The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, dominates the front pages of several UK newspapers. The Daily Mail reports that the Metropolitan Police are searching for a letter containing allegations about Meghan's father, Thomas Markle. The Daily Telegraph reveals that Meghan was advised against discussing the matter publicly in 2018 to avoid jeopardizing any potential investigation. Meanwhile, The Sun describes Meghan's statement on Friday as "brave and impactful," while Thomas Markle denies possessing child sex images.
The Financial Times reports that next week's Budget will announce £20bn in extra funding for the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank. The goal is to create 100,000 jobs in sectors like AI, defense, and green energy by 2035. The additional borrowing to support the lending is expected to begin in 2028.
Andy Haldane, former chief economist at the Bank of England, warns the Times about a "mañana budget" that defers difficult decisions. He argues that the country is "close to being taxed out and maxed out, in terms of borrowing" and calls the economy the prime minister's "blind spot."
The i Weekend reveals a cabinet split over whether the UK should seek to rejoin the EU. While a narrow majority of ministers favors rejoining, there is no consensus on whether a referendum would be held or if the ambition risks reopening Brexit wounds.
An archaeologist for Historic England, Dr. James Wright, has settled the long-running debate about the oldest pub in the country. According to the Guardian and Daily Mail, the George Inn in Norton St Philip, Somerset, has been in continuous service for more than 600 years.