Front pages split between Rachel Reeves’ looming income tax decision and David Beckham’s long-awaited knighthood ceremony
Britain’s newspapers were dominated on Wednesday by two very different stories: the prospect of higher taxes and a footballing icon finally receiving his knighthood.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves featured prominently across the morning front pages after signalling that she may break a 50-year political taboo by raising income tax in this month’s Budget. Reeves warned that “difficult but necessary choices” lie ahead as the government prepares to balance the books, opening the door to what would be the first increase in income tax since 1975.
According to the Financial Times, Reeves has “opened the door” to a “manifesto-breaking income tax rise.” The i Paper described the move as a breach of a “50-year taboo,” marking the first time in decades that a Labour chancellor has considered such a politically risky step.
The Daily Mail, however, dismissed her Downing Street address as “all bluster,” calling it a “waffle bomb” that failed to reassure voters. Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reported unease within Labour ranks, with one unnamed MP warning that raising income tax could “scotch whatever limited chances” the party has of being re-elected. “Breaking the manifesto pledge would leave us with no credibility,” the MP reportedly said.
The Times echoed those concerns, saying some ministers fear that such a move could lose voters “forever.” Despite the criticism, Reeves insists that her priority is restoring stability and rebuilding public services after what she described as “years of economic mismanagement.”
While Westminster debated the political fallout, the nation’s attention also turned to Windsor Castle, where football legend David Beckham finally received his knighthood from King Charles III.
The ceremony, 21 years after Beckham was first awarded an OBE, saw the former England captain officially become Sir David Beckham. Newspapers across the country splashed celebratory photographs of the 50-year-old sports star, flanked by his wife Victoria and parents, as he knelt before the King to receive the honour.
The Daily Mirror captured the moment with the headline: “Bend a Knee Like Beckham,” while the Daily Mail simply declared: “Arise, Sir Becks.”
Beckham, who was knighted for his services to football and British society, told reporters: “I couldn’t be prouder. People know how patriotic I am. I love my country. I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family.”
The ceremony was held at Windsor Castle, where Beckham joked that King Charles was “quite impressed” with his outfit an elegant morning suit designed by his wife, Victoria. “He’s the most elegantly dressed man I know, and he definitely inspired this look,” Beckham said with a smile.
The Metro also paid tribute to another hero on its front page, rail worker Samir Zitouni, who risked his life to protect passengers during a knife attack on a Cambridgeshire train last weekend. His family described him as “always a hero.”
Elsewhere, The Telegraph reported that a deal by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has been delayed. The holdup, the paper said, was caused by a Conservative peer’s last-minute amendment requiring the government to consult the Chagossians before proceeding.
A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that the vote in the House of Lords would be moved to a later date, citing “a lack of notice” over the proposed amendment.
From fiscal reform to royal honours, Wednesday’s front pages reflected both the political and cultural mood of Britain, a nation grappling with economic challenges while pausing to celebrate one of its most beloved icons finally being honoured with the title, Sir David Beckham.