Thomas Markle charged with one count of possessing indecent images of children has become a major story on several UK front pages, with the 82-year-old father of the Duchess of Sussex appearing in court on Friday. The US Department of Justice confirmed the charge. Markle has previously denied allegations of possessing images of child sexual abuse.
The Daily Mirror described the development as a “court bombshell” and reported that the FBI had searched two Los Angeles storage units he had rented for nearly two decades. The Sun published an of Markle in handcuffs and said a dozen armed agents descended on his care home after officers searched the Hollywood lock-ups. Meghan has not commented on her father’s arrest.
Brand investigation widens
Russell Brand’s conviction on charges of rape and sexual assault also dominated Saturday’s papers, with attention turning to the scope of the ongoing investigation. The i Paper carried comments from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who said he would not be surprised if more people came forward with allegations. He confirmed to the BBC on Friday that there were “two ongoing rape investigations” into the entertainer.
The Guardian reported that unnamed sources fear Brand is suspected of attacks on at least 10 more women. The Times led on calls to reform how sexual offences are prosecuted, quoting Prime Minister Andy Burnham saying rape survivors should not be made to feel “like they are on trial”. The Daily Star reported that Brand spent the night in solitary confinement following his conviction and highlighted the Met chief’s remarks that there “may be many victims”.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Sir Mark suggested Brand’s conviction could be a “tipping point” encouraging people to report claims about other celebrities.
Welfare reform pressure
The Daily Telegraph reported that a major review into youth unemployment and inactivity will urge the prime minister to spend up to £6bn more on getting people back into work. The recommendation is expected to form part of Alan Milburn’s report, which the paper said will argue for an “invest to save” strategy. A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said they would not pre-empt the review’s findings.
The i Paper suggested Burnham will face pressure from within his party. Labour MP Rachael Maskell was quoted as saying she wants to see “detail and evidence” that welfare reform proposals will help people on benefits rather than punish them.
Oxford Street boost
The Financial Times reported early success for the pedestrianisation of London’s Oxford Street, saying spending across the West End rose 13% in the first six days after cars were banned from a stretch of the shopping hub.
The Daily Telegraph also reported that the Church of England will raise concerns with MPs and peers scrutinising draft legislation to crack down on conversion practices, as part of the paper’s campaign to scrap the bill. The Cabinet Office told the paper there was “support for our draft bill” from the Church.
The Financial Times led on AI firm Anthropic pressing ahead with its high-stakes listing in November, citing multiple investors.
The Daily Express splashed on its Christmas appeal to tackle loneliness and also pictured Catherine, Princess of Wales, backing “a healthy dose of nature”. Several papers featured Monty Don, who has said farewell to the BBC’s Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years.
