group - and notes that the then-Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt sought assurances of editorial independence from the bidder.

The newspaper says it's unclear whether the renewed attempt - with Fox now separated from News Corp's papers - will face similar scrutiny.

The Guardian quotes company insiders expressing confidence the deal will clear regulatory hurdles, because Fox has now separated from News Corp.

It also speculates that the European Commission is likely to take an interest, following Sky's acquisition of Sky-branded services in Germany, Austria and Italy in 2014.

'Secret showdown'

image copyright Getty Images image caption Sources told the Sun that the PM was "friendly" with Boris Johnson at the meeting

Remarks made by Boris Johnson regarding the UK's closest ally in the Middle East have led to the foreign secretary being called into Number 10, the Sun reports

After video emerged - published by the Guardian - that Mr Johnson had accused Saudi Arabia of taking part in "proxy wars" in the region, Downing Street issued a statement distancing itself from his comments.

The newspaper reports that Prime Minister Theresa May called Mr Johnson in for "an unplanned one-on-one meeting" on Thursday night.

But rather than a dressing down, the Sun's sources said she issued no reprimand and was "being very friendly" to the foreign minister, signalling she was "backing down" from the row.

A British man who took his own life at Switzerland clinic Dignitas makes the front page of the Daily Mirror as the newspaper says it was his "final wish" to share his story with readers.

Andrew Barclay was told by doctors he could live another 10 years. But the 65-year-old said multiple sclerosis made "every single day… a struggle from start to end."

He told the newspaper: "Some people will say it's a brave decision, others will say it's cowardly and selfish… But I'd challenge them to live with my symptoms for just a day and see how they manage."

Pro-Russian Turks 'take top posts'

The Times reports that Turkey is replacing pro-western military officers in diplomatic and Nato posts across Europe with pro-Russian hardliners.

The newspaper cites a leaked email - sent by recently-dismissed Turkish officers to the alliance's most senior commander - warning of a "very worrying" rise in Turkish officers deployed to Nato who, the email says, have a "radical mindset" and "hate western organisations".

In its leader, the Times urges Nato to reapply for its job as Turkey's natural home, warning that the country's dependability as an ally is becoming open to question.

image copyright AP image caption The new 'fiver' is up for an award

The Bank of England's new plastic five pound note has had a difficult start to life. It's attracted the ire of vegans and has been banned from some Hindu temples, because it contains traces of beef fat.

But - as the i reports - that has not prevented it from being nominated for new banknote of the year, by the International Bank Note Society.

It will be judged against rivals including the 1,000 rufiya note from the Maldives, Argentina's 500 peso note - and Royal Bank of Scotland's new fiver.

'Shut up Remainers'

In an exclusive first interview with new UKIP leader Paul Nuthall, the Daily Express writes the headline : "It's time for the moaning Remainers to just shut up."

The MEP used the interview with the newspaper to call for a ban on women wearing burkas in public places and warned MPs his party would "take votes" of those who try to "backslide" on Brexit.

Mr Nuthall also said without a strong UKIP, the UK "won't get the Brexit we voted for".

And in environmental news, the Financial Times highlights what it calls a "breakthrough" for technology considered crucial for the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

The paper reports that several battery storage plants have won subsidies from the National Grid to provide electricity when supplies run low.

The FT describes power storage as key to managing supply and demand as cleaner, but more volatile, renewable sources are phased in - calling the winning bids a sign that battery technology is improving, and that the British energy sector is changing rapidly.

The Daily Star reports on a 29-year-old who spent £1 million on strippers and sports cars after his bank accidentally gave him an unlimited overdraft.