Saturday, 3rd June 2017

Brief overview.

Today’s right wing papers have largely avoided discussing politics in their headlines, choosing to focus elsewhere. The left wing papers have focused their attacks on charges against the Conservative party.

The Daily Mail

Political leaning: Right

Today’s leading headline: Statins slash breast cancer death rates.

Statins are no stranger in the mainstream media. The wünder pill lowers cholesterol in the blood stream, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The paper’s revelation today that the pill may cut rates of breast cancer by up to 40% needs to be approached with caution, as often mainstream media sensationalises.

Afterthought: Statins regularly pop up in the media. As a result, a plethora of urban myths have developed around their potential medical benefits or consequences, and caution should be advised when approaching articles in this vein.

It is also worth noting the lack of coverage on last night’s BBC Question Time, in which both May and Corbyn were grilled at length by a studio audience.

The Daily Telegraph

Political leaning: Right

Today’s leading headline: Tory tax pledge to high earners.

The Telegraph’s leading headline pushes the idea that taxing those in the higher earning bracket is a punishment for them being successful. The paper cites Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, as saying voting Tory was ‘the only way’ to prevent Corbyn from raising the tax on higher earners.

The rest of the article is an attack on the performance of Corbyn on last night’s BBC Question Time.

Afterthought: Both parties looked flustered at points last night, but the onus is on May to clarify exactly how she will lead Britain economically at a time when huge cuts across the public sector are deemed necessary by her party.

The Times

Political leaning: Right

Today’s leading headline: ‘Myths’ by Muslims hit anti-terror campaign.

Today’s Times leads with an article blaming various Islamic groups for ‘undermining police’ efforts. It cites Nazir Afzal, former chief crown prosecutor and until recently the country’s most prominent Muslim lawyers. Afzal lead the charges against the Rochdale paedophile gang. Claims of an ‘industrial’ effort by certain Islamic groups to undermine the government are levelled throughout the article.

Afterthought: The article raises valid points. Many feel a conversation must take place in this country about the lack of integration, and reluctance to address certain Islamic groups. However, the headline is deliberately provocative.

The Guardian

Political leaning: Left

Today’s leading headline: Labour accuses Tories of using fake news ads to attack Corbyn.

Ah, fake news. Recently, both the Labour and Conservative parties have stepped up their social media presence. Yesterday’s Telegraph covered this from a right-wing perspective, claiming left wing Twitter bots were attempting to influence voters. Today, the Guardian reports from the left, explaining the Tories have run a campaign on Facebook with a video alleging Corbyn supporting the IRA. The video is edited so as not to include the context of Corbyn’s quote.

This video slots nicely into the one dimensional campaign strategy of the Tories — repeatedly launch personal attacks on Corbyn. May and her advisors have found a formula which they believe works, although the polls seem to suggest differently.

Afterthought: For someone with a history as jaded as May, this campaign of misinformation mixed with factual accusations is a bold strategy. It is particularly poignant as we approach the anniversary of Joe Cox’ murder, for which many blamed the poisonous dialogue in the mainstream media. Theresa May-be change the record.

The i

Political leaning: Centre

Today’s leading headline: Tory shock at criminal charges.

Today’s i chose to cover Craig Mackinlay, the Conservative candidate for South Thanet, who has been charged with overspending in the 2015 general election. Mackinlay claims innocence, although should he be found guilty he faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison.

Afterthought: Interestingly, the i is one of the only papers to lead with this story. At a time when the Conservative party is struggling in the polls, further accusations of misspending could plague their efforts, particularly as many struggle to get by in today’s society.

The Daily Mirror

Political leaning: Left

Today’s leading headline: Tory MP charged over election expensises.

Like the i, the Mirror chooses to cover the charges levelled against Mackinlay. The paper claims this is a ‘new blow’ for May and the Conservative party.

Afterthought: The accusation of misspending and failing to announce expenses comes at a bad time for the Tories. The left wing Mirror seems to smell blood here.

Financial Times (UK)

Political leaning: Centre

Today’s leading headline: May reaches out to business as Brexit tensions escalate.

In a similar vein from yesterday’s headline, The Financial Times today focuses on Theresa May’s efforts to revitalise the Brexit negotiations and Britain’s’ place at the table. A hot topic for many, Brexit discussions provide a chance for May to lay down a concrete plan in order to win not just potential votes, but also the support of corporations and members of the industry.

May outlined the need for Conservative leadership as the negotiations approached, claiming that only her party could deliver a good deal.

Afterthought: May can largely count on the votes of the elderly in her General Election run. Patience has run dry with her repeated mantra of ‘strong and stable’, so now is her time to set out her party’s plan for Brexit.

The Sun

Political leaning: Right

Today’s leading headline: 100 celebs in tax dodge.

The Sun takes a sabbatical from the election coverage to report on a recent tax dodging scandal involving celebrities from all walks of life. The scheme, which was legal, has been heavily criticised by the tabloid.

Afterthought: The Sun takes a detour from politics, choosing not to cover May’s performance or the charges against a Tory candidate, and instead focussing on tax evasion. Ironically, Rupert Murdoch, owner of The Sun and many others, benefits hugely from tax evasion and avoidance himself.

Final Thought

News shouldn’t tell you how to feel. The news should present facts, and allow you to formulate your own opinion. Today’s right wing papers have largely avoided politics, whilst the left wing papers have focussed in on attacks on the Conservatives.