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Newspaper headlines: 'Laughing criminals let loose' and 'Return to the castle'

Inmates who were released early from prisons in England and Wales are pictured on several of Friday's front pages.

· 355 words· updated October 2, 2026 at 12:53 AM

Spoiler warning: This press review reveals details from the first episode of The Celebrity Traitors, series two.

The Daily Telegraph warns the UK is "at risk of fuel shortages" after President Donald Trump threatened to cut off US diesel shipments unless Europe released emergency reserves. The paper notes it is "unclear whether the UK would be directly included" in any threatened export ban, but that such a move would "rapidly increase pump prices". A Trump administration official tells the Financial Times it is "in Europe's best interests to work with the United States" to boost supply and bring down costs. A Whitehall source quoted in the Times accuses Washington of "brazen negotiating tactics" , and says reserve stocks are "there to act as a buffer against supply shortages".

The Guardian has been told that "ministers are working up sweeping plans for welfare changes". They apparently include "scrapping the health element of universal credit for under 25s" and replacing it with a "multibillion-pound package of support to get into work". The government says it will not pre-empt the findings of two reviews due in the autumn and that it will "always ensure there is a safety net for the most vulnerable".

Sources close to Number 10 have told the i Paper that holding a snap general election in May "has not been ruled out" - despite Burnham's "insistence that there would not be one".

The Daily Mail declares Thursday's early release of prisoners in England and Wales the "first of ten tidal waves of convicts". The paper quotes a man freed from HMP Brixton as saying he is "gonna go stealing again". Another from Wandsworth Prison, on his way to "get some kebabs", says the early releases are "good" because the jail is "full".

The Sun calls Downing Street's clarification of the prime minister's position on Manchester City's dispute with the Premier League an "own goal". The paper says he was accused of "political interference" after saying he did not want to "lose" the club's owners. Number 10 has since said there cannot be "any suggestion that anyone is above the rules". City deny any wrongdoing.

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Friday, October 2, 2026

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