The sheer variety of treatments displayed in Saturday’s papers underlines just how divided Britain is over Brexit.
The Guardian gives its front page to a piece by Jonathan Freedland that explores the mood of the nation. “The day we said goodbye,” is the headline.
THE GUARDIAN: The day we said goodbye #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/3jq8n3c6dQ
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 31, 2020
The Times says that, 1,318 days (and one hour) after voting closed in the Brexit referendum, Britain cancelled its membership of the European Union
THE TIMES: Farewell to EU #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/7yfuCMDdVp
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 31, 2020
The Sun uses the theme of Boris Johnson’s pledge to heal a divided nation in its headline, opting for “make leave not war”.
Tomorrow's front page: @BorisJohnson last night vowed to heal bitter Brexit divisions as Britain left the EU after 47 years. https://t.co/u6H1tb8ckK pic.twitter.com/iH6J5ZnoGN
— The Sun (@TheSun) January 31, 2020
The Scottish Sun focuses on Nicola Sturgeon threatening to defy the PM’s rejection of a second independence referendum. The headline: ‘Get it up EU Boris!”
Tomorrow's Scottish Sun front page pic.twitter.com/4jPqdTRQws
— The Scottish Sun (@ScottishSun) January 31, 2020
The Daily Express devotes pages 1 to 11 to the new chapter in Britain’s history, and starts with an upbeat assessment. A poster image of the sun rising over a verdant valley accompanies the headline: “Rise and shine … it’s a glorious new Britain.”
EXPRESS: Rise and Shine...it’s a glorious new Britain #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/DGJBEcQTmL
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 31, 2020
The Mirror’s front features an equally pretty British landscape at sunrise but issues a warning to Johnson. “Now build the Britain we were promised …” it says.
MIRROR: Now build us the Britain we were promised... #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/XHyAGTrC2q
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 31, 2020
The Telegraph looks ahead to the next stage of trade talks, saying Whitehall has been told to prepare for full customs and border checks on all European goods entering the UK. “Johnson ramps up pressure on EU,” is the headline.
Its Matt cartoon suggests some might use Brexit as a popular excuse to rail against all manner of rules.
TELEGRAPH: @BorisJohnson ramps up pressure on EU #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/2Xo4gxM5s1
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 31, 2020
The Daily Mail focuses on the coronavirus after the first two domestic cases emerged, but it does offer readers a tea towel with the message: “A new dawn for Britain” emblazoned on the white cliffs.
MAIL: How many more UK victims of virus? #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/dW72mAt2hG
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 31, 2020
The Scotsman leads on Sturgeon’s appeal for patience over a second Independence referendum but its front page picture is devoted to Brexit: “Cone but not forgotten,” is the playful headline of a road cone in EU colours placed atop a statue of the Duke of Wellington.
THE SCOTSMAN: @NicolaSturgeon ‘s fresh appeal for patience in battle for Indyref2 #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/31o9lCTBDE
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 31, 2020
The i’s weekend edition asks the question on many people’s lips: “what next?”
Saturday's i Weekend: What next? (via @Hendopolis) #TomorrowsPapersToday #BBCPapers pic.twitter.com/6OCudDXYFj
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) January 31, 2020
The FT captures the length of time it has taken to separate the UK from the EU. “Britain finally cuts EU ties,” it says.
FT WEEKEND: Britain finally cuts EU ties #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ldMFm26rij
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) January 31, 2020
