The Papers: 'Starmer accused of Mandelson cover up' and 'Time for Strait talking'

The Sunday Mirror asks 'Going downhill, Liz?' as it covers former prime minister Liz Truss’s trip to the Swiss ski resort of Davos. The paper describes her as 'shameless' for engaging in EU dialogue, noting her spokesperson declined to comment and that she is taking 'the piste'.

The Sunday Express reports that retired special forces personnel are pushed to the brink of suicide due to the persecution of Northern Ireland veterans. A retired SAS colonel, David White, accuses the prime minister of appeasing the Irish government by repealing the Legacy Act; the government says its commitment to veterans is 'unshakable'.

The composer Lord Lloyd Webber tells the Sunday Times he is a 'recovering alcoholic', stating he sought help 16 months ago and has attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the UK and Switzerland. He says his family were in a 'desperate state'.

The Sun’s editorial line suggests the 'vultures are circling' around the PM, referencing the paper's report of a secret summit between Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham. Allies of the pair insist they are simply friends who talk regularly.

The Sunday Times editorial states that an unreserved apology is required from Sir Keir if he hopes to draw a line under the 'miserable affair'.

The Observer writes that an explosive debate is expected when the prime minister appears before the Commons on Monday to give his account of the vetting row, with rivals aiming to capitalise ahead of next month’s elections.

The Mail on Sunday runs Kemi Badenoch’s comments about Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the Mandelson vetting row. The front page carries the headline 'Starmer's not fit to run the country', and a Labour source is quoted criticizing Starmer.

The Sunday Telegraph features a photo of a US Apache helicopter watching over tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The paper quotes a Wall Street Journal report that the American military has drawn up plans to board and seize Iranian-linked ships in the coming days to force a reopening of the Strait.

The Sunday People leads with Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz again, citing a US blockade of its ports as the reason for the closure.

The Sun reported that a secret summit between Angela Rayner and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham took place on Friday night, with the piece noting the event could fuel rumours of a leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer. The article frames discussions around leadership dynamics and mentions allies' denials of any formal plot.

The Sun spotlights pop star Holly Valance's new romance after splitting with her husband last year.

Former PM Liz Truss has gone on a ski holiday in Switzerland to 'boost EU relations' despite being an 'arch-Brexiteer', according to the Sunday Mirror.

The Observer's front page previews a story about a man who became addicted to his chatbot, part of an investigation into how unregulated AI is causing a new mental health crisis.

The Daily Star focuses on British soldiers reporting digestive repercussions due to the bean and vegetable food packs they have been given.

The Sunday Express quotes a former SAS colonel who says veterans are being 'pushed to the brink' while the PM cuddles up to Europe.

The Sunday Express accuses Sir Keir Starmer of betraying Northern Ireland veterans over Labour's plans to repeal the Legacy Act, a clause criticised as unlawful by NI parties and victims' groups.

The Sunday People states 'time for Strait talking' as the US and Iran continue to spar over control of the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's reopening announcement.

Citing leaked documents, the paper says the biggest client of Lord Mandelson's lobbying firm was a company linked to the Chinese military.

The Sunday Times reports the former US ambassador failed his security vetting due to foreign ties rather than his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Independent features comments from former foreign secretary Sir James Cleverly who says it is 'inconceivable' that the PM and his deputy were not informed about Lord Mandelson's failed vetting.

The Mail on Sunday reports Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calling Sir Keir Starmer 'weak, lazy and incompetent' and claims he is consumed by his own survival over national security.

The Sunday Telegraph runs as its lead story that opponents are questioning Prime Minister Starmer's defence after it emerged senior government officials were aware of Lord Mandelson's failed security vetting weeks before it was made public.