The Papers: 'RAF jet crash escape' and 'Tories to cut benefits'

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. 'RAF jet crash escape' and 'Tories to cut benefits'Published4 minutes agoImage caption, The moment two RAF pilots ejected from a jet is splashed across the front page of the Daily Mirror, which says it is a "miracle" nobody was killed in the incident. The two pilots were taking part in a training exercise in Anglesey when they were forced to parachute from the plane, which the paper reports then "plummeted nose-first into a field" and caused a "huge fireball". Image caption, Several of the papers lead on the Conservative party's promise to prevent long-term jobless benefit claimants from spending their welfare payments on alcohol, cigarettes and gambling.

The Times declares "Tories to cut benefits for long-term unemployed", and includes quotes from party leader Kemi Badenoch, who says she plans to stop joblessness being a "lifestyle choice for those who can't be bothered". Image caption, The Daily Mail says Badenoch's "ruthless crackdown" would see people who have been unemployed for more than six months have their Universal Credit cut by 30%. Instead of receiving the reduced welfare support in cash, the paper reports, the proposals would see benefits paid onto a "Back to Work" card, which would block spending on alcohol, cigarettes or betting.

The Details

Image caption, Similarly, the Telegraph reads: "Tories to ban spending benefits on alcohol". The paper says that the proposal would mirror measures in the US, where claimants receive benefits on cards rather than cash. According to the Telegraph, the Labour Party has called the Conservatives' plan "unworkable".

Image caption, Teenagers will be offered a range of new vocational GCSEs under what the Guardian is calling a "radical shake-up of the school system". It reports that from 2029, students will be able to supplement compulsory GCSE subjects with courses like construction, creative media production and child development. The paper says it is an effort by Prime Minister Andy Burnham to meet his promise of an "education system that offers a path for everyone", and is designed to tackle a "crisis" that has left nearly a million young people out of work or training.

Image caption, The Sun suggests that Burnham could be on the verge of axeing the "ban on boozing" at football matches in the UK. It follows comments from the prime minister where he told reporters there was a "case to remove that discrimination perhaps on a trial basis". Government sources stressed Burnham was restating an opinion he has long held, rather than making any sort of policy announcement.

Laws have been in place since 1985 which prevent drinking in view of the pitch at stadiums for clubs in the top five tiers of men's football in England. The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) has said the "outdated" legislation should be reviewed, but police chiefs are warning against relaxing the law.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.