What the papers say – October 24

The provision of free meals to children during the school holidays, “Covid hysteria” and measures against Russia are among the stories making headlines on Saturday.

The Guardian leads with “scores” of councils pledging to feed disadvantaged children, with the paper reporting anger against the government’s refusal to extend free school meals is growing.

The i talks about the “kindness of strangers” with the paper reporting on the “extraordinary” response to a campaign led by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford.

While the Independent reports that Rashford is continuing to exert pressure on the Prime Minister, while the Daily Mirror writes the public has “shamed Tory MPs”.

And the Daily Star mocks up a scoreboard with “Britain 1 Bozo & Co 0”.

Elsewhere, The Times leads with comments from former Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill that covert attacks have been launched in retaliation against Russia.

The Daily Telegraph writes the National Trust could be subject to an investigation over its “purpose” amid suggestions it should not “lose sight” of what its members expect.

The FT Weekend writes banks are raising rates to stifle a “boom” in home loans.

The Daily Mail calls some new measures – such as checks at the Welsh border and a ban on shoppers buying non-essential items – as “Covid hysteria”.

While the Daily Express leads with comments from a health expert claiming vaccines, better testing and contact tracing can help “kill off the virus for good”.