Several UK newspapers fronted their Friday editions with coverage of the new regulations allowing local mayors in England to implement a tourist tax starting in early 2028. The Guardian reported that while regional leaders have embraced the policy, the hospitality sector is expressing anger, noting that ministers face backlash from an industry expecting tighter controls on levy amounts and fund allocation.
The Daily Mail criticized the proposal as another financial burden on households, estimating the uncaped overnight visitor levy could cost holidaymakers roughly £1.6bn by the end of the decade. Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph noted that Labour mayors have agreed to cap the tax below 5%, whereas Reform UK and Conservative mayors oppose its introduction entirely. Some Labour backbenchers described the measure as anti-growth and poorly timed for the struggling hospitality sector.
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the i Paper and Metro focused on the historical significance of the events that killed 2,977 people. The Metro highlighted the ongoing health crisis, reporting that thousands of individuals exposed to toxic dust at the World Trade Center have since died from cancer.
In health and social policy news, the Daily Express and Daily Mirror covered the impending House of Commons vote on assisted dying. Hannah Slater, a 38-year-old terminally ill woman, urged MPs to pass the bill. Dame Esther, 86, shared her regret that she is now too frail to travel to Switzerland for an assisted death, calling for ministers to approve the legislation.
Other stories included The Times’ warning of potential £100 energy bill increases due to grid infrastructure failures, and the Financial Times’ analysis of rising US borrowing costs reigniting a global bond sell-off. The Sun questioned the policy’s alignment with cost-of-living promises, while actress Helen Mirren graced The Times cover ahead of the MobLand premiere.
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