The Papers: 'Future looking droughtful' and 'Dinghy flotilla'
UK newspapers report on a severe national drought, the ongoing political debate surrounding small boat crossings in the Channel, and various policy initiatives under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The coverage also highlights social issues, including assisted dying legislation, local tax devolution, and a scandal involving a funeral home director.
Why it matters
The reporting reflects a critical period of domestic policy challenges for the UK government, ranging from environmental sustainability and infrastructure to immigration and social welfare.
Image caption, Several papers lead with declarations of drought across the UK, the third in five years. "Future looking droughtful for baking Britain", says the Metro, which reports that dry weather has impacted "more than half of the country", with millions more warned this is a "new normal". It also cites forecasts that it could be the "driest July on record", with England having had "just 7% of its expected rainfall" for the month.
Image caption, The i Paper leads with official advice to "take a shorter shower to save water in drought" under a new Environmental Agency plea to "save every drop". The agency warns that households are "using water faster than nature can replenish it", as experts caution "another year of dry weather may trigger formal water rationing measures".
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